Chantel Brink

Chantel Brink

July 5, 2024

40+ Brilliant Dollar Store Hacks to Save You Money

Finding smart and budget-friendly ways to save money is a must in a world where every penny counts. Enter the dollar store: a treasure trove of affordable and versatile items that can be transformed into practical solutions for everyday challenges.

From ingenious home organization tips to creative DIY projects, these 40+ clever dollar store hacks are not only easy on the wallet but also a fun and resourceful way to enhance your lifestyle. Discover how you can stretch your dollars further and make life a little simpler with these savvy tricks.

Snack-sorting and Plate-Stacking with Coffee Filters

Snack-sorting and Plate-Stacking with Coffee Filters
Image Credit: creeklinehouse.com

Use clean coffee filters for everything from snack-sorting to plate-stacking. They can separate snacks, serve small amounts of dry snacks to preschoolers, or act as plate dividers.

Read More: 100-Year-Old Life Hacks That Are Surprisingly Useful Today

Create a Mini-Terrarium with Picture Frames

dollar store Create a Mini-Terrarium with Picture Frames
Image Credit: grosgrainfab.com

Turn five simple picture frames into a mini-terrarium. This creative project costs about $5 per big lantern, adding a touch of greenery to your space.

Faux or Real Terrarium with Picture Frames

Glue three picture frames together to create a simple faux or real terrarium. It’s an affordable and stylish way to display your plants.

Organize Drawers with Small Baskets

dollar store Organize Drawers with Small Baskets
Image Credit: howtonestforless.com

Use small baskets to organize your drawers instead of pricey dividers. They fit perfectly for silverware, and a coat of spray paint can customize them to your liking.

Make a Basket from an Empty Box and Twine

Make a Basket from an Empty Box and Twine
Image Credit: livingwellmom.com

Wrap an empty box in twine and inexpensive fabric to create a basket for just a few dollars. If fabric isn’t available, a shower curtain or flat sheet works too.

Twine Lanterns with Balloons

dollar store Twine Lanterns with Balloons
Image Credit: splashofsomething.com

Wrap extra twine around balloons and fill them with a short string of outdoor lights to make lanterns. This simple DIY project uses glue and balloons to great effect.

Customize Bamboo Utensils with Contact Paper

Customize Bamboo Utensils with Contact Paper
Image Credit: ajoyfulriot.com

Wrap inexpensive bamboo utensils in contact paper to match your kitchen. This is an easy way to update utensils or create an affordable gift.

Decorative Fruit Stickers with Color Dots

dollar store Decorative Fruit Stickers with Color Dots
Image Credit: sarahhearts.com

Cut simple color dot stickers into half-moons to make decorative fruit stickers. Use a fine-tip pen to create lemons, limes, and other fruits for decorating gifts or notebooks.

Desk Supply Organizer with Jars

Desk Supply Organizer with Jars
Image Credit: eighteen25.com

Glue five or six empty jars together to organize desk supplies vertically. This project can be free if you use jars from tomato sauce or other foods.

Stained Glass Vanity Mirror with Gems

dollar store Stained Glass Vanity Mirror with Gems
Image Credit: createandbabble.com

Glue transparent gems and a small round mirror onto a plastic charger plate to make a stained glass vanity mirror. Set it on a simple easel to stand it up.

High-End Honeycomb Mirror with Compact Mirrors

High-End Honeycomb Mirror with Compact Mirrors
Image Credit: thistlewoodfarms.com

Glue 19 compact mirrors together to create a high-end honeycomb mirror. Perfect for hanging above a vanity or in an entryway for just over $19.

Read More: 40+ Brilliant Health & Beauty Hacks To Save You Time and Money

Upgrade Furniture with Gold Pushpins

dollar store Upgrade Furniture with Gold Pushpins
Image Credit: madincrafts.com

Add a touch of gold to hand-me-down or Ikea furniture with gold pushpins. This simple update requires a bit of planning but offers a chic result.

Beach Trip Essential: Mesh Laundry Bag

Beach Trip Essential: Mesh Laundry Bag
Image Credit: theidearoom.net

A mesh laundry bag or basket is perfect for beach trips. Use it to store toys, water bottles, chairs, and umbrellas, making cleanup easy.

Pool Noodle Sprinkler for Yard Fun

dollar store Pool Noodle Sprinkler for Yard Fun
Imag Credit: ziggityzoom.com

Duct tape one end of a pool noodle to your hose and close the other end to make a sprinkler. It’s a fun and affordable way to water your yard.

Coloring Book Organizer with Dish Rack

Coloring Book Organizer with Dish Rack
Image Credit: pagingfunmums.com

Stack coloring books in a dish rack for easy organization. This also works great for regular picture books, keeping them neat and accessible.

Summer Engineering Kit for Kids

Create an engineering kit with dollar store supplies to keep kids busy. A plastic tablecloth on the floor can help with easy cleanup.

Plastic Tablecloths as Curtains

Plastic Tablecloths as Curtains
Image Credit: diyinspired.com

Turn colorful plastic tablecloths into curtains for birthday parties or playrooms. They’re not super durable but perfect for short-term use.

