Crafting is one of the most enjoyable ways to express creativity, relieve stress, and spend quality time with others—but it can also get expensive if you’re not careful. The good news? You can find a wide range of high-quality, affordable craft supplies at variety stores like Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Five Below. Whether you’re planning kids’ activities, DIY home decor, or seasonal projects, these stores are loaded with budget-friendly options that don’t skimp on creativity.
Here’s a breakdown of the best craft supplies to buy on a budget—and how to use them.
- Paper and coloring essentials
A strong base for almost any craft project, and a constant favorite for kids and beginners alike.
- Construction paper
- Sketchpads and drawing paper
- Crayons, colored pencils, and markers
- Stencils and tracing templates
These basics are widely available at all major variety stores and often come in multi-packs.
- Glue, tape, and adhesives
No project can come together without the right adhesive. Look for:
- Glue sticks (safe for kids)
- White school glue
- Glitter glue pens
- Double-sided tape and decorative washi tape
Five Below frequently carries themed glue pens and embellishment kits that add flair to DIY projects.
- Paint and brushes
Many variety stores stock:
- Tempera or watercolor paints
- Acrylics (perfect for adult DIY projects)
- Foam brushes and bristle brushes
- Paint palettes and drop cloths
These items are ideal for beginner painters or casual projects like poster-making and rock painting.
- Beads and jewelry-making kits
From kids’ bead crafts to DIY earrings and bracelets, you can often find:
- Pony beads and alphabet beads
- Stretch cord and jewelry string
- Clasps and fasteners
- Starter jewelry kits for kids or teens
Family Dollar often rotates craft and hobby items seasonally, especially near holidays and back-to-school.
- Craft foam, felt, and fabric squares
Perfect for making masks, puppets, soft ornaments, or decorative cutouts. These materials are lightweight, easy to work with, and often sold in assorted color packs.
- Scissors, punches, and cutting tools
For both kids and adults, precision tools are a must. Most variety stores carry:
- Safety scissors for kids
- Craft scissors with patterned blades
- Hole punches and shape cutters
- Seasonal and themed kits
Keep an eye on seasonal aisles, which frequently feature:
- Halloween mask kits
- Valentine’s Day card kits
- DIY ornaments during winter holidays
- Easter egg decorating kits
Buying seasonally can also mean getting deeper discounts after the holiday rush.
- Storage and organization
Once you have your supplies, keep everything in order with:
- Craft bins and caddies
- Plastic storage boxes
- Drawer organizers
- Pencil cases
Check out Five Below’s storage section for colorful, kid-friendly organization options.
