One of my sisters who is a real bargain hunter suggested I check out OrientalTrading.com. “It’s a great site to save money on party decorations. It’s also the place that most party stores get their stuff from, so you can get it before the retail markups,” she told me.

I compared prices on goodies for Easter, which is April 12.

A plush Easter bunny is $3 on Oriental Trading and a similar toy is $13 to $15 at Rite Aid. A 2 lb bag of Easter chocolate was $10 at Oriental Trading and an equivalent amount is $8 at Rite Aid. A package of 144 plastic eggs are $9 at Oriental Trading; an equivalent amount would cost $26 at the Giant Party Store.

Prices for Easter goods at Party City appeared competitive but the company does not actually sell items online and provides few details, making a true comparison impossible without a trip to the store.

Oriental Trading claims to be “the nation’s leading direct marketer of value-priced novelties, toys, and party supplies.” They accept returns for a refun or exchange on all purchases and will beat a competitors price by 10% if you find a lower price elsewhere. From my quick comparison, many of their prices are competitive. But if you know of a better source of low-priced crafts, please leave a comment so other readers can benefit.

Thanks, Shasta!