47 gifts, from 99 cents to $79.50
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. (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. (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. (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. (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. (Jason La / Los Angeles Times)
We hit holiday pay dirt at CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens. If you’re willing to prowl the aisles and get creative, you’ll find plenty of stocking stuffers at prices Santa would love. Everything here is under five bucks, including toy trucks, above, for your favorite little tyke.
--Rene Lynch (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Cuddly critters are always welcome under the holiday tree or as stocking stuffers. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Sudoku fans can never get enough — same goes for crossword lovers. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
At these prices, you can mix and match. You could also use an ornament to dress up another gift, be it a bottle of wine or a holiday gift card. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
For the queen of the kitchen: holiday-themed pot holders ... (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
...and kitchen linens that will help everyone get in the spirit. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Nice hostess gift. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
These cute doorknob hangers are two for $5. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Everyone knows someone who is always cold. This is for that person. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
For the budding artist. At this price, you could throw in some markers or crayons and still stay under budget. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
We have some kids on our holiday list — and we just don’t know what to get them. A poster is one size fits all. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
A calendar works too. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Perfect for a little schoolgirl — and perfectly priced too. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
We found a bonanza of make-up items that would be perfect for any tween girl. Such as a French manicure kit. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Assuming mom says it’s OK. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
For the edgy tween. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Don’t know which color will work? Go with can’t-lose “clear.” (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Terrific choice for a hostess gift. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Chocolate from chocolatier Ghirardelli. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
There were no shortage of “sweet” gifts to bring to your holiday gathering, such as shortbread cookies. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
No holiday list would be complete without some gag gifts. So we have Santa boxers. (The front flap says — what else? — “Ho, Ho, Ho.”) (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
Do you have a crude dude in your midst? Walgreens has some off-color T-shirts for him. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
This is a classic. If you don’t know what it is, go ask someone over 40. (Rene Lynch / Los Angeles Times)
College spirit
Shamelessly start building school spirit in the little one while he or she is still young. Little Tommy Trojan can flaunt cardinal and gold onesies and sweats ($19.99), while across town, little Joe Bruin can sport True Blue with a set of two onesies ($11.99). (Not available online; in stock at select L.A. Target stores.) (Kelsey Ramos / For the Los Angeles Times)
