Don’t you just love dropping by the dollar store? Every time we find ourselves there, we cannot help but feel like the world is at our fingertips. Buyer beware, however, as not everything you can get there makes for a good deal. In fact, you might be shocked to hear that you might be better off spending a few more bucks at a different store! Still, there are some truly incredible bargains to be had at the dollar store. With this guide, you will be able to figure out which items you should buy from there.
Coffee Filters
We would not know how to function if we have not yet had our cup of coffee. If you ask us, it should be at the top of the food pyramid. When the home or office pantry is out of coffee filters, we panic quite a bit. If this resonates with you, make sure to get a bunch at the dollar store.
Coffee Filters
Hair Accessories
What hair accessories do you normally use? Bobby pins, headbands, combs, brushes… whatever you will need, you will be able to buy at the dollar store. Trends change rapidly, so it is better to get cheap ones.
Hair Accessories
Plastic Buckets
It is wise to have a plastic bucket or two handy. They are very useful. For one, you can clean your house, store things in them, and wash your car with these things. As a bonus, you can get them for cheap!
Plastic Buckets
Dish Towels And Washcloths
When it comes to dish towels or washcloths, the dollar store is the place to be. They get burnt or stained very quickly, so it is not worth spending a lot of money on them. Get them cheap and replace as needed.
Dish Towels And Washcloths
Greeting Cards
If you like to give greeting cards to your friends and loved ones, you must be familiar with how much they can cost. Wait until you hear that you can get five pieces for $5 at the dollar store instead of one!
Greeting Cards
Picture Frames
Are you planning to put your family photos on display? You might be shocked to see how much picture frames cost at regular stores. Get the basic ones from the dollar store and simply paint it to your liking!
Picture Frames
Socks
There is not a lot of difference, if any, between the socks that you can get at the department store and the dollar store. We are sure that you will eventually lose one of them, so it is better to get cheap ones.
Socks
Party Supplies
If you want to throw a party, you must have disposable utensils on your shopping list. We have a tip for you! Get your straws, cups, balloons, and plates at the dollar store to save up to 70% of the costs.
Party Supplies
Pregnancy Tests
At the pharmacy, a pregnancy test will set you back by $10 to $15 each. You should buy one at the dollar store instead. Even though there is a big price difference, they will deliver the same results in the end.
Pregnancy Tests
Vase And Decorative Bowls
It is a great idea to buy your vases and bowls at the dollar store. They have great options even for the pickiest people. Not only are they cheap, but you are guaranteed to find something to match your place!
Vase And Decorative Bowls
Plastic Food Containers
If you go to a regular store, you will be able to get a plastic food container for $5. Do you want to save? Head to the dollar store instead! Mind you, it is even possible to snag four of them for only a dollar.
Plastic Food Containers
Chocolate And Candy
Do you need a fix for your sweet tooth? If this is the case, you should get your candy and chocolate from the dollar store and not the grocery. You should keep this in mind when Halloween is around the corner.
Chocolate And Candy
Notebooks
Notebooks might not be the most expensive thing on the list, but they sure add up if you buy a lot. The superstore offers them at $5 to $10 each, but the dollar store ones are going to do the trick as well.
Notebooks
Storage Containers
If you like to keep your things organized, you will like this entry a lot. Storage containers are amazing when you want to keep the house tidy. The dollar store might just be the best place to buy them! You do not need to pay a lot of money in order to keep your house in check, you know.
Storage Containers
Mugs And Glasses
The mugs and glasses that you can get from the dollar store are not any worse than the ones at a normal store. There is another perk to this. You can simply get the number that you need instead of one set.
Mugs And Glasses
Seasonal Décor
We bet that you will be surprised to hear that the dollar store has an extensive selection of seasonal décor! If you want to spice things up, you can get everything from scarecrows to Santa figures over here. Decorating your house does not need to be such an expensive endeavor!
Seasonal Decor
Dishware
Come on, folks, you do not need your dishes to be anything more than simple and serviceable. It is wise to be practical and buy them at the dollar store. This is especially true if you are clumsy!
