Memorial Day is approaching quickly, observed this year on Monday, May 26. This important federal holiday honors the brave men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. While it’s a solemn day of remembrance, it also marks the unofficial start of summer for many. Families and friends often gather for barbecues, picnics, and community events. Decorating with patriotic themes is a common way to show respect and festive spirit. Finding the right supplies doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Many stores offer a great selection. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to find your Memorial Day decorating supplies, including budget-friendly options.
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1. Dollar Tree
For shoppers on a tight budget, Dollar Tree is an excellent starting point. Everything is typically priced at $1.25 or less. They usually stock a variety of small American flags perfect for lining walkways or adding to centerpieces. You can also find red, white, and blue disposable tableware like plates, napkins, and cups. Look for patriotic banners, streamers, balloons, and small decorative items like themed signs or tabletop pieces. While the selection might be basic, it’s unbeatable for affordability when buying multiple small items.
2. Five Below
Five Below caters to a younger demographic with trendy items mostly priced at $5 or less. For Memorial Day, expect to find fun and youthful patriotic accessories and decor. This could include novelty items like themed sunglasses or headbands. They often carry small outdoor decorations, garden flags, and festive string lights. Five Below is also a good source for affordable party game supplies or colorful outdoor serving dishes. It’s a great place to find items that add a playful touch to your gathering without breaking the bank.
3. PopShelf
PopShelf, a retail concept from Dollar General, offers a slightly more curated and stylish selection of discount merchandise. Their stores are designed to be bright and inviting, often featuring seasonal home decor and party supplies. For Memorial Day, PopShelf is likely to have themed items that blend affordability with a bit more design flair than traditional dollar stores. Look for patriotic tabletop decor, festive serving pieces, outdoor lanterns, and themed kitchen towels. They aim for a “treasure hunt” feel with good value.
4. Walmart and Target
These large mass retailers are reliable one-stop shops for a wide range of Memorial Day supplies. Both Walmart and Target typically dedicate significant seasonal sections to patriotic holidays. You can find American flags in various sizes, from small handheld ones to larger flags for display. They offer extensive selections of red, white, and blue party supplies, themed tableware, outdoor lighting, banners, and yard decorations. Look for outdoor furniture cushions and picnic accessories in patriotic colors here as well. Pricing is generally competitive.
5. Craft Stores
If you enjoy DIY projects or want more unique, higher-quality decorations, craft stores are excellent resources. Chains like Michaels and Hobby Lobby stock abundant patriotic-themed supplies leading up to Memorial Day. You can find ribbons, fabric, wreath-making materials, artificial flowers, and individual decorative pieces to create custom decor. They also sell ready-made wreaths, wall hangings, and centerpieces. Watch for their frequent sales and coupons to get the best deals on these more specialized items.
6. Party Supply Stores
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Stores specializing in party supplies offer an extensive range of themed decorations. For Memorial Day, they will have a wide variety of balloons (including helium-filled options), large banners, window clings, patriotic wearables (hats, beads), and extensive coordinated tableware sets. While potentially pricier than discount stores for basic items, they are unmatched for selection if you’re planning a large or elaborately themed event. Check for sales or bulk discounts.
7. Grocery Stores
Don’t overlook your local supermarket when looking for last-minute Memorial Day items. Most grocery stores set up seasonal aisles featuring patriotic-themed products in the weeks leading up to the holiday. This is a convenient place to grab disposable plates, napkins, cups, and plastic cutlery in red, white, and blue. You can often find small American flags, themed tablecloths, and sometimes basic outdoor decorations alongside barbecue supplies and popular cookout foods. It’s perfect for picking up essentials while doing your regular food shopping.
8. Online Retailers (Amazon, Oriental Trading)
For the widest possible selection or for buying in bulk, online retailers like Amazon or party suppliers like Oriental Trading are great options. You can find everything from large flags and elaborate outdoor lighting to bulk quantities of small favors and tableware. Online marketplaces offer items from countless sellers, often with unique or specialized designs not found in local stores. The main consideration here is planning ahead. You’ll need to order in advance to ensure your supplies arrive before Memorial Day weekend.
Decorating with Respect and Spirit
Finding the perfect Memorial Day decorating supplies is easy with so many options available. Discount stores like Dollar Tree, Five Below, and PopShelf offer fantastic value for festive basics. Larger retailers like Walmart and Target provide broader selections. Craft stores allow for personalized touches, while party stores offer extensive themed gear. Even grocery stores and online retailers provide convenient solutions. As you decorate, remember the solemn meaning of Memorial Day: honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country. Decorate with patriotic spirit and respect.
Where do you typically find your best deals for Memorial Day decorations? Do you have any favorite DIY decorating ideas for patriotic holidays? Share your tips and traditions below!
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