Seriously, is this a hot ticket item? Have you ever tried a $1.00 steak? We are not big steak eaters, so I’m curious what the going rate for a ribeye steak is these days. Anyone know? At 3.5 ounces, ribeye steaks at the Dollar Tree work out to be $4.57 a pound. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’d want to be buying my meat from a dollar store. But what do I know?
However a Halloween costume? At a dollar an item? If I wasn’t able to make a costume for my child, I would totally do that. Wings, a tutu and a head band for $3. Not a bad deal if you ask me. Seriously, what more does a 5 year old need?
The dollar store I went to in Port Orchard, Washington had ladybug, bumble bee, fairy, pirate, knight, cop and turtle costume supplies. They even had glow sticks and face paint.
Freezer pans were 3 for $1.00 and came in all sorts of sizes. I prefer the ones with the aluminium/cardboard tops for my freezer meals as the ones with the plastic tops tend to crack if you place something on top of them in the freezer.
Spackle and cheap razors $1.00! I’m not a razor snob so I totally bought a package.
Did you know you can buy rocks and moss at a dollar store? Seriously, this must be for city folks because I have all the moss and rocks I could ever want in my backyard.
And hey, if you don’t grow your own herbs or you’re not picky about spices, a dollar store might be a great place to stock up. There was nearly half an aisle dedicated to them!
Have YOU been to a dollar store lately? What’s your favorite thing to buy there?
Curious minds want to know.
~Mavis
Elise says
I love our dollar store. I wouldn’t buy steaks there (3.5 oz!?!?!), but MECHANICAL PENCILS, poster board, candy, laundry baskets and mesh bags, there are a bunch of things that I go there for. And it’s fun to just walk the aisles if I have 10-15 minutes. Ours is in a pretty convenient location, so sometimes I just pop in to see what’s there, since so much of it changes so fast.
One DOES need to pay attention to size indications though. Don’t think you’ll be getting a real-sized ANYTHING in a package. I bought baby wash cloths (our kids use them as cloth napkins) and even though I looked in the package and they looked full size (8 inches square), they were folded asymmetrically on purpose, and are just 7 inches square, which doesn’t sound like much of a difference, but they are 20% smaller! But the kids still like them, they are newer and brightly colored 🙂 And sometime all you NEED is a dollar’s worth of something 🙂
Linda says
I buy baskets, wet wipes, dish towels to expected dog’s feet. Some good deals to be found. I always watch the expiration dates.
Heidi P says
Nope I’ve never ventured into the refrigerater/freezer section of my dollar store and unless I’m down to my last dollar and need a steak I won’t be anytime soon.
As for the moss, I kinda chuckled because after all it is “reindeer moss”!
I buy latex gloves for painting in plus drop cloths and an occasional paint brush.
K says
Those steaks might be perfect for a stir fry. I have not tried them but I think I will pick one up and do a stir fry for me and Daddy one night. I don’t go to the one we have here very often but I do like to take a spin and look for paper items and cleaning products. If yours has a cleaning product called Awesome, I highly, highly recommend it. It cuts grease better than anything I’ve tried. I use it as a stain remover on clothing, too. It is versatile and a real good value for the money.
Jeanine says
I used some of the “Awesome” cleaner on my carpet….cleaned up the spots….then in a few days I had yellow spots all over the carpet. I was bummed out! DO NOT use it on your carpet.
Cheri says
I’ve found some great stuff at the dollar store, but I would never buy animal products there. Who knows where they come from and how the animals are raised and processed? I need to know a little about those things to trust it.
Judy nichols says
I have seen vacuum packed cooked corn on the cob….it’s not refrigerated….too bizarre for me
lilton says
I, too, often wonder about those $1 steaks….
Hands down, posterboard is my favorite item to purchase. At 50c/sheet, it’s a steal because our 4-H poster guidelines require a half-size sheet of posterboard, so I really get 2 “sheets” for 50c. I also like the seasonal decorations for 4-H events.
Another favorite is the selection of “movie theater” candy, microwave popcorn, and plastic serving bowls. Those plus a gift certificate to our local movie theater have been my new “go to” silent auction basket donation. Quick, easy, and usable!
nancy says
I love lots of things at the dollar I store. I particularly like the flat pizza crusts. I top them and put them on the grill for a grilled flatbread appetizer. I like the cleaning products and the wrapping paper/bag section and the holiday decorations best. The best buy I have gotten there recently was a six pack of Hunts tomato paste. It is 2.99 at the grocery store so a dollar was a great little deal. I remember when my daughter was in school, each child was to fill a giant stocking with toys for the needy. I went to the Dollar store and our stocking was overflowing with toys. I mentioned to one of the other mothers that I got it all at the dollar store. She said “what’s a dollar store”….LOL I still laugh about it. The dollar stores are literally everywhere in the nation. People are really missing out not going in one. There are mountains of cute stuff. The turnover is so quick that anything edible is very fresh. I’d try that steak in a heartbeat. LOL
Lilli says
Ribeyes are 9.99. We haven’t bought any in years. I often find double fiber bread at our store. It sells for 4.50 at the grocery store. I buy baked beans and any other good food deals. The large cans of peaches are a good deal.
