49 Amazing Dollar Store Hacks To Save Parents Time and Money

The Dollar Store is the best place in the world to find things that can save you time and money. Honestly, I shop there at least a couple times a week, and have found so many useful hacks. I’ve also found a great list of Dollar Store hacks for you.

These are perfect for parents, and definitely things that you should keep in mind to get your kids, your house, and your life organized. There’s even a couple of great car organization tips in here.

From using muffin tins to organize art supplies to the perfect over the seat car organizer, you can find something in there that is going to make your life easier.  You know how much I love organizing! Remember the 150 organizing tips?

And the best part is these hacks are all from the Dollar Store, so you know that means they’re cheap, too!

Art Supply Organizer

Kids love their art supplies and you love to see them create unique things, right? I’m betting you also love it when things are all perfectly organized. One of the greatest Dollar Store hacks I’ve found is this art supply organizer idea.

You just need a muffin tin and some plastic cups that fit down into it. Just fill the cups with the art supplies and voila! You’ve got art organization in a no mess container.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: babyclip

Easy Car Organizer

Keep those car messes under control with a cheap shoe organizer. You can pick these up at the Dollar Store for just a few dollars each, even less if you find them on clearance, and they make the perfect organizer for car supplies and kids toys.

Just use the individual pockets to hold snacks, crayons, or whatever else you need to take along. This is a great idea for long road trips, or even just going back and forth to school.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: decorganizecrafts

Dish Racks for School Supplies

Homeschoolers are going to love this easy way to organize school supplies. Even if you don’t school your kids at home, this is a good, and cheap, way to keep supplies organized so that your kids can find what they need quickly.

Books and notebooks stay in place in the dish rack, and you can use the silverware cup for pencils and pens. Plus, it doesn’t take up that much room in the house.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: daybydayhsing

Easy Card Storage

Playing cards, card games, and even flashcards can be easily stored and organized with plastic soap holders. You know those travel soap holders that are about a dollar each?

You can use those to keep all of your cards perfectly organized, and since they’re relatively see thru, you will know exactly what you’re grabbing. Plus, the soapbox holders are moisture proof, so there are no worries of cards getting ruined by spills. These are also great for storing crayons and other small items.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: shadytreediary

Sippy Cup Organizer

I know you’ve lost at least one sippy cup lid at some point. Every parent in the world has that one cup that no longer has its lid. With a Dollar Store basket, you can keep those cups and lids organized and ensure that you always have a cup with a matching lid.

Just pick up some small plastic baskets and use them to keep your sippy cup drawer in great shape. You can also put them in the dishwasher, so they’ll stay put when you need to sanitize them.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: blog.delightfulorder

Tube Socks Make Great Leg Warmers

Ok, I know you’ve seen those adorable tub socks that the Dollar Store has for around a dollar. Colorful and cute, these make gorgeous baby leg warmers. You literally just cut out the foot part.

You might want to roll up the ends and put a few stitches in to keep the hem in place. Imagine the money you’ll save by spending a dollar on leg warmers as opposed to several dollars on tights or leggings.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: yourbabydays

Mesh Beach Toy Holder

Instead of investing in an expensive tote or worse, losing toys and/or ending up with sand all over your car, pick up a mesh laundry bag and use that for storing beach toys.

Just add the toys at the end of the day and give it a good shake. All that sand will land back on the beach where it belongs and you’ll be safe to transport those toys home, without a sandy mess ending up in your trunk.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: theidearoom

Outdoor Activity Storage Baskets

This is one of my absolute favorites. Not only do you get great storage for outdoor activities and toys, but the chalkboards are a great plus. These little baskets are so inexpensive and give you the perfect place for bubbles and other outdoor playthings.

Technically, you don’t have to do the chalkboard signs, but why wouldn’t you? These are just too adorable, and the easiest way to keep your yard free from toy clutter.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: momnivores-dilemma

Car Trash Can from Cereal Container

Ok, so car messes happen when you have kids, right? And you know those plastic bags just don’t cut it most of the time. You can create the perfect trash can for your car with a cereal container that you can pick up at the Dollar Store for about a dollar.

You just put your small trash bag in there, and the best part is there’s a lid so none of that trash will get re-thrown around your car.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: bhg

Easy Fast Food Organizer

This little organizing basket can make eating in the car so much easier. Whether you’re a soccer mom who totes her kids around to game every evening, or you just have a few nights when you’re eating dinner on the go, this little basket will help to keep those fast food dinners from hitting the floor.

There’s a place for everything, including a drink so they’ll be able to reach their food and without worries of things spilling out.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: lookiewhatidid

DIY Glitter Ornaments

So, Christmas is coming and it’s time to get the little ones excited and making ornaments. These great DIY glitter ornaments are made with cheap Dollar Store supplies, and the best part is they won’t let glitter get everywhere.

