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5 gifts from the 99 Cents Only Store

Let's face it, times are still tough. But there is a solution. I've been a regular shopper at discount stores for years and have come to count on them for surprising and inexpensive finds. Here are five examples I found, all under a buck, from a 99 Cents Only store near downtown Los Angeles. (Merchandise at 99 Cents Only stores varies by location, so you may not find these exact gifts at your local store, but you'll probably find similar items.) --Jason La, Los Angeles Times

Let’s face it, times are still tough. But there is a solution. I’ve been a regular shopper at discount stores for years and have come to count on them for surprising and inexpensive finds. Here are five examples I found, all under a buck, from a 99 Cents Only store near downtown Los Angeles. (Merchandise at 99 Cents Only stores varies by location, so you may not find these exact gifts at your local store, but you’ll probably find similar items.)

--Jason La, Los Angeles Times  (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)

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Keep your junk food fresh with these handy gadgets. My mother would have you believe clothespins will do the job just fine, but these clips are stronger and aesthetically appealing. They've got grooved edges for a tight lock, as well as a magnet that lets you stick them to your fridge when you're not using them.

Keep your junk food fresh with these handy gadgets. My mother would have you believe clothespins will do the job just fine, but these clips are stronger and aesthetically appealing. They’ve got grooved edges for a tight lock, as well as a magnet that lets you stick them to your fridge when you’re not using them.  (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)

Most dollar stores I've been to have an impressive selection of books, especially considering they're under a buck. On my most recent trip, I found books on Jimmy Carter, Maoist China, the Backstreet Boys and Tiki Barber. At one point, these books would have sold for full price at a traditional bookstore. This book has a cover price of $24.95. The paperback version is selling for $18.96 on Amazon.com. Now you can give it to your mom for less than a dollar.

Most dollar stores I’ve been to have an impressive selection of books, especially considering they’re under a buck. On my most recent trip, I found books on Jimmy Carter, Maoist China, the Backstreet Boys and Tiki Barber. At one point, these books would have sold for full price at a traditional bookstore. This book has a cover price of $24.95. The paperback version is selling for $18.96 on Amazon.com. Now you can give it to your mom for less than a dollar.  (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)

In my junior high algebra class, calculators were a status symbol. The bigger your calculator, the more respected you were by your classmates. Unfortunately for me, they were also expensive. Comparing this calculator with the ones I bought during my secondary school years makes me a little embarrassed because this one has the same functions as most of those for about a 20th of the price. And it's high-tech enough that I've quickly forgotten what most of the buttons do.

In my junior high algebra class, calculators were a status symbol. The bigger your calculator, the more respected you were by your classmates. Unfortunately for me, they were also expensive. Comparing this calculator with the ones I bought during my secondary school years makes me a little embarrassed because this one has the same functions as most of those for about a 20th of the price. And it’s high-tech enough that I’ve quickly forgotten what most of the buttons do.  (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)

Everyone needs to save a buck these days, so why not drop a subtle hint with this metallic blue piggy bank. It's attractive, light and has a coin slot wide enough to fit even Eisenhower dollars. If this doesn't quite suit the tastes of your acquaintances, most dollar stores offer a wide range of ornamental ceramics. I've seen ceramic doves, turtles, cats, chickens and people.

Everyone needs to save a buck these days, so why not drop a subtle hint with this metallic blue piggy bank. It’s attractive, light and has a coin slot wide enough to fit even Eisenhower dollars. If this doesn’t quite suit the tastes of your acquaintances, most dollar stores offer a wide range of ornamental ceramics. I’ve seen ceramic doves, turtles, cats, chickens and people.  (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)

These really work. When I first tried them, I didn't expect that the color of the flame would be so intense — but it is. The candles give off a pleasant scent when they're lighted and don't smoke. According to the packaging, they're nontoxic. And they come in basic colors such as red, yellow, blue and green. That clinches it. I'm buying more.

These really work. When I first tried them, I didn’t expect that the color of the flame would be so intense — but it is. The candles give off a pleasant scent when they’re lighted and don’t smoke. According to the packaging, they’re nontoxic. And they come in basic colors such as red, yellow, blue and green. That clinches it. I’m buying more.  (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)

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