Check out the 99 cents store, $1 store, etc for Halloween decor & more!

I like to remind everyone when any holiday rolls around that you just might be surprised by what you can find at the 99 cents stores and $1 Tree store.

Today we went to the 99 cents store in San Marcos and noticed the gentleman ahead of us purchasing pumpkins, trick or treat bags, and funky orange hats. I also saw lots of other decor and I can only imagine they will have even more selection as we get into October.

Also - don't overlook the $1 bins at craft stores and Target - we often find lots of great holiday accesories and treats in $1 bins! 

With all the marketing being thrown at us you can very easily be talked into spending a ton on every holiday that comes around - I really like to have fun little treats for the kids at the holidays and we always start at the 99 cents store!

Enjoy ~
Kate

Speaking of the 99 cents store...

So with beach season here I thought I should plug my favorite stores again (99 cents & $1 stores). 

Here are some awesome things we have picked up for our kids at the 99cents store and $1 store...

*flip flops (with dora & diego - score!)
*hats
*sand toys
*sun glasses (superman & princess - score again)
*spray water bottles - (those of you planning to go to any themepark / fair / etc - you can pay $14 for one there or buy one at the 99cents store before going in - its your call)
*snacks (don't be a snob - they are worth at least checking out - it is hit or miss - but I have found organic raisins, earths best crackers, kids cliff bars! yes, there is a ton of weird off brand stuff - but there are some gems)

Enjoy ~
Kate

Broken Record Alert ~ Easter Baskets & products at the 99 cents store!

I really dislike all the hype associated with holidays when it comes to gift giving.  It seems no matter what holiday it is they expect you to buy a gift and bigger gifts every year! Our family tries to keep it fun, special, but inexpensive - because it really isn't about the stuff you get. Anyway, off my soapbox...

Just keep in mind that the 99 cent stores & the $1 stores all have LOTS of great little things to put in Easter Baskets & come to think of it - they also have Easter baskets!  Lots of cute little decorations too.

Hoppy Shopping ~
Kate

With the 99 cents store I am not sure how Party City stays in business.

I'm guessing most of your kids are gonna have a birthday sometime in 2010 - both of mine are anyway.  Kid's birthday parties can get expensive fast, but not if you know where to look!

Here is my tip - check out some of the party favor stuff they have at the 99 cent store & put a bug in their ear early about how that would be the coolest birthday party theme.  My kids are 3, they are easy to manipulate and this works every time.

Here are some themes I see at our San Marcos 99 cent store all the time

Princess
Cars
Winnie the Pooh
Hanna Montana (barf)
Mickey Mouse and friends
sometimes Dora & Diego
High School Musical
and I know there are more

My daughter is having a Princess party, and we cleared out their Pirate bags & plates during halloween for my son's Pirate themed party.  We have also hosted Winnie the Pooh, Dora, and Car's parties for a very low price thanks to the 99 cents store.

Some of these items are literally the same items you can get at Party City for 3 or 4 times the price!

They also have helium balloons with various themes for 99 cents too.

If you are brave enough to venture into the food section there are usually brand name cupcake mixes for 99 cents too - I always assume stuff will be expired and I honestly have never found something even close to expired.  I'm not gonna lie, I can be a snob when it comes to 99 cents store food, but if it is a trusted brand and not expired or broken - why not?! 

They do have plates, napkins, plastic cutlery & more - but I think the Dollar Tree actually has a better selection for these items.

Happy Birthday sometime this year!

Kate