If you are anything like us, you probably think that a dollar store is a magical place where you can get just about anything. There are times, however, when you are better off spending a few extra dollars to ensure the longevity of the item. It is not always good to trade quality in the name of saving a couple of bucks. Despite this, you can truly get some amazing bargains at the dollar store! Read on to find out what you should always buy from there and what you should never get.
Coffee Filters
This is going to be a bargain that you can always appreciate. We daresay that coffee should be at the highest tier on the food pyramid. It is a bad idea to run out of coffee filters at home or the office. You can ensure that you will never run out by getting them at the dollar store!
Coffee Filters
Hair Accessories
Combs, brushes, headbands, bobby pins… Name all the hair accessories you want, the dollar store will have it. Trends and fads come and go, so it is a good idea to get these things for cheap!
Hair Accessories
Plastic Buckets
Plastic buckets will come in handy at one point or another. After all, you can use them to wash your car, clean the house, and carry other things. What more can you ask for when you can get it for cheap?
Plastic Buckets
Dish Towels And Washcloths
There is no way you can beat the dollar store price of these things. They will get stained or burnt in no time at all, so it is not a good idea to shell out more than you need to on them.
Dish Towels And Washcloths
Greeting Cards
If you are the type of person who gets others greeting cards, you might already know that they are not worth paying a lot of money for. Why spend $5 on one when you can get five pieces for the same price?
Greeting Cards
Picture Frames
Do you want to show off your family photos? Get basic picture frames from the dollar store and then decorate them on your own with paint and decorations! This is a good chance to express your creativity.
Picture Frames
Socks
Trust us, the socks you find at the dollar store are just as good as the ones at the department store. There is a good chance that you will lose one of them in the future, so why bother spending more?
Socks
Party Supplies
When you plan to throw a party, the best thing for you to do is to grab your cups, straws, paper plates, streamers, and balloons from the dollar store! You can save as much as 70% of the costs this way.
Party Supplies
Pregnancy Tests
Drugstore tests cost around $10 to $15 from the pharmacy. However, you can get ones that work just as well for only a dollar. We promise you that they are not any less reliable than the more expensive ones.
Pregnancy Tests
Vase And Decorative Bowls
Get your bowls and vase here. You will find a variety of sizes, styles, and prices, so you can always find one to match the aesthetics of your house. Besides, people will be too focused on the flowers anyway!
Vase And Decorative Bowls
Plastic Food Containers
Most stores sell plastic food containers at $5 apiece. It is a good thing that you can get a good deal on them when you go to the dollar store instead! You might get them at 4 for $1, which is a great bargain.
Plastic Food Containers
Chocolate And Candy
When you need your sweet tooth fix, skip the supermarket and head to the dollar store instead. This is a good idea for Halloween. The only thing you have to look out for would be the expiration date on them.
Chocolate And Candy
Notebooks
Notebooks are not exactly expensive, but they can add up when you go to the superstore. Instead of paying $5 to $10 for each one, you can simply drop by the dollar store when you need something to write on.
Notebooks
Storage Containers
This place is going to be a wonderland for all of your organization freaks. You can get storage containers in a variety of colors, sizes, and prices to suit your needs. Since you do not have to pay a lot of money, this is going to help you keep your house as clean and organized as it should be.
Storage Containers
Mugs And Glasses
Like bowls and vases, glasses and mugs from the dollar store will do the trick. One other upside to this is the fact that you can buy the number of items that you need without having to get an entire set.
Mugs And Glasses
Seasonal Décor
You might be surprised to see just how big the selection of decorations there is at the dollar store. You can get scarecrows to Santa figures to Easter bunny statues. This is a good idea if you want to make your home look festive without breaking the bank.
Seasonal Decor
Dishware
When it comes to dishes, most people want them to be simple and serviceable. It is practical for you to buy these from the dollar store. After all, clumsy kids and college students tend to break them often!
Dishware
Tote Bags
Have you arrived at that age when you start to think about the environment and your impact on it? If so, you are probably a big fan of reusable bags. Do the planet a favor by buying cheap polyester totes and using them instead of plastic bags when you go shopping.
