If you ask us, the dollar store is kind of like Disneyland for adults. After all, we are never happier than when we are going through the aisles at a discount store. Everything might sound like a bargain, but you would be surprised to hear that you should sometimes go somewhere else. There are instances in which quality is more important than quantity! This guide is going to show you which things you should buy at the dollar store and which ones to buy at a different place. Let’s get to it.
Coffee Filters
Now, this is a tip that you will love if you are a big fan of coffee. We cannot understand how some people could function without drinking a cup of java. After all, we get so out of sorts when we cannot find a coffee filter in our house or office. Stock up on them by buying a lot at the dollar store.
Coffee Filters
Hair Accessories
Do you need combs, bobby pins, brushes, and headbands? The dollar store is the place to be! If you like to style your hair, it is best to get these items for cheap since trends fade so quickly.
Hair Accessories
Plastic Buckets
Trust us, there will come a time when you will need a plastic bucket or a couple of them. They are great when you want to clean the house, store items, or just carry things. The cheap ones are going to cut it!
Plastic Buckets
Dish Towels And Washcloths
It feels like we always need a new set of dish towels and washcloths. After all, they get burnt or stained so quickly. You should not spend lots of money on them precisely because of this. The dollar store it is!
Dish Towels And Washcloths
Greeting Cards
Do you like to greet people with greeting cards? If this is the case, there is no reason to shell out more money on them. After all, you can get five cards for $5 instead of one when you go to the dollar store.
Greeting Cards
Picture Frames
We can’t blame you if you want to put your family photos on display. Instead of paying good money for frames, you should get basic frames from the dollar store! You can even decorate them to your liking.
Picture Frames
Socks
Did you know that you will not be able to distinguish the socks that you buy at the dollar store and those from the department store? You are going to lose one of them anyway, so you better spend less.
Socks
Party Supplies
There is no way you can throw a proper party if you do not have straws, cups, paper plates, balloons, and streamers. You will spend up to 70% of the costs if you ditch the party shop for the dollar store.
Party Supplies
Pregnancy Tests
Feel free to go to the pharmacy for a pregnancy test if you are willing to spend $10 to $15 for each one. The dollar store version will give you the same result but only set you back by a dollar!
Pregnancy Tests
Vase And Decorative Bowls
You should buy your vases and bowls from the dollar store. There is a variety of styles, sizes, and prices over there. We promise you that you will find something that looks perfect with the rest of the house.
Vase And Decorative Bowls
Plastic Food Containers
Most stores have plastic food containers for sale at $5 each. This is actually pretty pricey since you can get them for $1 each at the dollar store. In fact, you might even luck out and get four pieces for just $1!
Plastic Food Containers
Chocolate And Candy
It is not a good idea to go to the grocery when you want a sweet tooth fix. Go to the dollar store instead. They are going to be cheaper but do not forget to check the expiration date. Keep this in mind for Halloween!
Chocolate And Candy
Notebooks
Notebooks might not be expensive, but the costs will add up if you buy them at the superstore. You do not have to pay $5 to $10 each, you know. At the dollar store, you can get them for a single buck.
Notebooks
Storage Containers
Do you like to organize things? If this is the case, then you would definitely have a lot of fun at the dollar store. Over there, you can buy storage containers in different colors, prices, and sizes. Pick whatever you like! Even though you do not need to spend a lot of money, your house is going to look so much neater.
Storage Containers
Mugs And Glasses
In the same vein as bowls and vases, the mugs and glasses from the dollar store work well enough. It is even better since you are not forced to buy an entire set! You can just get as many as you need.
Mugs And Glasses
Seasonal Décor
You are probably going to be surprised by the selection of seasonal décor available at the dollar store. Yes, this is where you should buy your scarecrows, Easter bunny figures, or Santa Claus statues. Who would have thought that you can make the house more festive without spending a lot of money?
Seasonal Decor
Dishware
You do not need fancy dishes. After all, it is enough for them to be serviceable and simple. The best thing to do is to buy them at the dollar store. It is an even better idea if you often break your plates.
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
If you have bad eyesight, you probably need reading glasses. The good news is that you do not need to buy designer or branded ones. A pair from the dollar store is going to help you see just as well.
