85 Clever Dollar Store Hacks

Keep calm and spend wisely. From budget-friendly decor projects to clever storage hacks, take your space to the next level without spending a fortune.

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Hanging Herb Garden

Tin cans can be used for all kinds of DIYs, like this fresh hanging herb garden. Brighten up your dishes with delicious herbs straight from your kitchen window — no countertop space required.

Make It: Upcycled + Upside Down: Hanging Herb Garden

Massage Master

Your sore back and aching feet have met their match. Pop a few tennis balls into an old sock for a self-massager that works wonders on your back, neck and shoulders. Or, use a single tennis ball underfoot for a simple massage that offers surprisingly effective relief.

See More: Score Big With 14 Ways to Reuse Old Tennis Balls

High-Impact, Easy Updates

Make over builder-grade light switch covers with this faux fancy hack. Pick a picture frame from the dollar store that will blend in well with your wall color and switch covers. Attach the frame to the wall with adhesive putty for a bespoke, finished look.

Learn How: Fake Fancy With These Easy + Cheap Home Upgrades

Bucket O' Crayons

Transform a 5-gallon bucket into a mobile creativity station. Simply place a tool organizer around it to keep art supplies neat and tidy. We also love that it makes it that much easier for kids to clean up after themselves.

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Turn Trash Into Treasure

Transform a dollar store trash can into a chic farmhouse-inspired planter for less than $10! After spray painting the surface and drilling holes in the base of the trash can, attach pieces of reclaimed wood to the can's exterior with construction adhesive.

Learn How: 22 Oversized Planters You Can Make From Upcycled Items

Boo Boo Buddies

Using washcloths and just a few cute accessories, you can make animal-themed ice holders for aiding scrapes and bumps that will cheer your kiddos right up.

Make Your Own: DIY Boo-Boo Buddies for All the Aches and Pains

Stick to It

Create a completely customizable wall calendar out of sticky notes and corkboard for a colorful display that will keep you right on schedule all year long.

Make Your Own: DIY Sticky Note Calendar

Clip It Up

Instead of displaying photos, A+ homework assignments or your child's latest masterpiece in frames, use inexpensive clipboards to show off accomplishments. Clipboards keep things looking spiffy, and it's a breeze to swap out papers.

Stylish Cutlery Storage

Get your recycling to work for you. Simple tin cans are great for storage and organizing. These were decorated and used for utensil storage in the kitchen, but this hack could work in just about any space.

See More Photos: 30 New Ways to Use Your Old Stuff

Wanderlust Napkin Rings

Give your napkin rings a secondary purpose as place holders. Pick up some luggage tags from a dollar store, slide in a piece of card stock with your guest's name for a unique and chic table addition.

See More Photos: 20 Money-Saving DIY Party Ideas

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

A Cool Hack

Keep party drinks ice-cold and easy to access by filling up a baby pool with ice and your guests' favorite bevvies.

See More: 11 Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Wrap It Up (Again and Again!)

If you’re feeling guilty about all those plastic baggies you use, you’ll love these DIY reuseable wraps. They'll have you feeling like a green goddess for months to come.

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Beautify a Bucket

You'll never believe how easy this beautiful tote was to create. Cover a 5-gallon bucket in a patterned fabric and attach with hot glue. Add some decorative rope and a monogram for a personal touch.

Learn How: Say It Ain't Sew: No Sew 5-Gallon Bucket Tote

Ice Packs Made Easy

Keep lunches cool, dry and stylish with this dollar store project. Wet a sponge and place it in the freezer until completely frozen. Place the frozen sponge inside a snack bag wrapped in colorful duct tape. The tape will not only give the "ice pack" some style, but also insulate the baggy, making the cooling aid last longer.

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Serve With Ease

Keep spills to a minimum at your next shindig by serving cocktails in a muffin tin instead of on an unsteady tray.

See More: 11 Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Rubber Band Grip

Non-slip hangers can cost a small fortune if you need a lot of them. Grab a pack of rubber bands when purchasing inexpensive plastic hangers, wrap them around each side of the hanger and watch your clothes stay on with ease.

Discover More: 17 Rubber Band Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind

Terra-Cotta Tower

A planter and house number all in one, this simple DIY will have your guests and your postman drooling.

Make It: Terra-Cotta Tower: A Unique House Number Display

Chair Pillow Headboard

With the help of a few basic tools and a few dollars, you can craft yourself a made-from-scratch headboard from chair cushions and a curtain rod.

