The Best Items That You Can Buy At The Dollar Store
The cost of living isn't limited to rent and food. Most people need cleaning tools, office items, supplies, and dozens of other items. Paying for these supplies adds up quickly, which is why you should get many of these at the dollar store. Buying $1 items like reading glasses and plastic buckets can save you $10 per trip. Add that over time, and you'll keep a lot of money for your next vacation or night out. If you buy all these items at the dollar store instead of a chain, you'll save at least $160.
Pain Relievers
An average bottle of Advil can cost $11 or more at stores like Staples. But you can find all the familiar pain reliever brands at a dollar store. The bottles might be smaller, but would you rather spend $2 on two bottles or $11 on one? It's all the same product, anyway.
Beyond generic pain relievers, dollar stores also provide medicated muscle patches, decongestants, and oral analgesic gel. If you need an over-the-counter pain reliever for anything, the dollar store will have it.
Sealed Food Containers
If you need more plastic containers to store leftovers, visit the dollar store. They feature collections of Betty Crocker sealed containers for a buck. These safe packs can cost between $7 and $14 at stores like Walmart. According to the reviews, many of the dollar store's containers can handle the dishwasher and multiple uses.
Plus, these containers are cheap, so if you use a container at work, you won't have to worry. If you want clip-lock lids, they have it. If you want tiny travel containers, they have it. Packs of four? Only $1. You can't find a better deal.
Notebooks And Journals
Have you ever started a notebook that you never filled? You might want to switch gears and purchase notebooks at the dollar store. These notebooks use less paper, which helps the environment and your wallet. Compare a $1 notebook to a $4 one at Target or Staples.
If you need a small notebook for a meeting, grocery lists, or to-do list, you'll save money by buying them at the 99 Cents Store. For students, they also sell decorated 60 to 100-page spiral notebooks, perfect for class.
Storage Containers
Unless you need to buy a new cabinet or shelf, you can purchase all of your storage containers at a dollar store. Woven baskets, locker bins, collapsible boxes-- are all available at dollar stores. Compare that to $5 or $8 per bin at Target.
If you wanted ten containers to fill a cabinet, you would end up spending $10 at the Dollar Tree as opposed to $60-$80 at other stores. That's a lot of money that you could save for a nice night out!
Cleaning Supplies
All the items that are bound to get dirty--sponges, rags, plastic buckets--are all available at the dollar store. If they're going to become gross after the first use, why spend extra money on fancy sweeper cloths or multi-purpose cleaners?
Cleaning sprays can cost anywhere from $4 to $35 at Home Depot and grocery stores. Specialized tools, such as Magic Erasers, usually cost over $20. You can buy all of these for a buck along with air fresheners, dusters, drain openers, and dustpans. The dollar store offers every cleaning tool you'll ever need.
Party Supplies
Did you know that the Dollar Store offers a wide range of party supplies that rivals Party City? At Party City, plates cost around $3, while banners and balloons cost between $15 and $30 depending on the package. You can save up to 70% by buying all of these supplies from the Dollar Store.
Dollar Stores offer supplies for birthdays, holidays, weddings, bridal showers, and even catering silverware. It all looks professional, and it's all on a budget. If you don't have time to visit the store, you can get all of these items online.
Paper Clips, Staples, And Tape
Office supplies are far cheaper at the dollar store than anywhere else. If you bought paper clips, staples, and tape at Office Depot, you'd spend $2.49, $2.99, and $1.90 at the cheapest. That's a total of $7.38 as opposed to just $3.
If you wanted to buy bulk at an office store, you'd spend a lot more. A dozen tape rolls can cost around $20 at Staples, while the 99 Cent Store offers six-packs for a dollar. If you're buying supplies for kids or office-mates, stick to the dollar store.
Picture Frames
Picture frames can cost anywhere from $8 to $40 at Aaron Brothers, Office Depot, and Michael's. But you can buy an equally elegant frame for far less. The Dollar Tree offers the same products at Michael's--wooden frames, water gloves, grooved black borders--for 92% less.
Some of these frames include posters (beat that price, Ikea) while others are more common, simple frames. Dollar stores offer a variety of frames, including ones that stack photos like collages. You'll get the same product while not breaking the bank.
