There are people (like us!) who think that the dollar store is one magical place. You can find just about anything there but sometimes, it is better if you spend a few extra dollars in order to make sure the item will last. Trading quality so you can save a couple of bucks is not always the best thing to do. However, at the dollar store, there are some truly amazing bargains! Keep reading to find out what to get from there and what to skip.
Coffee Filters
You can always appreciate this bargain. We daresay coffee ought to be at the food pyramid’s highest tier. No one wants to discover that they have run out of coffee filters whether at the office or at home. You can make sure you always have coffee filters by getting them from the dollar store!
Coffee Filters
Hair Accessories
Combs, brushes, bobby pins, headbands … Name all the hair accessories that you know, you can likely find them all at the dollar store. Since trends and fads don’t really last a long time, you would want to get these items for cheap!
Hair Accessories
Plastic Buckets
At one point or another, plastic buckets will be useful. After all, they can be used to clean the house, carry other things, and wash your car. You can’t really ask for more when you can get them for cheap.
Plastic Buckets
Dish Towels And Washcloths
It is impossible to beat the price of these things at the dollar store. They will get burnt or stained in no time, so it is not really a good idea to spend more on them than you need to.
Dish Towels And Washcloths
Greeting Cards
Do you like getting others greeting cards? If so, you might already know they are not worth spending a lot of money on. There is really no need to spend $5 on one if you can get five of them for the same price.
Greeting Cards
Picture Frames
If you are thinking of showing off your family photos, buy basic picture frames at the dollar store and decorate them. You can use paint and decorations. Aside from getting the opportunity to express your creativity, you can also make your frames unique.
Picture Frames
Socks
Trust us, the socks that you find at the department store and the dollar store are equally good. There is also a good chance you will lose one of the socks in the future, so there is no need to spend more.
Socks
Party Supplies
Are you planning to throw a party? It’s best to grab your paper plates, cups, straws, balloons, and streamers from the dollar store! This way, you can save up to 70% of the costs.
Party Supplies
Pregnancy Tests
If you get drugstore tests from the pharmacy, you will spend around $10 to $15. At the dollar store, you can get ones which work the same for just a dollar. We promise you they are just as reliable as the more expensive ones.
Pregnancy Tests
Vase And Decorative Bowls
You should really head to the dollar store to get your vase and bowls. You can find a variety of styles, sizes, and prices, so it is easier to match your house’s aesthetics. Besides, the flowers will probably be the focus for most people anyway!
Vase And Decorative Bowls
Plastic Food Containers
Plastic food containers are sold at $5 apiece at most stores. However, the dollar store actually offers a better deal on these containers. You can get 4 of them for $1, which is certainly a great bargain.
Plastic Food Containers
Chocolate And Candy
If you need a sweet tooth fix, go to the dollar store instead of heading to the supermarket. This is also a good idea for Halloween. You just need to look out for the expiration date on the sweets.
Chocolate And Candy
Notebooks
While notebooks are not really that expensive, they can add up if you get them at the superstore. Instead of spending $5 to $10 on each one, you can head to the dollar store if you need something you can write on.
Notebooks
Storage Containers
All of you organization freaks will probably think this place is a wonderland. At the dollar store, storage containers in a wide variety of sizes, colors, and prices are sold to suit your needs. You do not need to spend a lot of money, so this will help you keep your house clean and organized.
Storage Containers
Mugs And Glasses
Like vases and bowls, glasses and mugs sold at the dollar store will do just fine. One other upside is the fact that it is possible get the number of items you need even if you don’t buy an entire set.
Mugs And Glasses
Seasonal Décor
Did you know that there is actually a wide selection of decorations at the dollar store? From Easter bunny statues to scarecrows to Santa figures, you can get them there. It is a good idea to head there if you are thinking of making your home look festive but you don’t want to break the bank.
Seasonal Decor
Dishware
Most people want simple and serviceable dishes. It is practical to buy these at the dollar store. After all, when dishes are in the hands of clumsy kids and college students, they have the tendency to get broken often!
Dishware
Tote Bags
Are you now at a point in your life when you are thinking more about the environment and considering your impact on it? If you are, then you are likely a massive fan of reusable bags. Be kind to the planet and buy cheap polyester totes that you can use instead of plastic bags whenever you go shopping.
