We are sure that you are also fascinated by the dollar store. It feels like everything is possible when you step into one of those discount stores! However, not everything that you can get from there is actually a bargain. In fact, there are times when you would be better off spending a few more bucks. At any rate, it is still possible to get great bargains over there. You just need to know where to look. Read on to see how you can get the best bang for your buck at a discount store!
Coffee Filters
Now, this is one bargain you should take advantage of! We really do think that coffee deserves to be at the top tier of the food pyramid. If you drink as much coffee as we do, then you would know how much it sucks when you are out of coffee filters. Get them from the dollar store to keep a well-stocked pantry.
Coffee Filters
Hair Accessories
Bobby pins, brushes, combs, headbands. Whatever hair accessory you need, the dollar store has it. When it comes to fashion, trends come and go. There is no need to spend more than you have to!
Hair Accessories
Plastic Buckets
Trust us, there will come a time when you need a plastic bucket or two. They are great when you need to wash the car, clean your house, and carry stuff. The cheap ones are just as good as the pricey ones!
Plastic Buckets
Dish Towels And Washcloths
You will get the best bang for your buck if you buy your dish towels and washcloths at the dollar store. They burn and get stained in the blink of an eye, so there is no need to invest in something pricier.
Dish Towels And Washcloths
Greeting Cards
Do you still like to make a person feel special with greeting cards? If this is the case, you should know that they are not really worth a ton of money. Instead of spending $5 on just one, you can get 5!
Greeting Cards
Picture Frames
Family photos deserve to be showed off. Picture frames can be pricey, but the good news is that you can get a basic one from the dollar store. If you want something fancier, you can decorate them yourself.
Picture Frames
Socks
We promise you that the socks from the dollar store and the department store are the same. And why bother spending more money when you know that you are just going to lose one in the future?
Socks
Party Supplies
You will need cups, paper plates, streamers, straws, and balloons if you want to throw a party. Just get them from the dollar store! This way, you can save up to 70% of your money. Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Party Supplies
Pregnancy Tests
Drugstore tests will set you back by $10 to $15 if you go to the pharmacy. The dollar store offers the same product that will deliver the same results. We promise you that the result will just be as reliable.
Pregnancy Tests
Vase And Decorative Bowls
Do you need vases and bowls? Head to the dollar store! You will see a variety of styles, prices, and sizes. Trust us, there will be something there for every one of you regardless of how picky you are.
Vase And Decorative Bowls
Plastic Food Containers
You can buy food containers from many stores at $5 each. The good news is that it is possible to get them for $1 apiece at the dollar store instead. In fact, you might even luck out and get a 4 for $1 deal.
Plastic Food Containers
Chocolate And Candy
The next time you want to eat sweets, you should ditch the supermarket and go to a dollar store instead. It is an especially good idea when it is Halloween. Just keep an eye out for the expiration date!
Chocolate And Candy
Notebooks
While notebooks are not that expensive, they will add up if you get them from the superstore. You do not need to pay $5 to $10 apiece! You can get one for a dollar when you go to the dollar store.
Notebooks
Storage Containers
If you are a fan of an organization, you are in for a treat at the dollar store. Once you get there, it is possible to buy storage containers in different sizes and colors at whatever price range you are in. This is a good way to keep your place organized and clean without spending a lot of money!
Storage Containers
Mugs And Glasses
Glasses and mugs, just like vases and bowls, from the dollar store are going to do the trick. Another perk would be the fact that you do not need to get one whole set. You can simply get as many as you need!
Mugs And Glasses
Seasonal Décor
We bet that you have no idea how big the decoration selection at the dollar store is. When you need to dress up your house for a holiday, this is the place to be. We do not recommend buying your Easter bunny statues and Santa figures anywhere else.
Seasonal Decor
Dishware
When it is time to buy dishes, they only really have to be serviceable and simple. The most practical thing to do here is to go to the dollar store! If you break them often, it is all the more reason to do so.
Dishware
Tote Bags
These days, people have started to become concerned about their impact on the environment. This is the reason reusable bags have become such a big trend. If you want to save the planet, you should ditch plastic bags and just get a cheap polyester tote bag that you can use when shopping.