Knit or Crochet with Plarn

dollar store Knit or Crochet with Plarn
Image Credit: persialou.com

Use plastic tablecloths to make “plarn” (plastic yarn) for knitting or crocheting. Create baskets or shopping bags with this eco-friendly material.

Fridge Shelf Liners with Plastic Placemats

Fridge Shelf Liners with Plastic Placemats
Image Credit: 2littlesuperheroes.com

Line your fridge shelves with plastic placemats for easy cleaning. They’re perfect for catching small spills without removing an entire shelf.

Movie Night with Shower Caddies

Host a movie night with individual shower caddies for treats. This setup also works well for eating on road trips.

Spring Wreath with Faux Flowers

Spring Wreath with Faux Flowers
Image Credit: apieceofrainbow.com

String faux flowers onto a wire dry-clean hanger to make a fluffy spring wreath. This budget-friendly decor costs around $15.

Read More: 40+ Parenting Hacks & Products You Wish You Knew About Sooner

First Aid Kit for Every Room

Put together a first aid kit for each room using dollar store baskets and supplies. Ensure you have essentials handy throughout the house.

Bookshelf Backsplash with Glass Beads

Bookshelf Backsplash with Glass Beads
Image Credit: smallhomesoul.com

Glue glass beads to the back of a bookshelf for a decorative backsplash. It’s a great way to add color to a small space.

Bedding Storage Bag for Camping

Use a bedding storage bag to pack towels and linens for camping. This tip also works for storing seasonal linens like holiday tablecloths.

Cake Stand with Tart Pan and Candlestick

Cake Stand with Tart Pan and Candlestick
Image Credit: blog.chickabug.com

Glue a tart pan to a candlestick to make an affordable cake stand. Use a cardboard cake round for added hygiene if painted.

Wedding Luminaries with Flameless Candles

dollar store Wedding Luminaries with Flameless Candles
Image Credit: Sara Sultan Photographysarasultanphotography.com / Via bridalguide.com

Place flameless candles in white paper bags for affordable wedding luminaries. Add sand or weights to keep them upright.

DIY Grill with Aluminum Trays

DIY Grill with Aluminum Trays
Image Credit: instructables.com

Assemble a quick grill using aluminum trays and cookie cooling racks. This is a handy solution for impromptu barbecues.

Spice Rack with Cooling Racks

dollar store Spice Rack with Cooling Racks
Image Credit: thestonybrookhouse.com

Bend cooling racks into shape for the perfect spice rack. No more hunting for specific spices in your pantry.

Heating Pad with Dried Beans and Fuzzy Socks

Heating Pad with Dried Beans and Fuzzy Socks
Image Credit: satsumadesigns.com

Fill the hose with dried beans, cover it with fuzzy socks, and sew to make a heating pad. Simple hand stitches can make this project easy.

Rainbow Bubble Blowers with Fuzzy Socks

dollar store Rainbow Bubble Blowers with Fuzzy Socks
Image Credit: housingaforest.com

Use fuzzy socks, duct tape, and food coloring to create rainbow bubble blowers. Make your own bubble solution with diluted liquid dish soap.

Affordable Canopy with Hula Hoop and Curtains

Affordable Canopy with Hula Hoop and Curtains
Image Credit: handmaidtales.com

Create a canopy with a hula hoop and fabric curtains. This inexpensive project uses items from the dollar store for a cozy space.

Read More: 40+ Life Hacks to Make Your Life Easier

Cozy Pillows with Rag Rugs

Glue rag rugs around pillow inserts to make cozy pillows. Customize based on available rag rugs at your local dollar store.

Pendant Accent Lamp with Bottles and Crystals

Pendant Accent Lamp with Bottles and Crystals
Image Credit: ciburbanity.com

Make a pendant lamp using plastic bottles, faux crystals, and fishing wire. This weekend project adds charm to a reading corner or kids’ room.

Custom iPad Case with ModPodge

dollar store Custom iPad Case with ModPodge
Image Credit: modpodgerocksblog.com

Dress up a basic iPad case with ModPodge and fabric scraps. Use dollar store fabric or curtains for a personalized touch.

Lacy Throw with Felt Snowflakes

Hot glue felt snowflakes together to create a lacy throw. It’s perfect for holiday decor or as a cool lace decoration year-round.

Pantry Organization with Dollar Store Containers

Organize your pantry using dollar store containers and labels. It’s a cost-effective way to keep your pantry neat and tidy.

Organize and Display Rings with a Drawer Divider

Organize and display your rings using a square drawer divider, cotton batting, and simple fabric. This DIY project takes a bit of time but results in a gorgeous and functional ring organizer. Customize it with your choice of fabric for a personal touch.

Custom Kitchen Set with Painted Floral Designs

dollar store Custom Kitchen Set with Painted Floral Designs
Image Credit: markmontano.com

Paint vintage floral designs onto cheap plates and serving ware for a custom kitchen set. Use a Sharpie to draw your designs, then correct any mistakes with rubbing alcohol. This project transforms inexpensive dishes into personalized, charming kitchenware.

Read More: 27 of the most effective housekeeping hacks for naturally cleaning your home without chemicals

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