10 Thanksgiving Items to Buy at Dollar Stores This Year

3. Hang autumn wreaths to welcome your guests

Your front door or entryway is the first thing guests see. Start your Thanksgiving decorating there to welcome people into your home. 

Autumn wreaths are a simple and beautiful way to do that, with different types and sizes depending on your style. At Dollar General, dried flower or pumpkin wreaths come in two sizes for $6 or $9.

4. Use crockery that celebrates the season

Spice up your Thanksgiving table with ceramic or stoneware plates, bowls and mugs in autumn themes and colors. Dollar Tree offers white ceramic plates, bowls and coffee mugs with an orange leaf pattern for $1.25 each. For $3, you’ll find other kinds of staples for your kitchen or dinner table at Family Dollar, such as a spoon rest and a set of salt and pepper shakers — all in pumpkin shapes.

And for easy post-meal cleanup, many dollar stores offer disposable paper plates, cups and napkins in various fall colors and themes.

5. Lay a table like the experts

Feel like finding your inner Martha Stewart? Dollar stores provide everything you need to create a beautiful tablescape for you and your guests. 

Fabric or vinyl tablecloths in harvest themes, like pumpkins, or in a shiny festive gold cost $1.25 to $10. If you will have children at your table, consider buying a color-your-own paper tablecloth for $1.25. Adults are allowed to color too. ​

For a more rustic look, especially if you have a wooden table, skip the tablecloth and simply use a table runner ($1.25 to $6 at dollar stores) or place mats ($1.25 to $3) in a solid color or Thanksgiving theme.

6. Put festive flowers around the house

Adding fresh flowers to Thanksgiving decor or on the table is popular this year. Play off the autumn colors already in your home or bring in different colors. Some 99 Cents Only Stores sell fresh flower bouquets or potted flowers such as chrysanthemums and roses for $5.99 to $14.99.

If you or your guests have allergies or you want something reusable, consider artificial flowers, grasses or berry stems. Most dollar stores stock a variety of artificial flora, from 99 cents to $1.25. Dollar General also has floral arrangements in a basket, wooden box or vase for $6 to $12.

7. Add sparkle and shine with metallics

Glittery home decor in metallic finishes is still hot this year. Dollar Tree has large charger plates in silver and gold as well as orange metallic pumpkin-shaped trays and leaf-shaped metallic bowls in green and orange. 99 Cents Only Stores offer large plastic trays, serving dishes and cutlery starting at 99 cents — all in shiny gold, silver and bronze. To create more of a fun, party atmosphere, get a disco ball at 99 Cents Only Stores for $4.99

Courtesy of Family Dollar

8. Create cozy and comfortable guest rooms with pillows and throws

Indulge yourself or overnight guests with autumn-themed pillows or throw blankets even if they cost more than $1. It’s also an opportunity to decorate the living room or guest bedroom. Dollar General sells plush pillows adorned with pumpkins on a plaid background or phrases like “Happy Harvest” for $5 and $10. It also has a harvest plaid aqua throw for $15. Dollar Tree offers fleece throws with sunflowers or leaves on plaid for $5.

9. Skip the scrubbing with foil bakeware

Dollar stores also offer more practical items, especially if one of your main goals is easy cleanup after Thanksgiving dinner. Large foil pans, some with travel-ready lids, range from $1.25 to $4 at various dollar stores.

10. Not seeing something you like? DIY craft supplies to the rescue

Dollar stores offer ample supplies, such as ribbon, garland, pine cones and bells, to make your own Thanksgiving wreaths, table displays and other crafts.

They also provide plenty of inspiration based mostly on products they sell. Family Dollar’s website provides some budget-oriented table display and fall decor ideas. Dollar Tree’s Value Seekers blog offers step-by-step instructions on how to make fall wreaths and candy corn table decorations.

Editor's note: This article was published on Nov. 10, 2021. It has been updated to reflect new information.