Tote Bags
Reading Glasses
Reading glasses from the dollar store will help your vision just as much as branded ones. There is no need to shell out hundreds of dollars for a pair when you get one for a fraction of the price.
Reading Glasses
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
Let us be real here. Your wrapping paper and gift bag will only end up in the trash after they have done their job. There is no need to spend your hard-earned money on expensive gift wraps!
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
Deodorant
It is now time for us to talk about the items that you should NEVER buy at the dollar store. They have antiperspirant and deodorant for sale, but you should always check the size before making the purchase. There is a good chance that you will find a bigger version at the pharmacy for not much more.
Deodorant
Toys
Dollar store toys are awesome if they would not be used all that often. However, do not expect them to live long when they are regularly used. You should be careful with these things since parts will likely come loose and turn into a choking hazard. No one wants to put their toddlers at risk, right?
Toys
Tools
Cheap tools are fine when you find yourself in an emergency. However, it is always worth spending more on these things. You want pieces of equipment that can last you at least a few years, after all.
Tools
Batteries
The batteries you find in dollar stores will run out quickly because they are normally poorly made. Many of them do not use modern formulations. It is not improbable for them to leak as well. When talking about batteries, it is much better to go with brand names instead of these reasons.
Batteries
Knives
Feel free to buy your knives from the dollar store if you only need ones that would not be all that useful. They will do fine for the odd camping trip, but you can save yourself a great deal of frustration by investing in good knives instead. Trust us, you will be relieved that you did this instead.
Knives
Earbuds, Headphones
We can see the appeal of those headphones that only go for a buck or two. However, you should know that they have poor sound more often than not. You should just get a good pair for $10 to $20 at a major retailer. These things will last you much longer than the cheap ones!
Earbuds, Headphones
USB Chargers
Are you in the market for cheap chargers that will not give your devices the TLC that they need? If so, go ahead and buy USB chargers at the dollar store! However, you will be sorely disappointed if you wanted to charge your smartphones and tablets to the fullest. Those chargers simply do not have enough juice for your devices or will charge them at a much slower pace.
USB Chargers
HDMI Cables
Fair enough, many places charge indecent prices for HDMI cables. We are not surprised to hear that many people are tempted to save a lot of money by going to the dollar store instead. They are indeed much cheaper, but the truth is that they are more likely to break. The best place to get them would be online stores. There are good deals online if you are willing to go to the effort and look for them!
HDMI Cables
Plastic Cooking Utensils
The Las Vegas Review-Journal has exposed that there are plastic utensils with chemicals that lead to health issues. This is the reason you should buy stainless steel utensils even if they are more expensive.
Plastic Cooking Utensils
School Supplies
Oh, are you looking for Post-its that do not stick? Maybe you wanted leaky pens? The stationary section of the dollar store is perfect for you. To be fair, some school supplies are of good quality over there. However, the Las Vegas Review-Journal said that you are better off availing of the bulk quantity offers that big stores have when they go on sale. This is a better way to save your money on school supplies!
School Supplies
Double-Sided Tape
You can get 130 inches of this tape at the dollar store at a way cheaper price. It is shorter tape than the 450-inch role sold at Staples for $4.70, but its still 1/5 cent cheaper per inch!
Double Sides Tape
Cotton Swabs
Why waste your money on cotton swabs from CVS when you get the same product at the dollar store! At CVS a box 170 swabs are sold for $2.79, now that is just stealing your money. Maybe it is not the actual Q-tips brand, but there are subtle differences.
Cotton Swabs
Paper Clips
At the dollar store, you can purchase a pack of 100 vinyl-coated colored paper clips for just a dollar instead of just 60 for $2.49 at Office Depot. Get more and spend less? How can you say no!
Paper Clips
Clay Flower Pots
Flower pots are a fun and creative way to spend your time. Buy a few, decorate them, and get your flowers ready to put inside. This makes the perfect gift and the same pot can be purchased at Lowes for #3.97!
Clay Flower Pots
Holiday Decorations
A new holiday season means aisles are filled with new decorations. There are always fun and cheap gifts for young children or seasonal decor to brighten offices. At the dollar store, you can splurge with can’t beat prices.