The inside is all glittery and the glitter stays put, so you can enjoy them year after year. What a great project for the kids when it starts getting too cold to be outside!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: lbcody

Magnetic Wall Storage

For around $5, you can create the adorable storage pans for the wall, and keep those magnetic toys off the floor. Use these for alphabet magnets, or anything else that you want to keep organized.

They also give the kids a wonderful play area, and you can use them to leave messages for the family. The pizza pans are perfect for sticking those magnets on and when you paint them, you can make them match your décor perfectly!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: dollarstorecrafts

Bucket Art Storage

Get that arts and crafts area organized with cheap Dollar Store buckets! These cute little metal buckets are under a dollar and can be easily hung on a shelf with pegs or hooks, which is also really cheap.

Just fill the buckets with crayons, paint supplies, or any other arts and crafts goodies and then hang them up on the wall. You can create this entire system for around $5 and never have broken crayons cluttering the floor again!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: therewasacrookedhouse

Pool Noodle Crib Rail Cover

Yep, we’re talking pool noodles. These are normally just a dollar but since it’s fall, you can probably get them for about half off if your Dollar Store still has them on hand.

You can use pool noodles for so many wonderful things, and creating a neat crib rail cover is one of the best ideas I’ve seen. You just cut a slit into the noodle and place it over the crib rail to protect baby from falling and hurting herself on the rail.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: babybumpapp

Craft Boxes for Hair Storage

No, not your actual hair, but you can use these handy craft boxes to perfectly store and organize hair barrettes, ties, ribbons, bows, and ponytail holders.

Just sort them all out into the individual spaces and when that lid is closed, there’s no worry of losing all of your little girl’s hair accessories. This is great for kids’ rooms because it helps them to keep organized and keeps you from buying clips and barrettes over and over again because she just keeps losing them.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: theidearoom

Create Your Own Bookends

So, I love elephants, but that’s not why I love these bookends. You can make these for just a few dollars and the kids will love them. You just need plastic animals that you can pick up really cheap at most Dollar Stores, and some wood to glue them on.

You literally just glue and paint and you can do any animal or combination of animals that you want. You get a great way to keep those loose books organized and a little room décor at the same time.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: lovegrowswild

Family Command Center Organization Board

You know those moms who always seem to have everything together? The ones that are so completely organized, you think they must be Mom of the Year? You can be one of those moms!

And, with stuff that you get at the Dollar Store. You just have to put together this great family command center, and you’re instantly an overly organized mom. It’s pretty easy to make and is a great way to keep track of absolutely everything going on in your life.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: girllovesglam

Ice Pop Tray Crayon Organizer

Keep crayons organized by color, brand, size, type, or however you want, and do it easily with an ice pop tray that you can pick up for a dollar or less.

These plastic little trays, made for making popsicles, are perfect for organizing your crayons. This is a great idea for teachers or homeschoolers who want to organize their crayons by color, too. And it keeps them all together and off the floor.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: kfundamentals

Dollar Store Frame Window Art

Let the kids have a fun afternoon in during colder weather with this window art idea. Just put those paints, actually you use food coloring and glue, in plastic condiment bottles, which you can also get at the Dollar Store, and let them paint on cheap picture frames.

These look great when they’re finished and it gives the kids something to do for a couple hours while the weather isn’t cooperating.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: stillparenting

Wipe Off Calendar

A picture frame and some paint samples, or anything else that you may want to substitute, creates the perfect wipe off calendar that will help you to keep things really organized.

This works as a dry erase board when you’re finished so you can use it for every single month, and really keep up with what’s going on in your crazy life. Plus it’s pretty enough to hang up in any room.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: mapleandmagnolia

Craft Supplies on the Go

A large Ziploc container with lid is the perfect organizer for crafts and other supplies on the go. Make your traveling much easier with little ones by taking along some things to keep them occupied on those long car rides.

Flash cards, Play-Doh, crayons, and just about anything else you can imagine will fit perfectly into the Ziploc container, and since there’s a lid you can worry less about things getting lost or cluttering up the floor.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: notimeforflashcards

Easy Craft Cleanup

A plastic tablecloth from the Dollar Store, which you can pick up for about a dollar, is the perfect way to clean up messages after craft time.

Just throw the tablecloth over the floor or table when kids want to paint, play with glitter, or do other crafts, and when they’re finished it’s an easy cleanup, without worries of stains to your floors or furniture.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: meaningfulmama

Nontoxic Glowing Water

Give the kids a thrill with this glowing water that you can make yourself with highlighters. It’s nontoxic and really simple to make. This is great for outdoor play when the weather permits at night, or you could think of dozens of ways to use this water.

