So, it’s official — I love the Dollar Store as a cosplayer. It’s an underrated treasure trove if you’re cosplaying on a budget and trying to stretch every dollar. While not everything there is worth your time, there are definitely some hidden gems that can help you save big on materials and still make impressive costumes.
This guide breaks down how to cosplay on a budget with tips on what’s worth grabbing from the Dollar Store — and what to skip.
Crafting Supplies for Cosplayers
Acrylic Paints and Palettes
Dollar Stores often carry Acryology acrylic paints, and honestly, they’re a solid pick for basic colors like black, white, or red. They perform almost as well as other craft brands for general painting projects.
While you’re there, grab a few paint palettes too — many are even dishwasher safe, which makes cleanup a breeze.
If you want to learn more about paint types and techniques, check out What Kind of Paint Do You Use on EVA Foam.
Ribbons, Markers, and Glue Sticks
The craft aisle has more to offer than paint. I love browsing their ribbon section, which usually has a ton of variety for trimming, embellishments, or accessory detailing. You can also find:
- Markers for tracing patterns
- Beads and gems for small details
- Glue gun sticks, including glitter options for fun finishing touches
Getting glue sticks here is a total win — they stock both sizes, and it’s way cheaper than big-box craft stores.
Faux Flowers and Floral Supplies
Don’t overlook the floral arrangement section. You can find a great assortment of fake flowers that are perfect for character designs with natural elements or decorative props. Just snip off the fake stems if you don’t need them for your project.
Handy Hardware Finds
When learning how to cosplay on a budget, don’t skip the Dollar Store’s hardware section — it’s a goldmine for small but useful tools.
Sanding Sponges
My top pick? Sanding sponges. I actually prefer them over the ones from Home Depot. They’re cheaper, usually double-sided with different grits, and perfect for smoothing out EVA foam edges or small touch-ups.
I like to keep a small stockpile of these since I go through them often.
Drop Cloths
You can also grab plastic drop cloths for when you’re priming or sealing foam props. Since they’re disposable, it’s smart to save money on something you’ll toss after one use.
Items to Be Cautious About
Not everything at the Dollar Store is a win when you’re cosplaying on a budget.
Scissors and Box Cutters
These can be hit or miss. Sometimes they’re decent for light use, but they tend to dull quickly. Buy with caution and test them before relying on them for major cutting work.
What to Avoid Altogether
A few things at the Dollar Store just aren’t worth the savings.
Paper Pads and Construction Paper
You don’t get much for the price, and per sheet, it’s actually more expensive than buying in bulk elsewhere.
Paint Brushes
If you’re hand-painting anything, skip the Dollar Store brushes. They shed bristles, apply unevenly, and can leave visible brush strokes that ruin your finish. Invest in higher-quality brushes for any fine detail work.
Final Thoughts on Cosplaying on a Budget
Being a cosplayer never has to break the bank. With a little creativity and smart shopping, you can make the most of every dollar. The Dollar Store is an amazing resource when you know what to look for — and what to avoid.
So, next time you’re there, keep an eye out for these budget-friendly finds and build your costume toolkit without overspending.
What great finds have you discovered while cosplaying on a budget? Share your favorites in the comments!
