All Over Albany

Dollar Tree: not your typical dollar store

You know how when you shop at the dollar store, the stuff you buy usually looks like it came from the dollar store? I didn't get that feeling when I went to Dollar Tree in Delaware Plaza this week. I actually found stuff I'd be willing to give as teacher gifts or to acquaintances, for holiday school parties, and even arts and crafts stuff for the kids.

I picked up seasonal stamps and stamp pads so the kids could work on homemade holiday cards. There were also winter-themed pencils, erasers, drinking straws, tumblers, treat bags and such, perfect if you're a class parent with a limited budget and kids with big party plans. Simple and tasteful holiday ornaments, tree trimmings, seasonal candles, and mugs sit side by side with (yeah, tacky but still fun) reindeer headbands and blinking red noses you can wear, and then there's always the inexpensive wrapping paper, tissue paper, and gift bags.

You can even pick up practical things like mittens and hats (I grabbed spares for the kids, who always seem to be losing a glove somewhere), batteries (bought extras of those, too), photo frames and votive holders, pet food and treats, hand towels, and cleaning supplies. The shelves are stocked full of stuff, but it's well-organized and items aren't haphazardly shelved.

If you need a quick grab bag gift or a few last minute stocking stuffers, you can get coloring books or crayons (know any High School Musical or Hannah Montana fans?), doll furniture, bubbles or even puzzles.

Bottom line: Good for winter and holiday essentials (mittens, batteries, wrapping paper and gift bags) plus inexpensive gifts, kids' stocking stuffers, and party goods that don't necessarily look like they came from the dollar store.

Most interesting find: Burger King onion rings snacks (never saw those before!)