Don’t you just love dropping by the dollar store and going through the aisles of cheap products? We sure do! Sometimes, however, you will be better off getting something more expensive to ensure the quality of the product. You might be able to save a few bucks, but the product is not going to last you a long time. Even if this is true, the dollar store still offers incredible bargains! Keep reading so that you will figure out how to tell these things apart and get the best bang for your buck.
Coffee Filters
Now, this is one bargain that we can appreciate from the bottom of our hearts. If you ask us, there is no better drink than coffee! However, you might get a little irritable if you find that there are no more coffee filters in your pantry. You never have to run out if you buy a lot of these at the dollar store.
Coffee Filters
Hair Accessories
Do you need combs, headbands, brushes, and bobby pins? If it is time to buy hair accessories, your best bet will be the dollar store. Trends come and go, so you have no business paying more than you have to.
Hair Accessories
Plastic Buckets
Do not underestimate how handy plastic buckets can be! Are you planning to wash the car, move stuff around the house, or clean the garden? You will be in luck if you buy these things from the dollar store.
Plastic Buckets
Dish Towels And Washcloths
If you want to buy washcloths and dish towels, the wisest thing to do is to go to the dollar store. Keep in mind that they get burned or stained right away. You will have to replace them soon, so get them cheap.
Dish Towels And Washcloths
Greeting Cards
Do you plan on greeting your family and friends via greeting cards? If so, you should know that it is not worth paying a lot for them. Instead of getting one for $5, you can bring home five from the dollar store!
Greeting Cards
Picture Frames
We are sure that you would love to show off your photos. You can just buy basic frames at the dollar store and go wild with decorating them. If you are looking for a creative project, this might be it!
Picture Frames
Socks
Can anyone tell us why you plan to shell out a lot of money for socks? After all, you are not going to see a difference between those form the department store and the dollar store. Let us save our money!
Socks
Party Supplies
There is no way you can throw a party if you do not have cups, paper plates, balloons, straws, and streamers. Skip the party store and go to the dollar store if you want to cut costs as much as you could.
Party Supplies
Pregnancy Tests
If you need a pregnancy test, you can go to the pharmacy. However, they will charge you $10 to $15 per test! Our tip is that you can get one for a buck if you drop by the dollar store instead. Neat, right?
Pregnancy Tests
Vase And Decorative Bowls
Is it time to buy vases and bowls? If so, you should go to the dollar store and pick whichever one suits your fancy. No matter what look you are going for, you should be able to find the perfect pieces.
Vase And Decorative Bowls
Plastic Food Containers
You won’t have a hard time finding plastic food containers. However, we just hope that you are ready to shell out $5 for one piece. If you want to save more money, the dollar store sells them for much lower.
Plastic Food Containers
Chocolate And Candy
Are you craving something sweet? You might be tempted to grab your candies and chocolates from the grocery, but the dollar store is where it is at. This tip is going to serve you well at Halloween as well.
Chocolate And Candy
Notebooks
Notebooks are pretty cheap, but the superstore does not offer the best prices on these things. You do not need to pay $5 to $10 for a single one. If you need a thing to write on, dollar store ones will do.
Notebooks
Storage Containers
Do you like organizing? If this is the case, you will love the dollar store. Why? Well, you can buy storage containers in different sizes, colors, and prices. Trust us, you will be able to find the perfect one for every part of your home! This is a great way to keep your place in order without breaking the bank.
Storage Containers
Mugs And Glasses
Like vases and bowls, mugs and glasses from the dollar store should do just fine. There is another great thing about buying them cheap would be the fact that you do not have to commit to a set right away!
Mugs And Glasses
Seasonal Décor
Did you know that you can make your house festive buy perusing the decoration section at the dollar store? You will be able to put up Easter bunny figurines and Santa statues! It is even better to hear that it will not cost you an arm and leg.
Seasonal Decor
Dishware
The only thing you should be looking for in a dish would be simplicity and serviceableness. Anything else is going to be a bonus. The dollar store offers decent dishware that you can replace easily if need be.
Dishware
Tote Bags
We want to congratulate you if you have started to be more conscious about your own impact on the environment. Reusable bags have become popular thanks to the eco-friendly movement. One thing you can do for mother earth would be to use polyester totes from the dollar store during shopping trips.