Holiday Decorations
Mailing Labels
Treat yourself to a package of 10 mailing labels all at the dollar store! The only other place we’ve seen this kind with “to” and “from” written on it at the post office, and those are overpriced.
Mailing Labels
Shaving Cream
Why spend $2.99 at CVS if you can buy the same product at the dollar store? You can even find expensive holistic expectorant in the dollar store. Make sure to stack up against your boxes!
Shaving Cream
Advil
Small packs of Advil from the drug store are always outrageously expensive. Sometimes your headache is so bad that you don’t care to spend the money. But instead, you should rush over to the dollar tree and get a three 2-count pack just for $1.
Advil
Balloons
How long do these party decorations last anyway? You typically get rid of balloons after a day or two anyway so why spend more than you need. Sometimes you can even get twice the amount for half the price at the dollar store.
Balloons
Band-aids
Sacrifice the name brands and save yourself 50% off pharmacy prices by purchasing these first aid essentials at the dollar store. They do the trick and won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Band-Aids
Pint Glasses
For only a dollar you can stock yourself up with pint glasses like the ones sold in bars with can’t beat prices you won’t be stressing if they get broken during your wilder nights.
Pint Glasses
Board Games
Puzzles and board games for children are best purchased at the dollar store. They have such a variety for only a $1! How is this even possible! You can even find licensed products like Disney.
Board Games
Bobby Pins
These tiny hair accessories are always lost why would you want to waste money when you’re just going to buy them again. With the dollar tree, you can stock up on a 72-pack for only a dollar.
Bobby Pins
Bread
The creators of the blog Krazy Coupon Lady discovered that Oroweat bread can be purchased at the dollar store for more than a third of what it costs at the regular grocery store! Now, this is something you probably always buy, so isn’t it great that you can now purchase it for only a dollar?
Bread
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies at supermarkets can be so overpriced it will make you want to pull your hair out. At the dollar store, you can find expensive and popular brands like Tide and Clorox for more than half the price.
Cleaning Supplies
Cookie Sheets
The crazy craft lady blogger says gets her cookie sheets at her local dollar store, so we trust her! They can be used for DIY projects and also used for other kitchen items like a magnetic board.
Cookie Sheets
Index Cards
If you’re a parent then you know how often your kids go through a pack of index cards during exam season. One hundred cards are only 50 cents at the Dollar store! You can also stock up on 12 packs for $6 if you’re someone who likes to buy in bulk.
Index Cards
Flashlight
This item may not the best quality, but these mini flashlights can be extremely handy if the power happens to go out. They also come with a keychain hook, can you say fashion?! They are also super cheap, so why not.
Flashlight
Flip Flops
The dollar store sears by their super cheap shoes. They can be used in college dorm room showers, camp showers, around the house, or to the beach. Customers say they are great quality and have lasted for years.
Flip Flops
Permanent Markers
Ditch the name brand and get yourself a pack of four markers for the price of just one. The quality is the same, the only difference is you won’t make a dent in your wallet.
Permanent Markers
Baby Utensils
Plastics found at the dollar store may contain harsh chemicals that should be nowhere near a baby. It’s hard to know exactly what is inside these products, but what we do know is that it’s better to spend more money somewhere else if it means keeping your baby safe!
Baby Utensils
Hair Dye
Hair dye itself contains many harmful chemicals so I wouldn’t risk buying it from the dollar store even though it may be extra inexpensive. We are a little hesitant about what is actually in this product, sold at the dollar store so we would avoid bringing it near your scalp!
Hair Dye
Phone Chargers
It’s hard not to run into the dollar store when your phone charger is at its last end and you need a quick and cheap charge. However, you should invest in apple chargers because these cheap chargers may damage your phone’s battery. They also won’t charge as much or as fast so either way you lose out and instead should spend a bit more to get your money’s worth.
Phone Chargers
Trash Bags
The Dollar store may lure you in with brand name trashbags but you’ll soon learn that you’re paying 1$ for just 2-3 trash bags. If you’re anything like us then this will last you not even 3 days! What’s even worse is that these trash bags are so cheap that the plastic can easily rip.
Trash Bags
Dishwasher Pods
The dollar store is not your go-to spot when it comes to dishwasher pods. While you can get a 2-pack for about $1, you can get a 14-pack for $4.50-$5.50 at stores like Wallmart or Targets. In this case, you may overspend if you invest at the dollar store.
