How to Save on Dining Furnitures (hack?) When You Are Broke
I was left with little budget to furnish my unit when I purchased my condo. This is because of all the fees that came with buying a property such as lawyer’s fee and more. So I had to be resourceful, creative and on point with my budget.
Find out below how I was able to have a minimalist mid century modern dining furnitures for only $103.47. A simple minimalist mid century modern house dining theme that anyone with low budget can have.
Furnitures
- Table (a desk actually)
I considered this as my dining furniture “little hack”. Ikea offers this great concept of mix and match desk and legs. You can choose your preferred desk and then matched it with the color/type of the legs that you think would go well with your chosen desk.
Now I know what you’re thinking — a desk is not sturdy enough to be an alternative for a dining table. But let me explain.
I live by myself and my condo has a nice kitchen island with granite top. So I figured I wouldn’t be using the dining table much except when I have family and friends over.
I’ve had my table (a desk actually) for over a year now and it is still in good shape. And just as I have predicted, I only use it when I have guests over.
Ikea Desk 
Ikea Legs - Chairs
I used an app called OfferUp to sell my old furnitures before moving in to my condo. I had a good experience selling my furnitures in the app. So I thought I’d try buying this time. I was confident I’d have similar positive experience in finding minimalist mid century furnitures that would suit my taste and my condo.
I’m so glad I tried OfferUp because I found these 4 beautiful mid century chairs. They’re not authentic mid century pieces but they’re a nice replica.
They’re being offered at $60 for 4 pieces with one caveat — 2 chairs are a bit wobbly. The seller said it was because they’re missing “washers”.
I contacted the seller. And after one offer and one counter offer, I picked up 4 mid century chairs. And guess what, I paid only $40 for all of them.
Are you wondering what I did with the 2 wobbly chairs? I was able to find matching washers from ACE Hardware for less than a dollar.
Alternative
As of this writing I could not find similar listings in OfferUp so I searched elsewhere for you. Though Amazon could not beat the price I got from OfferUp, it is the cheapest I could find online. And they’re brand new.
(Disclaimer: I am not connected or affiliated with the seller. I have not ordered anything from this seller. Please take your time in reviewing the item and vetting out before purchasing).
Amazon Mid Century Chairs - Plant accessories
I am in so much awe that one such tiny thing can make all the difference. My minimalist looking table ( a desk actually) looked so much better when adorned with this artificial plant from Ikea. This wheat grass-looking plant paired with galvanized pot is the bomb.
Ikea Artificial Plant 
Ikea Galvanized Plant Pot Alternative
A tip for an even lower price — I found a cheaper galvanized plant pot from dollar tree which I wish I found first before I bought the one from Ikea.
Dollar Tree Galvanized Plant Pot Those are my mix and match pieces of furniture that I didn’t expect would go so well together. Mid century meets modern minimalist furnitures enhanced with trendy artificial plant.
I always find it delightful seeing the shock in people’s faces when I reveal how much they only cost.
Price List:
Total Cost for My Simple Minimalist Mid Century Dining Furnitures 
Total Cost Using Alternative Items from Amazon and Dollar Tree 
Allow me to showcase my Dining Set on a Budget
P.S. You might think “the wall could use some decors” and you are so much right.
How I would love to hang a classic elegant looking framed art. Or to make it even more functional a flat screen tv. But when I think of how much it would cost me, I abandoned the idea. And instead, I thought of a better one.
I could just have the wall function as a projector screen. A nice portable projector is way cheaper than a flat screen tv. And since it’s portable, I can use it in my living room and I can set it up in my bedroom too. The best part is that I don’t have to deal with wires and cables that are kind of an eye sore for me.
I don’t have a projector yet. I haven’t found the need to have one. But when the time comes, I’ll be sure to post it and share my experience.
Or if you have any suggestions on what to decorate my empty wall, please feel free to comment down below.
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30 Items You Should Buy From Dollar Tree
Have you ever seen those Dollar Tree hacks wherein they were awesomely done no one would ever guess they were from Dollar Tree? And have you ever wonder how some people are so talented in making beautiful things out of simple inexpensive things? I have. And I’m so jealous. I love arts and crafts but I’m not that crafty.