Tote Bags
Reading Glasses
We do not know about you, but we do not need branded glasses in order to see! The ones from the dollar store do the trick already. Why spend hundreds of dollars when you can get one for cheap?
Reading Glasses
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
No matter how well you wrapped your gift, the paper or bag is only going to go to the dumpster. We’re sorry, but this is the truth. You do not have to spend your money on expensive wrappers, you know!
Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes
Deodorant
We have already talked about a bunch of things that you should get from the dollar store, but what about those that you should avoid? Deodorants and antiperspirants won’t make for the best buys. If you check the size, you will see that you will be able to save more by getting the bigger one at a pharmacy.
Deodorant
Toys
You should also refrain from buying dollar store toys. They are going to be okay if they will not be in regular use, but they will not last very long otherwise. It is very important to be careful when it comes to these things since they might have parts that are choking hazards. Value the safety of your children!
Toys
Tools
If you are in desperate need, cheap tools will serve you well. However, you would be better off shelling out more money for these things. After all, you will use them constantly. They are truly worth it!
Tools
Batteries
You should not be shocked if the batteries you bought at the dollar store run out of juice very quickly. This is primarily because they do not have modern formulations. On top of this, they might also leak! If you need batteries for your devices, you should spend more money on brand names.
Batteries
Knives
The knives that you can buy at the dollar store are not going to be the sharpest ones. They will serve their purpose on camping trips, but you should not rely on those for regular use. We promise you that it is not worth all the frustration. Just buy a good, even if pricey, one and take good care of it.
Knives
Earbuds, Headphones
You should avoid getting tempted by headphones that you can buy for just a dollar or two. These things usually offer poor sound, so you should not better. On the bright side, it is totally possible to score a great pair for just $10 to $20. These will also last you a long time, so it is worth the investment.
Earbuds, Headphones
USB Chargers
When should you buy USB chargers at the dollar store? This is the place for them if you are looking for something cheap that will not charge your device to the full extent. If you are not on the market for a product like this one, you should get them at an official store instead. Your tablets and smartphones deserve so much better than the dollar store has to offer.
USB Chargers
HDMI Cables
It is true that HDMI cables are often on sale for unbelievable prices. We are not shocked to hear that a lot of people feel tempted to save money on them by heading to the dollar store. Even though they are truly cheaper, they are going to break much more quickly as well. Online stores would be the best place for these cables. If you put in some effort, you will be able to find a great deal!
HDMI Cables
Plastic Cooking Utensils
The Las Vegas Review-Journal exposed how plastic utensils are made with chemicals that can give you health issues. That is why you should opt for stainless steel utensils even though they will cost you more.
Plastic Cooking Utensils
School Supplies
What are you going to find at the school supplies section of the dollar store? You will see Post-its that refuse to stick. There are also pens that will leak all over your clothes. All right, there is some good stuff in there, but you will be better off going to the big stores instead. The Las Vegas Review-Journal claimed that you can save a lot of money if you get bulk orders over there during sales.
School Supplies
Double-Sided Tape
If you need double-sided tape, you should go to the dollar store instead. You will get a better deal since they offer 130 inches of it for cheap. At Staples, 450 inches of the same product goes for $4.70. Eep.
Double Sides Tape
Cotton Swabs
You do not need to pay more money at CVS if you need to buy cotton swabs. If you go to CVS, you will need to spend $2.79 to get 170 swabs. Even though you won’t get the real Q-tips brand from the dollar store, this is going to work just as well.
Cotton Swabs
Paper Clips
When you need colored paper clips, you should not go to Office Depot. After all, they offer 60 of those for $2.49! That is too much. After all, you can get a pack of 100 for only a dollar at the dollar store.
Paper Clips
Clay Flower Pots
If you feel like showing your artsy side, you can decorate your flower pots. Get cheap ones at the dollar store and decorate them as you please. At Lowes, you need to pay $3.97 for one, so it is cheaper too.
Clay Flower Pots
Holiday Decorations
Are you the type of person who likes new decorations every single holiday season? If so, you will be glad to hear that you can get cheap but good ones at the dollar store! This is the way to decorate your house.
