One of my favorite things to do is wander the aisles of Michaels to see what adorable, new craft supplies they have. It’s like an instant injection of happy for me, and I bet a lot of you feel the same way! With every trip, my cart ends up with lots of fun finds and I leave with many new project ideas in mind.
But truth be told, there are certain craft supplies that I do not purchase from Michaels because I can get them from Dollar Tree for less (in some cases for a lot less). Of course people have quality concerns about products from Dollar Tree, but I’ve personally tested all of these products time and again and can vouch for them!
That’s why I’m spilling my secrets on 10 Dollar Tree Craft Supplies you can’t afford to skip! (UPDATE: When you finish reading this post, make sure to also read my newest post on 10 MORE MUST-BUY DOLLAR TREE CRAFT SUPPLIES!) Trust me – this list (and my follow-up post linked right before this), will save you money so you can buy more of those cute supplies at Michaels or Hobby Lobby!
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1. Glassware (Vases, Mason Jars, Candle holders)
The selection of glassware at Dollar Tree is ah-ma-zing. There are tons of shapes and sizes of vases, mason jars, candle holders – you name it! And it’s all a dollar! Comparable glassware at a craft store typically costs five times as much.
I’ve used glassware from Dollar Tree to create my sand art terrariums, etched glass votive holders, funky pilgrim vases, and cozy sweater gift jars, among other things. I also use all different sizes of their vases and glassware for fresh flowers at parties.
2. Twine (Jute, Bleached, and Baker’s Twine)
Jute twine adds a perfect rustic touch to any project, while bleached twine and baker’s twine can definitely add a cute and whimsical feel to a craft. Dollar Tree has every type of twine you could need or want!
Find three packs of twine in the automotive aisle, and multi-packs of colored baker’s twine in the craft aisle.
I have used twine from Dollar Tree on my vintage tin tile wall decor, cozy sweater gift jars, printable glitter glue valentines, and moss bunny topiaries, among other things! I also recently used Dollar Tree twine in my Facebook Live debut where I showed you how to make three cute holiday gifts with Dollar Tree supplies!
3. Dollar Tree Floral Foam
Oh my gosh. Floral foam is SO expensive when you buy it at the craft store. And I can’t figure out why. But at Dollar Tree it’s, yep, a dollar. And it comes in lots of shapes and sizes, too!
Now let me tell you I am not doing a lot of floral arranging over here, but floral foam is really great for building height in projects or stabilizing items within a container. I have used Dollar Tree’s floral foam in my moss bunny topiaries and patriotic paper straw centerpiece. It’s great.
4. Glitter
If you’re a crafter then you probably love glitter (until you have to clean it up). For something so tiny it can be kind of pricey though, you know? That’s why I like to purchase it at Dollar Tree. They typically have a lot of colors in their craft aisle, and they come in packages or containers that have enough to get the project done without leaving me with a ton left over.
Their glitter glue is also awesome for projects for adults and kids alike! I have used Dollar Tree glitter or glitter glue on my glitter glue valentines and a guest post I did on another blog (that you’ll see later this year).
5. Contact Paper
Most of you probably don’t think of contact paper as a craft supply, but it is awesome for making stencils on an electronic cutting machine (like a Cricut – check out my Dollar Tree DIY Gift Baskets Using Cricut!), or even by hand! And it is half the price at Dollar Tree than at the hardware store or a big box store!
I have used Dollar Tree contact paper on projects like my DIY Modern Desk (that I BUILT myself!), child’s rocking chair, friendly stool makeover, and etched glass votive holders.
6. Clothespins
Clothespins are another product that might seem like a strange craft supply, but you see them ALL over the craft stores. And they are really versatile for crafting – from hanging banner pieces to making clips for signs or frames – they can be used in many ways. At Dollar Tree you get a pack of 36 for $1, and you can find them in the home improvement aisle.
I have used Dollar Tree clothespins on my DIY Christmas card holder and my magnetic chip clip holder. And of course I have some of them on my drying rack in the laundry room.
7. Foam Board
If you have kids of school age then you know that foam board can be kind of expensive for what you’re getting. Hello, it’s a glorified poster board! That’s why it’s so great to purchase it at Dollar Tree. You will pay at least three times more at another store.
