Here's Why the Dollar Store Is One of My Favorite Places for Christmas Shopping

Alright, so I'll be the first to admit the dollar store has a ton of junk inside of it. You are certainly not guaranteed a deal, and sometimes even the $1.00 price tag is a rip off.

That all being said, I still shop at the dollar store, especially around Christmas. It's been my go-to stop for holiday essentials for years for everything from gift bags to the things inside them.

The gift bags are affordable and adorable

Gift bags are one of those things that you think you don't have any strong opinions about -- until you realize you absolutely do. I absolutely will not pay those absurd drugstore prices on gift bags. Five dollars for a bag the recipient is very likely to throw away?! No thanks!

At the same time, who wants to show up with ugly gift bags? (Yes, you are totally getting judged on your gift bags, people. We all do it.)

For me, the dollar store solves the problem. The bags are typically around a buck (or so, say $1.25, maybe?), so check that box. Plus, they're often ridiculously cute. I honestly have a couple that I like so much I've refused to give them away.

Don't forget all the wrapping accessories

Not a gift bag person? You can find all sorts of boxes, as well. This includes plain shirt boxes you can wrap, or even decorative boxes that won't require any wrapping at all.

All of the assorted gifting accouterments are also abundant and affordable. This includes:

• Tape
• Cards
• Ribbon
• Gift tags
• Tissue paper
• Wrapping paper

I especially like picking up my holiday cards at the dollar store. Forget those $5 drugstore cards; I'm talking about 2/$1 for the same cheesy reindeer jokes. Want to cut the price even more? My local store sells a 12-pack of Christmas cards for $1.25 each! That's about $0.10 a card!

Easy gift baskets for great bespoke gifts

Another great dollar store hack I like this time of year is using it to put together fun little gift "baskets" for my friends and neighbors. Of course, you're hardly limited to actual baskets. You can find a variety of interesting containers throughout the store -- and tons of great stuff to put inside.

Your gifts should be tailored to the folks who will receive them. But here are a few ideas for inspiration.

• For a cozy night in: Grab a ceramic or glass mug, then fill it with a few things that up the comfy factor, such as: a packet (or two) of hot chocolate mix, a couple candy canes, a pair of fuzzy socks, and a nice-smelling tea light.
• For the baker: You can find a variety of baking mixes at the dollar store (my local one stocks Betty Crocker mixes), as well as all kinds of handy cooking utensils. They even have cookie cutters, especially this time of year. Stuff it all in a large mixing bowl or even an oven mitt for a fun gift.
• For the young (or young at heart): Most dollar stores have a fairly good toy aisle, and they can even include popular characters from Marvel, Disney, and other brands. Add some puzzles, word searches, hobby supplies, and a little chocolate to round it out.
• For celebrating: New Year's Eve is only a week after Christmas, so plan ahead with a basket fit for a celebration. Include a small bottle of sparkling cider, a champagne glass, a party hat, and some noisemakers. Gifting to a couple? Double up on it all so they can share a night together!

Making spirits (and budgets) bright

Christmas has been commercialized to within an inch of its tinselly little life, and it seems to get more expensive every year. Even the trappings have gotten ridiculous -- I've seen Christmas cards with $15 price tags!

None of that is necessary. You can get everything you need without overstepping your finances simply by shopping at the right places. And as much as the media mocks the saying, it truly is the thought that counts. (All of my favorite gifts are those that show the giver put some genuine thought into what I might enjoy.)

Instead of throwing money at everything, let's embrace the holiday spirit and our bank accounts with a little more thought -- and a lot less spending.