These tips on what to buy at dollar stores and what to skip will help you find the best bargains.
Dollar Stores are a bargain lover’s paradise. You can find just about every department in a big box store on a smaller scale and comb for good bargain after good bargain. I love to hit up the local dollar store and see the new items and my trusty favorites. I love that I can take my child with me and let her pick something out and know exactly what the price will be.
In this post, I will discuss what to buy at dollar stores and what you can skip. Some of the dollar stores will allow you to use coupons, so be sure to check your store's coupon policy to see if you can use coupons. You can use the Favado App to find coupon matchups for many of the dollar stores.
What to Buy at Dollar Stores:
Cleaning supplies: These are almost always a great bargain. However, pay attention to quantity. For instance, many dollar store sizes look just as big as their regular counterparts but contain much less product in a bigger container. One thing I have found this to be true with is those disinfectant wipes. Often times, these come in containers that are just as large as the ones sold in other stores but contain only 20 wipes. This makes them almost 5 cents apiece. With a coupon, you can get this at a much lower cost at the big box stores.
Frozen foods: Vegetables, frozen snacks, ice cream pops and potato products are usually about half off when bought at the dollar store. Again this is about checking to see how many ounces you are getting, though so pay attention.
Seasonal items: Decorations for holidays are an absolute bargain at the dollar store. From crafts to parties, this is the place to get them.
Packing and party supplies: Bubble envelopes and packing bubble wrap are great bargains here and are usually about half the price. Greeting cards are a great bargain as are napkins, balloons, streamers, gift bags and plastic plates.
Beauty supplies: Sponges, mirrors, nail files are a good bet. Stay away from nail polish and face makeup because it is often low quality or old and that can lead to skin irritations.
Things to Skip at Dollar Stores:
Baking soda, flour, and sugar: Usually, you will get a far smaller package and could save a lot more buying it in other stores.
Canned goods: Most canned goods are less than a dollar as it is, especially vegetables. The only semi-good bargain is soups.
Vitamins: These may not be as high of quality and are often misrepresented on the labels. Go for the brands you trust and know in bigger stores.
Beverages: Drinks are far cheaper at a different store.
School supplies: When the back to school sales happen, you will be able to get them at a fraction of the price at other stores.
Hot mitts: I made this mistake once. The dollar store version of hot mitts are not thick enough to keep you from the heat and can allow burns to happen.
Knives: You will do far better investing in a good solid set rather than a cheap one at a dollar store. Dull low-quality knives can lead to serious injuries and if you have good quality ones, they are sure to last a long time.
What do you buy at dollar stores?
Christina P says
August 13, 2013 at 6:32 amI got a perfect set of measuring spoons at a dollar store! They had the sizes–you know–raised on them instead of just printed (printed sizes always wash off). On the other hand, although it’s cool getting a broom for only $1, they break somewhat easily. Next time I’m spending more on a wooden broom.
gina says
August 13, 2013 at 7:36 amHonestly, I have bought pregnancy and ovulation tests there, the pregnancy tests are fairly sensitive and if you are trying to conceive and addicted to peeing on a stick then the price is right. I buy some make up there if its name brand, I have never had any issues or bad reactions and I have sensitive skin. I buy balloons and greeting cards, bags for gifts, glassware for crafts or for cute individual desserts…
Angela says
August 13, 2013 at 5:46 pmBooks, coloring books, birthday cards, hot wheels, party supplies, plastic storage containers, garbage cans, hand towels, canvases, acrylic paint, super glue, dish sponges, and the list goes on.
Sarah Lee says
August 14, 2013 at 11:11 amCandy and Balloons, but again watching the size of bags of candy. Sometimes it’s a great bargain sometimes its a tiny bag and you can get a better sized bag else where. I go to one store that sells mylar balloons for $1 each including the little weight disc in various shapes. This is by far cheaper than going to any other store in my area and buying a bouquet, which in my area run $12-15 depending on the store and balloon selection. Also depending on the store the bouquet might be 10 latex and 1 or 2 mylar, or 12 latex and 1 mylar, etc. Various combinations in numbers almost all being latex. Why not buy a dozen mylar instead for fun for the same price or cheaper!
Pauline Wiles says
July 18, 2014 at 10:11 amI’ve done well with the gift wrap and party decorations, but do remember a knife being absolutely awful. And I often get tempted by the craft supplies.