Reading Glasses
If you don't require a prescription, you can find reading glasses at many general stores. But did you know that dollar stores offer the same glasses you find at CVS? They even sell packs of eight glasses for $1. That's opposed to $13 for a pack of four glasses on Amazon.
If you want a certain color of glasses, visit the dollar store. If you want hanging beads or colorful frame designs, visit the dollar store. Many dollar stores even sell lens cleaners for cheap! It's far cheaper than visiting Walgreens.
Greeting Cards
The Dollar Store provides a wide variety of greeting cards for every occasion. So why would you pay $8 for on at Paper Source or $10 for a pack of cards on Amazon that you'll never use? Unless you're buying greeting cards for the next five years, stick to the Dollar Store.
Some stores, like Walmart, also offer greeting cards for $1 to $2. But if you're going card shopping, you might as well find the cheapest option possible. The quality is about the same for most stores that sell cards.
Holiday Decorations
Holidays only come once a year. So why would you pay $10 for a Christmas banner or $20 for Halloween wall hangings on Amazon? You can buy mugs, tins, religious candles, wreaths, and even holiday-themed craft supplies for a buck at a dollar store.
Even the "classier" decorations, such as themed kitchen towels and silverware, are available at the Dollar Tree. You can save these items for next year, but you also don't have to break the bank for your Christmas party.
Cotton Balls And Q-Tips
Q-tips and cotton balls are one-and-dones, and yet many people need a consistent supply. At the dollar store, you can buy 350 Q-tips for $1, as opposed to 500 for $3.29 at Target. If you do the math, it's a better deal. You can also buy cotton balls for $1 at the 99 Cents Store.
Some stores, like Walgreens, offer these products for around $1 as well. If you're buying these items in bulk, though, a few cents tax adds up. Save money on these and other items at your local dollar store.
Hair Clips And Elastics
A packet of five hair clips at Claire's is $5, whereas Forever 21 hair accessories can go up to $7 for two clips. At the Dollar Tree, you can buy 24 different colored clips for $1. It's all the same product, so why wouldn't you go with the cheapest option?
If you need 36 hair ties, mini claw clips or alligator clips for your upcoming hairdo, you can buy them from a dollar store. They also sell other accessories such as head wraps, bandanas, headbands, bows, and brushes at the dollar store. It's practically an accessory shop.
Kitchen Cooking Utensils
Dollar stores sell handy cooking utensils--wooden spoons, tongs, and salad serving sets--for $1. Many of these deals come with packs of two or four, and if you want plastic serving utensils, they offer those too. Compare that against $10 for five wooden utensils at Walmart, or $11 for a pair of tongs at Target.
Many of these dollar store utensils are made of stainless steel, and they sell in bulk packs online. Broke college students will receive the same quality for far less. You could save over $50 by buying these utensils at the 99 Cent Store.
Glasses
Whether it's pub glasses, goblets, or wine glasses, you'll find all at your local dollar store. Many of these deals cost $1 per unit, so four glasses will cost you $4. That's better than a deal at Walmart, which offers $9.66 for a pack of eight.
This deal won't work if you need a lot of glasses. For instance, $48 for 48 doesn't beat deals at Target or Amazon. If you're in the market for glassware, compare prices. In general, buying 12 cups or less will warrant a deal at a dollar store.
Candy And Chocolate Boxes
You can buy candy bags at any drug store or grocery, but your best bet is the dollar store. Most candy and gum costs at least $1.39 at stores like CVS. If you wanted to buy bulk, you'd pay around $10 to $13 at Costco. It's cheaper to buy a bunch of chocolate and candy bags at the dollar store.
In particular, chocolate boxes can be expensive. Assorted chocolate boxes can range from $8 to over $50, depending on the wrapping and where you buy them. Certain dollar stores offer assorted chocolate boxes, and although they're smaller, they're also better for your wallet.
Present-Wrapping Supplies
As with gift cards, gift bags, and wrapping paper are far cheaper at the dollar stores. Nice gift bags and wrapping paper can cost over $11 on Amazon. If the gift-receiver will likely throw their wrapping away, why would spend so much on it?