Reading Glasses
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
Who are we kidding? No matter how nicely we packed a gift, it is only going to end up in the bin. You should save yourself the hassle and the money by getting cheap gift wraps instead.
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
Deodorant
We have talked about many things that you should get from the dollar store but let us talk about those that you need to avoid. Try not to be tempted by the deodorants and antiperspirants that they have for sale. They are not as cheap as they look! You can buy a bigger size for only a little more at the pharmacy.
Deodorant
Toys
Toys from the dollar store might be cheap, but they are not going to last you a long time with regular use. On top of that, they are not made as well as more expensive ones. There is a chance that certain parts will come loose and become choking hazards. Yikes! You do not want this for your toddlers.
Toys
Tools
We can excuse cheap tools if you are desperate and going through an emergency. For these things, it is better to spend more for better products. You will use them again, so they make for good investments.
Tools
Batteries
You should not use the batteries from the dollar store because they are not up to par. A lot of these things were not made with modern formulations. Not only that, but it is probably going to leak. When you talk about batteries, it is better to use brand names for your own sake.
Batteries
Knives
You should only ever buy knives at the dollar store if you are interested in useless ones. They might be okay for a camping trip, but they are not going to serve you well when you use them in the kitchen. We promise you that a good but expensive knife is going to make for a great investment.
Knives
Earbuds, Headphones
Yes, we know that it can be hard to resist the temptation of cheap headphones. However, it is important to know that they will not have the best sound. Major retailers offer decent pairs for only $10 to $20. You are going to have a much better experience with those instead of cheap ones.
Earbuds, Headphones
USB Chargers
If you want your USB charger to work properly, you should not get them from the dollar store. The ones that you can buy there will not give your phones or tablets the love that they deserve. Besides, why would you want a charger that cannot charge your devices to the fullest? The cheap chargers do not carry enough juice to fill them up, so it is better to spend more for an original one.
USB Chargers
HDMI Cables
Yes, we hear you. HDMI cables can get pretty expensive, but you should not buy them at the dollar store. Even though they are going to be significantly cheaper, they are going to break in record time. In the end, you might end up spending even more! Your best bet would be to buy them at online stores instead. They offer great deals on these items as long as you are willing to look hard for these promos.
HDMI Cables
Plastic Cooking Utensils
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, plastic utensils are often made with chemicals that can be harmful to your health. Stainless steel versions are going to be worth it even if they cost you more.
Plastic Cooking Utensils
School Supplies
Is it time to shop for school supplies? If this is the case, you can get leaky pens and un-sticky Post-its for a very low price. All right, the truth is that there is some decent stationery to be had over there. Even so, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that the best deals would be the bulk quantity promos from big stores during sales. You should avail of those if you are looking to save as much money as you could!
School Supplies
Double-Sided Tape
At the dollar store, you can buy 130 inches of double-sided tape at a very low price. Even though it is shorter than the $4.70 140-inch roll at Staples, it is actually cheaper by 1/5 cent for every inch.
Double Sides Tape
Cotton Swabs
You should not waste any money on CVS cotton swabs. After all, the one from the dollar store is a lot cheaper. The former offers a box of 170 swabs for $2.79. This is highway robbery! If you are not picky about the brand, the dollar store ones are going to do just as well.
Cotton Swabs
Paper Clips
If you go to the dollar store, you can bring home a pack of 100 colored paper clips for only a dollar. On the other hand, you will only get 60 clips for $2.49 if you go to Office Depot. You do the math.
Paper Clips
Clay Flower Pots
If you need an artsy project, you should buy flower pots at the dollar store. You can decorate them any way you want. This is a fun idea, but it is also a good way to save money. At Lowes, they go for $3.97.
Clay Flower Pots
Holiday Decorations
When it is the holiday season, the dollar store will offer a lot of new decorations. You can get fun gifts for little kids, as well as seasonal décor for your home. Feel free to splurge since they are so cheap!
Holiday Decorations
Mailing Labels
Do you use mailing labels often? You will be happy to hear that it is possible to get a pack of 10 for only a dollar. The dollar store is the best option since the ones from the post office cost a lot more.
