Major Dollar Store Chains for Crafters
Canadian Dollar Store Chains
| Store Name |
Locations |
Price Range |
Best For |
| Dollarama |
1,400+ across Canada |
$1.25 - $5.00 |
Seasonal crafts, home décor items |
| Dollar Tree Canada |
Multiple provinces |
$1.25 fixed price |
Consistent budget planning, curated craft selection |
| Great Canadian Dollar Store |
Rural/smaller communities |
$1.00 - $3.00 |
Basic supplies, seasonal items |
North American Chains
| Store Name |
Availability |
Price Range |
Specialty |
| Dollar General |
Limited Canadian presence, extensive US |
$1.00 - $10.00 |
Brand-name craft supplies at discount |
| Family Dollar |
Some Canadian locations, widespread US |
$1.00 - $10.00 |
Craft supplies, organization items |
| 99 Cents Only |
Primarily US West Coast |
$0.99 - $9.99 |
Excellent craft selection |
Essential Craft Supplies by Category
Paper Products
| Item Type |
Typical Price |
Best Uses |
Quality Notes |
| Construction Paper Packs |
$1.25 - $2.00 |
Kids crafts, card making |
Good colour variety |
| Cardstock |
$1.25 - $3.00 |
Invitations, sturdy projects |
Decent weight |
| Scrapbook Paper |
$1.25 - $4.00 |
Memory books, decorative projects |
Patterns vary seasonally |
| Tissue Paper |
$1.25 - $2.00 |
Flower making, gift wrapping |
Lightweight, good colours |
| Specialty Papers |
$2.00 - $4.00 |
Metallic accents, themed projects |
Limited selection |
Adhesives & Fasteners
| Product |
Price Range |
Project Types |
Durability |
| Glue Sticks |
$1.25 - $2.00 |
Paper crafts, kids projects |
Good for temporary bonds |
| Liquid Glue |
$1.25 - $2.50 |
General crafting |
Adequate for most uses |
| Double-sided Tape |
$1.25 - $3.00 |
Card making, mounting |
Varies by brand |
| Craft Foam Adhesive |
$2.00 - $3.00 |
3D projects, mounting |
Strong hold |
| Brass Fasteners |
$1.25 - $2.00 |
Moving parts, bookmaking |
Durable metal |
Decorative Elements
| Category |
Items Available |
Seasonal Availability |
Price Range |
| Artificial Flowers |
Roses, daisies, greenery |
Spring/Summer peak |
$1.25 - $4.00 |
| Ribbons |
Satin, grosgrain, seasonal |
Year-round, themed |
$1.25 - $3.00 |
| Embellishments |
Gems, stones, buttons |
Constant rotation |
$1.25 - $2.50 |
| Figurines |
Animals, seasonal characters |
Holiday-dependent |
$1.25 - $5.00 |
| Holiday Décor |
Themed by season |
Rotating quarterly |
$1.25 - $4.00 |
Art Supplies
| Supply Type |
Quality Level |
Best For |
Price Range |
| Acrylic Paints |
Basic |
General crafts, kids projects |
$1.25 - $3.00 |
| Markers |
Good |
Drawing, colouring |
$1.25 - $4.00 |
| Coloured Pencils |
Adequate |
Detailed work, adult colouring |
$1.25 - $3.00 |
| Paintbrushes |
Basic |
Craft painting, touch-ups |
$1.25 - $2.50 |
| Foam Brushes |
Good |
Staining, base coats |
$1.25 - $2.00 |
Containers & Organization
| Container Type |
Sizes Available |
Craft Uses |
Price |
| Mason Jars |
Small to large |
Luminaries, organizers, gifts |
$1.25 - $4.00 |
| Plastic Containers |
Various shapes |
Paint mixing, storage |
$1.25 - $3.00 |
| Baskets |
Small decorative |
Gift presentation, organization |
$2.00 - $5.00 |
| Storage Boxes |
Multiple sizes |
Supply organization |
$1.25 - $4.00 |
Textiles & Fabric
| Material |
Colours/Patterns |
Project Ideas |
Price Range |
| Felt Sheets |
20+ colours |
Appliqué, kids crafts |
$1.25 - $2.00 |
| Fabric Scraps |
Seasonal patterns |
Quilting, mixed media |
$1.25 - $3.00 |
| Yarn |
Basic colours |
Simple knitting, pom-poms |
$1.25 - $4.00 |
| Embroidery Floss |
Colour packs |
Hand stitching, friendship bracelets |
$1.25 - $2.50 |
Seasonal Craft Supply Calendar
| Season |
Best Finds |
Typical Availability |
Project Ideas |
| Spring |
Artificial flowers, pastel colours, garden items |
March - May |
Wreaths, centerpieces, garden crafts |
| Summer |
Bright colours, outdoor items, picnic supplies |
June - August |
Outdoor décor, beach crafts, BBQ decorations |
| Fall |
Autumn leaves, pumpkins, warm colours |
September - November |
Thanksgiving crafts, harvest décor |
| Winter |
Christmas ornaments, silver/gold, winter themes |
December - February |
Holiday decorations, gift wrapping |
Quick Project Ideas by Supply Category
Paper Craft Projects
| Project |
Supplies Needed |
Difficulty |
Time Required |
| Greeting Cards |
Cardstock, markers, stickers |
Easy |
30 minutes |
| Paper Flowers |
Tissue paper, wire, glue |
Medium |
1 hour |
| Scrapbook Pages |
Scrapbook paper, photos, adhesive |
Easy |
45 minutes |
| Origami Decorations |
Coloured paper, instructions |
Medium |
20 minutes each |
| Project |
Base Item |
Additional Supplies |
Result |
| Painted Mason Jar Luminaries |
Mason jars |
Acrylic paint, battery lights |
Decorative lighting |
| Decorated Storage Boxes |
Plain boxes |
Paper, ribbon, glue |
Organized storage |
| Flower Vases |
Various containers |
Paint, decorative elements |
Custom vases |
Budget Planning
| Budget |
Recommended Purchases |
Project Potential |
| $10 |
Basic supplies (paper, glue, markers) |
2-3 simple projects |
| $20 |
Variety pack (papers, decorations, containers) |
5-6 projects |
| $30 |
Full craft session supplies |
8-10 projects or one large project |
Quality Assessment Tips
| Item Category |
What to Check |
Red Flags |
| Paper Products |
Thickness, colour consistency |
Thin, easily torn paper |
| Adhesives |
Expiration dates, cap condition |
Dried out, separated glue |
| Decorative Items |
Secure attachments, colour fastness |
Loose parts, fading |
| Containers |
Cracks, lid fit |
Damaged seals, warping |
Happy crafting on a budget!