Emily C says
July 31, 2014 at 6:15 pmBig chip clips that I used to clip beach towels on pool lounge chairs, foil containers for freezer meals, microfiber cleaning cloths, cotton pads (alternative for cotton balls), and spray bottles.
Bonnie says
November 3, 2014 at 2:44 pmI love getting deodorant (I am allergic to all kinds except the brand they sell at the dollar tree), body wash, birthday/graduation party supplies, coloring books, stickers and cards (birthday, anniversary, graduation, thank you, etc.) at the dollar tree! They are much cheaper there and the same brand that I would get anywhere else.
Rachel says
December 12, 2014 at 11:32 pmI always buy the blue razors… best razors I’ve ever gotten and you can’t beat $1 for 4 of them!!
My sweet tooth also wins at the dollar store and I end up with some sort of cheap candy. They have some decent stuff to entertain my 1 1/2 year old too. And again can’t beat a dollar to entertain for a few months! You don’t feel so guilty about getting rid of it either compared to a $15+ toy at Walmart/Target/ etc.
Rose says
February 22, 2015 at 10:53 amTRUE…everything at Dollar Store isn’t a great buy, but lots of things are. You cant beat their cleaning supply’s and extra forks and spoons are great and the freezer section is awesome. They sometimes have discontinued WW products that usually sell for $3 0r $4 a pop and it costs ONE dollar. I usually stock up when I find them in freezer. Many times, I find Rice Krispie treats or fruit roll ups, packaged in 6 to 8 items quantities for ONE dollar!!! Do you realize how much they are at the grocery stores? I have 4 MEN I am feeding at home…I always look for a bargain!!!! But beware….some of their stuff is not a bargain…like too thin towels, oven mitts or any item that looks too good to be true “quality”…you will know!!! They also have Russel Stover candy in a bag, great for gifts…ONE DOLLAR. I hate OFF brand candy!!!
Bus says
January 23, 2016 at 1:56 pmMost of the goods in our ‘dollar stores’ are products made in China. Some are ok to buy, but anything you put on your skin or hair is a bit of a gamble. The ingredients are often poor quality, and sometimes harmful. However, the cheap plastic items seem fine (just got a cutlery divider for a song) and it is a matter of being careful-as with anything!
Navy Wifey Peters says
February 21, 2016 at 12:23 amGreat tips! When I moved into my first apartment on my own, I made the mistake of buying just about all my kitchen gear from the Dollar Tree. You are so right about the mitts. They are too thin, and I could totally feel the heat through them. I recently bought some cleaner from there, and the Fabuloso was great, but the lemon scented Pine Glo wasn’t strong enough. I like to have my whole kitchen/bathroom smelling like it’s full of lemons when I’m done cleaning, and that cleaner just didn’t do the job.
Navy Wifey Peters @ The Submarine Sunday Link Party
DazzleWhileFrazzled says
February 21, 2016 at 6:36 pmThanks for the list. I love the dollar store for party supplies, party favor “junk” and seasonal craft ideas. Visiting from Keeping It Simple party.
Cara says
February 22, 2016 at 4:06 pmI love a lot of the Dollar Tree’s cleaning supplies and they always have the cutest seasonal decorations and party supplies. Great tips!
Melinda says
February 22, 2016 at 8:52 pmI buy nearly all craft and party stuff there. Nothing that I expect to last!!
Here from Inspire Me Monday.
Emily says
February 23, 2016 at 1:16 pmI’ll have to remember these tips; I rarely check out our local dollar store. Thanks for linking up with Merry Monday.
Raquel says
March 2, 2016 at 8:47 amThanks for the great tips! I love shopping at the dollar store but I agree on the vitamins, or any medication for that matter. Love a lot of their party and craft decor!
Deborah says
August 18, 2018 at 5:14 amMost canned goods are now over a dollar.
Marge Laufer says
August 18, 2018 at 7:31 amIt’s fun to go to the Dollar Store. My great grand daughters have a blast and I’m just as careful buying in their store as I’m doing in other stores.
Judy says
August 19, 2018 at 8:29 amI do very well with frozen blueberries, whole wheat bread, face wash, mascara, greeting cards, gift wrap and bags, gardening gloves, dishwasher pods, dishwasher rinse aid, scrub sponges, rubber gloves, shower caps, disposable aluminum pans, and canned goods near the expiration date.