So the Canadian penny, that tiny little copper coin with Queen Elizabeth on one side and the maple leaf on the other, is no more. Well, that is the official position at least. But I am quite sure that most of us, no matter the currency, have coins in many nook and crannies of our home. I can tell you there are at least 3 such spots in my house 1) jar with label “Italy” in our kitchen (we are saving for a trip next year) 2) bottom left drawer in dresser in master bedroom 3) Although, technically not in the house, there is my change pocket in my purse and then 4) that mini drawer below the radio dials in the car. Funny how when I went to the SuperStore today I couldn’t find a Loonie (Canadian $1.00 coin) for the grocery cart anywhere!
So where can one still get something for a few pennies – 100 or 200 of them – ? What is a dollar story you may wonder? The dollar store concept evolved out of the five and dime store from centuries past (click here for more history on the dollar store). Now, most dollar stores sell items for $1 or $2. Here are 5 things I found at my local Buck Or Two :
1) Hilroy’s Kraft Binder. Eco friendly. Sturdy. Clean slate just calling out for some doodling.
2) Love, love these wee little note pads. Lined inside. Maple leaf on the outside. Very portable. Vintage feel.
3)Paper straws are all the rage right now. I actually saw some very similar to these, but with stripes, and the cost was close to $8.00. I know. Crazy. I thought these were quite a find!
4) Hard to tell what this photo prop is all about from the pic. First it was quite large, not to scale, but close. Basically, you would use it at a party, kids or otherwise, for people to stand behind and get their photo taken. It would be like they were walking into a saloon. I though it was an awesome idea for a Calgary Stampede Party.
5) Sketch book and pencil set for only $2.00 looked to be a great find. Many a budding artist would be grateful.
Some serious inspiration can result from a trip to your local dollar store. Pennies required!
For some additional creative, frugal ideas for your family you may want to check out:
I like the binders and those notebooks bring back memories. Vintage indeed! I went searching for journals this past week at three Dollar Stores and there were none to be found! Falling out of favour with the Dollar Store crowd, I wonder.
Wow, you were on a quest, 3 dollar stores. I might have given up by then. Some dollar stores are so much better than others aren’t they. A real gem once you find one. Good luck with the hunt. May you find the journal to put all other journals to shame!
I LOVE the dollar store. Sometimes I end up spending more money than I want to simply because I assume that it is a good deal…and most of it is! Then there are those money makers…the items that would have cost me 79 cents at the grocery store but yet I spend the dollar just because I am at the dollar store! Face it…I am addicted! Thanks for sharing at http://www.frugalfitfamily.com ! Following!
Hi Heather, The same thing happens to me too when I visit the dollar store! (also at Costco) Thanks for following! Love your concept of a frugal, fit family!
Thanks for sharing at the Friday Follow Along Party! I love the dollar stores here and always find good stuff! http://www.leahinspired.com
Hi Leah, Appreciate you stopping by. Best of luck searching out the treasures this weekend at your dollar store. You just never know what you will find. Part of the fun I think!