I had my students write real letters requesting additional information from advertisements they'd selected from newspapers. I brought in a box of envelopes and they used them all. I needed more. Rather than considering a stationary store or even a big-box store, I knew I could find them at a dollar shop. I walked to the Dollar Tree that's in the New Westminster SkyTrain station. Of course, it's hard to escape the confines of such an establishment without a few unintended purchases.
I was amazed by the reasonably-priced items and even the cheap Christmas decorations. It used to be this type of store sold just junk. Yet now, many items are quite nice. I'd never buy food there, but lots of other everyday items are available. It's now one of the first places I turn when I need little household items. Thank you, China.