Holiday Decorations
Mailing Labels
The dollar store is where you should buy your mailing labels. For only a dollar, you can bring home 10 of them! When you go to the post office, you should be prepared to pay more than that for them.
Mailing Labels
Shaving Cream
A can of shaving cream will go for $2.99 at CVS. The dollar store version will work just as well! On top of that, you can also get a cheap holistic expectorant. Do not forget to stock up on these things.
Shaving Cream
Advil
Have you seen how much a small pack of Advil will cost you at the dollar store? Ridiculous, we know. There are times when your head hurts so much that you do not mind. Still, you can get 3 2-count packs for a buck at the dollar store.
Advil
Balloons
Balloons are not made to last, and you would not want them for a long time anyway. You will want them to be gone a day after a party. This is the reason you should skimp on them by going to the dollar store.
Balloons
Band-aids
When it comes to band-aids, there is literally no need for you to get brand names. You will save as much as 50% if you get these first-aid essentials from the dollar store. You might as well buy them in bulk!
Band-Aids
Pint Glasses
Who would have thought that you can bring home a pint glass for only a dollar? You can now recreate drinking at the bar in the comfort of your own home. It is easy to replace them if they break as well.
Pint Glasses
Board Games
When you want to entertain the kids for cheap, you should give them board games and puzzles from the dollar store. You will be shocked by what you can get for a dollar. There are even Disney items there!
Board Games
Bobby Pins
It is a mystery how easily you can lose your bobby pins. This is why you should not waste more money than necessary! At the dollar store, you will be able to bring home 72 pieces for just one dollar.
Bobby Pins
Bread
The Krazy Coupon Lady blogger said that you can get Oroweat bread from the dollar store as well. On top of that, you can get them for a fraction of the grocery store price. If you like them as much as we do, you must be excited to hear this. Now do with this information what you will!
Bread
Cleaning Supplies
Cleaning supplies at the supermarket always cost an arm and leg! We know just how frustrating it can be. Luckily, you can find the same products, even Clorox and Tide, at the dollar store at a lower price.
Cleaning Supplies
Cookie Sheets
The crazy craft lady also has advice for us when it comes to buying cookie sheets. You should follow in her footsteps and get them from the local store! They are good for DIY projects and kitchen items.
Cookie Sheets
Index Cards
Kids have no problems going through an entire pack of index cards when they are going through exam season. At the dollar store, you can buy a hundred of those for half a dollar. If you like buying things in bulk, you will also be able to buy 12 packs for only $6.
Index Cards
Flashlight
The mini flashlight from the dollar store would not have the best quality, but you will be happy you have one when the power goes out. The keychain hook on it also makes it easy to carry around with you.
Flashlight
Flip Flops
The dollar store sells some really cheap shoes as well. You should get flip flops from there! It is possible to use them in the dorm room shower, on camping trips, or around the house. We swear by them.
Flip Flops
Permanent Markers
If you do not mind foregoing the name brand, you can bring home a pack of 4 markers for just a dollar. The quality is decent, and you will be able to save a significant amount of money. What a great deal.
Permanent Markers
Baby Utensils
It is pretty worrying to hear that the plastics used in dollar store items have harsh chemicals. For this reason, you should never buy baby products from there. After all, the potential savings is not worth it if it means putting your baby in harm’s way. Can we get an amen?
Baby Utensils
Hair Dye
Hair dye is already a pretty harsh product on its own. We can imagine that the ones from the dollar store are even riskier. It is hard to figure out what they used in the product. You should only use hair dyes that come from reputable retailers for your own sake.
Hair Dye
Phone Chargers
Isn’t it annoying when your phone charger breaks on you? Desperate times call for desperate measures, but you are better off avoiding the dollar store for this. Even though it is significantly pricier, original chargers are going to last a longer time than cheap ones. On top of that, you can rest assured that it is not going to damage the battery of your phone and fill up your juice.
Phone Chargers
Trash Bags
Are you surprised to find brand name trash bags at the dollar store? We do not recommend getting them here, however. After all, you will pay a dollar for 2 to 3 pieces. They will be gone in the blink of an eye. The most disappointing thing, however, must be the fact that they are of very poor quality.
