From paper goods to party supplies, Dollar Tree is renowned for its extensive selection of budget-friendly essentials. If you're a crafter, you can also browse the shelves for low-cost crafting products at a fraction of the cost of big-box stores like Michaels — a smart way to save money without sacrificing creativity.
While you still want to splurge on specialty items, you can build a solid foundation of supplies for your next project.
Here are 15 crafting staples you should shop for at Dollar Tree to save a little cash.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
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Crafters Square White Artist Canvases, 3 Count
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Price: $1.25
If you love to paint, finding low-cost, quality canvas can be challenging. Michaels offers a 12-pack of 4-inch-by-6-inch mini canvases that's ideal for small portraits, drawings, and texture projects for $17.99.
Dollar Tree offers a three-pack for 42 cents each. The cost per canvas in the Michaels multipack is around $1.50, meaning you'll save approximately $1 on each. The lower cost makes it easier to buy in bulk and to always have canvases on hand.
Crafter's Square Mini Hot Melt Glue Sticks, 20 Count
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Price: $1.25
If you're a crafter, you can never have too many hot glue sticks. Whether you're wreath-making or assembling models, they are ideal for a wide range of projects.
Dollar Tree sells both mini and full-sized glue sticks for $1.25 per pack of 20, and the quality is almost identical to what you'll find at Michaels, which costs nearly $5 for the same quantity.
Prang Washable Tempera Paint
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Price: $1.25
Also referred to as poster paint, tempera paint is known for its vibrant color and all-purpose use. While these paints don't provide the professional quality of acrylic, they work well on wood, canvas, and for mixed media projects.
Dollar Tree offers a variety of colors at $1.25 each, while Michaels offers similar tempera for approximately $2 more.
Scotch Double-Sided Tape
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Price: $1.25
Dollar Tree frequently sells name-brand products for less, and this is a prime example of that. Michaels offers Scotch Double-Sided Tape for almost $4 for a 250-inch roll, which is around 19 cents per foot. The Dollar Tree roll has approximately 130 inches for $1.25, which is around 11 cents per foot. You pay almost double for the same tape at Michaels.
Double-sided tape is perfect for mounting photos, creating paper crafts, or creating layered cardstock designs.
Readi-Board White Foam Board
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Price: $1.25
Lightweight and versatile, white foam board can be used for a wide range of projects. Use it to make yard sale signs, mount photos or prints, or lay it flat to craft architectural models.
Dollar Tree sells the Readi Board white foam boards for $1.25 each. Michaels sells similar brands for $5.99.
Tool Bench Paint Brushes With Wooden Handles
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Price: $1.50
When you're adding stain to a large piece of furniture or applying decoupage to your latest project, the quality of the brush isn't as important as the materials you're working with. Dollar Tree has a 3-inch paint brush for just $1.50, while the cost at Michaels is nearly $10.
By purchasing the less expensive brush, you won't feel bad if it gets ruined with thick paint or heavy sealants.
Mod Podge Matte Craft Adhesive
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Price: $1.25
Mod Podge is a sealer that adds a finishing touch and protection to your paper crafts, working well when adhering paper to wood. It's another brand-name item at the dollar store retailer that's available for a fraction of the cost.
At Michaels, you'll find the 2-ounce size for $3, or you can purchase it from Dollar Tree for just $1.25.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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September marks the start of a new season and a new shopping mindset. As summer winds down, it's the perfect time to take advantage of transitional savings and post-summer sales. Look for deals on:
- Light layers and early fall fashion
- Outdoor clearance items
- Back-to-school essentials
- For grocery savings, grab peak-season produce, like apples, squash, grapes, and sweet potatoes
As retailers begin to roll out fall promotions, September is the sweet spot for scoring deals on both end-of-summer clearances and early autumn items. Shop now to get the best of both seasons.
Clear Glass Cylinder Vase
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Price: $1.75
The glassware aisle is arguably one of the best aisles in Dollar Tree. You can find a wide variety of styles, sizes, and choices for everything from floral arrangements to centerpieces. Most of these vases are priced under $2 each.
At this price, you can purchase three or four designs for the same price you'll find at Michaels.
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Premier Just Chenille Black Yarn
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Price: $1.25
Dollar Tree's yarn selection has grown impressively over the years to include its own brand, "Premier Just Yarn." While each skein may be smaller than what you'll find at Michaels and other craft and hobby stores, the price per ounce is still unbeatable.
Choose from soft chenille to more durable worsted weights. You'll find a large selection of colors at your local Dollar Tree.
Crafters Square Wood Slat Crates
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Price: $1.25
Mini wood crates are a DIYer's dream. You can use them in a wide variety of projects, including seasonal displays, gift baskets, or centerpieces.
The price at Michaels and other specialty shops is around $4 each, while the same product with similar quality can be found at Dollar Tree for $1.25.
Crafters Square Plastic Multicolored Alphabet Beads
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Price: $1.25
Alphabet beads are a wonderful way to personalize jewelry, keychains, and purse charms. Dollar Tree offers a bag of 325 alphabet beads for just $1.25, which is around $8 less than what you'll find at a hobby shop.
The generous quality makes them ideal for large projects or to ensure you always have beads on hand for your next designs.
#Be You 3D Fabric Paint
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Price: $1.25
If you're decorating shirts for a theme party or adding a personal touch to a tote bag, fabric paint is the first choice. Dollar Tree sells individual colors for just $1.25 each, allowing you to customize your palette.
Michaels offers a 12-pack for $16.95, or around $1.41 each, but you may get stuck with colors you don't really need.
Crafter's Square Wooden Knitted Needles
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Price: $1.25
If you've ever wanted to take up knitting or if you're looking to replace an old pair of needles you currently have, you can find a wooden set at Dollar Tree for just $1.25. For a similar quality, you can find differently sized needles at Michaels for $14.99.
Although the quality may not be the same, Dollar Tree allows you to try your hand at knitting before investing a lot of money in supplies.
Crafter's Square Plastic Crochet Hooks, 2 Count
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Price: $1.25
Similar to knitting needles, these crochet hooks from Dollar Tree let you try a new craft for a minimal investment. The hooks from Dollar Tree are durable yet made of plastic and cost just $1.25 for a pack of two.
Michaels offers a pack of six anodized steel hooks for $8.
Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty
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Uncertain times call for a review of expenses that goes beyond simple cost-cutting. Here are some steps for you to consider:
- Build a 6-month emergency fund. Prioritize this above other financial goals.
- Compare rates on big ticket items like auto insurance to make sure you aren't overpaying.
- Delay major purchases when possible.
- Consider a side hustle that can generate income with minimal startup costs.
During challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control. And remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight.
Letter, Number & Symbol Stickers
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Price: $1.25
If you love to scrapbook, create your own greeting cards, or decorate books and planners, you'll find a large selection of sticker sheets at Dollar Tree for just $1.25. They also work well as reminders in a calendar, helping you remember birthdays and other special events.
High-quality stickers from Michaels can cost as much as $5 a pack.
Bottom Line
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Building your supply of crafting items doesn't have to cost a lot of money. By shopping at Dollar Tree, you can find many items you need for less than what you'll pay at Michaels and other hobby stores. It's also a great way to keep more cash in your wallet while trying new projects without the fear of wasting money on more expensive supplies.
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