I have used Dollar Tree foam board in my Mr. and Mrs. moss bunny topiaries, as well as other projects I have not blogged here. If you want to check out the queen of foam board projects, you need to visit 3 Little Greenwoods because Ashley can turn a foam board into just about anything. Search her site and you’ll see what I mean.
8. Tissue Paper
Of course tissue paper is great for wrapping gifts, but it’s also a good product for crafting. Dollar Tree sells 40 pieces of white tissue for $1, and smaller packs of colored tissue for the same price. It’s the same quality as tissue paper I’ve purchased elsewhere and is not overly flimsy.
I have used tissue paper on my Tissue Paper Coffee Mugs, and think it would work great on home decor crafts, too!
9. Popsicle Sticks
I know that popsicle sticks are generally more of a kids craft item, but I ALWAYS use them as paint stirrer sticks in my smaller chalky paint containers or as glue applicators.
I keep them on hand at all times! I also used them in this “LOVE” popsicle stick craft that my daughter made a couple of years ago (pardon the photography; this was when I was still using my phone to shoot blog photos.). They’re dirt cheap at Dollar Tree and a smart thing to have on hand!
10. Decorative Tape (Washi Tape, Duct Tape)
Finally, decorative tapes like washi tape and patterned duct tape are a great thing to buy at Dollar Tree! $1 is so much less than you pay at the craft store!
I don’t have any blogged projects that use washi tape or duct tape, but I have purchased these items from Dollar Tree and can attest that they work just as well as others that I’ve purchased elsewhere.
11. BONUS UPDATE – Paint Brushes
{UPDATE as of September 2017): I was so pumped to find 8 packs of foam brushes and synthetic bristle paint brushes at Dollar Tree this week! The prices on these brushes is so much lower than you pay at the craft store or home improvement store! Get some! A reader also gave me a tip that the $1 makeup brushes at Dollar Tree work great for decoupage. Keep that in mind as well!
I hope you found this post helpful! If you did, I’d really appreciate if you’d share this image on Pinterest or share the post on Facebook or somewhere else!
Well now that you’ve seen my list of craft supplies that you should be buying at Dollar Tree, what do you think? Do you have any others to add? Comment below, and don’t forget to check out the newest post on Dollar Tree Craft Supplies, which has TEN MORE CRAFT SUPPLIES YOU MUST BUY AT DOLLAR TREE!
-Bre
Ashley ~ 3 Little Greenwoods says
Thanks so much for including me on this list! I love to buy foam core at The Dollar Store and turn it into all sorts of awesomesness!
Bre says
And you DO! I can’t believe all the great things you’ve made with foam boards! 🙂 Thanks for your note!
M S says
I love the napkins from the dollar store for decoupage projects, and also the glass candle sticks, E6000 and the glass containers to make glam apothecary jars at a fraction of the cost elsewhere. Cool part is you can get decoupage medium, as well as the E6000 at the dollar store too. I just recently used some of the plastic place mats to change up the look of my vanity doors in a rental. Zebra never looked so good.
Bre says
Yes! These are awesome suggestions! Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing! Also, glad your project turned out so well!
Kimberly says
Your Dollar Tree looks so organized compared to the one I go to! And I have never see. That much glitter at mine. Boo. And I have NEVER seen the twine (the colored or un-colored) before. Looks like I’m going hunting next time I go to the Dollar Tree!! (: Thanks for such a great post!
Bre says
Thanks for your nice note, Kimberly! So I have three Dollar Trees in close proximity to my home. Two of them are great, one of them is a mess. They are definitely hit or miss! Maybe you can find another one that is more organized! Thanks again and happy crafting! 😉
Cindy says
Don’t forget that Dollar Trees have a catalog you can order from also. And if you ship to the store, there is no shipping.
Bre says
That is so good to know! I didn’t know that shipping to the store was free. Thank you for that great tip!!
Taylor Greenwald says
I feel like I need to make a trip to the Dollar Tree now. I am feeling extra crafty today because of your post! Thank you for the information!
Bre says
Thank YOU, Taylor! Hope you made it over there and found some good stuff!