Dishware
Tote Bags
Many folks have become aware of the way their actions impact the environment. And rightfully so! Reusable bags are now popular for this reason. You should do the planet a favor by getting a cheap polyester tote that you can use when you out to shop. Say no to plastic bags!
Tote Bags
Reading Glasses
We promise you that you will be able to see just fine if you use dollar store reading glasses. They might not be as stylish as brand name ones, but the good news is that they are nowhere near as pricey either.
Reading Glasses
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
This one might break your heart a little. The gift bag and wrapping paper that you picked out will just end in the dumpster. Sorry to break it to you. This is why you should get them as cheap as possible.
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
Deodorant
This time, we are going to discuss the items that you should avoid buying at the dollar store. You might be tempted to get the deodorant or antiperspirant over there, but this is not the smartest thing to do. Get them from the pharmacy instead. After all, you will probably be able to get a bigger version for only a little more money.
Deodorant
Toys
Feel free to get your children toys from the dollar store if they won’t use them that much. However, it is not a good idea for regular use. These items will break more easily than more expensive ones. Worse, there might be loose parts that will become a choking hazard in the future and put your child at risk.
Toys
Tools
You can get dollar store tools if you are desperate and in a bind. However, you will get more out of these pieces of equipment if you get more expensive ones. Those will last years and won’t break down soon.
Tools
Batteries
It is a good idea to avoid batteries from the dollar store. After all, they are not made with the same standards and probably use older formulations. There is also a possibility that they will leak on you. When we talk about batteries, brand names are much better than cheap ones.
Batteries
Knives
When should you get a knife from the dollar store? Let us see. You should do this if you do not one that is very useful. It might do the trick when you are going on the rare camping trip, but it might frustrate you. It is a good idea to spare yourself the headache and just get a reliable but expensive one.
Knives
Earbuds, Headphones
If you are interested in getting cheap headphones from the dollar store, we can see where you are coming from. However, you should not expect them to have good sound and last a long time. A better way to spend your money would be to go to a major retailer and buy a good pair for only $10 to $20.
Earbuds, Headphones
USB Chargers
Are you trying to buy a cheap charger that will not give your phone the attention that it needs? If this is the case, feel free to purchase USB chargers at a dollar store. We do not want to hear you complaining if it fails to charge your device to the maximum. The chargers from those places just do not have enough power to charge your device or do so at an incredibly slow pace.
USB Chargers
HDMI Cables
Now, it truly feels like an injustice for HDMI cables to be so expensive. It is not at all a surprise to hear that people are trying to cut corners by heading to the dollar store for these things. While they are much cheaper, they are also likelier to break. If you want our advice, you should buy them at online stores instead. There are a lot of good deals waiting for you if you do not mind seeking them out!
HDMI Cables
Plastic Cooking Utensils
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, plastic utensils are made with chemicals that are not good for your health. It is time to skip plastic utensils and spend more money to get stainless steel ones.
Plastic Cooking Utensils
School Supplies
We know a place for you if you want to get Post-its that are no longer sticky or pens that leak ink! The dollar store is the perfect place if you want to get subpar stationery. Okay, there are certain school supplies that are fine. However, the Las Vegas Review-Journal advises us to just avail of bulk quantity deals at big stores when there is an ongoing sale. Now you know how to cut corners on school supplies.
School Supplies
Double-Sided Tape
If you want to buy double-sided tape for cheap, you should go to the dollar store. Over there, you can buy 130 inches of it for a dollar, which is cheaper than the 450 inches for $4.70 offer at Staples.
Double Sides Tape
Cotton Swabs
There is seriously no need for you to spend a lot of money on cotton swabs since you can get this product at the dollar store too. If you want to get a 170-swab box at CVS, you need to pay $2.79 for it. We will let you decide if this is worth it.
Cotton Swabs
Paper Clips
If you want to get colored paper clips, the ones from the dollar store are going to work just fine. A dollar for 100 clips seems like a good deal, especially if you compare it to Office Depot’s 60 clips for $2.49 deal.
