I live way too close to The Dollar Store
I end up spending a lot of time there
Which means I also tend to spend a lot of money there too.
I've bought a few things that have been worth a dollar.
And I've bought a few things that are totally not worth a dollar.
So stroll with me through the aisles and I will tell you all those things you should buy
and all those things you should avoid.
Tissue Paper-Buy it
It's so much cheaper at The Dollar Store and works great in those
recycled gift bags we all have laying around.
Scotch Tape-Buy it
Is it just me or does your house go through tape like it's going out of style?
Thumb Tacks-Buy it
You probably don't need these every day, but I did do a project recently and wish I knew they had them at The Dollar Store because I paid too much.
Furniture Polish and Window Cleaner: Buy it
Both things I use often, both things worth picking up
Windex does not corner the market on window cleaner and Pledge doesn't either
Windex does not corner the market on window cleaner and Pledge doesn't either
Estracell sponges-DO NOT BUY IT
While they may look like the scotch brite sponges, they are not the same.
Don't waste your money buy these instead. You will be glad that you did!
While they may look like the scotch brite sponges, they are not the same.
Don't waste your money buy these instead. You will be glad that you did!
Sun dishwashing liquid: DO NOT BUY IT
This stuff is so watered down that it's cheaper to buy the name brand
Stor-it sandwich bags: Buy it
We don't use a lot of these baggies (I use my reusable ones instead)
but when I do need them, they do the job
but when I do need them, they do the job
Potted Meat: DO NOT BUY IT
I'm pretty sure potted meat is never a good idea
also, any "meat" at The Dollar Store-gross!
Pretzels: Buy it
These are great for lunches and so much cheaper than at the grocery store
Kids Shampoo: Buy it
If you have kids that wash themselves you know how much shampoo you go through.
Shower Curtain: Buy it
Now I'm not saying you should use just this shower curtain in your bathroom,
but under your fancy shower curtain, this one for $1 is perfect.
Washcloths and Towels: DO NOT BUY IT
So thin and so not worth it
Extra Healing Lotion: DO NOT BUY IT
It may look like Vaseline's healing lotion, but it is not even close.
Find a sale and buy the real deal
Bobby pins: DO NOT BUY IT
Honestly, didn't know anyone could screw up bobby pins
but they did.
Don't bother
Cotton Swabs: DO NOT BUY IT
These guys bend before you even stick 'em in your ear.
It's like they are scared or something.
Pregnancy Test: Buy it
Who knew?
Seriously, the best $1 deal in the store
Compare them with other brands here
**updated**see this follow up post Should you Buy a Dollar Store Pregnancy Test
**updated**see this follow up post Should you Buy a Dollar Store Pregnancy Test
Glue Pens-Buy it
I always peruse the craft aisle you never know what you will find
I know I've bought these at Michael's before for WAY more!
Colored Pencils: DO NOT BUY IT
These are awful! They won't sharpen and they get dull in a nanosecond
Crayons: DO NOT BUY IT
There is something to be said for Crayola. They have crayons figured out.
These are just waxy and yuck.
Crayola crayons are cheaper than the 8 or 10 in this pack and are far better!
Dough Pate: DO NOT BUY IT
It's called Pate...seriously...skip it.
It's not play doh
and yes, I do know that Pate is a French word for paste or dough.
It's still not the same
It's still not the same
Bubbles: Buy it
I buy these by the armful during the summer
Cheap, big and full of fun
So what dollar store items did I miss?
Good or bad I want to know!
**updated**
This Dollar Store post has by far been one of my most popular posts.
I did a few follow up posts based on department.
You can find them here
this post contains affiliate links. if you purchase those items, i may be compensated.
Oh this was interesting to read! I am always trying to 'teach' my dad what items he should or shouldn't buy at the dollar store, but it never seems to sink in. I agree about the cotton swabs, those things are awful. I do have to give a thumbs up to their gift bags, which are SO expensive in others stores. I also have plastic utensils that I bought years ago that I love. Also they have cute notepads, and the decorative dish towels are nice to just hang in the kitchen. My daughter just bought the exact package of bobby pins, lol, so we'll have to see how they work. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI love this post!
ReplyDeleteMore bath products like shampoo, soap, hairspray...those would be great to know about!
I just found the dollar store and the ladies there are wonderful, they are half the reason to keep going back. The other half the money !
ReplyDeleteI love the Dollar Tree! I buy lots of neat things there. I get lots of things that are a decent quality that I put in the Operation Christmas Child boxes and even for treat bags for the kids at school. I never buy the crayons! Those are a joke! They have some decent holiday decorations there too!
ReplyDeleteoh man what a great post! you really made me laugh with the q tips. and potted meat? i didn't even know that existed, gross. anyway, i'm pinning it!
