Dollar Stores - Delightful or Depressing?

I'll admit it; I make a regular stop into the dollar store near us. I'm sure there are some of you out there who are horrified, see dollar stores as cheesy and tacky, and would never step foot in one. There are times that I see something that makes me cringe and wonder who would buy it. But on occasion I actually find a quality item for, you guessed it, a dollar. Dollar Tree and Dollar General sometimes carry name-brands like Cheerios and Reeses Cups. Plus, I pick up home organizer products, decorations, and gift bags really cheap. To be honest, who would know or care if your gift bag came from the dollar store or somewhere more expensive? This Christmas I saw a woman give her two-year old a book from the Dollar Tree. He was thrilled with the treat, and she didn't have to spend very much. It takes a little patience to shop at dollar stores, but all it costs is time and a dollar.