Dollar General expands holiday toy assortment with low-price shelf, discounts, and new licensed items

# What happened Dollar General is rolling out an expanded holiday toy assortment for 2026 that emphasizes low prices and wide variety. The retailer says its seasonal lineup includes more than 170 toys, with roughly half priced at $10 or less and about 95% priced at $20 or less. A new in-store shelf will group toys priced at $5 and under to make budget shopping simpler.

# Pricing and promotions

# Notable product lines and new items The holiday assortment targets current toy trends such as collectibles and sensory toys and includes licensed and brand-name items. Mentioned entries include:

• Pokémon: expanded core and holiday assortments tied to the brand's 30th anniversary.

• Melissa & Doug: new matching games, wooden vehicles and an exclusive fishing set.
• Bluey: toys and plush, including a new hide-and-seek interactive toy and a children's guitar.
• Trending collectibles: Mini Brands, My Mini Baby, WWE Ballers, Fugglers, and squishy sensory toys starting at $1.
• Family games: new $2 Hasbro Classic Mini Games such as Connect Four, Yahtzee, and Operation.

The assortment also includes seasonal $1 giftables (coloring books, activity books, novelty pens, stickers) and select stores will carry princess dress assortments.

# Crafts, stocking stuffers and small-ticket gifting Dollar General lists more than 300 crafting items, with 85% under $5 and over 50 craft items priced at $1. Offerings include paint, canvas and wooden surfaces, air-dry clay, Crayola and Elmer's products, ribbon and stickers. Kids' craft kits (diamond art, jewelry making) are priced at $6.50.

# Sweepstakes and shopping convenience

# Dollar General's stated customer message Steve O'Brien, Dollar General's vice president and division merchandise manager, said the retailer is focused on "creating memorable moments for less because holiday toy shopping should be exciting, not stressful." The company is also bringing back a printed toy guide to support wish-list making.

# Practical takeaway for shoppers If you need low-cost gift options or stocking stuffers, Dollar General's expanded assortment concentrates many items at $1, $5, and $10 price points. Consider the 25% off threshold if you plan multiple toy purchases, and check local stores for specific items like princess dresses or exclusive lines. Enter the Hot Wheels sweepstakes online if you meet eligibility rules and want the daily-entry option.