ReplyDeleteHa! Great post, I don't get to the dollar store very often, I forget to go. Thanks for the reminder and the tips! Found you at the Weekend Wander, (While He Was Napping), party.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about the bobbi pins! Who would think they could be made so flimsy and still look like bobbi pins? Gift bags, party favors, craft items and snack bags are my dollar store favorites. I would love it if you would come link up with Busy Monday (open Monday through Thursdays) at A Pinch of Joy, a linky party for ideas that make life for everyone better, easier and more fun!
ReplyDeleteI stock up on the quick erasers. They look like a Mr Clean Magic eraser but have a sponge back. It seems to be the same material and cleans the same. I think I like these better. As they wear down, the sponge back helps them hold their shape. The leftover sponge is useful too. They polish a stainless since better than anything else I've ever use!
ReplyDeleteI just discovered those knock off magic erasers. I agree I like them better. I would add toothbrushes to the list and sharpies. We got some of the pate - play dough and I like it. It's soft and not sticky works great for rolling and cutting.
DeleteI buy tooth brushes. The q-tips you have pictured are FINE it is the ones out of plastic that are JUNK! I but lots of medications there. (cold, flu, cough drops) Nail polish! OO I love the dollar store!!
ReplyDeletePotted Meat? Who would even be brave enough to try that? Thanks for the tips! t.xoox
ReplyDeleteAt our Dollar Tree they have clear cylinder vases that are closer to 6.00 at Wal-Mart. They also have the colored stones to go in the bottom of the vases. Greeting cards are great. Cotton pads for eye makeup removal. All these are a snag for me!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree. Another pass - the plasticware (to use at parties), breaks as soon as you use it!
ReplyDeleteI would add - tin pans & wax paper & ladies HANES t-shirts (I think I lucked out with finding those).
And I would agree on what others suggested - ribbon (satin, sheer & grosgrain), gift bags, greeting cards. Love the dollar store!!!
I love the rolls of brown craft paper and glow sticks!
ReplyDeletePotted Meat? Gross! I make it a rule not to buy most foods at the dollar store. I do get spices, soda, and bottled red peppers because they are usually a fantastic deal. Thanks for the great post.
ReplyDeleteYou're too funny! I also have a thing for dollar stores, but agree that some things are definitely to be avoided!
ReplyDeleteI actually purchase their sweeteners!
ReplyDeletethe pink ones (sweet n Low)
100pks to the box $1
the yellow (splenda)
only 50 to the box..but still quite a deal!!
I use their soft petroleum jelly in a tube for my feet!
the other lotions and shampoos unless a REAL brand i am familiar with.. I pass because they simply don't do the job as well.
I do use the laundry bleach and some other cleaning products.
Boxed candies.. ie Dots and Whoppers..well worth the $1!
love the greeting cards @ 2/$1! love shopping there.. it is conveniently located next to a children's consignment shop(I call it Grandma's Place because i see so many of us there!) and next block down is my fave Goodwill store!!
hugs! Loui♥
The kids' washable markers are actually pretty good, and very inexpensive, which is fortunate because my son is apparently fundamentally incapable of putting caps on markers.
ReplyDeleteMy store usually has Sharpies and Avery glue sticks, as well as Super Glue. Good deal.
One of the Dollar Trees near me also often has bulk lots of very decent yarn (Lion, Caron, etc.) and a really nice selection of scrapbooking supplies.
Those little pop-up faux Closet-Maid bins are actually wonderful too. I thought they'd fall apart in a week, but they've held up to heavy use as bins for son's cars, books, etc.
Great post! Except the cheap crayons are wonderful for melted crayon art! Their cheap, waxy quality is actually easier to melt!
ReplyDeleteI snag most of those items too. They are great. The potted meat, gosh that sounds and looks disgusting!
ReplyDeleteI buy the diaper cream. It is the same as butt paste, but $1 instead of $6!
ReplyDeleteLove the greeting cards, tissue paper, gift bags, glow stics/necklaces/bracelets, disinfecting wipes, microfiber cloths, rubber gloves...
ReplyDeleteI'm a BIG fan of their version of Oxyclean powder. It's sooo much cheaper than the brand name & works just as well. I also agree about the plastic baggies - the 'snack' size is perfect for my toddler when we're out & about. I also stock up on the shower liners. They're a great deal!
ReplyDeleteOh! And we are still using the Dollar Store serrated steak knives I bought when I moved into my 1st apartment...from 10 years ago! They work great and can go right into the dishwasher. Can't beat that for value! :)
Such a great post! Seasonal decorations are always nice since you don't use them that long. I always get my party plates and tablecloths there. I've found some name brand makeup as well. We use the sandwich baggies. We also find name brand toothpaste and tootbrushes. This is where I go to browse for craft project ideas.
