Tip #2: Party Supplies and Gift Packaging

Throwing a birthday party or wrapping a holiday gift drains your wallet fast if you blindly walk into a big box party aisle. Retailers price standard medium-sized gift bags between four and six dollars, knowing you will grab them out of sheer convenience.

Dollar Tree sells identical glossy bags, complete with reinforced bottoms and durable rope handles, for a fraction of that cost. You can also pick up massive packs of brightly colored tissue paper, ribbons, and bows that rival the volume and quality found at national craft chains.

The budget shopping deals extend aggressively to Mylar balloons. Supermarkets and party specialty stores routinely charge four to seven dollars per inflated balloon. Dollar Tree inflates large, metallic Mylar balloons in-store for just one dollar and twenty-five cents.

When you need a dozen balloons for a graduation party or a baby shower, the price difference hits your bank account hard. Do not overpay for items designed to be thrown in the trash the very next morning. Secure your party supplies here and allocate those massive savings toward better food, quality drinks, or the event entertainment itself.