Brittani says
Yes! I’m so happy to see this! I’ve begun my crafty journey and I’m really excited to know I don’t have to go to Michael’s and spend an arm and leg on supplies 🙂
Bre says
Oh my gosh, Brittani. I hear ya. I spend TOO much at Michaels! Hopefully you can find some good stuff at Dollar Tree! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
Esther says
I like to buy bling there for scrapbooking…. A sheet of little rhinestones would be $6 or greater at the local craft store but just $1.25 at Dollartree….
Bre says
That is a great one!! I don’t see those all the time at my Dollar Tree, but you’re right about that being a great deal. They are super expensive at the craft store! Thanks for sharing!
Sarah says
I LOVE the dollar store. Great ideas but like a few others I’m going to have to find a bigger one!! More stuff!!!
Bre says
YES! It’s totally worth it to find a good one! I agree that some can be less than stellar. Good luck in your quest! 🙂
Jennie says
Dollar Tree also carries metal wreath frames, small rolls of deco mesh, ribbon-seasonal and everyday; decrative birds and butterflies.. I shope there first for wreath making materials.
Bre says
Good tips! Thank you so much!
Joni says
Can I ask, what is deco mesh? Thank u
Pat says
Deco mesh can be bought ar the Dollar Store. They often have nice ribbon too!
Bre says
Yes! I love their seasonal ribbon. It’s always hit or miss in my area, but you can definitely pick up sone good ribbon there!
Sharon says
I love saving $ at dollar tree too. I’ve found that they carry different items here as well so I just go to more than 1 location. I buy so many household items there too!
I like the rocks, glass beads, etc for vases, makes them pretty if I have flowers in them or not. Also stickers and scrap book paper, note cards for mailing out because I can get 8 to a pack and I like to mail cards.
Thanks for the post
Bre says
Yes! I have three Dollar Trees in my area and I go to all of them because they are always carrying different things!! You have great tips on things to buy there. Thank you so much for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!
Susan says
Dollar Tree also sells embellishments for cards/scrapbooking. I just add extra adhesive because the adhesive on them isn’t very good.
Bre says
Agreed! Sometimes you do have to be careful and remember that you get what you pay for. But since that’s an easy problem to fix, it’s not that big of a deal. Thank you for stopping by!
todd from canada says
they have sheets of metallic cardstoack that come in in 11 x 14 sheets 5 per pack in 5 colours! awesome!!
Bre says
Nice! That is an awesome buy! I will have to keep my eyes open for those on my next trip. Thanks for stopping by!
Lenoria Kelly says
I love to buy plain gift bags to decorate – you get specialty decorated bags for a lesser price. Also tea lights and candles. I am going to keep a lookout for some of these other items that have been mentioned above and also check out the online ordering, I didn’t know about that.
Bre says
Oh my gosh, yes – those gift bags are such a great purchase! And you can’t go wrong with the candles either. Thanks so much for stopping by!
CJ Janzen says
I use dollar tree for making many of my chocolate choirs/elves/Santa sleighs at Christmas. and I buy their felt and crafting foam, as the Dollar store no long has a steady/good supply of what I need. All in all, they are becoming my Go To store over the Dollar store, even though it’s harder for me to get their in my wheelchair
You can see some of my creations:
https://www.pinterest.com/cj_dodger/cadbury-easter-cream-egg-crafts/
https://www.pinterest.com/cj_dodger/christmas-crafts/
If you’re wondering, no I don’t sell my crafts, I make them to help fundraise for the Senior’s residence crafting program and because it helps me cope with pain and because it’s fun!! 🙂
Bre says
CJ – that is AWESOME!!! I totally love that you’re using your wonderful talents to give joy to so many other people. You have inspired ME! Thank you!
Holly says
Glue sticks! A pack of 20, way cheaper than craft stores. I have never had an issue using dollar tree glue sticks
Bre says
Yes! Glue sticks are a great addition to the list! My kids use them all the time. Thanks for your suggestion!
Jerilee says
I find they are really stringy when I use them.
Thrifty Lady says
If you buy glue sticks at Dollar Tree, do not by the Jot brand; they do not stick well. Buy Elmer’s.