ReplyDeleteI have found great toddler's age books at the Dollar Store! Sesame Street or just plain colors/numbers theme books too!
ReplyDeleteAnd the selection of foil disposable pans is awesome! They come in sets of two, all different sizes, with lids! When I would pay $4 and up for that at the grocery store I will take it for a buck - no problem! These are great to have to take dinners to folks who are under the weather, just had a baby or for holiday gift giving... :)
I have to second the person that mentioned headbands- the stretchy or hard kinds. I also love getting eye shadow there. I have sensitive skin but it doesn't bother mine! I always shop for small prizes for my piano students. Oh and hoilday or house decor! I can't pass up those either! Oh and I have gotten some pretty decent kitchen utensils- the nylon ones or comparable to many expensive ones you can order or buy elsewhere!
ReplyDeleteI actually bought the potted meat to try for my 72 hour kits--it wasn't that bad!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed seeing what was good and what wasn't. I always wondered about the dish liquid.
As for the tape- I'm pretty sure there is way less tape per roll on the dollar store version. Like 5 yards vs. the 15 or so yards you get at other stores... so, you get what you pay for. Just thought I'd throw that out there.
ReplyDeleteGood idea for a post, though.
Do the shower curtains smell toxic? We've had a few products from the dollar store that smell so much like chemicals we can't have them in the house. It's be great to switch out my shower curtain liner more often if they are only a dollar, but I don't want a strong chemical smell.
ReplyDeleteLove the dollar store pregnancy test. With my first I bought handfuls of the EPT and other expensive brands, all said negative but I knew I was. One day at the dollar store I say the preg test there and bought it. Said pregnant!!! Again used another EPT and negative. With my other 4 pregnancies only dollar store ones and they were all right!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Thanks for sharing. Some things I stay away from becasue I am biased toward name brands (like Crayola) but some things I would have never known like the shower curtains.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE shopping here for parties. I like their napkins, plates (though flimsy but they do the colorful job), and cups. I also love their foil containers. I use those to bring meals to people or freeze my own meals in them. Super cheap. I also buy padded shipping envelopes, floral foam, glass candlesticks (to make cupcake pedestals and such, candy, and other holiday items like sand buckets, water noodles and pinwheels and other party favors. LOVE it.
Not sure if it was already mentioned, but I love to buy coloring books there. The toilet bowl cleaner called "the works" is pretty good too.
ReplyDeleteI love this! Thanks for sharing! I had a doctor tell me that the pregnancy tests are what they use at a lot of hospitals. So worth stocking up on them! Just in case you or a friend need one!
ReplyDeleteI love the cheap shower curtains (and the fresh plastic smell!)
ReplyDeleteI also always buy disposable pans there to take to people when I make meals for them. They are much cheaper there.
Kid puzzles are nice to buy there as well.
You can always use the crummy q-tips for the kids to craft with. =)
I also like the little baskets to hold toys from the dollar store.
Great post!
I love the dollar store (especially Dollar Tree) and appreciate your post. I agree with the crayons thin g in general. My Mom bought dollar tree 64 crayon box that were actually pretty good but the papers fell off! I never would have gotten them though. Back to school sales are a much better price and you can even get Crayola or CRazyArt which are good too. I love the fact that people have said the pregnancy tests are good. I wondered because they are what, 10 times more at the regular store?! Who could resist?
ReplyDeleteA Dollar Tree worker told me that the local health department buys the pregnancy test by the case and then charges $12.
ReplyDeleteI purchased one at the age of 39 simply to find out that God answered our prayers many years after they were prayed and baby # 3 was on the way. When I call the doctor's office and tried to explain that there was no way we were expecting and it was "just a $ Tree test" the nurse laughed at me and assured me that those were pretty accurate!
Don't buy plastic wrap from the dollar store. I did last year trying to save money. Getting the wrap off the roll without it tearing in the right place was nearly impossible.
ReplyDeleteLove the Dollar Tree.....it was even harder to not buy things there when I used to work at one........But yeah know a lot of the stuff they have ......well it would cost a pretty penny else where.....sooooo glad we have one in Grass Valley......and when I go there I always find more than what I written on my list........their Butt paste works Great and love the chioldrens shampoo.......back in October 2011 I was able to find Loreal mascara their I am stocked up for life.
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! I have bought a fair share of the pregnancy tests ;) And they work great. Hubby and I are thinking of trying for baby #3 so I may have to check the ovulation ones out!
ReplyDeleteWhat about seasonal stuff? I think they have a great selection of holiday and seasonal things. What do you find?
