The Best Party Supplies to Buy at Dollar Tree (and which ones to skip!)

While I’m not a party animal by any stretch, I like to host a nice gathering every once in a while (like the Kate Spade-inspired birthday party I threw my mom and the Secret Garden baby shower I threw my sister-in-law).  Because I believe you can throw an awesome party on a small budget (see my tips here), I thought I should share my thoughts on the best party supplies to buy at Dollar Tree (one of my favorite stores for budget-friendly finds (on craft supplies, especially)), and what to avoid!  

Budget-friendly party supplies are an important part of any party, because the more you save on these items, the more money you’ll have for really important things like food and beverages!

Serving Trays and Serving Utensils

If you need disposable serving items for the party you’re hosting, definitely get them at Dollar Tree.  They have high-quality and sturdy trays in clear plastic, colors, and silver finish.  They also have large serving utensils, both disposable and not, which I learned at Thanksgiving you can never have enough of!  

I love those silver trays for craft projects, too, like the Chalkboard Wreath I created last fall!

I’ll warn you that I do not love Dollar Tree’s plastic utensils, however!  In my opinion, they’re pretty flimsy (ESPECIALLY the colored utensils), and don’t work well.  I would not recommend those for your party.  

Candles

If you plan to add a little ambiance to your party and need candles, get your tealights, votives and tapers at Dollar Tree!  They come in multi-packs, making them very affordable.

Dollar Tree also has a wide selection of battery-operated flameless candles, but those aren’t my favorite.  They’ll do in a pinch, but I find that the batteries don’t last long and they sometimes have a strange color “flame.”  

Dollar Tree also has candles in the shapes of numbers if you need that for a birthday cake!

Favor Bags / Gift Bags

Ever since I discovered Dollar Tree’s gift bags, I haven’t purchased one elsewhere.  They have SO many colors and designs that you’ll definitely find something you like.  I love to use their solid color bags as party favor bags for kids parties, and embellish them with stickers or ribbon that fits the theme of the party.  Because the solid bags come in multi-packs, they’re very kind to your party budget!

Helium Balloons

If you need helium balloons for your celebration, this is the place to get them.  Typically, helium balloons cost around $4 at party stores, but they’re just a dollar at Dollar Tree! (UPDATE (as of May 2019): apparently there is worldwide helium shortage right now, and neither Dollar Tree nor Party City has helium to fill balloons!  So check this out with your local Dollar Tree prior to heading out for balloons!)   

I even like to buy the plain mylar balloons and decorate with stickers or washi tape.  That way you can really personalize the look to fit your theme or decor, like I did for my mom’s Kate Spade party!

Vases

If vases for centerpieces or party decor are on your list, Dollar Tree is the place to get them!  They have so many shapes and sizes of plain glass vases that you’re bound to find what you need.  

Streamers

Streamers are such a fun party supply because you can do so many things with them, in addition to hanging them from the walls!  Search for crepe paper streamer ideas on Pinterest and you’ll be blown away!  Streamers come in 2-packs at Dollar Tree, making them very affordable.  

Any party I host would not be properly planned without a trip to Dollar Tree.  I can always get a lot crossed off my shopping list and at a great price!

If you have any items you think should be added to my list, please let me know in the comments below!  I’d love to hear from you.

-Bre

You Might Also Like This Favorite Dollar Store DIY Home Decor Projects Post!