Mary Ellen Callais says
Thanks for the great post. I am gearing up for a crafty Christmas so I am thankful for all of your insight! Even though my daughter lives out of state , she works at Dollar Tree and can maybe steer me toward even greater savings!
Bre says
Hi Mary Ellen – that is awesome! I hope she can hook you up with a great discount! Also, have so much fun with your “crafty Christmas!”
susan says
Thank you for your post! Great information and so generous of you to share 🙂
Bre says
Hi, Susan! Thank YOU for stopping by and leaving this nice note! I’m glad this post helped you. 🙂
Cindy says
I bought Super Glue Fix-All Adhesive a couple of days ago. I used it last night to assemble a sunburst mirror project. I was using skewers for th e sunburst so they were not heavy. The glue is perfect for this type project. And compared to the $6.00 I usually spend on the other stuff….DUH!!! Happy shopping and saving!
No Spendthrift says
I rarely shop at Michael’s but visited last fall when I couldn’t find what I wanted elsewhere, six large foam balls to be decorated as Christmas tree ornaments and hung on our porch. Hey howdy, I found exactly what I needed at Michael’s: ONLY $18.99 EACH!!! I don’t think so, Mikey My Man. I was so irritated I handed over my 20% off coupon to another customer and left. I abandoned that project but perhaps Dollar Tree will make it happen this year. Thanks for the reminder.
Bre says
Hahaha oh man . . . I hear you on their foam products. They are SO expensive!!! I’ve definitely seen foam balls at Dollar Tree, but I don’t think they’ll be as large as you need for that project. It’s worth a shot. Otherwise if you plan ahead, you might find them online at Save-on-Crafts or a similar site (maybe even Amazon). Good luck!!
Joy Pederson says
I shop dollar tree for metal and foam wreath forms. But they can b hard to find close to the holidays. They sell out fast! Better to collect them throughout the year and save them up. Joy Pederson
Bre says
Joy you are SO right!!! I find that they have them sporadically, but never when I actually need them! Really smart to get them when they have them and save them for later! 🙂
Julie says
I use to work at Joann’s. lots of times I would tell my customers to go and get their crafts supplies at the dollar tree. It was always nice to see them come back to thank me for saving them money!
Bre says
Ha! That’s awesome! Good thing your manager didn’t know you were giving away sales – lol. 🙂 I am sure your customers definitely appreciated it! Happy holidays!
janell s taylor says
The mixed rocks for floral arranging are awesome. I buy 4 packs and select the best 1/2 bag of that and put it in the rock tumblr and it’s pretty enough for jewelry when it comes out.
Bre says
Oh wow, that is a cool idea! I actually have a bag of the rocks at home that I haven’t used yet! What a great item to add to the list – thanks!
Amanda says
Some of my favorites at the Dollar Tree:
*Mini hi-temp hot glue sticks (usually a much better price than the craft store, and they work just as well)
*Ribbon, all sorts. My store has a fairly wide selection of grosgrain and sheer ribbon, as well as wired and unwired burlap ribbon. So far, I haven’t had any quality issues, and it’s WAY cheaper than at the craft stores.
*Yarn! My store often has name-brand yarn in the craft aisle. A great way to try out novelty yarns without breaking the bank.
*Cheap baseball caps. These are great for Halloween, as you can trim the bill off and use the adjustable skullcap part as a base for your costume headpiece– makes sure that the crown/pirate headscarf/funny wig/etc. fits snugly to your kid’s (or your) head and doesn’t keep sliding over the face.
*Cotton clothesline (to crochet over for baskets, or to fill maxi piping)
*Disposable aluminum bakeware and cookie tins (cookie tins are usually in stock around Christmas).
*One year my store had a very large stock of 100% lambswool sweaters. Some were noticeably imperfect, but were fine for felting projects. Some were perfectly good sweaters. We were very cozy that year. 🙂
Bre says
WHOA! I need to come to your dollar store!! I love mine, but yours sounds even better! Thanks for stopping by and sharing your list! 🙂
SammiH says
Just an FYI…
I f you are buying the foam core board, make sure to check it out. I once went to buy a piece and it was all beat up.
If you need masking tape, take a pass at the $ store. Don’t ever buy the cheapest type, even at a “regular” store.
