Make every dollar count

By Emily Kulkus, Special to The Sunday

Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015 | 2 a.m.

Few people can argue with inflation. It’s everywhere, from the grocery store to the gas pump. Have you seen college tuition these days? Yikes!

But in nearly every town and city in America, there remain shopping meccas where prices never rise: dollar stores.

Year after year, the often-massive shops continue to hawk thousands of goods for just a buck each.

Don’t let the price mislead you. Dollar stores can be great places for some fabulous finds.

Hardware supplies

Most dollar stores have a great hardware section where you can find gems that are just as good as those sold in a big-box store. Examples: zip ties and bungee cords.

Haven’t discovered zip ties yet? They are the new rubber band, but 10 times stronger and more versatile. MacGyver would have loved them.

Other good finds include clothespins, fishing line (a good gardening or craft supply) and protective eyewear.

Kitchen gadgets

The dollar store is a perfect place to stock up on measuring cups, spoons, disposable metal tins and other kitchen items.

When you’re baking or cooking, it’s annoying to have to stop and wash your utensils to add ingredients. You can never have too many sets of measuring cups and spoons. Buy a set or two and leave the 1/2 or 1/4 cups in each of your go-to dry ingredients — sugar, brown sugar, flour and oats. They’ll be there when you need them, and they won’t need washing every time.

Other great dollar store kitchen staples are disposable aluminum loaf and cake pans. They work great for freezing casseroles and dinners — they stack well and fit in gallon storage bags — and they are a perfect way to give away food, as the receiver doesn’t need to return anything to you. Added bonus: Most are recyclable.

Greeting cards and party supplies

Try to find a nice card these days for less than $4. It’s difficult — and those dollars add up.

Look no further than the dollar store for a solid selection of greeting cards for every occasion. Some stores even offer two cards for $1 or sell bulk packs of invitations and thank-you notes.

And while you’re in that aisle, don’t forget party supplies. Great finds include plastic tablecloths, paper products, decorations and balloons.

Mylar balloons

Bright balloons with messages or vibrant designs are fun to give or receive. Buy them at a grocery store or florist, and each will set you back $5 apiece or more.

Many dollar stores offer a great selection of these balloons, which can be used to send a message (Happy birthday! New baby!) or just for decorating.

And yes, the $1 should include the helium.

Teacher supplies

No strangers to bargain hunting, teachers long have found goodies at the dollar store, including classroom and bulletin board decorations, stickers, erasers, pencils and basic arts-and-craft supplies. All good stuff, on the cheap.

Plastic tubs and bins

Many dollar stores carry a large selection of plastic tubs, bins, baskets and buckets in a rainbow of fun colors. Most are small or medium in size and are great for getting items organized.

Need inspiration? Think buttons, nails, screws, nail polish, crayons, bath toys, mail, office supplies, fishing tackle, cooking and baking supplies or pet toys. Some even can double as gift baskets.