Dollar Store Merchandise

What can you buy for less than a dollar these days? Plenty I say. There are good savings in these stores everywhere. Yes, you too can search for a birthday card for your favorite aunt or find that special holiday decoration for much less.

This spring I was searching for a way to save money on growing a table top garden. It was a trip to my 99Cent Stores that rewarded me with an answer to my search very early in the day. I found that my local store carried an array of products for growing plants. There were attractive flower pots, planting soil, fertilizer and trellis suggestions at my fingertips. Fortunately, I was able to find a wonderful brown plastic table top planter to set my little plants into easily. It was attractive and easy to use preventing water from spilling onto my patio table top. These little planters sold out quickly though. Just yesterday I returned to the store and picked up another one of these planters to give to my friend. So for less than five dollars I set up the little petunia plants which were wonderful cheerful colors for my patio table.

We have such dry weather here in California. My little petunia plants have withered away with the dry breezes and hundred degree temperatures though I faithfully watered them . So now, two months later, all I have to do is to replace the original plants still in their original tubs. Easy fresh and low cost and beautiful. Again I say Thank you to 99 Cent Stores everywhere! This perhaps is my favorite $5 dollar deal this year.

Cookies anyone? I am careful not to try many of the cookies which have sugars, fats and especially the sandwiched frosting inside. There is one cookie which I have enjoyed for a few years now. It is made with almonds which are one of my favorite additions to a cookie. They are only $.99 a box. We usually buy two boxes, one to put away and one to open as soon as we get home. This is a wonderful product and farily low sugar too. This can be enjoyed with some green tea for a lovely afternoon pick-me -up. These cookies are called "Twin Dragon Almond Cookies" and come in a happy pink box.

When you roll your cart down those aisles there will be many options for your choosing. I use the trash bags and well as aluminum foil and zipper sandwich bags from this destination. All of these items, each and every one saves a bundle of money even when compared to my second favorite saving store, Walmart. I shop at both the dollar store and the 99 cent store often. One of. My great savings is in foil and ziplock bags. Over time we have seen an increase of cost at these stores on certain items. Check the price signs and beware of content when it comes to food and cosmetics

Tops on my list is the wonderful summer selection of fresh produce. What do you wish for? How about a fresh melon. I just checked out the produce available today in my California 99Cents store. I bought a lemon melon, fresh ginger, and saw a huge bin of watermelons. The fresh sweet peppers looked tasty and often are one of my favorite choices. Of course be aware that some of these items are packaged together and there may be one overripe tomato or lemon in the bag or package. Sort out any overripe fruit to preserve the rest of the package. I always rinse well my melons and tomatoes to wash off any possible pesticides. A package of 6 Roma tomatoes for $.99 is a good buy.

Lastly, lets talk about that family picnic you may be planning for the Fourth of July. Need some decorative serving dishes, napkins and cups? Yes, you may even find a tablecloth or banner to celebrate your holiday.

I buy birthday balloons, special occasion cards and Gift bags and ribbon bows all for yes, you guessed it $.99 each. Save the contents of that package for your special purchase at a finer store at the mall. When we add up all that decorative change which is saved per package I think you will realize that we aren't just talking about saving change. It is dollars and yes more dollars over a year of savings we add up.

While browsing the dollar store shelves this last month I noticed all of the great paper plates you

can buy for your next holiday picnic. Whether you celebrate on your own patio or you decide to take it all to a park and play some softball you can be prepared for a fraction of the amount it usulally would cost. You can buy the most awesome plastic printed colorful and reusable holiday platters and bowls just for your special occasion. Try the chips and cracker choices to fill those teen age appetites without breaking the budget.

Don't forget the paper towels and even small party gifts for the neighborhood party. It wil make you smile to see your cart filling up with fun, useful and colorful items which say-- I care about you and this is fun!

If it is a birthday party picnic then pick up some little plants and even select a gift balloon or two to make it a memorable occasion! You can even find plastic tablecloths which can be used a few times for future events.