Paper Clips
Clay Flower Pots
If you want to pass the time in a fun and creative way, you should decorate flower pots! Get some of them from the dollar store and just decorate them to your liking. At Lowes, they are sold at $3.97 each.
Clay Flower Pots
Holiday Decorations
Is a certain holiday coming up soon? If you want to decorate your house accordingly, it does not have to cost you an arm and leg. The solution here is to get your decorative pieces from the dollar store!
Holiday Decorations
Mailing Labels
At the dollar store, you only need to pay a dollar to get a pack of 10 mailing labels. This is going to be a better deal than what you can get at the post office. They are overpriced over there!
Mailing Labels
Shaving Cream
You do not need to spend $2.99 at CVS since you can also get this product from the dollar store. They even have a holistic expectorant as well. This is the place to go if you want to stock up on these things.
Shaving Cream
Advil
We bet that you are not happy about how expensive Advil can be at drug stores. You probably do not mind shelling out a lot of money when you have a bad headache. However, it is a better idea to stock up on them when you go to the dollar store. You can get 3 packs of two pills for only a dollar!
Advil
Balloons
Party décor is not meant to last a long time, so why are you planning to spend a lot on balloons? You will want to get rid of them a day or two later, so get them at the dollar store and not the party store!
Balloons
Band-aids
Band-aids are actually quite cheap if you do not mind using brandless ones. Why would you want to spend on these things? Trust us, dollar store ones are going to be fine when you need to apply first aid.
Band-Aids
Pint Glasses
For just one dollar, you will be able to bring home those pint glasses that you like so much. We love drinking at home, and so should you! The best part is that they are easy to replace if you break them.
Pint Glasses
Board Games
Children are going to love board games and puzzles from the dollar store. There are a lot of options, and they won’t break the bank at all. It is pretty impressive that they carry licensed products as well.
Board Games
Bobby Pins
It is so easy to lose bobby pins! This is the main reason we should not shell out a lot of money for them. If you want to save a lot of money, you should get a pack of 72 pins for just a dollar.
Bobby Pins
Bread
There is a blog called Krazy Coupon Lady that is great if you want to save up! The blog creators said that you can get Oroweat bread at the dollar store for more than one-third of its grocery store price. If you love this treat, you now know where to buy them on your next shopping trip!
Bread
Cleaning Supplies
We do not know why cleaning supplies are so pricey at supermarkets, but we do know where you can get them for cheaper. You can get Tide and Clorox products at a lower price if you go to the dollar store.
Cleaning Supplies
Cookie Sheets
The crazy craft lady writer has some advice for us. If you want cookie sheets, head to a dollar store! They are handy if you like to make DIY projects. They are good for kitchen use as well.
Cookie Sheets
Index Cards
Any parent will be familiar with the scarcity of index cards in the house when the kids are taking their exams. Luckily, the dollar store offers a hundred cards for only 50 cents. If you prefer stocking up on them, you only need to pay $6 to bring home 12 packs.
Index Cards
Flashlight
Mini flashlights from the dollar store might not be of top quality, but they are very handy if there is no power. On top of that, you can keep them on your person since they have a keychain hook as well.
Flashlight
Flip Flops
If you want to get cheap flip flops, you can buy a pair at a dollar store. This is ideal if you are going to the beach, living in communal spaces, or taking a camping trip. They are of decent quality too!
Flip Flops
Permanent Markers
Why do you need brand name markers anyway? Simply buy four markers for a buck at the dollar store. The quality is going to be the same, but the difference is that you will be able to save more money.
Permanent Markers
Baby Utensils
The plastics used in dollar store items often come with harsh chemicals. These things have no business being near your baby! It is difficult to know what the products contain, but you should not risk it. If it means keeping your child safe, you should shell out more money.
Baby Utensils
Hair Dye
Hair dye is already pretty harmful on its own, so you should stay away from the cheap ones at the dollar store. After all, we cannot vouch for the safety of the products used in them. Your scalp deserves so much better than this, we can at least guarantee you that.
