Dollar Tree adhesive: is it a good bargain or just inexpensive due to size? Let’s do the math.
Elmer’s School Glue 4 oz $0.31/oz
Elmer’s School Glue would not be my first choice for paper crafting, and this is not a good price.
Wal-Mart carries the same size for 97 cents. Wal-Mart also carries Elmer’s extra strong 4 oz for only $1.34, and Elmer’s Craft bond 4 oz for $2.74, both of which would be a better craft choice.
Dollar General carries Elmer’s School Glue 4 oz for $1 and Elmer’s Glue All extra strong 4 oz for $2. I use Elmer’s Glue All regularly, but buy a larger size for runs a little less per ounce.
If you want Elmer’s, shop at Wal-Mart or Dollar General or another retailer and go for something besides School Glue.
Aleene’s Tacky Glue 3 oz $0.42/oz
Aleene’s is a good price for this particular size, since the 3 oz bottle usually runs over $2 each, but it’s not a great price for Aleene’s Tacky Glue in general. Currently unavailable on the website, so local supplies may be hit-or-miss and I could not find it near me.
Wal-Mart carries 4 oz for $1.54 ($0.39/oz), 8 oz for $2.44 ($0.31/oz), 16 oz for $4.67 ($0.29/oz) so this is not a great deal, just good for the unusual size.
If you want Aleene’s, buy the 4 oz or any larger size at Wal-Mart or another retailer.
Mod Podge 2 oz $0.63/oz
Mod Podge price is a deal for this size, and even multiples up to three (6 oz total.) The 2 oz size is unusual – it’s not featured on their website, but you can find it from big retailers is you work at it.
Wal-Mart carries the 4 oz size is $3.12 ($0.78/oz), 8 oz is $3.98 ($0.50/oz.), and 16 oz is $6.98 ($0.44/oz).
Dollar Tree is a good source for small bottles of Mod Podge, but if you are a regular user of Mod Podge, buy a larger size at Wal-Mart or another retailer for a lower price per ounce.
Crafter’s Square Premium Clear Craft Glue 1.7 oz $0.74/oz
I can’t comment on the quality, because I cannot find this to buy, but I can do the math.
This is a clear glue with a price in between Elmer’s Clear at $0.48/oz and Aleene’s Gel at $0.85/oz.
Higher price than Aleene’s Tacky Glue ($0.42) or Mod Podge ($0.63) available side by side right there in Dollar Tree.
It’s not as expensive as Art Glitter ($1.32/oz) or Reptile ($2.10) or Elmer’s Craft Bond ($2.09).
Crafter’s Square liquid adhesive 1.2 oz $1.04/oz
I can’t comment on the quality, because I cannot find this to buy, but I can do the math.
This is a white glue, with a price and size similar to the three-pack of Elmer’s Glue All tubes you sometimes find at other dollar stores, but it’s approaching the price per ounce of Art Glitter glue.
In both cases I would say this is not a good price for a bottle of glue, but it is a good price for a glue pen. I do not endorse glue pens, because they always cost more than any other packaging. However, I realize some crafters have dexterity and hand strength challenges that make this size and weight useful, and some crafters have a strong preference for glue pens. If you like a glue pen and don’t want to fill your own, this is an attractive option. The price as a glue pen is 4%-16% of any craft company glue pen.
Crafter’s Square double-sided tape 33 ft $0.038/ft
Generics available from Chinese sellers on Amazon or direct (Temu et al) for as low as $0.01/ft and name-brand Scor-Tape runs $0.07/ft.
The price is not fabulous, but 400% of a penny a foot is still inexpensive. If this is something you want to try, buy one at Dollar Tree. Tear tape is much less expensive than any tape runner.
Crafter’s Square Pop-Dot Tape 6 yds $.07/ft
Craft company foam tape runs $0.24 to $0.35 per foot so this is a fabulous price. If you use foam tape, you should buy this every time you find it. Go into Dollar Tree just to look for this.
I’m not a huge user of foam tape, but if I were I think I’d actually consider ordering this by the case from their website. The link is https://www.dollartree.com/crafters-square-pop-dot-tape-3ct-roll-packs/238218 (not an affiliate link) minimum quantity is 24 packages for $30.
Crafter’s Companion Glitter Glue 3.89 oz $0.32/oz
Ranger Stickles in Stardust or Diamond 0.5 oz $5.32 ($10.64/oz) and Scrapbook .com Pops of Color Glitter Snowflake 4 oz $5.99 ($1.50/oz).
I think this is going to be a matter of preference. The Dollar Tree glue is less dimensional, less sparkly, and more watery than Stickles. However, it’s also 3% of the price of Stickles.
Papercraft Crystal 