Bre says
Good tips!! Yes, you have to be careful with the foam board at any store, and I completely agree with the tape being bad, unless you happen to spot a name brand tape there. However, when I’ve purchased Scotch brand at Dollar Tree, for example, it is always such a small roll!
Erica Swanson says
I buy deco mesh, pipe cleaners, floral wire and wire wreath frames as well! I LOVE Dollar Tree for craft supplies! You can make gorgeous mesh wreaths for under $10
Bre says
Hi, Erica! Yes, those are great things to find at Dollar Tree! When I see them I always buy them up. My stores don’t seem to have the deco mesh or wire wreath frames consistently, so when I see them, it’s a good trip! 🙂
Jody says
I travel to the Dollar Tree at least once a week. I buy frozen fruit for my bunny and then hit the craft aisle. I know what they have so when I see something to make I know what I can buy there at $1 a piece then lets me feel not so bad buying what they do not have at a bit more. It is so exciting to find uses for items.
Bre says
You’re totally right! Man, I love Dollar Tree so much. 🙂
Karen says
The Dollar Tree near my daughters home has smaller bottles of mod podge. I haven’t found any at the ones around my home. Thank for all the great tips from everyone about the great deals.
Bre says
Karen – isn’t it crazy how some Dollar Trees get some things that others don’t? I feel a little crazy that I shop all four near my house just because they’re all different! 🙂
Kara Blanch says
Dollar Tree also has a website so if your particular store runs out of something you like or something you saw you can go on their website and purchase it by the case and have it shipped to your store for free. They have a lot more stuff than your average store.
Bre says
Kara that is such a fantastic tip!! Thank you!
Meredith says
Our Dollar Trees started carrying Comfort Colors Tshirts! Sometimes I have to shop around in my area but so worth it! I usually buy all in stock since my wholesale price is @$4 it’s worth it. Perfect for embroidery machine and vinyl! **note there is a reason they are in the dollar store so please make sure they do not have tiny holes or any stains. Most have wrong size tag so make sure to inspect carefully. (I do not have a business just personal embroidery for my family and friends and if embroidering a shirt for me to sleep in Lil holes don’t bother me 🙂
Bre says
Ooooh I will have to start looking for those! Thanks for the great tip!! And for the tips on the holes or stains! 🙂
Mary-Ellen says
My latest Dollar Tree find is a 2 oz bottle of Mod Podge. A.C. Moore carries the 4 oz bottles for $3.49.
Bre says
YES! I saw those there, too! That is a great price comparison; thanks for providing it!
GrandmaSue10 says
I always try Dollar store first, however, I bought cute little travel size bottles for Shampoo, Conditioner, body wash, etc. so I wouldn’t have a bunch of large bottles in the shower, and the little ones all match. I found the same thing at Wal-Mart for 89c. Live and learn. PS Family Dollar is great, too, but everything is not a dollar. They only go up to about $4.95, though.
Bre says
Oh yes!! That is definitely true that on the rare occasion you’ll pay more at Dollar Tree!
Mary Beth Thomas-Cooper says
I’m addicted to Dollar Tree, lol! It’s my go to place for all my crafting needs!I love their flowers, although you need to have the time to carefully select them sometimes. But a recent example, I was making a Sunflower wreath and had priced them at Michael’s and Hobby Lobby. The cost would have been extreme! My DT actually had beautiful sunflowers, 3 different colors & 3 or more different sizes. I was thrilled! The variety is awesome and they end up looking just as gorgeous in my wreaths and projects!
I not only shop there for craft supplies, but also holiday supplies, ie., especially birthday party stuff. With 8 in our house, we go to DT for plates, napkins, plastic ware, cups, cards, wrapping paper, tablecloths, decorations, etc. Then if one of my 4 kiddo’s has a bday party, oh boy, watch out. Seems like I’m buying out the store!
And school supplies… and my little ones love doing their Xmas shopping there, too!
We also have seasonal dishes for 12 for most holidays from DT. I’m proud to be able to make my table look fantastic for any holiday with the help of DT and otherwise I wouldn’t have been able to afford.
Bre says
Mary Beth your DT sounds fabulous! I want those sunflowers!!! I feel the same way about birthday parties! 🙂 Thanks for your comment and I hope you have a great day!