Dishwasher Pods
Sandwich Bags
Sandwich bags can be extremely frustrating when you can’t even get them to close. The ones found at the dollar store are even worse because they are made from a cheap plastic that’s difficult to seal and easy to tear. While you may spend an extra dollar or two at the supermarket, it’s worth it not to buy sandwich bags at the dollar store.
Sandwich Bags
Crayons
Offbrand crayons and watercolor paints are surprisingly a mistake you may make. Barely any color comes out and you will find yourself buying the same products again shortly after. Instead, buy something for the long term at places like Wallmart or Target.
Crayons
Jewelry
While you may think you’re getting a great deal when you find rings and necklaces for $1, think realistically. How good will the quality be for a $1 piece of jewelry? The material will probably change colors and it will break shortly afterward. If you want nice jewelry then spend a little extra and get your money’s worth.
Jewelry
Fabric Softener
When you see fabric softener sheets displayed at low prices like just a dollar, you may be persuaded to buy them. What you probably don’t realize is that you can get the same thing for 4x the amount, at the same price at Target or Wallmart as long as you present a coupon!
Fabric Softener
Sunscreen
This product at the dollar store does nothing. You may apply it all over your body and the outcome is just as if you never applied it in the first place. Their products are usually close to the expiration date and don’t work anymore.
Sunscreen
Baking Soda
Buying a bundle of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda will only cost you 85 cents per box at warehouse stores like Costco. Not only is this already cheap but they won’t spoil either so you can go ahead and stock up. You’ll never have a shortage of Baking Soda!
Baking Soda
Shampoo
It may not be a brand name but off-brand shampoo does the same job as any other product. You can save almost $2 on a bottle of shampoo when you buy it at the dollar store. You may feel like you’re doing something special for your hair by using expensive shampoos but the only difference is that you’re just paying more.
Shampoo
Medication
We wouldn’t necessarily recommend buying this at the dollar store because they may be unregulated and wrongly labeled because they don’t go through the same testing as products at other stores. It has been found that some of the multi-vitamins sold at the dollar store don’t actually contain the same number of nutrients written on the label.
Medication
Spices
While you may not find an exotic collection of spices at the dollar store, you will find your basic products like cinnamon, parsley, pepper, etc., for just a dollar for a large-sized container. Just make sure to give the expiration date a hard look before purchasing.
Spices
Paper Towels
Paper towels found at the dollar store are usually flimsy and don’t actually do the job when it comes to cleaning. Also, you can find this product at big grocery stores for lower prices and higher quality. Realistically, getting one paper towel roll for a dollar is no bargain at all.
Paper Towels
Packaged Food
At the dollar store, you can score great deals on pickles, olives, and other canned or packaged food. These products don’t go bad so you can buy in bulk. You can also purchase perishable items like produce or dairy products. Be careful with these though because they will closer to their expiration and probably need to be eaten the same day.
Packaged Foods
Drinks
You may think you’re getting a bargain for your money when in reality a liter of soda for a dollar is not a steal when you can purchase two liters for $1 at the grocery store. You may as well buy in bulk at the local store instead of individually at the dollar store.
Drinks
Pet Food
Pet food is not something to play around with so to ensure the safety of your furry friend, you should buy the real deal at warehouse stores. Not only is it better not to risk buying knock off foods, but you can even find better deals at national chains. Target has cases of 24 cans for $12, which is 50 cents less per can than the dollar store. They also give out special discounts quite frequently.
Pet Food
Makeup
Along with other items mentioned on this list, we can’t always know what is actually contained in beauty products. While off-brand products may have the same ingredient written on the back of their item, keep in mind that it may a cheaper version. This makes sense, I mean how else would their prices be so low? This may not matter everyone, but if you’re someone with sensitive skin you should keep this in mind.
Makeup
Oven Mitt
The only job of an oven mitt is to keep your hands safe from the intense heat of an oven. However, these mitts are typically made from a cheap material at the dollar store and won’t protect your fingers from anything. Don’t waste your money on this dollar store product and instead protect your hands!
Oven Mitt