The Cheapest Place to Buy Everything You Need for Summer

summer dollar store

It’s shaping up to be a summer like no other, but lately I’ve been thinking that doesn’t have to be such a bad thing. You don’t have to travel or spend a bunch of money to have some summer fun, and there’s plenty of it to be had right in your own backyard!

Personally, I’ve found planting flowers and gardening to be very therapeutic, so I’ve been doing a lot of that lately. But your idea of summer fun might be watching your grandkids run through the sprinklers, grilling up delicious meals, or road tripping with the family.

No matter how you’d like to spend your time this summer, you may need to stock up on supplies or equipment before you can get started. But in today’s blog post, I want to share an easy way you can get everything you need for summer as inexpensively as possible!

Below, I’ve put together a list of 10 summer essentials you can find at your local dollar store. Many people don’t think to check the dollar store for this kind of stuff, but it’s a great way to jump-start your summer fun without breaking the bank!

10 Surprising Summer Essentials You Get at the Dollar Store

Assorted dollar store gardening tools, pots, gloves, a hose nozzle, seed packets, and a box of seeds are arranged on grass.

1. Gardening Supplies

Shopping for gardening supplies at boutique garden centers can get expensive fast, but it doesn’t have to be! You can save quite a bit of money by getting some of your gardening supplies at the dollar store.

You can find things like hose attachments, gardening tools, gloves, seed packets, bulbs, pots of all sizes, and more!

A blue floral tote bag, a blue pool noodle, kids' swim goggles, and a packaged inflatable fish float from the dollar store are arranged on green grass.

2. Swim Gear & Toys

Looking forward to some serious pool time this summer? You can find all the swim gear you need at the dollar store! Look for big beach totes, goggles, water wings, inflatables, pool noodles, and more.

Three pairs of flip-flops from the dollar store, featuring leopard, anchors, and geometric patterns, are arranged on green grass.

3. Footwear

There’s always a surprisingly good selection of summer-y flip flops at my local dollar store! They have a lot of different patterns available, so you’re sure to find something for everyone in the family. A lot of dollar stores also sell water shoes during the summer months, so keep an eye out for those!

A pineapple-shaped

4. Yard Decor

Could your backyard use a bit of a facelift? Spruce things up a bit with some cute yard decor that’s perfect for the summer season! Check your dollar store for yard signs, wind spinners, bird feeders, doormats and more.

Assorted tropical-themed party supplies, including plates, napkins, a tablecloth, and green plastic cutlery from the dollar store, all arranged on green grass.

5. Tableware

Dollar stores have some great summer-themed tableware that’s perfect for a backyard barbecue. You can find disposable plates, napkins, tablecloths, cutlery, cups, and more in fun, summery patterns! I found these tiki-themed supplies at my local dollar store, and now all I need now is a grass skirt! 😉

Three snacks—garden vegetable crackers, peanut M&M's, and Life Savers hard candy—are placed on artificial grass next to a white cooler, showcasing a fun dollar store haul perfect for any casual outing.

6. Road Trip Essentials

The dollar store is a great place to stock up on supplies for your next road trip. You can find coolers, snacks, drinks, card games, and more!

Children's outdoor toys from the dollar store, including a jump rope, bubble jar, yellow and pink chalk, a water gun, and two red plastic rackets with a yellow ball, are arranged on green grass.

7. Toys & Games

Yard games and toys from the dollar store are great for getting the family outside and playing together. For just a few bucks, you can stock up on things like jump ropes, bubbles and bubble guns, sidewalk chalk, and fun yard games like catch and toss.

Two artificial pink flower stems and two green floral foam blocks, all sourced from the dollar store, are placed on a grass-like surface.

8. Faux Flowers

Spruce up your house inside and out with faux flowers from the dollar store! It’s an easy way to add a pop of color to any space, and I’m always pleasantly surprised at how nice they look too.

A patriotic cap with stars and stripes, red, white, and blue garland, and a beaded necklace from the dollar store lie on green grass.

9. Fourth of July Party Supplies

Need some very last-minute supplies for an Independence Day shindig or barbecue? Check out the dollar store for hats, necklaces, and decor that are decked out in red, white, and blue.

A dollar store plaque reading

10. Graduation Gear

If you know a grad whose graduation festivities were cancelled this year, the dollar store can help you celebrate and honor their achievement. (Hey, better late than never, right?) Look for graduation-themed gifts, toys, and decor.

What’s one way you’re planning to have some summer fun this year?

NEW! Can you guess the 5-letter word related to today’s post?

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