Buying Craft Supplies Cheaply For Christmas

DIYers love to save money. And during the holidays buying craft supplies cheaply for your Christmas DIYs is definitely the way to go.

The Cost of Christmas Crafting

Christmas is an expensive time of year. What with al of the gift buying, giant feasts, and home decorating it can be easy to overspend.

DIYers love to save money. We love to find inspiration and then recreate it for less. However, craft supplies can also be expensive. So for this Christmas let’s save a little money. Let’s recreate those high end looks for less by saving money on our crafting supplies. How do we do that, you ask? Glad you asked.

Michael’s VS Dollar Tree

It’s all about knowing what to buy where. The largest craft store near me is Michael’s. However, it ‘s important to note that craft stores aren’t always the best place to buy supplies. Don’t get me wrong, I love a craft store as much as the next DIYer. That being said, sometimes their prices are outrageous.

There are definitely many Christmas items that you should spend a little extra on and buy them at Michael’s but there are also several items that just aren’t worth the extra cost. Once you know which items these are, and where they are, it’s easy to keep those DIY costs down. Which means you get to create more Christmas crafts. And tell me, what DIY enthusiast wouldn’t love that?

During the months leading up to Christmas Dollar Tree has tons of fantastic craft materials for a dollar or two. Some of the items that you can use in your DIYs are likely Dollar Tree items that you never thought of. While others are more basic but when you buy them there you save a ton of cash. And those are the ones we are going to look at today.

Guide To Buying Craft Supplies Cheaply For Christmas

When you know which crafting supplies to buy where you will be able to get all those coveted supplies for less. Plus, when you spend less money in one place you get to save money for those other more expensive crafting supplies you’ve been dying to buy. Which in turn, expands your crafting skills. It’s a beautiful thing.

#1 Wreath Forms

If your in the market for wreath forms then the dollar store is where you want to shop. There you will find all the same wreath forms that you would find at Michael’s but for pennies on the dollar.

Wreath forms:

  • Green and white foam wreath forms
  • Gold or silver metal wreath forms
  • Shaped metal wreath forms
  • Shaped grapevine wreath forms
  • Grapevine wreath forms
  • Round metal wreath forms

THE EXCEPTION: The one exception to this are Michael’s oversized wreath forms. Although dollar tree does carry rather large wreath forms they don’t have the huge ones you can find at the craft store.

#2 Miniature Old Fashioned Christmas Village Figurines

If you are a fan of the miniature Christmas villages then you know that these can end up costing a fair amount. If you are looking to makeover a few miniature homes this too can cost a fair amount if you purchase these pieces at Michael’s.

Instead head to the Dollar Tree and find these much coveted items there:

  • Basic village houses
  • Churches
  • Stores and other city shops
  • Miniature old fashioned people
  • Lamp posts and bridges
  • Bottle brush trees

THE EXCEPTION: Any pieces that are larger, animatronic, or are extremely intricate. These you will definitely want to spend a little more on and buy these at the craft store.

#3 Foam Pieces

These are definitely craft materials that you are better off buying at the Dollar Tree. Why spend many dollar when you can spend a dollar or two for the exact same thing?

  • Wreath forms (worth mentioning again, I think.)
  • Foam cones
  • Christmas shapes
  • Foam bells
  • Snowflake shapes
  • Stars shapes
  • Round foam balls in varying sizes

THE EXCEPTION: I can’t think of one. Honestly, don’t buy these at Michael’s. Save your money and buy something else from there. There are tons of other things that you can find at the craft store that are worth the money.

#4 Burlap

This section includes all things burlap- adjacent. These are all items that you are better off buying at Dollar Tree. Much like the foam pieces why would you spend more on materials if you don’t have to? The point is to save money when buying craft supplies, right? So when you need these brown items save yourself a little green:

  • Burlap rolls
  • Burlap ribbon
  • Twine
  • Rope
  • Decorative burlap sheets
  • Adhesive burlap rolls

THE EXCEPTION: Although decorative burlap ribbon can be found at the Dollar Tree the variety offered at Michael’s can’t be beat. So if you want something specific I suggest that you check the Dollar Tree first and if you can’t find it there then check Michael’s.

