I found three great things today:
1. FLAT skewers for cookie pops (in the barbecue section). They won't spin in the cookies.
2. Large, smooth, rigid wooden cutting boards to use as cake boards. I plan to glue a smaller one under a larger one so that I can pick up the cake more easily. I only bake for family, so I don't need anything too big. The cutting boards were available in many sizes, and did not have grooves like some cutting boards.
3. Extra long dowels (also in the barbecue section), intended for marshmallow toasting. They can be used for doweling stacked cakes, and they were cheap!

I've never heard of this company before. But that's awesome that you found a bunch of stuff to use!

Christmas Tree Shoppe ROCKS!! Half my house is decorated with stuff from there............love the place Thanks for the tips, I always go there on Mondays, it's my day off!

They must be an east coast chain. They sell mostly seasonal and household stuff that you didn't know you needed or wanted until you see it. Then you buy it, and realize you really don't need it or want it; and you don't have anyplace to put it. I like to go every few months, maybe every season. It's a step or two up from a dollar store.

We don't have them in Ohio, either. Next time I'm in NY I'll have to check it out. It sounds pretty neat!

I loved the Christmas Tree Shoppe when I lived in Maine and I went often - there aren't any in my part of Florida and I miss them. I'm glad you were able to find some neat stuff and that's a great idea to use the marshmellow sticks as dowels....

We have a new one here too =)
Last week, I found some large metal "diamond rings" (about 2" x 3" ) with large crystal "diamonds" in them marked as paperweights.
$3 each
figured they'd be great for engagement cake toppers =)

dkelly, go Sunday night an hour or two prior to closing. Everything on the clearance rack goes down to ten cents.

I bought one of those giant diamond rings, too! Didn't need it, but I got it anyway.

When I got home from the store today, I opened the cabinet to put away the birthday paper goods I bought, and I found four packages of the same stuff already in there. ($1 per package) So yes, bbmom, I guess I just love a bargain!

Well now that you've told me what it is, I want to go! It sounds like a fun place to shop. Too bad we don't have them around here.

It is hit or miss but my christmas tree shop often has the wilton character pans for $3, or cookie cutters real cheap. I always go in for 1 item and come out with bags of stuff. I will have to check out the barbeque section. thanks for info

Christmas tree shop is an experience especially on a Saturday or sunday !!! great description "didn't know i needed it it until I saw it" how true!!
Last time I was there I got wilton parchment paper for $2.99 and they had wilton bows for (cake toppers) that looked like they were made out of fondant I've never seen those before....