Here are my top 10 favorite things from Dollar Tree!

As a former Children’s Director to two smaller ministries, Dollar Tree was where my budget could thrive. I understand that if you have a larger ministry with more than a 100 kiddos, you will want to buy in bulk so that your budget goes farther! This list were some of my “must haves” and even as a larger ministry, you can still benefit from these 10 must haves!

1. Thank you notes

Guys, I am old fashion and LOVE handing out thank you notes. I think these are really important when you are in charge of a ministry and have volunteers. There is nothing like a simple thank you note to really tell someone how thankful you are for them and their commitment to serving along side you! You can even buy cards that are blank so you can encourage a volunteer, student or parent!

2. Tape

Dollar tree is a great place to stock up on tape. My favorite is the masking tape because it can come in handy to hang something on the wall, or put a fun obstacle course on the ground. Also, because my lessons include many relay races, this tape is perfect for marking out the beginning and turn around points. Sometimes even put a straight line to the end point for the littles!

3. Containers

Oooooh I love me some organizing. During my time as a Children’s Director, both ministries “borrowed” spaces on Sunday mornings. So containers, especially with lids, were my life source! Keeps things organized, helps volunteers know where things are, and they are perfect to just put on the table for kiddos and then put that lid on them and pack ’em up for next week!

4. Paper plates

I.can.literally.make.anything.from.a.paper.plate. Seriously. Paper plates might be my favorite craft material . . . so cheap and can create anything! These are important for most of my lessons, especially in the Creation series. They are also great for snack time!

5. Craft materials

Dollar tree is great for all sorts of craft materials. Crayons, markers, glue sticks, poster boards & beads! These beads are my favorite because they have a larger hole so they can be used on string or pipe cleaners. Reminder, this list is ideally for smaller ministries and homes, if you are a large ministry buying craft materials in bulk is a money saver!

6. Paper cups

I love dixie cups! They are perfect for water and scooping out snacks. We all know that each kiddo loves to have their very own cup of goodies! I also use the bigger cups for games.

7. Stickers

Who doesn’t love stickers?! A sticker can be a great little reward for good choices, a helper, and are my favorite for crafts! Have a sticker container you put out during craft time and let them go crazy! Well not too crazy, remind kiddos to put the stickers ONLY on their craft . . . 😉

8. Table cloths

THESE ARE THE BEST. And guess what? Only a buck so you don’t feel bad throwing them away. These are great to put on the table or ground for a messy snack, craft or game! I’ve even hung them up as curtains, made super hero capes, backdrops for photo booths and so much more!

9. Baggies

Once again I love all things organized so baggies are my best friend for most of my crafts. I’ve learned that kiddos love gluing, so many of my crafts involve small pieces of paper or tissue paper for the kiddos to glue on their craft. Baggies are the perfect solution for keeping them organized!

10. Prizes

Every lesson series has a Memory Verse! Dollar Tree is a great place for little incentives to give out throughout the series or grand prizes for a memorized memory verse!

What are some of the must haves in your ministry? I would love to know, comment below!