ReplyDeleteWater color paints- I got a ton for my daycare and they're all just awful! No matter how much water the kids used it never got the paints to go- much better to get the crayola or crayzart kind- they're not much more expensive anyway.
ReplyDeleteLove this post!
ReplyDeleteAnother thing to snag - Birthday Cards! I buy multiple generic birthday cards for all the parties my kids go to.
Pass on the hair clips too- they break faster then I can get my hair up and clipped!! Bobby pins are another- they bend way too easy-
ReplyDeleteI do pick up cards from them- can't stand the thought of 3-4.00 going for a card and if you look you can find decent ones.
I have found some really cute earrings sometimes- not often -
I never noticed shower curtains there. Cool. The most inexpensive I've found at Bed Bath and Beyond are $10. I like the idea of saving 9.
ReplyDeleteAlso, we had to by thumb tasks recently - and paid far too much - after going to 3 stores to find them.
Nice list!
sunglasses! I lose or break them all the time!! Can't beat $1 - and I don't get upset - just get another pair! :-)
ReplyDeleteMy SNAGS
ReplyDeleteHanes tshirts : great for my kids to decorate for holidays
GIFT BAGS
GREETING CARDS
Holiday Decor
Rolls of wedding tulle GREAT for wrapping present in place of ribbon...so pretty
Grapevine wreaths
calendars
mylar balloons
sharpies
Scotch tape
Painters tape
My dollar tree has kids grab bags...they are loaded with little trinkets for kids (pink bags for girls, blue for boys) these are great mOTIVaTIONAL rewards!!!
Batteries
hair mousse...same brand as other stores, only $1...helps tame my frizzies
silk flowers for wreaths/crafts
I too, love the Dollar store. My best buys are Hunts Ketchup W/O High fructose corn syrup. Silkience bath & shower body wash. Chocolate kisses,get just enough to satisfy & not overdo. Awesome all purpose cleaner. The works. Petroleum jelly with cocoa butter is excellent. Mine has frozen food & when it first comes in, there is cole slaw, peaches, green beans California medley, peas & carrots etc. The Duncan Hines brownie mix is 94 cents @ Walmart. I truly cannot name the name brand beauty products, I've used, but once their gone, the same ones may not return. The aluminum pans for potlucks come two to a pack. I could go on & on.
ReplyDeleteGlow sticks i get, the freezer bags good deal, the rubbermaid storage containers good deal, coloring and kids books, party supplies like plastic wear, table clthes and decorations and grab bag fillers. In my area they have the "sunday paper" with coupons on satutdays for $1.00!! A day ahead of time and cheaper then the exact paper coming out Sunday
ReplyDeleteI get photo frames from the Dollar Store, not all are worth a dollar but I've had some real bargains from there over the years. I also snatched up all the black smoked glasses they had recently, nice and heavy.
ReplyDeleteThe 2 gallon "zip-lock" bags will fit 12x12 paper, great for scrapbookers! My mom also buys shelf-stable soy milk to keep on hand at her house for my kids (who can't have dairy). Even if they're only there for an afternoon, for a buck, she can open one and doesn't mind tossing out the rest.
ReplyDeleteI also learned I was having both of my kids thanks to Dollar Tree preg tests!
I used the shower curtains, too, until I moved to a house with a shower only - they aren't long enough for that. Still great to use in a bathtub, though!
LOL love this post, but I’ve got to tell you that “pate” is french for “dough.” lol =]
ReplyDeleteI found the pens there are awesome too. As a server I go through pens like crazy (people stealing them, letting other servers borrow them ect.) and I found they actually work great and the ink lasts for awhile. Well as long as I have had the pens...which majority of the time isn't very long lol! Awesome posts, Ive heard of the pregnancy tests but was always skeptical about it, my friend used one and it worked before though.
ReplyDeleteWe just had to clean up after my brother-in-law who moved out after renting a room for us for almost three years and it was disgusting!! We headed to the Dollar Tree and got empty spray bottles, ajax powder, CLR-type stuff, rubber gloves, scrub brushes, swiffer-style duster with refills, heavy duty trash bags, a shammy cloth, and paper towels to tackle the mess. $15 for all that stuff plus our magic erasers we already had at home and the room looks great now!
ReplyDeleteI agree w/ everything you listed except the cotton swabs... maybe ours carries a different line, but they're almost as good as the big name brand and 1/4 the cost.
ReplyDeleteI'd add mop buckets and dustpans to the list... but their earbuds/headphones fall apart if you look at them wrong. lol
I also pick up dial bar soap, soft soap hand soap, name brand toothpaste, comet cleaning powder, hefty zip lock bags, frozen French fries.....basically I go there before I head to Walmart. Saves me so much money!
