If you want to save a few bucks preparing for the holidays this year, learn to cut corners at the dollar store. It's a boots-on-the-ground savings tactic many large families learned out of necessity long ago. Good thing, too, since Americans expect to spend an average $1,007.24 shopping for the holidays in 2018, up 4.1% from 2017, according to a National Retail Federation survey. The majority of the spending ($637.67) will go toward gifts, naturally. But a big chunk ($369.57) will be devoted to decorations, greeting cards, flowers, food and other non-gift purchases.

"Dollar stores are a source of bargains during the holiday season," says Courtney Jespersen, consumer savings expert for NerdWallet.com. "They're a great option for holiday decorating and seasonal accessories."

So whether decking your halls, prepping the holiday meal or ho-ho-ho-sting a seasonal party, see how your budget has a friend at the dollar store.

Holiday Cards

Getty Images

My eyes popped at Target when I saw the price on a single Christmas card from Carlton: $7.99. But at Dollar Tree, card shopping is way thriftier. You can browse through a selection of Expressions from Hallmark cards and other