After Christmas savings at dollar stores

It seems that even dollar stores have boxing day sales. Here are just a few of the bargains to be had this week.

Family Dollar is clearing out holiday merchandise by offering 50% off in their trim-a-tree department, 50% off on Christmas candy and 50% off on other holiday merchandise. You can also get 40% off on all toys that originally cost $9 or more, so it might be worth a look if you have birthdays coming up, whether it's all in the family or to put a couple of things aside for the inevitable birthday parties your kids will be invited to in the coming year.

At 99-cent Only Stores you can get a head start on next year's Christmas by stocking up on Christmas cards, gift wrap, gift bags, wire-edged ribbon, bows, holiday candy and tree ornaments, which are all being sold at two for 99 cents. That's a great deal by anyone's standards.

The Dollar Tree flyer is focusing on the New Year with calendars, party plates and cups, party hats and noise makers and snacks like Fiddle Faddle, Doritos and 3-4 packages of microwave popcorn. Each item or package is only a buck.

Dollar General is featuring products to help us keep that New Year's resolution to eat healthier. An 11 oz. box of Fiber One Pastries in brown sugar, cinnamon or strawberry flavors is $2 for 6 pastries. Fiber One granola bars are $2.65 for five bars, an 18.5 oz. can of Progresso Light Soup is $1.50, Cheerios or Honey Nut Cheerios snack mixes in 7.5 - 8 oz. packages are $2 each and a 9 oz. box of Multigrain Cheerios cereal is $2.

Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and dollar store diva. She writes tips and ideas for decorating using only items from the dollar store.