The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find So Good I Went Back for More

I’ve always been a firm believer in keeping frequently used items within easy reach while cooking, but finding that sweet spot between convenience and countertop clutter can be tricky. So I was thrilled to, once again, luck out at Dollar Tree when I found some very cute oval wooden trays that are perfect for organizing countertop items.

The oval shape, farmhouse-inspired bead detailing, and convenient size made trying one out seem like a no-brainer. For just $1.25, I picked up one of these cute wooden trays and took to my kitchen to see if I could work any magic with it.

Why I Love Dollar Tree’s Wooden Trays

In the style department, these trays punch way above their weight class. They come in round and oval shapes and light and dark wood colors. The beaded edge detail gives them a custom, higher-end appearance that would look right at home in any Joanna Gaines-inspired space. (However, you have to look for ones that don’t have glue showing—a mistake I made when I first picked one up. It is Dollar Tree, after all!)

At 8.5 inches long and 5.5 inches wide (with 7.25 by 4.25 inches of usable, non-beaded tray area), they’re perfectly sized to hold daily essentials without hogging precious counter space. The natural wood tone works with everything, and the raised beaded edge isn’t just pretty—it actually keeps things from sliding off when I reach for them.

How I Use Dollar Tree’s Wooden Trays

I’d only planned to buy one of these trays for the items near my stove, but I quickly found myself going back for a few more. I’ve created a “cooking station” near the stove where I keep my salt, pepper, olive oil, and red pepper flakes. Another sits in a cabinet, keeping a few of my favorite oils and vinegars front and center. I also placed one on our dining table as a base for candles and a small floral arrangement. It’s really charming, and my kids love that we’ve started a new ritual of lighting candles for my kids during dinner.

I’ve also found countless other uses for these trays outside of my kitchen. A tray on my coffee table keeps remotes in place; another organizes my desk supplies, and I even gave one to my daughter for her art supplies, which means that her colored pencils actually make it back to their designated spot instead of rolling under the couch. (This alone feels worth it!) For $1.25, these trays have brought a surprising amount of order and charm to my home.

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