Trash Bags
Dishwasher Pods
When you need dishwasher pods, you might be convinced that the dollar store is the best place for it. You would be wrong to think that! Even though you can buy a pack of 2 for a dollar, Walmart and Target offer a pack of 14 for only $4.50 to $5.50.
Dishwasher Pods
Sandwich Bags
Sandwich bags are frustrating when they refuse to seal! What even is the point then? However, you should know that the dollar store is the worst place to get them from. After all, they use cheap plastic to make these and will tear in no time at all. Even though you will have to shell out a dollar or two more at the supermarket, the additional cost will be worth it.
Sandwich Bags
Crayons
When you feel like working on a little art project, you should not get watercolor paints and off-brand crayons from the dollar store. They are not going to work very well and will run out in no time at all. If you need art supplies on a budget, Target or Walmart is the place for you.
Crayons
Jewelry
You might be surprised to hear that you are not getting a good deal when you spend a dollar on necklaces and rings. After all, there is no way that you will get good quality for such a low price. The material will be subpar, so it will break quickly. Nice jewelry is always worth the money in our books.
Jewelry
Fabric Softener
We can understand why you would feel tempted to buy fabric softener for only a dollar. However, the truth is that there are better offers outside the dollar store. In fact, you can get four times that amount when you go to Walmart or Target with a coupon in hand. Take advantage of this tip!
Fabric Softener
Sunscreen
We hope you won’t be surprised to get a sunburn even if you put on sunscreen from the dollar store. But how come it is so ineffective? The culprit here would be the expiration date, which is probably approaching if it has not yet passed.
Sunscreen
Baking Soda
Are you aware that you can bring home a box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda will only cost 85 cents when you buy a bundle from Costco or another warehouse store? Cool! Not only is this a bargain, but you can keep them for as long as you want since they do not spoil.
Baking Soda
Shampoo
You can get shampoo for a really good price at the dollar store, but they will not be name brands. Even so, we think that you should go for it since you will be able to save nearly $2 per bottle. You might not know this, but you are not actually getting more out of expensive shampoos! Trust us on this, folks.
Shampoo
Medication
It is not a good idea to buy meds at the dollar store. There is a chance that they are not labeled properly. On top of that, they are probably unregulated and do not undergo the proper testing procedures. Yikes! There was a study that showed how some dollar store vitamins do not have the nutrients that it said.
Medication
Spices
You should not expect to find a lot of exotic spices at the dollar store. However, you might be surprised to hear that it offers basic ones such as pepper, parsley, and cinnamon! How awesome is it that a large container goes for only a dollar? We recommend that you check the expiration date first, however.
Spices
Paper Towels
The paper towels that you can get from the dollar store are flimsy. This means that they are not very useful when you need to clean. At big grocery chains, the product is cheaper but of higher quality. If you ask us, this one is a bit of a no-brainer!
Paper Towels
Packaged Food
Did you know that you can bring home olives, pickles, and other packaged or canned food from the dollar store? Since they do not go bad, you are free to buy them in bulk. It is also possible to buy perishable things like dairy products and fresh produce. However, it is best to eat those on the same day since they are probably close to the expiration date.
Packaged Foods
Drinks
It might sound like a good deal when you see that a liter of soda goes for only one buck. However, it really isn’t. After all, you can buy two liters of soda for the same price at the grocery store. If you really want to save, you should get them in bulk at the local store.
Drinks
Pet Food
You might be able to save a lot of money, but it is not worth it if it means possibly endangering your pet! We advise you to buy the real deal at the warehouse stores instead. This is a good way to ensure that you are not getting knockoffs and get an even better deal. At Target, a case of 24 cans will cost you $12. This is 50 cents lower than the dollar store price!
Pet Food
Makeup
You should always be very careful about the things that you put on your face. This is the reason we do not recommend buying beauty products at dollar stores. These off-brand products will list down the ingredients, but you should keep in mind that they are probably using cheaper versions. It makes a lot of sense when you consider just how low the prices are. Those with sensitive skin should not think twice!
Makeup
Oven Mitt
An oven mitt is used to avoid getting your hands burned. After all, ovens can get very hot. However, the dollar store one will not help you do this since they are often made from cheap and thin materials. If you want to keep your hands free from harm, you should buy something thicker even if it is more expensive.
Oven Mitt