Berkeley Gets Thrifty and Creative for the Holidays

December can be an expensive month, with the addition of holiday food, decorations and gifts lengthening the usual family shopping list. 

But Berkeley shoppers are getting thrifty this year, according to the Contra Costa Times, and hitting up the dollar stores for their holiday needs.

In fact, the trend is nationwide. A tough economy over the last few years has meant a boom for dollar variety stores like Berkeley's , and . These types of discount stores are expected to be among the star retail performers this holiday season, according to a Nielsen survey.

And it isn't just discount wrapping paper and cheap holiday decorations that are drawing a crowd either. A whole do-it-yourself-for-a-dollar culture has spawned online, with crafty creations like this cotton swab tree ornament and these personalized wine glasses.  

Check out these dollar-store crafts blogs for ideas on how to turn your spare change into a piece of art or a special gift for the holidays:

DollarStoreCrafts.com

Eyeballs by Day, Crafts by Night

So You Think You're Crafty

The Cheese Thief

How are you planning to save money this holiday season? Share your ideas in the comments. Found or invented an amazing dollar-store craft? Let us know! Upload your pictures by clicking "add photos and video" below.

Every day until Christmas, Berkeley Patch will feature a thrifty craft of the day. Submit yours to berkeley@patch.com. Click "keep me posted" to recieve updates.