12 fantastic fall decorations you can find at the dollar store

Turns out fall decorations don't have to cost an arm and a leg — not even close. For around $10, you can give your home a quick and uncomplicated seasonal makeover. Keep reading to find out how.

Freshen up your house for a few bucks

While selections may vary based on store and location, dollar store lovers swear by these low-cost fall finds:

1. Anything pumpkin.

Bet you can't pick just one. Most dollar stores stock up on a wide selection of decorative pumpkins as fall rolls in — think ceramic, cement, foam, wood, and even velvet.

2. Autumnal animals.

Whether you need a parliament of owls or a skulk of foxes to adorn your mantel, the dollar store has you covered. You might also find unpainted wood fox ornaments for your kiddos to decorate and hang.

3. Centerpiece supplies.

Making your own dollar-store centerpiece is essentially a Choose Your Own Adventure story. Start with a simple wooden crate, add in your favorite fall accessories, and put on the finishing touch with a few candles.

4. Dinnerware.

You can still set a lavish holiday table while saving your pennies. Complement the stunning centerpiece you've created with fall-friendly dollar-store plates, bowls, glasses, and placemats.

5. Fall candles.

Forget those pricier candle brands that shall not be named. At your local dollar store, you might find such seasonal scents as the ever-popular pumpkin spice, apple cinnamon, caramel maple, and more.

6. Fall florals.

Take cues from one dollar-store aficionado, who trimmed her door for next to nothing. She put together fall florals and other craft items to come up with a one-of-a-kind bicycle wheel wreath. (Check out her tutorial to see how it's done.)

7. Festive ribbon.

What can't you do with a spool of adorably printed fall ribbon? Weave it into a centerpiece or wreath, wrap up a wooden pumpkin, or tie it in bows to hang from your mantel.

8. Halloween lanterns.

This is Halloween fun at its finest. Buy some dollar chains, lanterns, battery-operated candles, and themed lights, and you have a porch just spooky enough to draw in (but not scare) trick-or-treaters.

9. Knick-knacks.

Maybe you want to dip your toes in the water and start small with a few fall decorations. Or, perhaps you're a collector of kitsch. Either way, it'll be hard to resist the dollar store's cornucopia of windowsill ornaments.

10. Outdoor decor.

While it certainly makes a difference to decorate your home on the inside, don't forget how much curb appeal counts. Arrange a few scarecrows, a harvest sign, and a pumpkin garden stake or two, and you've got yourself a festive front yard display to welcome in the season.

11. Signs galore.

The question isn't if you need a fall sign. It's: How many signs do you need? If you don't find what you're looking for, you can always create your own DIY fall chalkboard sign, using dollar store supplies, for under $5.

12. Welcome mat.

Who ever said your doormat had to be utilitarian and boring? Put out a fun, seasonal welcome mat with a cute message from your local dollar store and make a lasting first impression.