#5 Christmas Tree Decor

This section doesn’t include ornaments. Instead it includes all the other things that go into making your Christmas tree fancy. These are also all things that you’re better off buying at Dollar Tree not at Michael’s

  • Glittery tree picks
  • Decorative clip of decor
  • Floral picks
  • Tree toppers
  • Garland
  • Faux florals

THE EXCEPTION: If you’re wanting high end, decorative garland then you are better off looking at Michael’s. Same when it comes to higher end looking tree toppers and some of their faux florals.

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#6 Ornaments

You would be amazed at some of the ornaments that you can get at Dollar Tree. Many of them are almost identical to the ones’ found at Michael’s. Make sure that you buy these ornaments for the lesser price:

  • The Christmas door ornament
  • Metal sled
  • Camper ornament
  • Glittered pine cones
  • Basic baubles
  • Ornament hooks
  • Clear plastic ornaments

THE EXCEPTION: There’s definitely a wider selection of higher end ornaments at Michael’s so they are definitely worth a look BUT make sure that you take a look at Dollar Tree first because they may have a similar decoration for a fraction of the price.

#7 The Basics

This list includes all those Christmas crafting supplies that don’t fit into the other categories. And I’m pretty sure that you’ve caught onto the theme – if you’re at Michael’s pass these by.

  • Glitter
  • Glittered foam balls
  • Craft paper
  • Card stock
  • Shaker filler
  • Calendars, napkins, and tissue paper for decoupaging
  • Stickers and wall decals
  • Vase filler
  • Yarn
  • Pipe cleaners

THE EXCEPTION: There are a few supplies that you’re better getting off at Michael’s. Some of these include Cricut vinyl, chalk paint, individual card stock, and stamp supplies.

#8 Gift Giving

One of the best parts about Christmas is being able to give others thoughtful gifts. And to make these gifts look extra special you need to deck ’em out right. Some of the supplies that you’re better off getting at Dollar Tree include:

  • Decorative Christmas boxes
  • Christmas wrap
  • Holiday themed wine bags and boxes
  • Christmas gift bags
  • Christmas stockings
  • Ribbon
  • Tissue paper
  • Holiday themed gift baskets
  • Gift tags and stickers
  • Ribbon and bows
  • Plastic wrap for gift baskets
  • Holiday cards

THE EXCEPTION: Much like with the burlap ribbon, I think where Michael’s really out does Dollar Tree is with their ribbon options. Now, that not to say that Dollar Tree doesn’t have fabulous ribbon options. They do but Michael’s just has more variety and larger rolls. Plus, where their ribbon goes on sale it is worth the purchase.

#9 Hang It

Ok, this is where when you’re out buying craft supplies the Dollar Tree really shines. Yes, you can find all of these things at Micheal’s but you’ll definitely pay way more and who wants that?

  • Seasonal “wood” signs
  • Painting canvases
  • Decorative wood piece
  • Picture frames

THE EXCEPTION: I I don’t know about you but I hate paying more for something that I could easily make myself for a lot less. That being said, Michael’s does have some awesome pre-made decor option that are worth a gander.

TIP: buy these pieces on sale or with a coupon. Never pay full price.

Jenny’s Finishing Thoughts On Buying Craft Supplies Cheaply For Christmas

Now armed with your new money saving knowledge you can head out to buy those Christmas crafting supplies with confidence. You are a saver. You are a DIYer. And now you are about to create the Chirstmas of your dreams… for less.

Let me know in the comments below, which DIY supplies do you prefer to buy at Michael’s and which ones do you prefer to get at Dollar Tree?

Did you find this post helpful or inspirational? Save This Pin to your Dollar Tree Christmas Decor board on Pinterest.

If you liked this post you may also enjoy:

Easy Dollarama Christmas Ornaments

How To Decorate For Christmas On A Small Budget

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