ReplyDeleteI love the plastic crystal type trays too - great for cookies and parties, the bowls are great too -
ReplyDeletelove the bathroom garbage bags - small - great
maple cookies are great!
coloring books & word game books are a great deal
I hate the bath washes, they don't bubble up much.
Be wary of the prices that seem like a good deal. Yardley soap for $1 a bar is less at Walmart (or Walgreens if on sale). Same for the Duncan Hines small boxes of cupcake mix (makes a dozen instead of 24). Found those for less than $1 at Walmart too.
ReplyDeleteHowever, my best snag was last year when my daughter was 12 months old. I found a one-piece swimsuit in the baby section. It was perfect for our beach trip! A swimsuit for a buck...practically disposable!
Love the shower curtain liners. We usually use them when we eat crabs. Just cover the table with a shower curtain liner and it cleans up that crab mess better than any newspaper!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteCraft and teacher supplies are great items to get at the Dollar Store! Especially:
ReplyDeletepopsicle sticks
glass vases
glass gems (for vases)
organization bins
glue sticks
bulletin board borders/posters
stickers
envelopes
fancy computer paper
Pass on the sticky notes. They are not sticky!
My local news did a story about Dollar Store stuff, and they said that the spices are an especially good deal because they're the same as name brand.
I found the pregnancy tests are a sensitive as the more expensive brand, but very difficult to read. I ended up buying a Target store brand one and was much more satisfied even paying a little more.
ReplyDeleteTheir dinner and glassware are great buys too. I hand wash and dry them, decorate with colored permanent markers and bake in the oven at 350 for about 30 minutes. Let it cool, and you've got custom place settings for super cheap. I even do holiday sets!
ReplyDeleteI love the take away coffee cups, there are more per pack, and it's far cheaper then at my grocery or walmart. They are perfect for coffee to go in the mornings!
ReplyDeletelight bulbs! particularly the night light size. they are way more everywhere else.
ReplyDeleteI just found out they carry Super Glue... like the name brand stuff, not some weird off brand. It's over by the car and outdoorsy stuff, and there are 3 small containers in 1 bag which I LOVE so I don't have to worry about it drying out. Also, nail polish.. I got one of the kinds with the really thin brush to do decorative things on your nails and it works GREAT! Actually stays on better than some of my more expensive polish.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite things to buy at the Dollar Tree:
ReplyDeleteThings to make preschool/pinterest sensory activities- googly eyes, pipe cleaners/strainer, water beads, hair gel, gallon size plastic bags.
Party supplies- balloons, tablecloths, plates, cups (a little flimsy), serving pieces, aluminum pans, crazy straws, tissue paper, glass vases.
Also love their plastic baskets/ shower caddies.
I stay away from most food because I'm a name brand snob on a lot of food items. BUT I do go for a Diet Coke, way cheaper than the grocery store!
I used their pregnancy tests forever, work great, BUT walmart now sells the same thing for 88 cents! :)
ReplyDeleteNEVER ever buy their trash bags many bad experiences. Other than that, just the eggs. Super worried about those...
ReplyDeleteWatch those clear plastic and "silver" serving trays..many have stickers on the bottom that say not to serve food on them because of the LEAD content!!
ReplyDeleteDon't buy them and definitely don't give them away!!! Those stickers wash off!!
I am in love with LA's Totally Awesome cleaner. I also bought those movie style box candies. Mine now has a great frozen section with the boxes of Pop-ice Popsicles. We go through a ton of those every summer. I am a teacher and Dollar Tree carrys award certificates and a lot of great items I use in my classroom. I also love the glassware. I bought wine glasses for a party recently because we didn't have enough. I was very pleased.
ReplyDeleteIf I had to choose something to pass on I would say the batteries. They literally last for like a minute if they even have a charge to begin with. Don't waste your money and just buy the good ones.
ReplyDeleteI love the craft area, a lot of deals there. I also like the fancy wall stickers - they are pretty nice for $1 and they don't tear up my wall either.
ReplyDeleteOne thing to keep in mind even though it is really weird, depending where you are things might be better or worse than what people say. I know it is weird, but my sister uses luvs diapers (I know it's not a doller store item, but just an example of how things are different) She lives across the country from me, and gets really good diapers, I know they are good because I have used diapers from her. When I bought what I thought were the same diapers, same package of luvs, they were like paper towels! I tried them a few times over the years, and they were aweful all the time, but great where my sister lives! Super weird I know, but true. And the same just may be true for some of the dollar store stuff, some people hate certain things while others love the same thing. Might be different tastes or expectations of a certain product, or they may actually be getting different things in the same package!!
ReplyDeleteMy friend used a $20 pregnancy test that came out negative, the next day used a dollar store test that said positive, she was pregnant! I always used the dollar store tests.