Tote Bags
Reading Glasses
You will be able to see fine by wearing dollar store reading glasses. Why would you want to spend more on branded ones anyway? Feel free to do so if you want a more fashionable pair, but this will do.
Reading Glasses
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
The truth is that no matter how nice it might look, the gift bag and wrapping paper will end up in the garbage gin. This is the reason it is not worth spending a lot of money on the gift wrapper!
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
Deodorant
Now, let us tell you something that you should not get from the dollar store. Even though you will find deodorant and antiperspirant there, it is a good idea to look at the size before you put them in the shopping cart. If you go to the pharmacy, you should be able to get a bigger one for not a lot of money.
Deodorant
Toys
You should only get toys from the dollar store if you do not plan on having them used on the regular. It is unreasonable to think that they will have long expectancy. It is important to be careful since there is a chance that the parts will come loose and become a choking hazard. Yikes!
Toys
Tools
It is fine to use cheap tools if you are in a rut. However, these are things that are worth shelling out money for. Ideally, you should get something that will serve you for a few years at the very least.
Tools
Batteries
The batteries available at the dollar stores run out of juice quickly since they are of lower quality. Most do not use new formulations. On top of that, there is a chance that they will leak! When we talk about batteries, you are better off using brand names and not cheap ones.
Batteries
Knives
You can get your knives from the dollar store if you do not need them to do a good job. It is okay if you only need something for a camping trip. However, you are going to be very frustrated if you used them in the kitchen. It is much better to spend more money instead of sacrificing quality!
Knives
Earbuds, Headphones
We understand where you are coming from if you are thinking of buying headphones at the dollar store. However, the truth is that they offer poor sound. Why bother getting them when a good pair will only set you back by $10 to $20 from a major retailer? Trust us, they will last much longer as well.
Earbuds, Headphones
USB Chargers
Are you planning to buy a charger? If you want something flimsy and inefficient, go ahead and buy one from the dollar store. Do not say that we did not warn you after you find out that it is unable to charge your tablets and smartphones to their max capacity. The chargers will either do this or perhaps charge your devices at a very slow pace.
USB Chargers
HDMI Cables
HDMI cables can indeed go for very high prices. However, it is not surprising to hear that a lot of people feel tempted to skimp on them by heading to the dollar store instead. Even though they are significantly cheaper, there is a good chance that they will break soon. If you are on the market for an HDMI cable, you should get them at an online store instead. You will find good deals on these items.
HDMI Cables
Plastic Cooking Utensils
The Las Vegas Review-Journal said that a lot of plastic utensils are made with chemicals that result in health issues. Skip them and go for stainless steel ones, which might be pricier but they worth it!
Plastic Cooking Utensils
School Supplies
You are supposed to use Post-its by sticking them up some more. Likewise, pens are not supposed to leak! If you want stationery that does not work very well, the dollar store is a great place. Fair enough, not all their school supplies are terrible. However, the Las Vegas Review-Journal recommended getting bulk quantity items during sales at big stores instead. You will be able to save more money by doing this.
School Supplies
Double-Sided Tape
Did you know that you can buy 130 inches of double-sided tape for even cheaper at the dollar store? You see, Staples sells a roll of 450 inches for $4.70. This makes it .20 cent cheaper for each inch.
Double Sides Tape
Cotton Swabs
You should not waste your hard-earned money on CVS cotton swabs. After all, you can get this item at the dollar store as well. CVS sells a box of 170 swabs for $2.79, which is highway robbery. It is not going to be the Q-tip brand, but the dollar store ones will do just fine.
Cotton Swabs
Paper Clips
You can get a pack of 100 colored paper clips at the dollar store for only a single buck. At Office Depot, they sell them at $2.49 for 60 pieces. It is not hard to figure out where you should buy them.
Paper Clips
Clay Flower Pots
It is fun and creative to design and decorate your own flower pots. Simply get a few of them from the dollar store and get those creative juices flowing! At Lowes, a single flower pot goes for $3.97. Yikes.
Clay Flower Pots
Holiday Decorations
When the holiday season rolls in, you will probably need decorations. These things make for cheap and fun gifts for little kids. The aisle at the dollar store also makes it easy to brighten up your office or home!