Janet says
I also buy the large cans of peaches. I do look where the peaches are from and where they are processed. Some of the peaches are from Africa. I only buy food from the US and processed in the US. I will buy one or two of an item I am interested in and see if it is something I would buy again. Name-brand ketchup is cheaper for the same size than Fred Meyer. Mustard is a good deal, also. Canned fruit for pie filling is so much cheaper. Graham crackers and graham cracker pie crusts are a good deal. Look where it is from and where it is processed though.
Judy says
We also read the Country of Origin on all food and spice items. Not interested in Made in China, their water is not always clean and the air is worse. We also try to avoid the cheap plastics that are not long lasting. Bread and some canned goods are super!Newspaper for $1 is a deal too when its $3 in the boxes!
Leslie says
I buy gift wrap, some holiday stuff (spiders to put on my front porch at halloween!), vacuum storage bags, and food containers for stuff I’m giving away and don’t want to trouble the person to have them return the dish. OH I also got a FOLDING HAIRBRUSH for a care package before someone’s stay in the hospital. I’m obsessed with it.
On another note, I bought Horizon Organic unsalted butter for $2.99/lb at Grocery Out today. Groc Out for the win!
Leslie says
And suddenly I’m thinking I wish I knew what everyone else’s fav items at the dollar store might be. Maybe a post idea?
Anne G. in VA says
The single slices of Edwards pies in the freezer section are a fun treat. One slice is just enough for a little treat. We get chips, bread, greeting cards (50 cents apiece), cleaning supplies and lots of other odds and ends. You have to be cautious shopping there though- many canned products are priced at $1 each but are so much cheaper at the grocery store. Pay attention to prices and comparison shop! I have gotten premium name brand bread for $1 a package where it is $3-5 at the grocery.
A friend tried the steaks, mostly as a joke, but said they cooked up to be tiny and tough. I think they still laugh about it years later!
Lolly says
I buy canned coconut milk at our dollar tree! It’s cheaper than anywhere else! I also buy gift bags (2/$1), flour (when they carry 5# bags, usually for thanksgiving and christmas), and pinto beans (when they have the 1.5# or 2# bags). I sometimes buy nail polish there, for my summer pedicures. 🙂
UpstateNYer says
Are you kidding? I buy something from almost every aisle from those stores!
Tin foil sheets are perfect for my toaster oven and the small bread pans are perfect for smaller servings of banana bread/zuchini breads. Scrub brushes, SOS pads, Laundry stain spray,drier sheets, Scotties tissues.
Crackers, pecan chocolate chip cookies (mini sized), snack mix individual servings bags, Pumpkin seeds. Ketchup and some spices. Organizing trays,lingerie bags (to store other things in/great for suitcase packing) Over the door hangars. Gift bags and bows. Seasonal things – like gardening knee pads (perfect when you need to scrub the tub or bathe the kids). School supplies/crafting all year’round.
UpstateNYer says
I almost forgot – beautiful calendars, Pocketbook calendars and greeting cards/Xmas boxed cards.
Laura Z. says
GIft bags and wrap are the main things I buy there, but our local store has brand named frozen vegetables (corn, green beans, peas, mixed veggies, spinach, and broccoli mix) and fruit (blueberries, strawberries, etc.) in 10-12 oz. bags so that is usually cheaper than the grocery store unless there are coupons.
Betsy in MN says
I love the giant storage ziplock bags. They work great for storing out of season clothes. Much cheaper than the space bags. I also love the dusters for our cars.
Reading glasses too. That way I can have a pair wherever I am.
DotRot says
We practically live at Dollar Tree (or so it seems sometimes). Those little steaks are delicious! They make terrific steak sandwiches or are just enough for a breakfast with some fried eggs. I can get a good majority of my craft supplies (even rocks and dried moss) there as well as office/school supplies. We always have a stock of foil pans of all sizes on hand. They’re great for when we’re cooking to take food to potlucks or to friends. No dishes to wash and return. We’re only about 2 blocks from our local store, so it’s great for drop-in visit on the way home. I even sometimes order online and have it shipped free to the store for me to pick up later.
Deborah says
There are certainly bargains to be had at “Dollar” stores.
It’s a lot like thrusting, it’s good to be familiar with the store so you know when there is new merchandise.
The 99 cent only stores frequently have close outs on brand name foods. Minute maid, Kraft. Best Foods, keener are BRANDS that show up. Usually they are close to a sell date, but a jar of mayonnaise for a dollar instead of 4, I’ll take a few.
Gift bags, kids parties, school projects etc. Always look there first and see what you can find before going to the expensive craft and party store.
I don’t care for cards, but if your family does-all sorts of birthday and holiday cars 2 for 1.00 or 1.00 each.
Just watch for stuff made in china, etc. Halloween makeup for kids-who knows what it might be made of….
Just look at the label and use common sense.
Deborah says
I hate my phone’s “correcting” me!
I said it’s a lot like THRIFTING!