Fill up some glow in the dark balloons or balls. The possibilities are endless!

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: growingajeweledrose

Salad Spinner Spin Art

Use a cheap salad spinner to create this gorgeous spin art. Paper plates are really inexpensive and are the perfect base for your art.

Kids will really love this idea and it’s another way to pass the time when the weather gets too cold for outdoor play.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: diycandy

On the Go Straw Carrier

How many times have you gone through a fast food drive thru just to realize that they forgot to give you a straw? Use a travel toothbrush holder to carry straws with you on the go.

The straws fit perfectly into the holder, and they’ll stay put in your purse, glove compartment, or luggage. You’ll always have a straw when you need it.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: chicaandjo

Make a Glowing Bath

You can use glow sticks in the bathtub to create a fun bath time. You can get several of these at the Dollar Store, normally around 15 glow sticks for a dollar. Just toss them into the water when the kids are in the tub and let the fun begin.

Turn off the lights, supervising children at the same time of course, and really watch them have a blast.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: racheldomesticated

Make a Cheap Ice Pack

Kitchen sponges run about a dollar for two and you can use them to make the perfect ice pack for kids’ school lunches. Just soak your sponges in water, put them in a Ziploc bag and freeze.

As the water melts, it will be reabsorbed back into the sponge, and held at bay with the zip top bag, so there’s absolutely no mess. Much better than those rather expensive plastic ice packs.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: thekitchn

Basket Storage for Stairs

Instead of tripping over stuff that’s piled up on the stairs, put these baskets down. Kids can drop their stuff in, or you can when you run across it, and then they can put it away as they head back upstairs.

The baskets are really inexpensive and a great way to keep clutter off the floor. Plus, if they get really full, the kids can carry the entire basket up to put things away and then return it empty.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: mamawithideas

Everlasting Dryer Sheets

Make your own everlasting dryer sheets with some cheap sponges and liquid fabric softener. You just cut the sponges in half, soak in fabric softener, and keep in an airtight container. Squeeze out the extra fabric softener before you throw them in the dryer with your clothes.

You can even wash them as needed, change fabric softener scents, and save a bundle when you use these instead of dryer sheets.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: lifecheating

DIY Sachets

Keep gym clothes, closets, dresser drawers, and lockers smelling fresh all the time with these easy to make sachets. You just need a few small mesh bags, which you can get really cheap at the Dollar Store, and then some dried lavender or a dryer sheet.

Just fill the bags and toss them wherever you need to freshen things up a bit. These are great for gym bags or throw them under your car seat to keep your car smelling fresh.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: mycrazyblessedlife

Great American Doll Accessories

You’ll find loads of American Doll must haves at your local Dollar Store. Just head to the toy section for affordable tea sets and more that will perfectly match the size of your little one’s American Doll.

The doll itself can be a bit expensive, so save yourself a bit of money and shop at the Dollar Store for all the accessories she needs for years of fun play time.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: karenmomofthreescraft

Make a Prize Box

Give little ones incentive to do their chores, be nice to their siblings, or be good in general. An inexpensive basket and some dollar toys are the perfect things to reward them with when you “catch them being good.”

Rewards offer positive reinforcement that can go a long way, and you can choose toys or prizes that are appropriate for the age and personality of each child.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: agrandelife

Sensory Play Ideas

Fake snow, which you can get at the Dollar Store for around a dollar, is a great idea for sensory play. Just fill a plastic bowl or bucket with the fake snow and add animals, cars, whatever you want.

Kids will have hours of fun playing on their “snow day” and if you use a Tupperware type bowl, you can place the lid on it and save it from being spilled until the next time.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: carrotsareorange

Organize the Medicine Cabinet

Plastic storage boxes make the perfect organization tools for medicine cabinets. Not only can you keep adults medicines and children’s medicines separated, you could also organize by type.

Have a box with band aids and boo boo supplies, one for cold and cough, and another for headaches and fever. When you label the boxes, you’ll always be able to find those medicines in a pinch.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: askannamoseley

Jewelry Catch All

An ice cube tray helps to keep jewelry in check. Just use the individual sections to keep small items from falling to the floor. This is great for earrings, and other smaller items, and perfect for kids rooms.

They can keep jewelry, hair bows, or anything in the ice cube trays, and they’re stackable so they won’t take up too much room on the dresser.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: popsugar

Organize Ponytail Holders

A Carabiner is a great way to organize ponytail holders and keep up with them. You just unfasten the clip and slide the ponytail holders onto it. Then store in a drawer or you can even hang these on a hanger or jewelry organizer.

