COUPON QUEEEN: The best items to buy at a dollar store

Even with Dollar Tree recently increasing its prices from $1 to $1.25, it's still a place I frequently stop. Of course, there are some items that you can find cheaper in other stores, but there are many items that I wouldn't buy anywhere else. Here are five things that regularly jump into my cart at dollar stores. Greeting cards You can grab a pricey Hallmark card, but a dollar card is usually perfect for any occasion. I've spotted $10 cards at other stores, and while they can light up, sing and shake, I have a hard time paying that much. Dollar stores have many cards to choose from, including congratulations, birthdays, and bereavement. They even have packs of invitations and thank you cards. Most receivers won't care what the price was of their card, especially with a handwritten note inside. Organizational needs Dollar stores have a wide variety of tubs, bins and baskets, and they often come in many sizes, styles, and colors. These are perfect for office supplies, toys, gift baskets, or closet organization. I've even found cloth bins and baskets, which would have cost $10 each at other stores. Above all, I've been impressed with the quality of these items too. Party supplies My first stop is usually the dollar store when planning a party. I love that I can find color-themed items for just about any party of my choosing, from birthdays, holidays, baby showers and more. Of course, I can't buy everything I need here, but balloons, steamers, vinyl tablecloths, tissue paper, and party signs are a great start. Most stores also carry helium balloons which are a great bargain too. Holiday and seasonal decor Each season, the dollar store is packed with fun things to decorate your home. From wall decor to seasonal dish towels, they have it all. Want to redecorate your Christmas tree? Shop early, and you'll find a wide assortment of options available that would cost you at least twice as much at any other store. Gift bags The money you'll save in gift bags alone is a great reason to stop into a dollar store. Dollar stores often offer gift bags in many colors, sizes, and varieties, so you should be covered for any occasion. They even have jumbo-size bags. While browsing this area, I'm always on the lookout for plain-colored, multicount packs. I buy these and put them in my gift closets, so I always have a bag when I need one. Bows and tissue paper packs are available too, and these will help you finish off your gift. These stores also cover every occasion, from birthdays to baby showers. This week's deal Here's a deal you can grab this week at CVS. Select General Mills cereals — $1.99 each Buy 2 = $3.98 Use the $1/2 General Mills cereal products digital manufacturer's coupon* Pay $2.98 Get 50¢ cash back via Ibotta when you buy select General Mills cereal (limit 5) = $1 cash back total = $1.98 total – just 99¢ each! * The coupon can be found online at CVS or on their app. Rachel Krych is passionate about helping others spend less and save more. In addition to her weekly column, she has a blog, Couponing With Rachel, which earns her compensation from Google for ads it places there, and from entertainment marketers whose promotional codes she touts. She doesn't write about entertainment in her column. Email her at couponingwithrachel@hotmail.com.