Wendy says
I’m glad you re-posted! I couldn’t for the life of me figure out what you meant by ‘thrusting’!!!!! Lol
Jennifer Meyer says
I have 4 Dollar Trees within 15 minutes of my house lol! And that is JUST Dollar Tree. We also have Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Five Below within the same driving distance. I really only shop at Dollar Tree though. I get all my gift bags, BALLOONS, garden seeds when they are dropped to 25 cents (they germinate just fine for me), candy, greeting cards for 50 cents, craft supplies, dryer sheets, so many things there are actually a great value, but like others mentioned you have to watch sizes to make sure it is really a good deal.
Susan says
Last couple of months I bought a BUNCH of flowers seeds ( 10 cents each ).
What a deal! I have Marigolds, African Daisy and Zinnias growing and blooming
like crazy. Went back for more seeds, but Halloween stuff is everywhere.
I guess just before Halloween is when they try to get rid of the seeds.
heidi says
While I’m a dollar store fan for cheap plastic stuff, I absolutely won’t buy anything to eat. I just don’t trust it. Who knows where it is from and how old it is? Stuff can be repackaged and sold as fresh. No thanks.
Veronica says
I get pregnancy tests at my dollar store, but I don’t visit often… 🙂
Deborah from Texas says
We buy a lot of different stuff from the Dollar Store. From cleaning supplies, to canned foods, to soft drinks.
Cheryl says
I buy greeting cards, wrapping paper, some cleaning supplies. There is no way would I buy their meat. Where does it come from? I don’t eat red meat often so I’ll go to my local butcher when I want a steak. $7.49 per pound for semi- boneless rib-eye steaks around 4th of July and it was delicious.
Heather says
I have bought the bag of rocks for a craft project! If I needed moss I would also buy it since it doesn’t grow in Nevada (too dry). I buy greeting cards, glass containers, plastic baskets for organizing. There are bloggers on YouTube who show new items that they found at the Dollar Tree stores.
Donna says
My local store doesn’t have a refrigerated/frozen section, but in a neighboring town I noticed 4 oz of salmon. Didn’t read the label to determine where it was from etc., but I was surprised to see it. Didn’t see the steak. Love the store for a lot of the items already mentioned. Was there today for cleaning supplies.
Julia says
I’ve tried the salmon. It’s good.
Maria says
They have some very good vegetarian items in their freezer section. I love the veggie burgers, just tried the french onion soup last week and was amazed, and had their spring rolls for lunch today. I’ve been happy with everything vegetarian I’ve found there.
Other things I like to get there are balloons, books, reading glasses, flossers, and socks.
Delorise says
Dollar tree is my go to for Word Find books- the in-laws totally enjoy them. Have you priced them at other stores- ridiculous prices. I also pick up packing tape and cards. Hubby once picked up the best ever (according to him) tartar sauce at a Dollar Tree. Unfortunately we have never been able to find the brand again at any Dollar Tree or other store. Going to Dollar Tree is equivalent to thrift shopping- -you never know what you will find.
Ramona says
My husband and I enjoy rib-eye steaks. I buy them when on sale at Fred Meyer for 5.99 a pound. We always split one so I think it is a bargain at that price and they are good. Our dollar store doesn’t do fresh anything. I buy a few items there, but have noticed the packaged weight is smaller now than from a few years ago on most food items. That is why they can still sell for a dollar. Shrink the contents down but keep all the packaging the same so it looks like you are getting a good deal.
CA says
I buy many of things already listed but the item I buy most is Pepsodent toothpaste. Made in the USA and $1.00 for the large tube. Many of the brand name toothpastes are made in foreign countries (or they used to be). Also, I always check the country of origin…especially for food items. Jars of roasred red bell peppers looked like a good deal but not when they were from Turkey.
UpstateNYer says
Pick up some of those costumes now for the holidays. Kids will have the greatest time playing “dress up” on wintery days they must be inside. It’s a great inexpensive gift!
Brianna says
Here’s what I usually buy at Dollar Tree:
Tissue Paper (20 sheets!)
Greeting Cards
Books
Puzzles
Scotch tape
Jelly Belly flops
Kids toothbrushes
Toys (mini figures, crafts, matchbox, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, etc)
Torry says
I buy those glow sticks that connect into a bracelet. They are perfect for hanging on the bathroom door at hotels. Not too bright, so you can still get to sleep, but enough to be able to find the bathroom in the middle of the night. (I also use them to light the walkway on Halloween.)
Lauralli says
I love Dollar Tree!! I only buy disposable pans from there! They are the best price by far! Great for taking meals to bless others. And, Awesome is truly awesome for getting out laundry stains! I also regularly buy gift bags there–no, I do not need to spend a small fortune to “wrap” a gift in! And, of course, the CANDY! 🙂
Vicki says
The Dollar store are great. Gift bags, birthday cards are an awesome deal. Plus doggie poop bags and eyeglass readers.
Robyn says
I buy the greeting cards, gift wrap and bags and aluminium pans with lids. I also get some cleaning stuff. Our dollar stores don’t carry any perishable foods- maybe has to do with different laws in Canada? The one thing I don’t like about dollar stores is the weird toxic chemical smell that hits you as soon as you walk in the store- yuck!