I also wonder if I am the only one ending up having to spend more and totally blowing up the whole idea of “hacking”. This is because whenever I try to copy those hacks I find myself having to buy more for tools and stuff needed to transform something into something great.
If you’re like me, this is for you. This article is just straight up items that I prefer getting from Dollar Tree. No need to bring your hacking skills, they can be used as is and work just as great.
There’s one item that I want to call “a little hack”. But don’t worry, like I’ve said earlier, no need for hacking skill. You don’t have to do anything, no need to transform anything. You can just use this item other than what it was originally created for. Clue: clothespins. Check out below.
Party Supplies/Items for Occasions and Events
1. Dollar Tree Balloons
For one time use of balloons on special occasions and events, I always get my balloons from Dollar Tree.
Dollar Tree Baloons 2. Dollar Tree Gift Bags
It’s the gift itself that matters but how the gift was presented can make a lasting impression. So if you want to make some good impressions without overpaying for something that has the tendency to be thrown away, why not get gift bags from Dollar Tree. They have lovely designs and the quality is the same as the ones you would get for a higher price.
3. Dollar Tree Gift Bag Stuffing Tissues
While you’re buying lovely gift bags, why not grab some gift tissues to stuff them with from Dollar Tree.
Gift Tissue 4. Dollar Tree Greeting Cards
I tend to stay away from Greeting Cards to give to my Gen Z nephews and nieces because I have a very cool alternative that I wrote in my article about cute Dollar Tree items. But there are occasions that call for Greeting Cards such as sympathy cards, get well soon cards and much more. For these, Dollar Tree is my go to store. Cheapest is 2 for a dollar and the most expensive one is, you guess it, a dollar.
Dollar Tree Gift Cards Travel Items
5. Dollar Tree Travel Size Toothpaste
Where do you buy your travel sized toothpaste from? I suggest making a trip to Dollar Tree for your travel must haves. I highly recommend getting your toothpaste from there. You’ll get more for a dollar than when you buy it from other stores. Walmart’s travel toothpaste for $0.97 comes in 1 oz while the one you’ll be getting from Dollar Tree comes in either 1.9 or 2.5 oz.
Dollar Tree Toothpaste Compare to Walmart:
Walmart 1.0 oz Travel Size Toothpaste 6. Dollar Tree Dental Floss
Same thing with toothpaste, you’ll get more for a dollar in Dollar Tree than in other stores. Dollar Tree has 60 pieces in one bag while Walmart has 150 pieces for $3.63. When you do the math, 150 pieces from Dollar Tree would cost only $2.50. So it is still cheaper.
Dollar Tree Dental Floss 
Walmart Dental Floss 7. Dollar Tree Travel Meds
Never travel without over-the-counter-medicines especially when traveling abroad. You can get some popular brand medications from Dollar Tree.
8. Dollar Tree Travel Size Deodorant
By now, you probably have seen the pattern here already, your dollar will go a long way in Dollar Tree than in other stores.
Dollar Tree Deodorant Items for Home Use
9. Dollar Tree Liner
I can’t believe liners for drawers, cupboards and fridge from Dollar Tree are of good quality. They come in nice designs too.
10. Dollar Tree Collapsible Storage
I use this collapsible storage for organizing my things in my walk in closet. I’ve had them for over a year now. They came in boring colors like grayish black and beige but they are very functional though.
Dollar Tree Collapsible Storage in Black/Gray But wait, in my recent trip to Dollar Tree Store, I noticed some new exciting colors and designs. Check them out:
11. Dollar Tree Felt Pads
Have you ever experienced having a guest who grabbed and moved a chair mindlessly you couldn’t help but just cringed, crossed your fingers and hoped that it did not scratch your hardwood floor? Well this one’s for you. With felt pads you never have to worry again. And since it’s from Dollar Tree, you never have to worry about your budget too.
Dollar Tree Felt Pads 12. Dollar Tree Paper Towel Holder
If you need simple paper towel holder that would do the job, you can get it for cheap in Dollar Tree.