Make It: No Boards About It: DIY Alternative Headboard Options

Mirror Cabinet for Less

Don't spend a fortune on a mirror cabinet. Use a dollar store mirror and a few building supplies to create a mirrored accessory cabinet that is customized to your specific wants and needs.

Learn How: Hanging Around: DIY Catch-All Mirror Cabinet

Spice Rack Supplies

The whole family will appreciate this repurposed, rotating spice rack. Sort items like thumbtacks, paperclips, rubberbands and batteries into separate jars and clear out the junk drawer in the process.

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Excess Drip Catcher

Avoid a sloppy mess of paint running down the side of the can with a DIY drip catcher. Simply wrap a rubber band around the can and wipe the dipped brush clean of excess paint on the band. Simple as that!

Discover More: 17 Rubber Band Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind

Plant Garden Candy

Plastic candy jars come in all shapes and sizes. Pick one you love and transform it into a planter you adore. For extra pizazz, spray paint the container, add ribbon or decorate with washi tape.

Learn How: 9 Clever Ways to Use Dollar Store Items as Planters

Fitted Sheet Tablecloth

Gone are the days of watching your flimsy, plastic tablecloth blow away in the wind. A fitted twin sheet will stretch over a plastic centerfold table with ease. Plus, you can toss it in the washer and use it over and over again.

See More: 11 Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Clutter-Free Ironing Station

Transform a wire basket into a one-of-a-kind supply station for all your ironing needs. Add patterned fabric to the back for a playful and fun touch.

Make It: Corral Ironing Essentials With This DIY Storage Solution

Do the Documents

Organize your go-to documents in an inexpensive dish rack. Outfit with pretty folders and color coordinated notebooks to keep the look chic. And don’t forget to stock the utensil cup with plenty of pens and pencils!

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Simply Smart Storage Hooks

Hooks are one of the most versatile items in your organization toolkit. You can find a variety of hooks at the dollar store — choose the ones that will work for a variety of items. Here, simple hooks were used to create an orderly kitchen island.

Information Station

Wrangle homework and other important papers with this easy hack. Spruce up an old shelf or board with a fresh coat of paint, then spray paint a few magazine organizers to match. Secure the board atop the organizers using screws or a heavy-duty adhesive. Try color-coding files to keep things super organized.

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Bring on the Braid

Hold your curtains back in style: Fashion a tieback by braiding cotton rope together and attaching a metal hook. Pull back your curtains and watch it do its job.

Learn How: 3 DIY Curtain Tie-Backs From the Hardware Store

Goodbye Standard Doors

Rid your room of boring closet doors with a few strips of colorful washi tape. Extra-wide washi tape makes a big impression on large areas. Each piece is easily removable without damaging painted or wooden doors.

Get Inspired: 10 Ways to Transform Your Space With Washi Tape

From: Michelle Edgemont

Purr-fectly Magnetic

Dress up the fridge with these cute and colorful magnets. Transform plastic animal toys into fridge decor in a few simple steps: Cover the miniatures in an even layer of spray paint. Once dry, glue magnets to the bottom (or back) of the figurines for the purr-fect fridge companion.

Learn How: 15 Adorable DIYs for Cats + Cat Lovers

Party Time

For kid-friendly snacking, corral larger snacks, like donut holes, cookies and pretzels, in adorable party hats.

See More: 11 Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Three Tiers for DIY Planters

Stop searching everywhere for the perfect tiered planter when you can hack your own with dollar store baskets. Cover the baskets, connecting chains and corresponding hooks in an even layer of spray paint. Fill each basket with moss for proper drainage, plant the desired foliage and assemble the tiers.

Learn How: Upcycle Dollar Store Baskets Into a Unique Hanging Planter

Organized for Success

Ribbon can quickly turn your organized crafting station into a stringy mess. Keep everything in its place by wrapping a rubber band around each spool of ribbon and store as you normally would.

Discover More: 17 Rubber Band Hacks That Will Blow Your Mind

Meals + Wheels Caddy

A plastic caddy is the perfect solution for kids (or adults) who turn car meals into messes. Keep one in your car to organzie all your meals on the go.

Learn How: 9 "Why Didn't I Think of That?" Car Organizing Hacks

Not Just For Pasta

Looking for a unique, inexpensive planter? Colanders are the perfect solution, as they already contain the holes needed for proper drainage. In order to keep the necessary amount of soil inside the colander, line the sides with moss before adding plants. For additional charm, attach some string or twine to create a hanging planter.