Holiday Decorations
Mailing Labels
We highly recommend treating yourself to a pack of 10 mailing labels. You should get them at the dollar store, however. After all, the ones at the post office are very overpriced. No need to spend more!
Mailing Labels
Shaving Cream
Why would you shell out $2.99 for shaving cream at CVS when the one from the dollar store works exactly the same? Not just that, but it is possible to buy a pricey holistic expectorant over there as well!
Shaving Cream
Advil
At the drug store, the small packs of Advil go for very high prices. There are times when you are so desperate for pain relief that you simply do not care. If you could, however, you should go to the dollar store to get not only one but three 2-count packs for only a dollar.
Advil
Balloons
Balloons do not last long, and we are all aware of this. You will be eager to get rid of them after one day or two, so you should spend as little money on them as possible. Off to the dollar store you go!
Balloons
Band-aids
You do not really need name brands for band-aids, do you? You can save as much as 50% by getting them at the dollar store instead. They are going to do the trick without costing you a lot of money.
Band-Aids
Pint Glasses
Do you like getting pints at your favorite bars? You can recreate that experience in your own home. The only thing you need to do is to get the glasses from the dollar store. It is easy to replace them as well.
Pint Glasses
Board Games
You should always get your board games and puzzles from the dollar store. There are a lot of options for just a single buck. We are impressed that this is possible! They even have licensed stuff like Disney.
Board Games
Bobby Pins
We are sure that you lose the bobby pins you use in no time at all. Why should you waste money on them when you will eventually have to replace them again? At dollar tree, a dollar will get you 72 pieces.
Bobby Pins
Bread
The blog creators of Krazy Coupon Lady found out that you can buy Oroweat bread at the dollar store for over a third of its normal price at the regular grocery store. If this is something that you buy all the time, it must be great to hear that they would not burn a hole in your pocket.
Bread
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies at supermarkets are overpriced. We bet that it also makes you want to pull at your hair. If you go to the dollar store, you will find pricey and popular brands for over half the price. Neat.
Cleaning Supplies
Cookie Sheets
The crazy craft lady blogger said that she buys her cookie sheets when she goes to the local dollar store. They can be used for kitchen items such as a magnetic board. You can also use them for DIY projects!
Cookie Sheets
Index Cards
If you are a parent, you probably know that school kids can finish a pack of index cards quickly when the exam season is here. A pack of hundred cards only costs 50 cents if you go to the dollar store. If you prefer to buy in bulk, you can also get 12 packs for $6.
Index Cards
Flashlight
While it is not of the highest quality, you will find mini flashlights useful when the power goes out. They have a keychain hook as well, so you can carry them around with you! They are cheap so might as well.
Flashlight
Flip Flops
There are a lot of cheap shoes at the dollar store. You can get a flip flop that you can use in common showers, camp showers, the beach, or just around the house. It has great quality and will last a while!
Flip Flops
Permanent Markers
If you do not mind ditching name brands, you can get a pack of 4 markers for much cheaper. You will find no difference in quality, but your wallet will not suffer such a huge blow.
Permanent Markers
Baby Utensils
The plastics used in dollar store products might contain unsafe chemicals. You should not have them anywhere near your baby! It is not easy to know what goes into these products, so it is a better idea to get trusted items. After all, it is much better to be safe than sorry.
Baby Utensils
Hair Dye
Hair dye contains a lot of harmful chemicals on its own, so you should not risk it. Dollar store products will cut corners when they could, so there is a good chance that they used lower quality items. If you do not know what is in a product, keep it far away from your scalp.
Hair Dye
Phone Chargers
It is hard not to go to the dollar store when your phone charger is already on its last leg. However, it is worth investing in original chargers if you want your phone to stay in good shape. After all, cheap chargers might damage the battery of your device. On top of that, they won’t charge as much or as quickly. Trust us, you are better off spending more money on this item.
Phone Chargers
Trash Bags
The dollar store will try to lure you in with brand name trash bags. However, you will eventually realize that you are actually paying a dollar for only two or three trash bags. Aside from the low quantity, the trash bags are not high-quality either. They tend to rip easily, so avoid them if you could.
