WASHINGTON — If you still have holiday shopping to do, dollar stores can help. You just have to know what is worth spending your hard-earned dollar on.
Ornaments, wrapping paper and holiday cards are all good dollar-store deals, according to Kiplinger Personal Finance.
Kiplinger found you can get up to 20 greeting cards for just a buck. Elsewhere, just a single card can cost several dollars.
You’re not going to find top-of-the-line gift wrap for $1, but considering the paper is just going to get torn to shreds, it’s a good deal.
Other worthwhile bargains: serving platters or disposable bakeware you can take to a party and leave behind.
If you need last-minute gifts, Kiplinger found picture frames to which you can add the perfect personal photo, as well as coffee mugs jazzed up with holiday designs.
Items Kiplinger says you should avoid buying at dollar stores include toys, tools, electronics and batteries. They’re all usually cheaply made and have a tendency to break or leak.
Paper plates found at dollar stores are typically thin; good if you’re serving cookies, not good for heavy dinners.
Beware of edible items such as soda, canned goods and chewing gum sold at dollar stores. They might be old or expired, and thus overpriced — even at a dollar.
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