Studio DIY®

Last week I told you guys all about my tips and tricks for getting party supplies for free. This week, we’re taking one step up the ladder and talking about party supplies you shouldn’t be paying more than $1 for. That’s right, I get a ton of supplies for my parties and crafts from the local dollar store (The 99cent Store is my favorite here in LA.) and Target’s Dollar Spot. Why pay more when you can get a few party essentials for less!? Here’s a few of my bargain faves…

Streamers

If you’re looking for basic streamers for projects like these, or if you’re in a pinch and need quick and cheap crepe paper for a piñata, head to the dollar store. They have a bunch of colorful options for cheap and to be honest, a lot of party stores should have streamers for around the same price. Such a cheap party staple, so stock up!

Balloons

I use about a billion different kinds of balloons for all the projects I do, but I always pick up a few packs of these at the 99 cent store when I’m there. They’re 9″ balloons and come in a pack of 20 for a dollar (I used one pack to make this giant balloon heart, remember!?). I keep ‘em on hand to blow up for shoots, but they’re pretty fun to keep on hand for that morning that you just want balloons at the breakfast table too!

Pretty Pencils

Target’s Dollar Spot and Michaels’ dollar aisle are always filled with pretty printed pencils. I have drawers full. (Hellooo hoarder!) I love them because they aren’t branded and don’t have TV characters all over them, just fun prints like gingham, stripes and polka dots. You can get a pack of several for a dollar. They’re great to pop into a kid’s party favor or for using for activities and guest books at a party.

Pails + Containers

Another Target gold mine! For every holiday they roll out a line of small pails, buckets or other containers and they are awesome! The one above is a metal pail I picked up for an Olympic DIY last summer, but I’ve also bought tiny felt Easter baskets and colorful striped cardboard containers. They are the perfect containers for party favors, hostess gifts, and food items (just line them with printed wax paper or napkins!).

Candy

The dollar store has a candy aisle that looks just like the candy aisle at the grocery store… except for half the price! If you’re filling a piñata, you need to hit that place up folks! Kids won’t care that it came from the dollar store, it all tastes the same! Like straight sugar.

Chargers

The 99 cent store always has an aisle brimming with large charger plates in all colors. They often release holiday-themed ones in addition to their standard colors, too. These are great for jazzing up a table for cheap and for using as platters to bring a treat to a party. Warning: they are marked as not being food safe, so I recommend putting a piece of wax paper under your food items if using as a platter, and of course using an additional plate on top when incorporating them into your tableware.

Double Stick Tape

If I could impart one piece of wisdom onto the DIY and party world it would be STOP OVERPAYING FOR DOUBLE STICK TAPE! Seriously, I paid $5 for a roll once in a pinch. FIVE DOLLARS! No way, not when you can get the exact same tape at the dollar store for, yes… $1! I buy out the place every time I go. I better not see any of you paying more than that for the stuff. Ever. Again.

And there you have it. Party supplies for free, and now party supplies for a dollar. When you get some of the basics for cheap (or for nothing at all), it leaves a little more wiggle room for a party “statement”, or just for throwing more parties! Because in this case… the more the better, right!? Have you tapped your local dollar store or dollar aisle for a great affordable party element? Share your secrets!

For more party tips and tricks, click here!

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