Trash Bags
Dishwasher Pods
We do not recommend getting your dishwasher pods from the dollar store. Even though you can buy a 2-pack for only $1, you can buy a 14-pack at Walmart or Target for only $4.50 to $5.50. Yes, there are times when you do not get good deals at the dollar store!
Dishwasher Pods
Sandwich Bags
It is annoying to use sandwich bags that you can’t close all the way. The ones that you can find at the dollar store are worse since the product is made using cheap plastic that is easy to tear but hard to seal. While the ones at the supermarket will cost you a dollar or two more, it is worth buying those instead.
Sandwich Bags
Crayons
You might be surprised to hear that watercolor paints and off-brand crayons from the dollar store should be avoided. We say this because there is barely any color, so you will have to replace them anyway. You should get something that works better from a place like Target or Walmart.
Crayons
Jewelry
Did you think that you are getting a good deal when you buy necklaces and rings for $1? Think again! After all, it is unrealistic to assume that they will be of good quality when they are so cheap. The material is going to change color and break in no time. Invest in a nice piece of jewelry instead.
Jewelry
Fabric Softener
We bet that you are tempted to buy fabric softeners when you see how cheap they are at the dollar store. The truth is that you can get the exact same thing at Walmart or Target for cheaper if you have a coupon. At those grocery stores, the same price will fetch you four times the amount at the dollar store.
Fabric Softener
Sunscreen
A dollar store sunscreen barely does anything. You can put it on your skin, but it will feel like you did not apply anything at all. The products are normally expired or getting there, which explains why they do not work as desired.
Sunscreen
Baking Soda
Did you know that you can buy Arm & Hammer Baking Soda at Costco and other warehouse stores for only 85 cents a box? It is even better when you hear that they are cheap and won’t spoil. Yes, it is a good idea to stock up on them!
Baking Soda
Shampoo
Dollar store shampoo will clean your hair as well as a brand-name one will. You will save nearly $2 on a shampoo bottle by shopping at the dollar store instead. Even though you will feel like you are doing something special by using pricey shampoos, the sole difference is going to be in the price. That’s it.
Shampoo
Medication
We do not recommend getting your medicine at the dollar store since they might be wrongly labeled and even unregulated. After all, they did not undergo the same testing that products at the other stores did. It has been revealed that some multi-vitamins at the dollar store do not contain all the nutrients that the label said it did.
Medication
Spices
Even though the dollar store does not boast an exotic spice collection, it should offer basic things like parsley, pepper, and cinnamon. You can get a big container of these for only a dollar! The only thing you need to do is check the expiration date before you buy them.
Spices
Paper Towels
Paper towels from the dollar store are typically flimsy. They do not get the job done when you are planning to clean. Instead, you should go to big grocery stores since they offer better ones at lower prices. In reality, getting a roll of paper towel for a dollar is not a bargain!
Paper Towels
Packaged Food
You can get a great deal on olives, pickles, and other packaged or canned food at the dollar store. They do not go bad, so it is possible to buy them in bulk. You can get perishable items such as dairy products or produce as well. You only need to give the expiration date a good look before you pay for them.
Packaged Foods
Drinks
You are wrong to assume that you are scoring a bargain when you pay a dollar for one liter of soda. After all, you can get two liters for the same price at the grocery store. You know what? You might as well get them in bulk at the local store to get an even better deal.
Drinks
Pet Food
You should not risk it when you are buying pet food. After all, no one likes to put their furry pal in danger! Instead, you should buy them at warehouse stores. This is a good way to ensure that you are not buying knockoff items and save money. Target offers cases of 24 cans for just $12, which is 50 cents cheaper than what you get at the dollar store. You should also keep an eye out for special discounts!
Pet Food
Makeup
Together with the other products on our list, it is hard to figure out what beauty products contain. Even though off-brand items will have the same ingredients, they might have used cheaper but lower-quality versions. It makes a lot of sense since this is how dollar store product manufacturers make their money. While this is not going to be an issue for all of us, you should stay away if you have sensitive skin!
Makeup
Oven Mitt
The oven mitt is used to keep your hands safe from the heat of the oven. Why is it better to get them from a regular store? Well, dollar store oven mitts are normally made from cheap material. They might not be enough to keep your fingers free from burns! Your hands are important, so keep them safe.
Oven Mitt