Dollar Store finds for your home

Make a haul at these discount stops

A little money goes a long way in today's version of the old five-and-dime store. I'm talking about the dollar store - and Sioux Falls has a handful of great, affordable options, like Dollar Discount, Dollar General, Loopy's and Dollar Tree, just to name a few. And, stores like Target and Michaels have dollar sections near their front doors. I can't walk into either store without spending a few minutes checking out the selection.

After all, dollar-store devotees know that it's important to shop around and to shop often. Not all stores are created equal, and the inventory is always changing. It's kind of like going on a treasure hunt.

Among the aisles of ceramic figurines, gift bags, cleaning supplies and no-name cheesy puffs and tortilla chips, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Take advantage of all the fresh flowers this time of year by stocking up on simple glass vases. Or grab a supply of melamine dishes and plastic glasses - ideal for backyard barbecues. And fill up your beach bag with a bunch of inflatable water toys to take to the lake.

But my favorite thing to shop for in dollar stores is home decor. Mix in a few dollar pieces here and there with more expensive items, and no one will know the difference. Here's what I found recently, all with $1 price tags.

While some dollar stores have abandoned the "everything's a dollar" mantra and now offer merchandise for a couple of bucks or half price, you can still walk into Dollar Tree with a buck (OK, $1.06 with tax) and still have your pick of the store. While shopping, I decided I had to have this bamboo wicker basket. It's billed as a bathroom wastebasket, but I think it'd make a nice cover for an ugly flowerpot.

I love dishes. My cupboards are filled with three or four different sets. What can I say? I like to mix and match. But I'm running out of storage space, so these ceramic plates and bowls from Dollar Tree could be the downfall for me. Same goes for these frosted glasses from Loopy's Dollar Store. One dollar each? That's cheap enough to change things up whenever the mood strikes. I'll make room in my cupboards.

There's only one thing that's a must-have for outdoor entertaining, and that's some way to repel the bugs. Citronella candles are a must. I like this one in a cute little silver bucket from Target's dollar spot. Get a whole mess of them to spread out everywhere your guests may roam.

Nothing is more refreshing on a hot summer day than an ice cold drink. Too bad ice melts. But don't let a watery drink get you down. Instead, keep a few of these freezer glasses from Target's dollar spot on hand. You'll have a cool refreshment in no time.

I hate to perpetuate the "little girls are princesses" stereotype, but after shopping Michaels' dollar spot, I couldn't help it. My 3-year-old niece is truly a diva princess (and I mean that in the best way). So why not let her proclaim that to the world with a bright pink princess door hanger?

I don't have a green thumb. Never have, never will. But that doesn't stop me from planting a few flowers every year to spruce up the landscaping around our house. Still, by the middle of July, I've usually forgotten to water them and they die. But this butterfly garden stake from Dollar Discount will look good all year long.