At stores like Dollar Tree, you can buy packages of three or four gift bags for only a dollar. They all come in different colors and designs, often themed for the upcoming holidays. You're spending enough on a gift; why not save $10 to $20 on wrapping?
Reusable Tote Bags
These days, paper and plastic bags cost money at certain grocery stores. Most people buy their reusable bags at the counter, which cost $4 to $12 at stores like Trader Joe's. If you plan ahead, though, you can purchase reusable bags for $1. They're the same quality, too.
Beyond grocery shopping, you can use these totes to transport gym clothes, bring dishes to a potluck, and pack for day trips. Many of the dollar store bags are laminated and have metallic designs. They'll help you for a long time.
Aluminum Foil And Plastic Wrap
Aluminum foil and plastic wrap can cost up to $15 on Amazon or, on the cheaper end, $3.48 at Walmart. You can buy the same brands of aluminum foil--and even foil pans--for far less at a dollar store. At Dollar Tree, plastic wraps stretch up to 80 sq ft for a buck.
You can also buy other baking supplies, such as parchment paper and wax paper, at the dollar store. If you buy all of these at a dollar store, you'll save at least $6.28. Add that up over time, and you'll keep quite a bit of money.
Pregnancy Tests
Pregnancy tests use similar technology to detect the existence of the hormone HCG. That's why you don't need to worry about getting the $20 one from the pharmacy. The dollar store version should work just fine.
If you're worried about accuracy, you're better off buying a ton of dollar store ones to cross verify than spending a fortune on a couple for a different store. One thing you'll want to watch out for is expired tests as they may not be as accurate, so always check the date!
Decorative Bowls
As with party items we previously mentioned, decorative bowls are worth buying at the dollar store. Large bowls that hold fruit as a centerpiece or punch during parties don't need to have the high-end versions you'd get from a cooking store.
Since they aren't meant for individuals and typically don't get moved around much, odd are your guests won't even be able to tell the value of your decorative bowl. You can save dozens and spend your savings on more important kitchen items.
Mugs
Mugs typically cost around $10 at your average retailer, so if you're looking to stalk up a cabinet full, you're looking at $50 to $100! On the other hand, if you get them from the dollar store you can serve hot beverages to plenty of guests for less than $15!
The quality of the mugs aren't bad, either, and the best part is you can mix and match. Where large retailers often sell mugs in packs, the dollar store enables you to pick them out individually.
Dishware
Dishware sets often cost $50 to $150 for 16 pieces (plates, cups, etc.) and that's not even including silverware! At the dollar store, you can get all you need to create the dinner party of the decade for $20.
Though the dishware won't be the highest possible quality, it will certainly get the job done. Plus, they are perfect when serving little kids because if they break, it's only a dollar value as opposed to being upwards of $10 for one item.
Socks
There are certain clothing items that you don't want to buy cheap, but socks are not one of them. You'd be amazed at how high quality some of the dollar store sock brands are, particularly if they're made with spandex.
You can also find some with pretty funky styles to go with changing seasons and holidays. Where some department stores will charge a whopping $15 for a single pair, it's worth giving the $1 pairs a chance.
Kitchen Towels
While you don't want to skimp out on bath towels, kitchen towels are a different story. Anyone who spends a ton of time cooking knows that you can never have too many towels around, be it for holding hot food or drying the dishes.
Since you don't use these towels on your body, you don't have to be as concerned with the texture. Retailers typically sell a set of dish towels for up to $25. At the dollar store, you can mix and match while staying well under a $10 budget.
Plastic Buckets
Plastic buckets are one of those items you don't realize you need until you need it. Whether it's for a raffle, mopping the floor, washing the car, or playing in the sand, plastic buckets are a household staple.
Since you don't typically use plastic buckets for anything fancy, you can get by with one that's basic in terms of quality. Some retailers will try to sell you one for around $10, but the dollar store version will work just fine.
Coffee Filters
Coffee filters are literally paper pulp, so there's no reason to get a fancy version. Especially if you're a regular coffee drinker with a standard maker, you probably go through several filters a week.