I like the art supplys, school supplys, a lot of the dry goods, bath products, gift bags and seasonal items. The lotion was mentioned in the blog, that it's not any good, I agree, but I do like the creamy petroleum jelly. I use that on my dry itchy skin, and it is great! I always get hair spray there, and when my kids were in diapers I loved the orange cented bags for throwing away diapers so that the house doesn't smell like dirty diapers if you don't take the diapers outside every time your baby poops!
As for the imitation play dough... It is not called pate, that is the french word. :)
ReplyDeleteGlass vases
ReplyDeleteCrest toothpaste
toothbrushes
Shower soap
Scrapbook tape runners - sometimes they have those
dog treats
first aid supplies for the camp kit - because they don't get used but a couple of times anyway, so no use buying very expensive ones
and you can never tell what you will find on the craft aisle!
I go to a Food Swap every month, where I have to have cute containers to package my food in (read: GLASS) and I can always find really cute things to put my stuff in that is way cheaper than using Mason Jars
Pass on dollar store snag free elastics!! (the ones that look like little black rubber bands)
ReplyDeleteWith 3 girls in the house, we use & loose them like crazy. The brand name ones are pricey and I though I struck gold when I found them at the dollar store. Big FAIL!! Took them on vacation and they were awful. They snapped after 1 use and were too stretchy they barely held up our ponytails.
I will never cheap out on them again lol
I freaking love the dollar store I spend at least $30 bucks every pay day lol.
ReplyDeleteThings I snag on a regular basis:
-Plastic Storage bins - I have at least 20 that I use in my kitchen, sons room, craft room EVERYWHERE!
- Canvas storage bins, I found square ones for $2.00 that look just like the ikea ones for my cube shelf! Nevermind paying $10+ each.
- Spices- We go through garlic powder and onion powder weekly.
- Anything craft! I will always hit up the dollar store before a trip to Michaels (at one location they are side by side!!!) Things like buttons, hot glue sticks, tape, canvas, felt.. the list goes on and on.
-Holiday decorations. I always manage to find something I like, or something I can add a little DIY to.
Sunglasses. At $1 I can buy 3 pair because I constantly lose them. They're even kind of cute. The paint starts flaking off after a year, but having the same pair for a year is an amazing record for me.
ReplyDeleteDon't buy their brooms - the metal handle bent in half the first time I used it. Stay away from their frozen fruit. I bought a bag a frozen strawberries and they tasted rotten.
I loved this post! The only thing I would disagree with is the Estracell. First, I didn't know they had them at the Dollar Store so I will def be buying them there from now on. BUT they are nothing like the other brand in that they are anti-microbial. They NEVER get that nasty funky smell that sponges tend to get after only a few uses and I put mine in the dishwasher on a regular basis. To me these are way better than any other.
ReplyDeleteLove this!
ReplyDeleteThe pregnancy tests are awesome- they're SO expensive at other stores! I also bought the ovulation tests in bulk - hubs and I tried to concieve for over a year before we finally got pregnant, and when you're tracking your cycle all of those damn tests get pricey.
I like to snag helium balloons, kitchen utensils, Reynolds wrappers (the perfect size got baked potatoes or to line my toaster oven pan), seasonal paper plates & napkins, and the plastic table cloths are indispensable when I host a bake sale @ church!!
ReplyDeleteTheir name brand candy is a great snag - in the right sizes- and I picked up a Clif Bar to try for just $1.
I will buy sponges or rubber gloves there, and everyday napkins and those divided foam plates for parties.
Today I picked up foam poster board, a wax "warmer", and 3 2013 calendars - some to use as prizes for my annual Red Hat Christmas Party!
So I have to say, we've been buying the sun dish soap and I'll be honest, we picked up a bottle at Fred Meyer (Kroger) and it was super liquidy but the stuff from dollar tree (same brand, size, fragrance) was thicker. I don't worry too much about it as we mainly use our dishwasher. As far as your bobbypins go, it depends on which brand that they have in there. I've gotten name brand and while in high school marching band, we always stocked up. Maybe not an everyday thing but the plastic plates you can use to make goodie stands, etc. I'll have to remember the plastic bags.
