The dollar store is a mixed bag–there are some great bargains, but let’s face it, they are in the business of making money, and some items “make up” for those great deals. So, how do you know what is a good deal, and what you could probably get cheaper elsewhere? You check out my handy-dandy list, that’s how.
- Seasonal Decor. If you want to decorate for a holiday party or function on the cheap, this is the spot to do it. It’s a pretty darn good place to put together a Halloween costume for about $5.00 too.
- Gift Wrapping. Gift wrapping is such a bummer of place to spend money on…sure, presentation goes a long way, but in the end, the recipient just tears through it and throws it away. The dollar store makes that process a little less painful. Wrapping paper, gift bags, and even greeting cards are typically much cheaper than you can find them elsewhere.
- Office and presentation supplies. Scotch tape is usually a pretty good bet at the dollar store {or in the dollar bins at Target}. Poster board and mailing supplies are also much cheaper than most places too.
- Hair elastics and accessories. If you have a little one, you know that hair accessories have their own personal Bermuda Triangle. They disappear at an alarming rate, so why “invest” in them? This way, when your sweet little cherub returns from a day at preschool with her hair stuck to her face like she is homeless and and you ask, “Where is your headband?” you won’t feel bad when she shrugs her shoulders and goes runs off.
- Pregnancy tests. Yep, if you are in the market, this is the place to do it. They work just as well as the $10.00 drug store variety {that’s straight out of the mouth of a nurse practitioner that I know}, and at a $1.00 a piece, you can put the savings towards future diapers.
- Watch batteries. I don’t particularly like their regular batteries–I really don’t think they last as long, but watch batteries are expensive, and when they come 3 to a pack, you are totally saving money even if you have to go through all three in the time you would go through one standard watch battery.
- Glassware, mugs, plates, etc. Glass is glass–and these seem to do the trick, in that they hold liquid. If you are having friends over, you can usually score some decent “specialty” glasses {Margaritas anyone?}. The plates are a great way to add a little ooomph to your table {or your food photography ;)}
- Shaving cream. It’s usually a knock off brand, but it still works great, in my opinion {and it’s about 1/3 the price of shaving cream you would find somewhere else}.
- Coloring books. If you need a cheap form of quiet entertainment for the kiddos, the dollar store usually has a great selection of coloring books–all full of the latest character crazes.
- Movie theater candy. The only place I’ve ever seen movie theater candy cheaper is Walmart, and since I really have to be in a VERY special mood to go into a Walmart, I like to stock up at the dollar store. That way, when The Girl is home, I have a stash to offer her and lure her into a movie night with her dear old mom.
There’s probably quite a few more, but those are kind of my go-to’s. Make sure to share your favorite dollar store purchases in the comments.
~Mavis
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Rachel says
I tend to stock up on greeting cards, generic magic erasers, toilet bowl bleach drop ins and glow sticks at the dollar store. Yes, I have a toddler.
KAte says
There are (I think) two factories in the world that make magic erasers (both in Germany as far as I know.) so not only do the knock off ones work just as good as the name brand, they are literally the same! Melamine foam is melamine foam, no matter whose name is on the package!
Kathy says
If you’re on low dose asprin therapy for arthritis, can’t beat 300 81 mg asprin for $2. Just check expiration date on any OTC meds you may get at the dollar store.
Margaret Bushee says
Hair brushes are a great buy at the dollar store too! They can be super pricey at Target, etc.
Diana says
I get my plastic bags (quart size), and kitchen shears
For my Zaycon chicken from the dollar store.
I also usually pick up the aluminum trays, or “to go”
Containers to have on hand when I have to bring food
To potluck dinners.
Mariska says
They sell neat colorful duct tape, perfect for crafting. At regular craft stores they cost about $5. My kids love that stuff but at regular price it adds up quickly. So I was glad to find them at Dollar Tree.
Sometimes they sell t-shirts for kids and adults, the same ones Michaels craft store sells for $4.
And I second the hair brushes. Have a spare one in the diaper bag, car, etc….
Heather T. says
Hahahahaha, I also have to be in a special mood to go to Walmart! And yes those pregnancy tests work just as well as a “regular” doctor office visit test, my obgyn said so as well, four kids later.
Jenn says
The Dollar Tree also sells ovulation tests and those work just as well too. Although they aren’t as “nice” as the more expensive versions, but when you are already paying out the rear for fertility doctors and tests, saving a few dollars is kinda nice.
Mavis says
Great tip. I never thought of that, but I’m sure there are many women who would find that very helpful!
Tami Lewis says
Oh yea, with four females to buy hair accessories for I always go to the Dollar Store!
And yep, I always have jgotten my pg tests there too after my midwife said they were the same!
And where else would I go for party goods and gift wrap?!
Mindy says
Hair accessories, check. Pregnancy tests, check check. I’ve had dinner plates from there for two years. Not only do I love them, but I don’t have a single chip or broken one. BBQ lighter is always on my list. As is vanilla extract. Greeting cards. Wrapping paper. Snack bags. I love me some dollar store.
Danielle says
Thanks to your blog (your tips can be HUGE money savers! Thank you!!!!), I make fabric softener and ALWAYS stock up on conditioner when I go. I also pick up hand gardening tools for the kids for the garden and sand box. Kids can be tough on them and it ok. Plus bubbles. Lots and lots of bubbles. Always! 🙂
Marcia says
I was just there yesterday! I stocked up on vegetable seed packets for just 25 cents each!
Lisa says
We stock up on dental flossers there, plus I let the kids pick out a new toothbrush every time we go.
Lori says
Wrapping paper, aluminum pans and name brand cleaning products!!!
Erin says
hanging baskets and the liners. It’s a seasonal item but way cheaper. Brooms. My good kitchen broom will eventual be taken into the garage or be used to sweep up drywall dust (we are remodeling). So I just buy a new one for a dollar and don’t feel bad if it needs replacing. Organizer baskets for pantry, parties, toys, toiletries, etc. Disposable aluminum foil baking pans, some are two for $1. Kids toothbrushes. Stainless steel cooking utensils and glassware for soap making. Sometimes they have the metal lid Anchor brand squarish glass jars.
Daedre says
I always stock up on those green rectangular pot scrubber pads at the dollar store. You can get a package of 4 for $1. The same scrubbers at the grocery store are $4-5!
Lori B. says
I got most of the champagne flutes for my daughter’s wedding last summer – 2 for $1 . Just kept going back each week to clean out what they had. Foil pans for freezer meals are also a great deal. Seems I always find something that I just bought at Target for three times the price.
laidlaw4474 says
The Dollar Store is a wonderful place for sandwich bags, freezer bags, tin foil, parchment paper and plastic wrap. Small can garbage bags also, along with dish soap (they carry the a name brand). Toothpastes and toothbrushes along with bandages, nail polish, makeup pretty any type of woman on the go may need. Great for when you’re in a hurry, the Dollar Store carries so much!