Some retail stores will sell a pack of 100 filters for $5 to $10! You can get the same amount for a buck at the dollar store, and we highly doubt you'll notice a difference. Plus, you can use your savings to get higher quality coffee beans.
Mailing Labels
Using printed mailing labels gives a classy touch to any package, especially if it's for something professional where handwriting isn't ideal. Office supplies stores will try to charge $10 or more for a pack.
Instead, grab some from the dollar store. Though the $1 packs will often be much smaller, they'll still seem to last forever if you don't do a ton of mailing. Plus, the quality is comprable so the person recieving the package will have no idea the label was a bargain buy.
Coloring And Activity Books
If you love to pass the time doing Sudoku, crossword puzzles, or coloring, the dollar store is the place for you. They have a variety of activity books for a fraction of the cost other retailers price them at.
Even if you aren't a fan or don't have the time for said books, they make for a great kid gift. Since little ones are bound to end up tossing their creations away, don't break the bank getting them a doodle pad.
Swiffer Pads
Swiffer pads can be around $10 if you get the name brand from a retailer, but they're half the price at the dollar store. Depending on how often you clean your floors, you can expect to save dozens over the course of the year for essentially the same product.
The pads fit into any swiffer sweeper and come in both wet and dry versions. Best of all, they are just as effective at getting the dirt off your floors.
Balloons
Balloons are a blast (pun intended), but they also are very short-lived. You definitely don't want to spend more than a dollar on something that's bound to only last a day.
Party stores will sell a pack of single color balloons for three times what you'll find them for at the dollar store. Getting them cheaper means you can get more variety without spending much. After all, you're just going to end up deflating them anyways.
Juice Boxes
We know what you're thinking: "Dollar store juice boxes must be full of unhealthy ingredients you don't want your kids eating." In actuality, the dollar store has 100% juice box options, some of which are even organic!
They are able to offer them at a lower price because the boxes are often smaller, meaning you get less juice. Some parents may actually prefer this because it leads your little ones to consumming less fructose without realizing it.
Flashlights
You can never have too many flashlights. If a blackout happens suddenly, you want to have a flashlight nearby. Though cellphones often have the feature, you're out of luck as soon as they lose battery.
Flashlights are a standard that any home should be equipped with, but you don't need to spend $10 getting one from the hardware store. Dollar store flashlights work exactly the same way as any other ones, and they often come in multiple sizes.
Spray Bottles
Spray bottles can come in handy for a variety of tasks. Whether you're training your puppy or making natural cleaning aids, you never know when they'll come in handy. As with plastic buckets, there's no reason to fret over the quality of a spray bottle.
The dollar store version will probably work just as well as the five dollar home store version. Plus, the squeezing mechanism is bound to wear out over time, and you don't want to throw away a spray bottle you spent five times more on that you needed to.
Puzzles
Depending on the size, puzzles can cost around $20! If you're looking for a basic puzzle to give as a gift to a little one, look no further than the dollar store. Their small puzzles are just as good as the ones you'll find at a toy store and are half the price.
Moreover, kids are notorious for being rough with puzzle pieces, resulting in a tattered and torn set that they'll probably outgrow soon anyways.
Wipes
Especially if you have sensitive skin, it can be worth it to spend a little extra on wipes you'll be using on your body, However, when it comes to cleaning wipes for your car or around the house, the dollar store is all you need.
Grab a dollar package of wipes and toss it in your purse or glove compartment for a quick cleaning aid that's more thorough than a napkin. You never know when you'll need to scrub off something sticky.
Band-Aids
Band-aids are one of those things you should have on hand at all times. Though small cuts are typically harmless, you want to have something to absorb the bleeding and protect your skin right away.
Since band-aids get used up so quickly, it's worth buying them for a bargain price at the dollar store. Pharmacies and retailers will sell sets for around $5, but half the time they come with massive bandages that you may not even need.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber clothes are perfect for polishing glassware, glasses, computer screens, cellphones, and any other glass items you have around the house. Having one on hand can make your items looks like new.
As with kitchen towels, micro clothes don't typically need to be the top-of-the-line. Unless you're a professional photographer, you probably only need a basic one from the dollar store. Plus, retailers often sell the cloths in packs, leaving you with more than you needed and less cash in your pocket.