ReplyDeleteWow. This has gotten a little TL:DR, but I will add my bit to make it even longer. Microfiber cloths are a good deal here, two to a pack. I love Reynolds Wraps pre-cut foil. They make great toaster oven "pans" oven/cookie sheet liners and foil packets. They also have floppy water bottles in now that are dish-washer safe and nice to carry to work. Other things I buy that are cheaper than at the grocery store: Nail polish remover, cotton balls, shaving cream, toothbrushes, Listerine-like mouthwash, generic Benydryl/cold medication/Zyrtec, dog bones, Goop hand cleaner (great for getting nail polish remover off), generic Woolite, gauze wrap, Goo Gone, ace bandages, antibiotic cream, salycidic acid astringent, salicydic acid face wash, acne cream, scar gel(which I think is wishful thinking, but if you're going to buy it you might as well pay less), they sometimes have generic Tide pens, hair brushes, nail glue, they have come out with some very nice body wash lately, and sometimes you can find some nice picture frames. Don't buy their staplers or regular scissors- they stop working fast. But I use their hair scissors on my dog and they have stayed sharp. Travel sizes are slightly cheaper at Wal-Mart, but this is a great place to buy travel stuff you wouldn't mind losing like bath poufs and cheap sunglasses. Suduko books! Most stores sell Sally Hansen discontinued or overstock products, like InstaDry polish, but they sell out fast. They also have Betty Crocker branded kitchen utensils. I got a very nice silicone baster. The fake nails only come 12 to a pack, all different sizes. The designs sand off easily with a nail buffer (also sold here) if you want to customize them but get 2 packs. And I love the AsSeenOnTV knock offs you can usually find near the registers like grocery bag carriers and long-reach-grabbers. Don't buy the lens cleaning wipes- they just make your glasses streaky! And forget the batteries. I have bought some that work, but then some that didn't, I say buy them at Wal-Mart so you don't pay for duds. And they have something called "Hot Patches." Those are just icy hot strips that fall off easily, not generic Thermacares. The shower curtain liners seem like a good idea, but they last 3 months tops. The little holes are not re-enforced. The softener is also a no-go. Lysol is OK, my boyfriend thinks it stinks. They sometimes have Cliff bars which I like to eat on the go, but I have found they are always cheaper at my grocery store, and are available in more flavors. Same for Renuzit air fresheners, I think the ones at the grocery store are fresher because there is a higher turn over. Chair back supports are great! Their bath fizzies, bath salts and bubble bath make nice gifts to others or for yourself. Another thing to avoid are the CD/DVD books- the last one I bought fell apart as I was putting the CD's in! Headphones are also not a good idea in any form, bud, padded or speaker. I bought some dog treats there by Sargent's, which is a brand name, and they made my dog's poop weird- bright orange (color of treat) with, like, mucus in it. I threw them away and it never happened again. Wall Decals are super cheap and available in some really cute designs. I recently bought some paper lanterns and decals and spruced up my kitchen bar area for $6. Mrs. Freshley's snacks are pretty good, but I'd avoid the cookies made in other countries. They taste terrible! I bought knock-off Mexican Nutter Butters and they tasted like nothing. Molasses cookies? Make your own pun. I will close this extremely long comment by saying: DON'T BUY THE TWEEZERS. They all suck.
ReplyDeleteI work at a Dollar Tree and there are so many bargains. You can find numerous craft supplies. Also, in the kid aisle you can find books for early childhood development. Things like time telling,m early reading and mathematics. There are also writing tablets. Why spend $5 at Walmart? Plus for all the Pinterest users, the crayons can be used for the melted crayon craft. Not to mention all the glassware: cups, jars and vases (Oh my!)I personally love finding fun things when I work.
ReplyDeleteI almost forgot. There are different forms of dollar stores. Family Dollar, Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Deal's to name a few. Dollar Tree and Deal's are one in the same. When it comes to finding a TRUE dollar store, go to Deal's or Dollar Tree. everything is $1 or LESS. Family Dollar and Dollar General are $1 and UP. I hope this helps :)
ReplyDeleteThose el-cheapo shower curtains are great for covering a craft table when you know you're about to make a major mess (painting with kids comes to mind). I keep a few extras on hand just for that purpose. They're also great for covering patio furniture in the winter or making makeshift "greenhouses" when a freeze comes.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure about prices elsewhere but I am in love with their micrfoiber hand towels and wash cloths, they wash and dry SO soft and fluffy...
ReplyDeleteWe didn't use a florist for our wedding, I did it myself! I found a whole saker for the blooms (though if you wanted to do fake, they have great fake flowers), but I got ALL the ribbon, floral scissors and tape, everything for bouquets and centerpieces at the dollar store. I saved 2k! I always get toothbrushes there, baggies, rewards for my students and gardening stuff. Cheap decorations for parties and cleaning supplies! Decent replacements for kitchen items, that will last till you can save for the nicer ones! Love the DS
ReplyDeleteCD's! My husband always looks through CD's and I've actually found several that we listen to and we like ROCK! Can't beat $1 @ my local Dollar TREE!
ReplyDeleteThe things I snag: Chocolate milk (if your store has a freezer sections most of the food there is good but the Chocolate milk is one of the best chocolate milks I've had and I'm a huge fan), picture frames, scrapbook supplies, kids watches (my 3 year old loves watches and lightening mcqueen but doesn't know how to tell time yet, so a dollar one is perfect), cards to go with the gift bags, bottled cold water and other drinks (brand names for only a dollar, heck yes), zip ties....