Lorie says
You also need to keep your eyes for yarn. I have picked up some specialty yarns that would have cost me about 6-8 dollars at a craft store.
Bre says
Great tip, Lorie!!! Someone mentioned that on my FB page, too. I am not a knitter but that’s good for all who are! Happy New Year!
Sharon Pollard says
Each year I love to make wreaths for each new season for myself and friends. My Dollar Tree always has a good selection of flowers for this and cuts my cost by at least half or more from what I would pay at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.
Bre says
Sharon, that is so sweet and thoughtful of you to make wreaths for your friends! I agree that you can get flowers for so much cheaper at DT!!
Kay says
Hi Everyone!
I love this little blog of all your great ideas and have already found a newly opened DT near me and guess what I found…!!…an entire area in the plastic bowls and plastic containers area that had some great new bins that you can use to organize your refrigerator, they are rectangle and have a long handgrip handle on one end..some were larger, some more squarish..I put all of my sandwich items in one, now all I do to make one is pull that bin out..it has mayo, mustard, bag of fresh sliced tomato, bag of lettuce leaves, two pkgs of lunch meat choices and bag of drained pickles..all fitting in one bin. And I keep the condiments upside down so they squeeze out better but also fit my bin.
Was so happy with the ease of now making a fast pull bin lunch that I have made a pancake pull bin with premised better in an old ketchup bottle, three syrups, some blueberries in baggy and some chocolate chips..and my teenagers fav..fruit loops I toss on top of raw batter as I squeeze out the pancake. All of this in one easy pull out bin that is wiped off and slide right back in fridge. I keep all the odd and end condiments in another pull out, things like two kinds pickle relish, chopped garlic, pickled beets, pickled ginger. Love love love these bins! Now on to the pantry!
Have fun y’all and I send you Texas blessings!
Bre says
You are so so smart! Great ideas for getting that fridge into shape! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Melanie bishop says
So, I am really late to this party and I didn’t read every comment…but I love to buy greeting cards
Of course they are not technically craft supplies but the are 2 for a dollar! At that price I don’t feel at all cutting them up to use in my paper crafting
I read everything that lands on my email from you and
Bre, you are are so much more than average!!!
Bre says
Melanie, you are SO KIND! Thank you for taking the time to leave this nice comment. You don’t know how much I appreciate it and am thankful! Happy holidays to you and yours!
Dollar Tree Queen says
Be careful if you are buying greeting cards at Dollar Tree. I have bought some, then noticed they contained misprints when I got home. So examine them first. Same is true of puzzle books (such as Sudoku); they are OK for my own use, but I wouldn’t give them as gifts.
Ginni Metcalf says
Little makeup sponges make great ink dobber for card making and feathering.
Bre says
Ginni! Great tip!!! Thanks so much for sharing it!
Diane Maylin says
I never thought to look on some of the isles that you have found great things! Thanks for the info!
Bre says
Hi, Diane – you’re so welcome! Glad it was helpful. Thank you!
gloria smith says
all this is nice to bad the dollar stores aren’t this nice and neat
to where you can find things
Claudia Flores says
Thank you for all this wonderful tips 👍❤🥰Loved it and tommorow I’m headed straight to dollar tree!!!!!👍🤗 God Bless
Bre says
Hi, Claudia! Awesome!!! I hope you found some wonderful things! Thanks for stopping by!
Konni says
Dollar Tree has very small bead containers with snap on lids. They work for really tiny embellishments like Brads or eyelets, etc.
Bre says
Yes! Those are awesome!!
Debra Stuart says
I see all kinds of great ideas. I have three dollar tree stores within 50 miles and I can’t find any of the things to make the crafts I see. Very frustrating. I’ve even gone to them three hours away and find very little. Is this only in Missouri?
Bre says
Hi, Debra – These stores are in Illinois. Many seasonal crafting items are only available for a limited amount of time, and they go very quickly. You have to grab them as soon as you see them! The other non-seasonal crafting items are typically there all the time, though you may have to get certain things at one store and others at another. The downside to Dollar Tree crafts is you can’t always be sure you’ll get what you’re looking for, unlike at a craft store.