Tote Bags
Reading Glasses
Dollar store reading glasses will help your vision the same way that branded ones do. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars for one pair if you can get one for a much lower price.
Reading Glasses
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
Wrapping paper and gift bag just end up in the trash when they have done their job, so is there really a need to spend hard-earned money on those expensive gift wraps? We don’t think so.
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
Deodorant
Now, let us talk about the things that you should NEVER purchase at the dollar store. While antiperspirant and deodorant are available at the dollar store, you should always look at the size prior to making the purchase. It is likely that a bigger version is sold at the pharmacy but for not much more.
Deodorant
Toys
Dollar store toys are amazing if they are not used often, but you should not expect them to last long if they are regularly used. Also, be careful with these things as parts may come loose and become a choking hazard. Nobody wants to put toddlers at risk, right?
Toys
Tools
In an emergency, cheap tools are fine but spending more on these items is always worth it. After all, everybody wants pieces of equipment which can last them at least a couple of years.
Tools
Batteries
Batteries that are available in dollar stores tend to run out quickly since they are typically poorly made. Modern formulations are not used in a lot of them. These batteries might also leak. When it comes to batteries, it is definitely better to get brand name ones instead.
Batteries
Knives
Feel free to purchase your knives at the dollar store, but don’t expect them to be of use to you. They are fine for a camping trip, but save yourself the frustration by investing in a good knife instead. You will be glad you heeded this advice.
Knives
Earbuds, Headphones
Those headphones which go for only a buck or two definitely have their appeal, but you should know that more often than not, they have poor sound. It would be better if you get a good pair from a major retailer. You may have to spend $10 to $20, but these things will last much longer compared to the cheap ones!
Earbuds, Headphones
USB Chargers
Are you planning to buy cheap chargers which do not give devices the TLC they need? If so, go to the dollar store and buy USB chargers! You will likely be disappointed if a full charge was what you wanted for your smartphones and tablets. There isn’t enough juice in those chargers for your devices or they will charge them much more slowly.
USB Chargers
HDMI Cables
Fair enough, a lot of places sell HDMI cables at indecent prices, so it is not surprising to hear that a lot of people are tempted to go to the dollar store instead to save money. While these cables are indeed much cheaper, they are actually more likely to break. It is better to get HDMI cables from online stores. You can find good deals online if you just go look for them!
HDMI Cables
Plastic Cooking Utensils
It has been exposed by the Las Vegas Review-Journal that some plastic utensils have chemicals which lead to health issues. Even though they are more expensive, you should really buy stainless steel utensils.
Plastic Cooking Utensils
School Supplies
Perhaps you are looking for Post-its which do not stick or some leaky pens. It is best if you head to the dollar store’s stationary section. To be fair, some of the school supplies there are of good quality but, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, you are better off with the bulk quantity offers which big stores have during a sale. You can better save money on school supplies this way!
School Supplies
Double-Sided Tape
At the dollar store, you can get a roll of 130 inches at a much lower price. While it is shorter than the 450-inch roll available at Staples for $4.70, you can buy the dollar store tape for a fifth of the cost per inch!
Double Sides Tape
Cotton Swabs
Cotton swabs from CVS and at the dollar store are the same product, so why waste money on them? CVS sells a box 170 swabs for $2.79. We don’t know about you, but we’d rather go for the cheaper Q-tips since the differences are quite subtle.
Cotton Swabs
Paper Clips
You can buy a pack of 100 paper clips that are vinyl-coated and colored for just $1 at the dollar store. At Office Depot, you will spend $2.49 and only get 60 clips. How can you say no to getting more and spending less?!
Paper Clips
Clay Flower Pots
Flower pots are not only fun but also a creative way to use your time. Purchase a few and decorate them. Then, get your flowers ready and put them inside the pots, and these make for the perfect gift. The same pot can cost you $3.97 if you get it from Lowes.
Clay Flower Pots
Holiday Decorations
Whenever a new holiday season starts, new decorations also start filling the aisles. There are always gifts for young children which are not fun yet cheap. There is seasonal decor to brighten offices as well. You can splurge at the dollar store since they come with can’t beat prices.
