Thanksgiving is a week away, and you know what that means — Christmas is knocking on your door! Since Thanksgiving is so late this year, there is less time between the two holidays. We are losing a week to prep and get ready!!
The holidays are always busy enough without us losing that additional time to shop and decorate. And, if you are on a budget, it may mean one less payday between the holidays too! You need to do what you can to get everything you need, but you can’t spend too much either.
What is one to do?
Go to Dollar General. That’s what.
I tend to shop around for our gifts and holiday decor items. I like to add something new to the house each year. Last year, however, I did not. We had remodeled the kitchen, so money was very tight. That meant no new decorations for me :-(.
I also have three kids and a husband to buy for. And, since our family knows that Christmas is not only about us, we also always get toys for kids who may not otherwise get a gift.
I decided this year I was going to do some fun things. But, I also still wanted to make sure I did not spend too much. When I was told to check out Dollar General, I was a bit unsure what I’d find. I mean, when it comes to decorating and gift ideas, I’ll admit that it was not the first place I would think of visiting.
Also see: How to find panny deals at Dollar General
I was wrong.
When I walked into our local store, I asked the manager where the holiday items were located. When I turned the corner, I was very pleasantly surprised! They have aisles FILLED with all sorts of holiday decor and gift items that were fun and different!
SIMPLE WAY TO SAVE
Before I even left my house, I downloaded the Dollar General App to my phone. Why?
Coupons, of course!
Every Saturday, you will be able to use a Digital Coupon to save $5 off your $25+ purchase! You can use that to save more or pick up that one extra item you want — and it keeps your wallet happy!
The Dollar General app is SUPER easy to use.
One of my favorite new features is the cart calculator. You can scan everything you add to your cart and know your total before you get to checkout. No more dropped jaws when the cashier tells you the total spent.
You can get the app added to your phone by heading over HERE.
HOLIDAY DECOR IDEAS
The first thing I wanted to look for was items for my new kitchen. We purchased a gorgeous table, and I knew I needed something to add to it. There is a planter with greenery that is my traditional centerpiece, but I wanted to dress it up.
I found some affordable ornaments and a table runner (for $6), and it made the complete transformation! My table is now ready for the holiday parties and get-togethers we have planned this year.
I turned the cart around the corner and found the perfect tree for the empty corner of my kitchen! It was just 4′ tall with the white lights I love — and $15 was a price I could afford! I found some tinsel, a star, and some ornaments (which are plastic so they will not shatter).
I think the little tree looks adorable in the kitchen – don’t you?
Next up, I wanted to find a way to spruce up the front step. I usually add a wreath, and that was it. I happened to look up to the top shelf in my store and saw the CUTEST little snowman. I swear I heard him say, “take me home!” So, I did.
Add a wreath, and the front step is ready for the holidays to visit!!
GIFT IDEAS
I also wanted to get a jump on my holiday shopping. And, as I stated, I buy not only for my family but also for kids in our community.
To start, I checked out the toys. I mean, toys are so much fun! I was SHOCKED to see name brands such as Hot Wheels, Barbie, My Little Pony, Fisher-Price, LOL, Paw Patrol — and even LEGO! Did you know Dollar General sold LEGOs? I didn’t!
I was able to find several toys that my family can donate to our local toy drive. My kids enjoy this part of the holidays as they know how sad they would be if they did not get something for Christmas. They, too, want to do what they can to ensure every child receives a gift to open on Christmas morning.
I was also able to find items for my kids and their teachers! Dollar General has gifts that I was surprised to find!
I found an awesome BlueTooth speaker and ProStrength armband for him to wear when he works out. And then, I could not resist this adorable Tetris video game! Who knew Dollar General had so many electronics!?!
I also found boxed gifts that are perfect for my neighbor, daughter, and my son! Just wrap them up, and I’m done.
One of my favorite gift ideas was for my daughter’s teacher! I found an adorable holiday tub and $5 fleece throws. I added a few to the tin and have the PERFECT gift for her to give to him and his family!
And of course, what gift is complete without the wrapping! I stocked up on scotch tape and scissors (why is it that you can never find a pair of scissors when it is time to wrap). They have adorable boxes, bags, and bows — pretty much everything you need to create the perfectly wrapped package.
There is nothing worse than a mountain of bills arriving in your mailbox starting January 1st. There is no need for that this year. I think my carts (yes carts) pretty much sum it up!!
Between the affordable holiday decor, gifts, and money-saving offers and coupons, Dollar General is the way to do Christmas right.