Dollar Tree Paper Towel Holder 13. Dollar Tree Lint roller
This one needs no introduction. I just know it gets the job done.
Dollar Tree Lint Roller 14. Dollar Tree Hanger
Before you say anything about hangers from Dollar Tree being of poor quality that they easily breaks, let me explain. I get my hangers from Dollar Tree and I use them for light tops, blouses and shirts. Since they’re light weight, DT hangers can withstand them. And I have a lot of these so getting hangers from Dollar Tree saves me a lot of money.
Dollar Tree Hanger 15. Dollar Tree Plates
Check out some nicely designed plates from Dollar Tree.
16. Dollar Tree Placemats
I love their designs. Need I say more?
Dollar Tree Placemats 17. Dollar Tree Coasters
Good quality, lovely designs naturally absorbent coasters. Dollar Tree coasters can easily compete with coasters from Crate and Barrel, Pier 1, Target, Amazon Macy’s and more.
Dollar Tree Coaster 18. Dollar Tree Glassware
Glasswares for Kitchen Storage need not be expensive. You’ll find nice and useful glass containers from Dollar Tree. Consider going to Dollar Tree for your Kitchen Organization project.
19. Dollar Tree Over-The-Door Hook
I like this over the door hook because I find them sturdy. I use this in my office cubicle to hang my jacket during winter.
Dollar Tree Over-the-door Hook 20. Dollar Tree Cleaning Supplies
I get washcloths and microfiber cloth from Dollar Tree to wipe my countertops to save on paper towel.
I like this handheld microfiber cleaning tool and keep it in my car. When I’m stuck in traffic, I can easily grab this and wipe my dashboard.
Dollar Tree Cleaning Supply 21. Dollar Tree White Board
My own little hack no. 1 — This is a school supply but I put this under my sink in my kitchen and bathroom. In case something leaks, this will protect the floor base from getting stained.
Dollar Tree White Board 22. Dollar Tree Clothespin
My own little hack no. 2 — I use clothespin to keep my bag of chips fresh. I am so proud of this great find.
Dollar Tree Clothespins I did a search in Amazon for clothespin. If we calculate cost per piece, Dollar Tree still ends up cheaper (at $0.028 per piece) than Amazon (at $0.06 per piece).
Amazon Clothespins I found these cute Bag of Chips clips from Amazon. They caught my eyes because they’re so cute. Compare to Dollar Tree , function wise, they’re a little pricey at $3.19 for 6 pieces only.
It’s a Girl Thing
23. Dollar Tree Revlon Loose Powder
Surprised? Me too! I was surprised to see a popular brand of make up in Dollar Store. I want to mention though that not all Dollar Store locations have this. I’ve been to a lot of Dollar Store and it’s very rare that I see this brand.
Dollar Tree Revlon 24. Dollar Tree Hair Accessories
If you’re like me who often loose bobby pins and elastics for some reasons, I suggest getting these items from Dollar Tree.
25. Dollar Tree Random Cute Items
Check out this article to see all the cute stuffs I found in Dollar Tree.
Office Supplies
26. Dollar Tree Pens and Pencils
There are a good variety of pens and pencils to choose from in Dollar Tree. And there are some cute ones too.
27. Dollar Tree Mailing/Packing Essentials
Mailing an item? Get your essentials from Dollar Tree.
Dollar Tree Mailing/Packing Items For Special Occasions
28. Dollar Tree Baby Shower Essentials
Whenever I’d pass by the Baby Shower aisle in Dollar Tree, I couldn’t help but gush all over these cute items for Baby Shower.
I found a sash in Etsy. It’s not exactly the same as the one from Dollar Tree but it’s the closest I could find. And it retails for $7.89.
29. Dollar Tree Bachelorette/Wedding Essentials
I’ve had the honor of being a Maid of Honor 3x already and I must admit, being a Maid of Honor can be expensive. If you’ve been asked the honor of being the Maid of Honor, throw the bride an awesome party she won’t forget by getting your stuff from Dollar Tree. Not only they’re cute but they could also save you money.