Learn How: Unique Planter Ideas That Are Sure to Grow on You

Frayed Shoelace Fix

Banish frayed shoelaces with clear nail polish. Simply twist the ends and apply the polish to them. You may need to apply a few coats for good measure.

Discover More: 10 Household Uses for Clear Nail Polish

Sand Buckets = Snack Servers

Skip the breakable bowls and platters for kids' parties, and serve snacks in colorful, inexpensive pails that kids will love. You can even send them home with tiny guests after the party for easy clean-up.

See More: 11 Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Light the Night

The next time you cook with canned goods, save the can! Light up lazy summer nights with these almost-free outdoor luminaries.

Get the How-To: How to Make Tin Can Lanterns

Lovely Labels for All

Whether you're using baskets or bins to store things in your home, labeling them will help keep things clean and in order. Packs of premade labels can often be found at dollar stores, and if not, you can always use construction paper to make your own.

Banish Iron Grime

You can kiss the days of a grime-covered iron goodbye. Apply a generous amount of toothpaste directly to the iron. Using a damp rag, spread the toothpaste around on the surface of the iron using circular motions. Remove the excess toothpaste, and your iron will look as good as new.

Discover More: 9 Weird, But Practical Uses for Toothpaste

Dry Time

Tired of wasting money on dryer sheets? Try wrapping a tennis ball in aluminum foil. The foil will help discharge static, while the ball will fluff clothes for a more even, faster dry. If desired, add a few drops of essential oil to the tennis ball before wrapping and every so often between uses.

See More: Score Big With 14 Ways to Reuse Old Tennis Balls

Pretty Up a Pencil Pouch

Colorful duct tape and a few snips along the bottom transform a used freezer bag into a stylish pencil pouch. Once fully taped, punch holes along the bottom of the bag to use in school binders.

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Store the Small Stuff

Don't spend a fortune on storage containers — plastic or glass jars from the dollar store will work just as well! Or better yet, buy some salsa and save the jars — they make the perfect storage place for screws, nails and the like.

No More Loose Screws

Do you have a screw loose — on your eyeglasses, that is? Secure it with a coat of clear nail polish.

Discover More: 10 Household Uses for Clear Nail Polish

Hula Hoopin' Light Fixture

Create a chic chandelier with a favorite childhood toy. With four hula hoops, spray paint and a pendant light kit, put together a trendy light fixture that can fit seamlessly into any type of home decor.

Get the Steps: How to Make a Hula-Hoop Chandelier

From: Emily Henderson

Garden Gear Holder

Never lose a garden glove again with this handy DIY holder. Clothespins and a scrap piece of wood will keep all your garden gear right where you left it.

Sail Away

Curb summertime boredom by creating interactive pool games out of inexpensive dollar store items such as pool noodles, foam sheets and straws.

Make It: DIY Dollar Store Pool Games

Clean Up Your Console

Keep the console of your car orderly with the help of a popsicle mold. Yes, really, a popsicle mold! Remove the popsicle sticks and set the mold in the car's console. Separate your spare change, garage door opener and more in each of the mold spaces.

Learn How: 9 "Why Didn't I Think of That?" Car Organizing Hacks

Create Curated Candles

All it takes to transform dollar-bin candles is some metallic leaf — you can use copper, gold or silver — and some creativity. Try polka dots or chevron stripes for a unique-to-you design.

Learn How: Emily Henderson's Dollar Store Candle Dress-Up

From: Emily Henderson

Let's Hear Your Roar

Turn cheap, plastic dinosaur toys into chic, trendy planters. Starting with an animal figurine, cut a small hole in the top of the toy deep enough for the plant to sit in. Next, cover the figurine in an even layer of spray paint. Once dried, add soil and plants for a roaring decor statement.

Get the Steps: How to Make a Metallic Dinosaur Planter

From: Dan Faires

Tech Shelf

Don't overpay for a shelf your tablet can sit on — with this hack you can make your own! Attach adhesive hooks to your wall or desired surface, and your tablet has a place to sit. Use an additional hook to keep your earbuds within reach and tangle-free.

Learn How: 7 Clever Hacks for Temporary Wall Hooks

From: Emily Fazio

A Little Locker Love

Lockers need love, too. Add a DIY drawer to wrangle smaller school supplies by placing a plastic utensil organizer inside a photo storage box.