This is the perfect way to keep track of all those ponytails and rubber bands, and they’re really cheap.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: hiitsjilly

Gaming Supply Organizer

These neat little hanging baskets will help you to keep desks and gaming areas completely organized. You can keep games, controllers, and even cords in the baskets, which will hang nicely under shelving.

So, clean up that gaming station and put all those games away neatly. This is also a great idea for organizing movies and other things that can be kept in the baskets.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: organizingmadefun

North Pole Solar Light

Give your home a nice Christmasy look and the kids a thrill with this solar powered stake light, complete with North Pole charm. This would look great on the mantel and the best part is it costs less than $5 to make.

Create a couple of them and have them sitting around the house on every corner. This is such a wonderful project for the kids, and will add instant Christmas charm.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: dollarstorecrafts

Christmas Countdown Calendar

For around $5 each, you can make any number of these adorable Christmas countdown calendars, each of which holds goodies for the kids. Just choose your pattern and head off to the Dollar Store for your short list of supplies.

They hold mini candy canes and other goodies that the kids will love. Each day, they get a new goodie! What a wonderful way to count down the days until Santa comes.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: simplykellyb.

Foam Swords

Remember the pool noodles? Well, here’s another great idea. Make foam swords with them so that the kids can have some active play without actually being too risky. You can create handles from cardboard and then let them at it.

This is such a great idea for boys, although I’m sure girls will love it, too, and the noodles are soft enough that if someone gets hit, they won’t get hurt.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: oneshetwoshe

Scarf and Glove Storage

These plastic cups can be used to create the perfect storage for gloves, scarves, hats, and other outdoor play necessities. You can get four of the cups at the Dollar Store for a dollar, and then use tape or a magic marker to put the kids’ names on them.

Hang them on the wall and have them keep gloves and things in them so that they can find them easily when it comes time to go outside.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: madiganmade

Bath Toy Storage

Organize those toys in the bathtub with this great basket hook idea. You need a shower rod, some small plastic baskets, and you’re all set. You just stretch the rod across the back of the tub and use the hooks to hold the baskets.

No more toys all over the bathroom floor or falling into the tub while you’re showering. If you really want to be organized, use a different colored basket for each child’s toys.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: frugal-freebies

Nursery Drawer Organizers

From tiny little clothing to blankets, you can find something at the Dollar Store that will be perfect for keeping the nursery organized. Match up little outfits and have them ready for the entire week, or make sure that you never lose those matching socks again.

These are all great organizing tricks and all of them can be picked up for just a few dollars each.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: mysocalledhome

Toothbrush Organizer

A silverware drawer is the perfect organizer for kids’ bathrooms. These things are about a dollar each and you can use them to perfectly store toothpaste and toothbrushes, without worries of a mess.

If they kids drop toothpaste all over them, just pull them out and rinse them off. You can use the silverware drawer for other organizing, too, but this is by far one of my favorite hacks.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: cinnaberry-suite

Clothing Organizers

Note how I just love that word “organizer”. Here’s another great Dollar Store hack turned organization tip. You can get these little foam hangers for a dollar, there are several in a pack.

Then, you can use them to label your kids’ clothes for the entire week. Just write the days of the week on each of them, and put them around the hanger that has outfits for those specific days. No more missing the bus because they couldn’t find their clothes.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: thehometeacher

Themed Party Dishes

Want to make your kids’ next party a huge success? These DIY themed serving dishes are great, and because they’re DIY, you can use whatever animal you want to make them.

You could make smaller versions so that each child has his or her own special plate or make a larger one for a centerpiece server. These are so adorable, so cheap, and so easy to make.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: threelittlemonkeysstudio

Pool Noodle Door Stop

So there’s that pool noodle again, and this time it’s keeping your little ones’ fingers from being hurt. If you cut just a strip of the noodle off and cut a slit in it, you can position it up on the door, where little ones can’t get to it, and it keeps doors from slamming on their little hands.

One noodle, which is about a dollar, can be cut into about six door stops.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: reddeliciouslife

DIY Baby Bottle Holder

Help your baby to develop motor skills and give yourself a break with this great DIY bottle holder. Actually, you don’t even have to do anything to do. Just pick up an Oball. They’re about a dollar and made of plastic.

They have holes in them, where bottles will fit perfectly. Plus, because they have holes, baby can hold them much easier than she can her actual bottle. This is a great trick for car feedings.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: parenthacks

DIY Animal Key Chains

A cheap bag of plastic animals make the perfect key chains that you can use as treat bag gifts for your child’s next birthday party. One bag should give you around 25 to 50 animals and then you just add the key ring.

These are great for party favors or you could use them to hold your kids’ keys.

DIY Instructions and Project Credit: gingersnapsblog

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