Holiday Decorations
Mailing Labels
At the dollar store, there are packages of 10 mailing labels available. The only other place where we’ve seen this is the post office. Those are overpriced.
Mailing Labels
Shaving Cream
Why pay $2.99 for the product at CVS if you can get it at the dollar store? Make sure you stack it up against your boxes!
Shaving Cream
Advil
Small packs of Advil are always outrageously expensive if you get them from the drug store. Sometimes you have a headache that is so bad you don’t really care about spending the money. You should know, however, that the Dollar Tree sells three 2-count packs for only $1. You can also get expensive holistic expectorant at the dollar store.
Advil
Balloons
We do not know how long these party decorations last but you typically just need balloons for a day or two. This is why you don’t really have to spend a lot on them. At the dollar store, you can even have twice the number of balloons for half the price.
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Balloons
Band-aids
Skip the name brands. Get 50% off pharmacy prices when you buy these essentials for first aid at the dollar store. The still do the trick without costing an arm and a leg.
Band-Aids
Pint Glasses
You can stock up on pint glasses like those used in bars as they are only one dollar a piece at the dollar store. If the glasses get broken during wilder nights, you won’t be that stressed.
Pint Glasses
Board Games
The dollar store is the best place for buying board games and puzzles for children. They have a lot of variety for just a $1! If you are wondering how this is even possible, you are not alone. They even have licensed products like Disney!
Board Games
Bobby Pins
The tiny hair accessories always get lost, so why would you waste money when you know you’re going to purchase them again. You can get a 72-pack for just a dollar at the Dollar Tree.
Bobby Pins
Bread
The creators of the popular blog Krazy Coupon Lady found out that Oroweat bread costs three times more at a regular grocery store than at a dollar store! This is something that you probably always purchase, so isn’t it great you can now but it for just a dollar?
Bread
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies can be so overpriced at supermarkets. You can still find popular and expensive brands like Clorox and Tide at the dollar store, but you will be paying more than 50% less.
Cleaning Supplies
Cookie Sheets
According to the crazy craft lady blogger, she goes to her local dollar store to get her cookie sheets, and we trust her! You can use these sheets for DIY projects and other kitchen items, such as a magnetic board.
Cookie Sheets
Index Cards
You probably know how often kids go through one pack of index cards while they study for their exams. At the dollar store, one hundred cards only cost 50 cents! In addition, you can stock up on a dozen packs for $6 if you like to buy in bulk.
Index Cards
Flashlight
This item may not have the best quality, but the mini flashlights can be very handy at times when the power goes out. They also have a keychain hook. They are super cheap, so why not?
Flashlight
Flip Flops
The super cheap shoes at the dollar store can be used in camp showers, college dorm room showers, to the beach, or around the house. Aside from being great quality, they have lasted for years according to customers.
Flip Flops
Permanent Markers
Buy one pack of four off-brand markers which cost the same as one name brand marker since they have the same quality. There is only one difference – one costs more.
Permanent Markers
Baby Utensils
Dollar store plastics may contain harsh chemicals which should be nowhere near babies. While we do not know exactly what these products contain, we do know that spending more money somewhere else is better if it means your baby safe remains safe!
Baby Utensils
Hair Dye
Hair dye itself comes with a lot of harmful chemicals so buying it at the dollar store is quite risky. Even though dollar store hair dyes can be extra inexpensive, we are hesitant about what these products actually contain. Personally, we would avoid putting it near our scalp, and so should you.
Hair Dye
Phone Chargers
When your phone charger has died and you need a cheap and quick charge, it’s hard not to go running to the dollar store. However, these cheap chargers may actually damage your phone’s battery, so it is better for you to invest in brand name chargers. Even though you spend a bit more, you will still get your money’s worth. Cheap chargers may not charge as fast or as much, so you lose out either way.
Phone Chargers
Trash Bags
You may be lured to get trash bags at the dollar store but you’ll soon learn you only get 2-3 trash bags for 1$. If you’re like us, this won’t even last you 3 days! What’s worse is that the bags are so cheap the plastic can easily tear.