Mailing Labels
Shaving Cream
We have no idea why you would want to spend $2.99 at CVS for shaving cream when it costs a third of that at the dollar store. You can also get a cheap holistic expectorant at the dollar store! What a nice tip.
Shaving Cream
Advil
For some reason, the drug store sells packs of Advil for incredible prices. We will forgive you if you have no other option when you are suffering from a terrible headache. However, it is always better to get three 2-count packs from the dollar store. They go for just one buck.
Advil
Balloons
Party decorations are not supposed to stay in place forever. Most of us get rid of balloons the day after a party, right? You should not spend more on them than you actually need. Go to the dollar store instead!
Balloons
Band-aids
Honestly, there is no need to spend more money on name brand band-aids at the pharmacy. The ones from the dollar store will cost half of that and work just as well! You can save a lot of money this way.
Band-Aids
Pint Glasses
For just one dollar, you will be able to bring home pint glasses. We love drinking from those things during night outs! We are glad to report that you can replace them easily if you ever break them.
Pint Glasses
Board Games
The dollar store is a good place to buy board games and puzzles. You will find a variety of items for just a dollar. We do not know how this is possible, but we are grateful. There are even Disney products there.
Board Games
Bobby Pins
Bobby pins seem to disappear under mysterious circumstances all the time. You are going to buy more soon, so it is best to get the cheapest ones. At the dollar store, 72 pieces will set you back by $1.
Bobby Pins
Bread
The creators of Krazy Coupon Lady found out that you can buy Oroweat bread at the dollar store. You can save a third of the costs if you go there instead of the grocery store. If you find yourself eating this all the time, you will be happy to hear that it will no longer cost you a lot of money.
Bread
Cleaning Supplies
If you buy cleaning supplies at supermarkets, it is going to cost you an arm and leg. You should head to the dollar store instead! Over there, popular brands like Clorox and Tide go for over half the price.
Cleaning Supplies
Cookie Sheets
We have a great tip from the crazy craft lady blogger! You should buy your cookie sheets from the dollar store instead. They are going to come in handy if you like DIY projects or cooking.
Cookie Sheets
Index Cards
You can tell that it is exam season when the kids finish a pack of index cards in no time at all. At the dollar store, you can bring home 100 cards for only 50 cents. If you prefer buying more in one go, you can also bring home 12 packs for only $6.
Index Cards
Flashlight
Even though these flashlights are not the best ones out there, they are still going to come in handy. When the power goes out, this is going to help you see. On top of that, you can use the keychain hook to keep them on you at all times.
Flashlight
Flip Flops
You can get some really cheap shoes at the dollar store. Make sure to get a flip flops because they are great at the beach, in the house, in dorm room showers, and more. The quality is amazing for the price!
Flip Flops
Permanent Markers
If you do not mind using generic products, you can buy a set of four markers for the price of one. You will not find a difference in the quality, but you will be able to save more money!
Permanent Markers
Baby Utensils
You should not buy baby products at the dollar store since they probably contain chemicals that are bad for your baby. We cannot guarantee that the products are made with safe ingredients, but you probably do not want to risk the health of your baby. Be a good parent and spend more money instead.
Baby Utensils
Hair Dye
Hair dye already has a lot of harmful chemicals. It is not a good idea to get them from the dollar store no matter how much cheaper they are. You should always know what goes into the product that you use on your scalp, and this is even more true for something like this.
Hair Dye
Phone Chargers
We can understand why you would want to duck into the dollar store to get a replacement for your phone charger. Everyone probably feels a bit helpless when their charger conks out. However, your phone battery is not going to appreciate it. They are not going to charge your devices as fast or as much, so you might as well spend more money on the real deal instead.
Phone Chargers
Trash Bags
You should not buy trash bags from the dollar store because they only offer two to three trash bags for a dollar. They will be gone in the blink of an eye! Perhaps the worst thing about them is that they are made with cheap materials, so the plastic is going to rip easily.
Trash Bags
Dishwasher Pods
If you are planning to buy dishwasher pods, you can do better than to get them from the dollar store. You can buy a 2-pack for $1 there. However, Walmart and Target actually offer 14 pieces for $4.50 to $5.50. You are going to save more money by going to the grocery store.