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Whatcha Got Baking?

Carbs aren't the only thing you can make in a bread pan. Turn an inexpensive pan into a unique planter simply by drilling 1/8-inch holes in the bottom for drainage. For a rustic touch, leave the pan outside until it gets a slight patina.

Learn How: 9 Clever Ways to Use Dollar Store Items as Planters

Hack for the Outdoors

A hack that can be used in the great outdoors? Sign us up! Use a garden flag frame to hold a paper towel roll for use during campouts, picnics or any kind of outdoor party.

Learn How: 11 Party Hacks Every Parent Should Know

Perfect Pantry Made Easy

Gather some metal or plastic bins from your local dollar store. Spray paint the bins in the desired hue to give the bins a more expensive look. Once the bins are dry, add labels for a perfectly organized pantry.

Mallet Makeover

A hammer is likely part of your home toolkit. A mallet? Not so much. Turn any hammer into a makeshift mallet by popping an old tennis ball on the end. Sure, it's not ideal as a permanent solution, but for those of us that rarely need a mallet in our lives, it'll do the trick.

See More: Score Big With 14 Ways to Reuse Old Tennis Balls

Emergency Preparedness

Create an emergency kit for your glove compartment with a dollar store makeup bag. Fill with scissors, disinfecting wipes, first aid supplies and more for an on-the-go emergency kit. Pro-tip: Find a makeup bag that folds flat for storage in an easy-to-access place.

Learn How: 9 "Why Didn't I Think of That?" Car Organizing Hacks

Take Care of the Takeout Menus

Is your collection of takeout menus out of control? Keep them all in one place by attaching inexpensive, plastic folders to the inside of your pantry or kitchen cabinet and file the paperwork accordingly.

See More Photos: 30 New Ways to Use Your Old Stuff

Put It in the Pockets

Think outside the box with this dollar store purchase. Turn an over-the-door pocket organizer into a snack station, craft supply station and more by simply hanging it in the desired location and filling it up!

Soap Box Storage

Keep crayons, knick-knacks and snacks corralled in colorful soap boxes. And your kids will love outfitting them with their fave stickers!

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Cereal-ously Clever Organizing

Keep important papers at arm's length with a reimagined cereal box. Neatly trim the top flaps off the box, then wrap the box in a pretty paper. They’re perfect for stacking, too!

Learn How: 35 Genius Back-to-School Dollar Store Hacks

Pillowcase + Embroidery Hoop Mashup

This hack takes a little crafting, but trust us, it's worth it. Turn a pillowcase and an embroidery hoop into a simple, no-sew alternative to a traditional laundry hamper. Use a patterned fabric to add extra color and appeal, or choose a fabric that matches your home's decor.

Learn How: DIY Hanging Laundry Hamper

Toothpaste Shine

Don't let grease or food splatters keep your tile from looking its best. Toothpaste has the cleaning power to keep your tiles looking brand new. Simply apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp rag, and spread the paste onto the tile. Once clean, remove the excess paste and enjoy the pearly white results.

Discover More: 10 Weird But Practical Uses for Toothpaste

Coffee Bin Rope Dispenser

Stop fighting with tangled twine and rope. Cut a slit in the top of an empty coffee can, put your rope inside and pull the end through the top for an easy and clever dispenser.

Anchors (and Laundry) Away!

Turn an inexpensive laundry basket into something more beautiful — a planter! Drill a few holes into the base of the basket for proper drainage. Wrap the basket in jute rope for a nautical-inspired piece.

Learn How: 22 Oversized Planters You Can Make From Upcycled Items

Cord Command Station

Make sure your cords are always where you need them, but never where you see them. Create a command center by attaching adhesive hooks to the back of a closet door or to the side of a desk and hang all your loose cords, keeping them close at hand but out of sight.

From: Emily Fazio

Chic + Cheap Scratch Board

If you have a kitty that loves to use its little claws, you’ll both dig this clever scratch pad project. Take a dollar store picture frame and replace the art with a patterned door mat, trimmed to fit the frame. You’ll need a deep-set frame and heavy-duty tape to secure the mat inside the frame. Once completed, hang it with proper anchors and hardware so it stays put during playtime.