Trash Bags
Dishwasher Pods
When it comes to pods for your dishwasher, the dollar store should not be your go-to place. Sure you can buy a 2-pack for roughly $1, but stores like Walmart or Target also have a 14-pack that they sell for $4.50-$5.50. In this case, opting to buy this product at the dollar store will make you overspend.
Dishwasher Pods
Sandwich Bags
It can get extremely frustrating when you can’t get sandwich bags to close. The ones you can buy at dollar stores are even worse since cheap plastic is used to make them. They can be easy to tear and difficult to seal. Sandwich bags at the supermarket may cost an extra dollar or two, but they are worth your money.
Sandwich Bags
Crayons
Surprisingly, getting off-brand crayons and watercolor paints is a mistake. It is difficult to get any color out and you will need to buy the same products once more shortly after. You should buy something long-term instead at places like Target or Walmart.
Crayons
Jewelry
Necklaces and rings for $1 may seem like a great deal but you should think realistically. What will the quality be like for a piece of jewelry that only costs $1? The material will likely change colors and the jewelry piece will break shortly afterward. Spending a little extra on some nice jewelry is definitely worth it.
Jewelry
Fabric Softener
You may get persuaded to buy fabric softener sheets that you see displayed at low prices. However, what you may not realize is that for the same price, you can get 4x the amount if buy these sheets at Walmart or Target as long as you have a coupon to present.
Fabric Softener
Sunscreen
Dollar store sunscreen practically does nothing. Even if you apply the product all over your body, the outcome is just like you never applied it at all. This product at the dollar store are usually near their expiration date and no longer work.
Sunscreen
Baking Soda
At Costco and other warehouse stores, one box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda costs 85 cents when you get one bundle. This is really cheap and they don’t spoil so you can stock up. Baking soda shortage will become a thing of the past for you.
Baking Soda
Shampoo
Off-brand shampoo may not be a brand name but it still does the job. You can save nearly $2 per bottle when you buy shampoo at the dollar store. While using expensive shampoos may feel like doing something special to your hair, the only difference is actually that you’re simply paying more.
Shampoo
Medication
We suggest you skip this at the dollar store since it may be wrongly labeled and unregulated. In fact, some of the multi-vitamins at the dollar store have been found to contain a different number of nutrients than what is written on the label.
Medication
Spices
While the dollar store may not offer an exotic collection of spices, you will find a large-sized container of basic products like pepper, cinnamon, parsley, etc., for only a dollar. Just don’t forget to look at the expiration date carefully before buying.
Spices
Paper Towels
Dollar store paper towels are usually flimsy. When it comes to cleaning, they don’t really do the job. This product can be found at big grocery stores, and it comes with higher quality and lower prices. Realistically, a dollar for one paper towel roll is definitely not a bargain.
Paper Towels
Packaged Food
The dollar store can have great deals on canned or packaged food like pickles and olives. Since these products go bad only after a long time, you can buy them in bulk. You can purchase perishable items, such as produce or dairy products, as well. However, you have to be careful with them because their expiration will be closer and they probably have to be eaten on the same day.
Packaged Foods
Drinks
You may think that paying a dollar for a liter of soda is a good deal but at the grocery store, you can actually buy two liters for $1. You may as well purchase in bulk at your local store rather than individual bottles of soda at the dollar store.
Drinks
Pet Food
You should not play around with pet food since your furry friend’s safety is on the line. It’s better if you get the real deal from warehouse stores, so you don’t risk purchasing knock off foods. What’s more, better deals can also be found at national chains. A case of 24 cans is sold for $12 at Target, which means that each can costs 50 cents less compared to the ones sold at the dollar store. Target frequently give out special discounts as well.
Pet Food
Makeup
We can’t always know what beauty products actually contain. The same ingredient may be written on the back of off-brand products, but it’s possible that it is a cheaper version since their prices are so low. While this may not matter to everyone, if you have sensitive skin, then you should take this into account.
Makeup
Oven Mitt
An oven mitt is meant to protect your hands from an oven’s intense heat. However, at the dollar store, a cheap material is typically used to make these mitts and won’t keep your fingers safe from anything. We’re pretty sure that if you were asked to choose between your money and your hands, you would choose the latter. Don’t buy this dollar store product!
Oven Mitt