Dishwasher Pods
Sandwich Bags
Sandwich bags are useless if you cannot get them to seal properly. Those from the dollar store suck even more because they are made using cheap plastic that makes it hard to seal but easy to tear. If you have to spend more money at the supermarket, we promise you that it is going to be worth it. Your sandwiches deserve to be protected!
Sandwich Bags
Crayons
Are you planning to embark on an artsy project? Watercolor paints and off-brand crayons from the dollar store won’t cut it. They will not produce a lot of color and run out of material quickly. The ones from Target and Walmart will serve you better than these cheap items.
Crayons
Jewelry
Do not be fooled by necklaces and rings that go for only $1. Come on, let us be realistic here. You cannot expect something that cheap to have really good quality. The material is probably going to change colors and then break. If you are interested in accessorizing, you are better off spending more money on nice products.
Jewelry
Fabric Softener
It is not hard to see why you are tempted to buy fabric softener when they only cost a dollar. However, the truth is that this is pretty expensive! You should go to Walmart or Target instead. At those places, you will get the same product but four times the amount when you have a coupon with you.
Fabric Softener
Sunscreen
If you want a sunscreen that does not protect your skin, feel free to buy it at the dollar store. No matter how much you put on, you will only get burnt. The products are often close or past the expiration date, so they do not work.
Sunscreen
Baking Soda
You can get a box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda for 85 cents if you visit Costco or another warehouse store. What a great price! On top of that, there is no problem getting it in bulk since baking soda does not spoil. Skip the dollar store for this product, ladies and gentlemen.
Baking Soda
Shampoo
Off-brand shampoo will be enough to clean your hair and scalp. It is possible to save nearly $2 per bottle of shampoo if you eschew brand names and shop at the dollar store. Expensive shampoos do not actually do anything special to your hair. We highly recommend that you save your money instead!
Shampoo
Medication
We do not think that it is wise to buy medicine from the dollar store since the items are not regulated and labeled properly. These products just do not go through the testing that they need. There has even been a study that showed that multi-vitamins from the dollar store do not really contain the nutrients that the label said they did. Oops.
Medication
Spices
It is pretty unreasonable to expect a wide assortment of exotic spices at the dollar store. Still, they do have basic ones such as parsley, cinnamon, and pepper. You can get a big container for only a dollar! We do recommend that you check the expiration date first, however.
Spices
Paper Towels
Dollar store paper towels are typically flimsy and do a poor job when you use them to clean. The truth is that you can get better products at better prices when you go to big grocery stores! Yes, you are not getting a good deal when you bring home a single paper towel roll for one dollar.
Paper Towels
Packaged Food
You can get a good deal on olives, pickles, and other packaged food when you go to the dollar store. The products do not spoil, so it is wise to buy them in bulk. The dollar store also offers perishable food products such as dairy items and produce. However, they are probably close to the expiration date. If you do buy them, make sure to eat them on the same day.
Packaged Foods
Drinks
Dollar stores often offer a liter of soda for one dollar. You are mistaken if you think that it is a bargain! You see, the grocery store typically offers two liters of soda for the same price. If you are trying to save even more money, the local store has better deals if you buy them in bulk.
Drinks
Pet Food
We do not recommend getting your pet food from the dollar store since we do not know what is in them. On top of that, warehouse stores typically offer the real deal at a good price. It is not only risky to buy knockoffs, but national chains have incredible promos. If you go to Target, you can buy a case of 24 cans for only $12. This is 50 cents cheaper than the dollar store one.
Pet Food
Makeup
Makeup is another thing that you can skip when you are shopping at the dollar store. It is hard to know what went into these items. Even though they probably use the same ingredient, the quality is definitely going to be lower. It makes sense because there is no other reason the prices would be that low. Feel free to try them out, but those with sensitive skin might suffer for it. Don’t risk it!
Makeup
Oven Mitt
An oven mitt is there to keep your hands safe from the heat of the stove or oven. You should not get them from the dollar store, however. After all, they will be made with cheap materials that will not protect your fingers. We need this body part more than anything, so it is better to spend more on thicker oven mitts.
Oven Mitt