Hair Dye
Phone Chargers
You should not head into a dollar store when you see that your phone charger is about to give up on you. It might cost you more, but it is a better idea to get an original charger. With a cheap charger, your battery will suffer. On top of that, you are also going to wait more for it to charge fully. It might not be able to charge your phone all the way.
Phone Chargers
Trash Bags
You should not buy brand name trash bags at the dollar store. This deal will often just contain 2 to 3 trash bags! This is not a good deal at all, since you will go through them very quickly. On top of that, they are made poorly, which means that they will rip easily.
Trash Bags
Dishwasher Pods
Another thing that you should avoid buying at the dollar store would be dishwasher pods. They offer them for 2 pods for a dollar, but Walmart and Target offer 14 pods for $4.50 to $5.50. You are probably smart enough to figure out which one is a better deal.
Dishwasher Pods
Sandwich Bags
Sandwich bags are generally useful but what are you going to do if they can’t close properly? The dollar store ones are worse because they are made using cheap plastic which tears easily. They do not seal all the way either. Even though you will need to spend a dollar or two more at the supermarket, you will feel a huge difference with them.
Sandwich Bags
Crayons
We do not recommend getting watercolor paints and crayons at the dollar store. The color will not be satisfying for you! On top of that, you will need to replace them again and again. If you want art supplies, Walmart and Target offers better products.
Crayons
Jewelry
Do not be fooled into thinking that you are getting a good deal when you get $1 necklaces and rings. There is no way they are going to be of good quality. They won’t be sturdy, nor will they last a long time. If you ask us, it is better and classier to spend good money on good jewelry.
Jewelry
Fabric Softener
Avoid buying fabric softeners at the dollar store! The truth is that you can get them for four times the amount at the same price if you go to Walmart and Target instead. A coupon can get you even further.
Fabric Softener
Sunscreen
Sunscreen from the dollar store is pretty useful. You can try to put it on your body, but you will still get burnt. This is because a lot of the products are near or past the expiration date already.
Sunscreen
Baking Soda
Did you know that you can get a box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda for only 85 cents at Costco? They do not spoil either, so you should get a lot of them on your next shopping trip.
Baking Soda
Shampoo
It is better to just get cheap shampoo since it will clean your hair just as well as a regular one. It is possible to save up to $2 for each bottle of shampoo when you get it at the dollar store instead.
Shampoo
Medication
You should avoid buying medicine at the dollar store if you could. They did not go the standard tests that pharmacies give out. They might even be mislabeled. It is better to go to a trusted store instead.
Medication
Spices
The dollar store won’t have all the spices that you want, but it should have parsley, pepper, cinnamon, and basic stuff. You can get these at a huge container for only a dollar! What a steal, right?
Spices
Paper Towels
Dollar store paper towels are going to be flimsy and unsatisfactory. At big grocery stores, they are cheaper and of better quality. It is not really a great bargain when you go to the dollar store.
Paper Towels
Packaged Food
The dollar store offers good deals on olives, pickles, and canned food. They won’t go bad anytime soon, so feel free to buy them in bulk! When you buy fresh produce, it is better to eat them on the same day.
Packaged Foods
Drinks
The dollar store offers a liter of soda for a buck, but you can get two for a dollar at the grocery store. If you are eager to save more, you might as well go to the local store and buy in bulk.
Drinks
Pet Food
It is not worth sacrificing quality for savings when you are buying pet food. After all, dollar store pet food might not have the best ingredients. National chains also offer a huge discount if you get them in bulk.
Pet Food
Makeup
It is hard to guarantee that the ingredients used in dollar store makeup will be up to your standards. They are probably using cheap ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, stick to your usual products.
Makeup
Oven Mitt
A dollar store oven mitt might not be the best investment. They are meant to keep your hands free from burns, but the product might have cheap and thin material. Don’t be a cheapskate and get better ones!
Oven Mitt