Dollar Store Finds for Dancers

If you know just one thing about competitive dance, it’s probably how expensive it can be.  When prospective dance moms ask about what they’re getting themselves into, the hefty price tag is the first thing I mention. Funding competitive dance is not within everyone’s reach, unfortunately, but there are ways to keep the costs down.  

Dancers need lots of stuff (thanks, Captain Obvious).  When you receive a list (or create your own) of mandatory supplies, it can seem overwhelming.  The first year my girls were in the company, my eyes popped when I looked over the list the director gave us.  For convenience, I ordered most of the items from Amazon.  And while it was super quick and easy, I wound up paying much more than I should have.

Shopping Around

Older, wiser, and more experienced, I now head to the dollar store first to get our list started.  Often, I have to shop at two or three different chains to find most of what I’m looking for, but it pays off in the long run with the money I save.

Keep in mind that in-stock items vary widely by chain, and even by individual stores within that chain.  You may find yourself going to specialty stores to finish out your list for specific items.  But consider it a “win” if you get 50% – 75% of your shopping done at a dollar or discount store like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or countless others.

You might be a bit reluctant to buy certain products from a dollar store because they could potentially be of a lesser quality than items you would find in specialty stores.  For example, I will pay the extra money for a quality eyeliner because I don’t want “chunks” of the pencil getting in my girls’ eyes (especially on competition day).  

But don’t dismiss the dollar store finds just yet!  Some name-brand products can be found in dollar stores, so it’s worth keeping your eyes peeled.  Also, you can buy an off-brand supply as a “back-up” for emergencies.  

Make sure you read each section completely; while there are quite a few common items on each list, I’ve got some unexpected surprises for you, too!

Hair Supplies

Load up!  With the speed at which elastics, clips, pins, and other hair accessories get lost, you need to keep a running supply on hand.  

Hair donuts, hair nets, scrunchies, travel brushes, elastics, bobby pins, combs, headbands, barrettes and clips, shower caps/bonnets, combs, picks, silicone bands, foam rollers, trimming scissors, spray bottles, gel, hairspray, mousse, and travel-sized shampoo and conditioner.

The Face

Between facial care products and makeup, the dollar store offers tons of products to help your dancers to look their best without breaking the bank.

Skin Care for the Face –  micellar water, cotton balls, facial cleansers, lip balm, eyebrow razors, moisturizers, microfiber facial scrubbers, and charcoal cleansing strips.

Makeup and Tools – blending sponges, cosmetic bags/pouches, makeup remover cloths, makeup brushes, eye liners, eyelashes, eyelash glue, eyeshadows, mascara, blush, travel mirrors, and eye shadow applicators.

Health and Beauty

Yes, your dancer might need some of these, but they also make great bag-stuffers for “dance sibling” (Big Sis-Bro/Little Sis-Bro) exchanges!

You can find toothbrushes, travel toothpaste, dental floss, bath sponges, deodorant, razors, shaving cream, lotion, cotton swabs, sleep masks, hand sanitizer, nail files, nail polish remover, travel manicure sets, tweezers, loofahs, feminine products, eye drops, tissues, and even face masks at dollar stores.

First Aid

Having been a dance coach and choreographer for over a decade, I make sure that my kids have some first-aid supplies on hand in case of a minor injury.  I have found that the dollar store items are typically just as reliable as the pricier, name-brand versions.

Stock up on bandages, gauze, medical tape, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, antibiotic ointment, petroleum jelly, pediatric electrolyte drink, pain reliever and other OTC medications (Pepto Bismol, allergy, cold symptom relief).  You might be able to score some water bottles as well!

Costuming Needs

Costume mishaps can and do happen all the time, so you need to be prepared!  Thankfully, many of your go-to tools can be found at dollar stores.

Look for safety pins, ribbon, beads, bead trays, tulle, accessory cases, hot glue sticks, travel sewing kits, shoe erasers, decorative jewels, anti-static spray, clear nail polish (for runs in tights), scissors, and Sharpies (for writing names on items).

Don’t Forget…

Projects – When your dancer is asked to create and/or decorate posters, notebook covers, or T-shirts, look no further than the dollar store for supplies! You’ll find stickers, glue, paint, yarn, stencils, applicator bottles, faux flowers, ribbon, jewel stickers, double-sided tape, glitter glue, clear tape, markers, crayons, colored pencils, poster board, and construction paper.

Entertainment – Long breaks during dance events (competitions, conventions, rehearsals, etc.) can lead to boredom.  If you stuff small games, decks of cards, craft kits, puzzles, word search books, and other items into their dance bags, they’re more likely to put their phones down (indulge me, it could happen).

Gifts – We often make little gift bags for teammates and big sis-bro/little sis-bro exchanges.  Pick a theme and fill a bag with goodies!  For example, we often do a bath theme and include bath salts, a bath “pouf”, a facial mask, bath bombs, lip balms, and fuzzy socks.  Let your imagination run wild!

The Last Word

If you’re looking to save money (like I always am), keep your eyes open for opportunities to spend less.  The dollar store can help you cross items off your list for a fraction of the price of specialty stores, helping you save for more important expenses.
I’d love to hear other suggestions, so feel free to email me at thedancingdancemom@gmail.com!

Want more? Here are some Money-Saving Tips for Dance Moms!

Check out my costuming supply list and hair supply list!