30. Halloween Costumes
Whether it’s for Halloween or themed children’s party, you can dress up your kids with these adorable costumes from Dollar Tree.
I hope you enjoy perusing these great items I found from Dollar Tree. Why pay expensively when you can get the same for a dollar?
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10 Cute Dollar Tree Items
I hate to be the one to say this but Target Store has a rival now when it comes to cute items. Target is notorious for selling items that you don’t really need but they’re so cute they leave you defenseless. And before you know it, you’re already formulating some lame excuses why you have to purchase them.
But lately I find myself checking out Dollar Store before considering going to Target. Read more if you want to find out why.
1. Dollar Tree Desk Accent
Hashtag-Blown-Away-By-The-Price.
Can you believe these accents only cost a dollar? Including this hashtag decor which is so popular nowadays. Anyone would wonder if Dollar Tree is competing with Target now?
#OneDollarOnly 
#noneed2wait4halloween 
#isithalloweenyet? 
#icantbelieveitsonlyadollar 
2. Dollar Tree Prayer Box
Whenever I would give gift money or gift card to my nieces, I would make a trip to Dollar Store and get this $1 prayer box. I use this to put the money or gift card inside. I prefer this instead of using Greeting card for the obvious reason that greeting cards tend to get thrown away (or kept in a drawer) after serving its purpose. Unlike this prayer box which comes with tiny notepad and pencil that can be used everyday. I am still in awe every time I buy a prayer box. How can this cute multipurpose product just cost $1? (P.S. I am not complaining about the price though).
Let all that you do be done in love – I love this Bible verse and I love this prayer box 3. Dollar Tree Cute Trinkets Holder
These item can serve two purposes – one as a decor and another one is to hold your cute little trinkets like rings or earrings that you use often (if not everyday). And it will only cost you a dollar.
Cute Trinkets Holder 4. Dollar Tree Cute Band Aids
According to Wikipedia, a band aid is a small medical dressing used for injuries not serious enough to require a full size bandage. I agree, don’t take this kind of injury seriously but you have to take good care of it. And while you’re at it why not express yourself and your personality through these cutely designed band aids? And did I mention that it will only cost you a dollar to express yourself?
Express your emotions through emoticons band aid for only one dollar 
5. Dollar Tree Cute Magnets
I never thought of adorning my fridge with magnets other than travel magnets I’ve acquired until I saw these cute magnets from Dollar Tree with either funny or inspiring quotes. This is a game changer! Watch out travel magnets in my fridge, you’re getting cute roomies.
Be magnetized with this One Dollar magnets 6. Dollar Tree Wall Decals
Have a boring empty wall? Try these decals from Dollar Tree to liven it up.
Stick them on the Wall 7. Dollar Tree Wall Art/Wall Frames
Whether you’re a cat lover, dog lover or an art lover – these frames are for you.
Wall Art for Lovers 8. Dollar Tree Artificial Succulents
According to Wikipedia, succulents are often grown as ornamental plants because of their striking and unusual appearance, as well as their ability to thrive with relatively minimal care. But you know what’s striking that requires not just minimal care but no care at all? Artificial succulent plants. And you know what’s even better? The price! It’s only for a dollar.
Dollar Tree No Care Plants 9. Dollar Tree Small Jewelry Holder
Similar to item 3, these items are for holding small jewelries like rings, earrings and bracelets. Don’t you find the cat so cute? I use its tail to hold my rings.
Jewelry Holder 10. Dollar Tree Macaron Shaped Something
Pardon the title. I actually don’t know what it’s called but it is so darn cute. Similar to prayer box (mentioned as item no. 2), I use this in lieu of greeting card or money envelope. Look how detailed this item is.
For macaron lovers Thank you for taking the time to read this article. I hope you find this useful and interesting. I hope that when you get the itch to go to Target to search for something cute that you’ll consider taking a trip to Dollar Tree. You’ll find there are cute stuff that don’t cost a ton.
If and when you do, please comment below. Let me know what you find cute and not cute at all. Promise, no feelings will be hurt with your honesty.
I prefer