ReplyDeleteThings that I pass on: clothes of any kind(they just fall apart), baby items (again, you get what you pay for and they usually are super thin and fall apart)...
Hmmmmm....Both lists go on haha I might have to blog about this:)
Our snag is the coloring books (spiderman, hello kitty, mickey) and the pre-school tracing books. We stock them all over the house and I will buy double for $1!
ReplyDeleteGreat list! I love the dollar store, but I know how easy it is to get caught up in all the stuff and miss the greatest deals. :)
ReplyDeleteCan say I have never tried the potted meat, but the chicken and tuna salad they have from that company is decent when you need a quick snack. I get them for road trips a lot.
ReplyDeleteI love finding Stuff for super cheap at Dollar Tree that I didn't know I could get there.
ReplyDeleteSnag: dog toys, white rain shampoo and conditioner, pancake mix, Popsicles, pony tails, nail polish, broom, plastic utensils, plates, cups, potholders, qtips, aim toothpaste, batteries, gum, generic pop, draino, shower/toilet cleaner, some eye makeup (ESP. Eyeshadow), cat toys, dog bones, dog and cat food bowls, kitty litter scoop, STOCKING STUFFERS, salt, flour, instant mashed potatoes, small lunch snacks, shower caddy, pic frames, hand soap, shower curtains, band aids, dog and cat food for a quick fix
Pass: toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, flip flops, mouth wash,cat litter, hair dye
This post is too funny! I like the ideas you have to try. Our dollar store kinda stinks but maybe I'll try again, we live next to canada and they totally cater to canadians...boo for me. Anyway the prego tests seem awesome but the mean....meat in a pot?? What is that, and where did it come from? But I guess it may be like tuna? Who knows I'm a vegan so meat really doesn't come into my home but I just thought it was really interesting lol.
ReplyDeleteIf you get newsletters from the dollar tree it just got better!!!! They now except manufactures coupons!!! I'm gonna love love love the dollar tree even more!
ReplyDeletesnag:
ReplyDelete- .69 cent chocolate bars
- picture frames
- headbands / hair clips / hair ties (no plastic ones or ones with the hard metal pieces)
- food containers
- sandwich bags
- disposable baking pans
- seasonal goods
- silk flowers
- clothing hangers... i have yet to find cheaper ones here in canada
- .50 cent postcards (for you postcrossing folk out there)
- mini lawn chairs
- ramekins
pass:
- bobby pins, they snag so much
- handheld fans (the new ones suck)
- scented candles, they don't smell at all
- tools that break right away
- utensils, cups, bowls, etc.
- cheese graters, it looks like shards are coming off
- betty crocker veggie peeler, it doesn't work well
- earbuds, they sound like crap
- windex knockoff... leaves streaks
- hair dye. I don't trust it
- underwear. see above lol
- packing tape. there's a certain brand that DID NOT work during our move. it came in a red dispenser.
The Ovulation tests also work great... though you can get them even cheaper by buying the Wondfo tests on Amazon
ReplyDeleteWe used to buy a lot of glow stick bracelets from the dollar store to take on trips to Disneyland. They sometimes had duds but for the same price as one necklace at Disney, we could have several packs and had lots of fun with them
The Washcloths and Towels, even tho they are cheap they do come in handy for washing the car and the dog.
ReplyDeleteWhen Fred is out an about making a mess in the mud as she likes to do, I can use a cheapO washrag and not feel bad about putting in the trash if she is that yucky from chasing squirrels.
And if the tires are really nasty, they work out pretty good too, again I don't feel bad about putting them in the trash after using them on the tires.
I wouldn't pass them off, I wouldn't use them as everyday items, but as for a messy day pick up yes or a crap look what the kid/dog/husband/cat did this time yes. :o)
Our Dollar Tree has a freezer section, and every time I'm in there, I buy several of the 1-lb bag of frozen strawberries. The best deal ever. Plus, they have good-sized bags of frozen french fries, just as good, and considerably cheaper than the grocery store.
ReplyDeleteMy husband is diabetic and eats a lot of nuts, so I like to get the boxes with a bunch of small bags of peanuts. Perfect size, and convenient to keep around.
Haha, yes! I love the dollar store! When I was pregnant, I had two expensive digital tests, took both: positive! Yikes.... Well, anyway to get back to my point... I went to the dollar store & bought 10 preggo tests... I took a test every other day, or few days because I wanted to be sure before making an appt. they were all positive. My son is now 10 mo! The tests are a great deal!
ReplyDelete