Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Finds at the dollar store...

I found and/or was reminded of a couple of great things available at the dollar store recently:

--Did you know that you can get reading glasses for a dollar (well, plus tax) at the dollar store? Seems to me that I saw a "Twilight Zone" episode many years ago where there was a gentleman who only wanted to read books, and something catastrophic happened for some reason, so he was left with all these books with all this time to read them and then....enter omnious music....he broke his glasses.

And there was no way to get another pair. Or something like that. I may have remembered it all wrong since it was sooooo long ago, but the point is still there.

The guy probably wished he had an extra pair (or more) of glasses for just such an emergency. I bet he would have considered glasses to be a bargain even in the days of regularly filmed black and white TV programs if he could have bought some for  only $1.00.  (plus tax). Anyway, the highest prescription I saw available was 3.50, so it seems like it is a pretty good opportunity to stock up in case a pair gets broken...

--There were these really really small battery operated "tealight candles" at 3/$1 (yeah, yeah, plus tax :). I couldn't resist buying a package, and when I say they are tiny, I mean they are really tiny. But light is light and I plan on opening them soon. They do say they are supposed to last for 60 hours, so that's pretty good....


Would love to hear any other great finds people have found...you never know what you may have thought of that others have not... :)

5 comments:

Daisy Mae said...

The local Youth Ranch and St. V thrift stores usually ALL have a stand with glasses, but I'm unsure of the pricing. I will check the next time I'm in there.

I have prescription (for distance) and I'm always trying glasses on in there in hopes of finding something for myself to stockpile. (Two is One) When TEOTWAWKI comes... I won't care what the glasses look like... only that is can SEE!

Thanks for the reminder! I'm putting that in my "search binder".
DM

Marie said...

Daisy Mae--I didn't see any glasses for distance at the dollar store, only reading ones. Thanks for the excellent suggestion to try other places--maybe there are options at other thrift stores as well. I agree with you--doesn't matter what the glasses look like, just if they are useful to you! Thanks so much for your comment!

Daisy Mae said...

Marie-Nope, you won't find glasses for distance at the dollar store. Glasses for distance can only be purchased NEW with a perscription from your doctor. However... as the penny-pincher that I am: Used (previously owned) Perscription glasses can sometimes be found at your local thrift stores. I have found them there... with all sorts of lenses, frames, and perscriptions. But the 'reading glasses' (like the ones at the dollar store) usually far easier to find.
Ask the cashier/attendant at your favorite thrift store... they will be happy to guide you to 'your find'!
Good Luck!
DM

Daisy Mae said...

Marie-
Nope, you won't find glasses for distance at the dollar store. Glasses for distance can only be purchased NEW with a prescription from your doctor. However... as the penny-pincher that I am: Used (previously owned) Prescription glasses can sometimes be found at your local thrift stores. I have found them there... with all sorts of lenses, frames, and prescriptions. But the 'reading glasses' (like the ones at the dollar store) are usually far easier to find.
I need to clarify that I am not a doctor, nor to I advocate shopping for prescription glasses at a thrift stores for daily wear. (What I can recommend is for individuals to utilize their insurance, if they have it, to it’s fullest extent for as long as it is available. Most insurance will re-fill a prescription for glasses every two years (whether you need new glasses or not! Sometimes you can even get replacement lenses as a lower cost). Check your own insurance policy for details. Stock up that way 1st.

If we end up in a TEOTWAWKI situation... there might be others in your circle who could benefit from a different prescription lens (or two) that you have ‘picked up’ and put away.

Save yourself time and ask the cashier/attendant at your favorite thrift store where the glasses are located, and they will be happy to guide you directly!

Good Luck!
DM

Marie said...

Daisy Mae--Thanks for ideas that I had not thought about... I appreciate you taking the time to comment and share information!