Learn How: 15 Adorable DIYs for Cats + Cat Lovers

Basket Case

Make a catch-all station for your cleaning rags and sponges under the sink with a simple, plastic basket. This hack is inexpensive, but makes a huge difference for under-the-sink storage.

Tablecloth Townhome

Playtime is made easy with this no-sew tablecloth playhouse. Fashion a kiddy fort out of a tablecloth with easy instructions and minimal, inexpensive supplies.

Get the Steps: How to Make a No-Sew Tablecloth Playhouse

Spray Paint Can Holder

Plastic window planters make for the perfect storage containers. Mount them to the garage wall, and fill with garage items such as spray paint.

Farmhouse Cheap

Fashion a farmhouse-inspired decor piece out of a dollar store item. Using four picture frames, glue sticks, rope and a few crafting supplies, you can create this luminary accent in no time.

Learn How: How to Make Decorative Lanterns From Dollar Store Picture Frames

Shower Cap Saves the Day

Stop worrying about dirty shoes ruining your clothes while they're squished in your suitcase. Use a shower cap to cover the bottom of your shoes to ensure that no mud or grime will transfer to the contents of your suitcase.

WATCH: 25 Dollar Store Pack Hacks

Bind Your Cords Together

With so many new gadgets these days, wires can make your home office desk look cluttered. To keep them at bay, attach binder clips to the edge of your desk and place the cords through the clips. This will also make it easy to plug in your electronics.

Learn How: Keep Cord Chaos Under Control: Cable Management Tips, Products and Ideas

Cleverly Cute Soap Dish

Keep kitchen sponges and soaps tidy and neat looking with this easy-to-craft cake stand soap dish. Simply glue a candlestick to a plate for a pretty way to keep your soap handy.

Corral With a Carabiner

Gone are the days of your bag spilling mid-road trip. This hack will give your purse or tote bag a seatbealt of its own. Attach a carabiner to the the back of your car's headrest and buckle your bag in.

Learn How: 9 "Why Didn't I Think of That?" Car Organizing Hacks

Showcase in Style

Display your art (or important paperwork) in a unique way with this dollar store hack. Attach a yardstick to a wall and add clothespins with hot glue for an instant showcase.

Learn How: Easy Clip-Art Rails

Storage for Your Soup

Stacking canned goods on top of each other isn't the most efficient way to find your favorite soup. Convert empty soda boxes into the perfect place to store soup cans. Beautify this hack with some decorative paper and labels for a pantry you'll love.

More Ideas: Clever Uses for Everyday Items in the Kitchen

Pretty Up the Kitchen Sink

Mount a pair of tension rods underneath your sink to create a makeshift shelving unit. Place a variety of baskets on the rods to store your rags and sponges in a tidy way. Use glass jars to hold detergent pods, scrub pads and more. Finally, empty your cleaning products into matching spray bottles for an orderly looking cabinet.

Clean As You Go

Eating in the car means trash in the car. And trash in the car means a very messy car. Turn a plastic cereal box into a portable trash can by simply adding a plastic bag and voila! — trash be gone.

Don’t Stop Stampin’

Shape pieces of a paper towel roll into fun shapes, such as hearts and flower petals, and dip in paint for the easiest DIY stamp ready for crafting.

See More: 5 Paper Towel Roll Crafts for Kids

Holiday Hack

Ditch those pricey ornament organizers and craft your own out of plastic cups and a plastic bin instead. Drop ornaments into the cups and voilá! An inexpensive and clever ornament solution.

Discover More: 20 Clever Holiday Decor Storage Hacks

Can the Clutter

Get control over small odds and ends by nestling clean tuna cans into a drawer. Each little compartment can store thumbtacks, rubber bands, clips or twist ties that will have you saying goodbye to junk drawers forever!

Hanging in the Wind

With so many types of cleaning supplies, your kitchen and bathroom cabinet can fill up fast. To keep things more organized, make use of every inch of space by hanging household cleaners from a tension rod, saving space on the shelves for other everyday items.

Goodbye Clutter

Getting all those pot lids in line is a snap with this organization idea from Aimee Wimbush-Bourque. Just screw a metal magazine rack into the back of a cabinet door and arrange lids by size. The sleek design not only makes it easy to find the right lid but also opens up some additional cabinet space, too.

Minty Storage

Loose bobby pins are hard to keep in one place. Next time you finish a pack of mints, save the container to store your bobby pins. The small opening easily dispenses the pins, and the container's compact size makes it easy to travel with.