by Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman
Holiday shopping can be a huge financial burden for many families. Between kids, other family members, teachers and friends, you can find yourself going over your budget in the blink of an eye. Family Dollar comes to the rescue for those times you want to get the brands but for less. Much less. I recently attended an event for Family Dollar and learned some cool tips to help me get the most bang for my buck and have everybody happy.
Spiderman action figure, Russel Stover’s Candy, a Foosball Table and a giant teddy bear – all for amazing prices!
At the event I learned that Family Dollar carries many of the big brands you’d find in other store and while the packaging may be a little different, the actual products are completely identical to what you’d buy elsewhere. The difference? It’s in the price.
Family Dollar keeps most of the prices the same throughout the holiday season so if you buy something in October or November, that price will still be the same in December as well. This way you can get to the store early in the season and get everything on your kids’ wish lists for much less than other stores. Be sure to check out their coupon page for big discounts on everyday items.
This elegant candle set is only $10!
Before you venture out shopping, make sure you read these fantastic tips from popular blogger Leah Ingram of Suddenly Frugal:
Family Dollar Holiday Tips:
1. Shop with a list. Gift shopping is just like grocery shopping in that you need to make a list and bring it with you to the store to help you stay organized.
2. Spend based on your budget, not the recipient’s salary. Rather than worry about how much you’re spending, look for gifts that match the person’s hobbies and interests, and remember that it is the thought that counts.
3. Keep all-occasion hostess-like gifts on hand throughout the season. These are great to have when you need something last minute when invited to a holiday party. Family Dollar carries some of my – frugal — favorites like candles, chocolate, and children’s toys along with mixed nuts, oven mitts, and trivets.
4. The gift of food makes a great, affordable teacher gift. Even a box of cookies or an assortment of candy transferred to a festive tin will be much appreciated.
5. Gather similar gifts for a big wow factor without a big price tag. Give the coffee lover bags of coffee tucked in a travel mug and packaged with a gift card to a local coffee shop. For children, fill a backpack with arts and craft supplies – construction paper, colored pencils, and a box of crayons. For teens, you can stop by your nearest Family Dollar to purchase an iTunes™ gift card and a set of headphones.
6. Create gorgeous centerpieces without much effort. Festive candles set on holiday-themed plates, hurricane jars filled with bright Christmas balls, or colorful candy can be all you need to make your holiday table look amazing.
7. Set up a gift-wrapping station at home. I like to keep wrapping paper, ribbons, scissors, and tape in a plastic bin in our guest room. That way, whenever I need to wrap a gift, I have everything I need to turn a purchase into a present.
8. When in doubt, grab a reusable bag. For about a dollar, you can pick up a colorful reusable bag that can double as a gift bag. Then the bag itself becomes a practical part of the present, because the recipient can use it for shopping throughout the year.
9. Include pets in gift giving. Make sure you have a stocking for your dog or cat so that every member of the family can be a part of your holiday celebration.
10. Don’t forget to treat yourself, especially if you’re shopping in a store where you can get the biggest bang for your buck. A new ornament for the tree or a picture frame for the mantel are easy ways you can treat yourself without busting your budget.
Now that you’ve read these awesome tips, head into your local Family Dollar store. There are 8,000 of them the U.S., with many in the NYC area (except for Manhattan), as well as in Westchester and Long Island. Click here for a store locator.
I was not compensated for this post. I received a gift bag.
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Senior Reviewer Maytal Wichman is the owner of Mama’s Bites and has also written for The Huffington Post. She has been living in New York City for thirteen years and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature as well as a Law Degree, but blogging is her true passion. Maytal is a stay-at-home mom to three kids (ages 6, 4 and 1) and loves finding great products that make her family’s life easier.
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