What Not to Buy at the Dollar Store-Part 4 General Items

Welcome to Part 4 of 

Where I share my experience with you about things that are worth a buckand some things that should just remain on the shelves. This post has a little twist. I'm sharing what readers have to say as well. You are going to love it!If you missed the original post you can find that hereand our follow up posts in the seriesPart 1Part 2Part 3Snack Cups: Snag itAll three of my kids (and my husband) bring their lunches to school every day.I try to keep the food waste to a minimum (see my solution here)and these snack cups are another perfect solution.I don't spend a ton of money on prepackaged fruit cups but instead will buy a jar of applesauce or a can of fruit and put them in these cups instead.I've also used them to make jello or pudding in.They are the perfect size for a snack and so much cheaper than buying the snack sized foods.

Knives: Pass

I like my fingers.  

And have grown quite fond of having ten of them that I would like to keep.

A dull knife isn't worth it.

But that said:

rockinred said... 

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! :)

Shelf Liner: Snag it

When we moved into our home last year, the first thing I did before unpacking was line the shelves.

I had no idea the dollar store carried this and ended up spending $10 per roll!

Lesson learned!

Contact Paper: Snag it

I've not personally used it but

Tales of a Trophy WIfe said... 

I also buy: Contact paper-way cheaper than vinyl 

I've never tried it as a vinyl alternative, but it might be worth a shot!

Clothespins: Pass

Our family uses clothespins to hold the bread bag closed or the top of a chip bag.

These clothespins break easily or don't work at all

Several of them literally fell apart in my hand when I reached for them.

Oven Mitts: Pass

Pick one of these up and do a feel test

These oven mitts are so thin you could really only use them for decoration.

Chair Protectors: Snag it

Another household thing I paid too much for when we moved.

We have these on the bottom of the chair legs on the hardwood floors.

I spent $7 for a box of them last year.

Work Gloves: Pass

If you are wearing work gloves, it usually means work is involved.

These gloves are so thin you might as well be wearing nothing.

Invest in a good pair of work gloves and save your buck here.

Decorative rocks: Snag it

The possibilities for these accent stones and other decorative stones are endless.

Use these to make a river rock shower mat

or get the pretty clear ones for the bottom of a vase.

Pam Fields said...

At 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.

Hardback books and CD's: Snag it

I have already professed my love of the library here

but I do keep my eyes peeled in the book/CD section just in case.

~The Bargain Babe from *Zucchini Summer Blog* said... 

Books---hardback nice books are often there.

Photo Paper: Snag it

I don't have a photo printer, but I have heard from several of you that photo paper is nice to have on hand.

School Supplies: Snag it

When I get my kids school supply list I make a master list of the items they need

(5 composition notebooks, 2 bottles of hand sanitizer, 1 calculator)

When I am shopping for items in August I carry that list with me

After I hit all of the super save sales at the big stores

I hit the Dollar Store for some of the remaining items.

Or if the kids run out of supplies mid year when there aren't any sales, this is a great place to find them.

Poster Board: Snag it

Most kids will need this for a project at some point in their school career

It's good to know you can find it here for 50 cents

Foam Board: Snag it

I used foam board for one of my favorite art pieces that I made for my sons room

It's lightweight and can be used for so many things.

Fire Starter: Snag it

We BBQ year round and always have these on hand

With young kids in the house, I would rather have these around than matches or a lighter.

Sharpies: Snag it

Cheap and permanent

I always have one in my purse 

Scented Candles: Pass

I already mentioned in part 1 about buying smelly household items.

The things that are supposed to smell don't 

(and ironically some of the things that shouldn't smell do)

Skip on these

Gift Wrap: snag it

I know most people aren't wrapping present anymore, but when you do, there are some great prints for only a buck.

Gift Bags: Snag it

Out of all of the comments, most of you told me that you pick up your gift bags at the Dollar Store.

I don't buy bags often but there have been times when my supply has been running low and I have picked a few up.

maryjt said... 

I so agree with the tissue paper and would include the gift bags because sometimes my recycled gift bag assortment amazingly doesn't have just the "right" bag for the occasion.

Party Supplies: Snag it (cautiously)

The party supplies are great for kids birthday parties or school parties but I would skip them if you need heavy duty paper ware.

There is a huge assortment of colors to match any party

Plastic cutlery: Pass

I sometimes buy these to put inside my kids lunches but would be embarrassed to use them for a party.

They are flimsy and break easily and I'm not the only one that hasn't had a good experience with them.

Jessica said... 

I totally agree. Another pass - the plasticware (to use at parties), breaks as soon as you use it!

Ribbon: Snag it

Several of you told me you pick up their ribbon.

I had no idea the Dollar store carried such an assortment.

rainbowcreek said... 

I like those little plastic treat bags that have pictures printed on them and curly ribbon. I use them to wrap up my handmade items that I sell online. It only costs a few cents and makes my customers feel like they got something special because they get a cute package to open when their order arrives.

Candles: Snag it

Always good to have on hand

You never know when you will need them

Party Trays: Snag it

There are several different shapes and sizes to choose from at our dollar store

momto8 said...

A thing to snag is the silver trays...they are so pretty to take to a party when I bring a dish to share...and i can just leave the tray..for 1$ it is ok!

Straws: Snag it

I always have these on hand at home.

My kids are too big for sippy cups, but still occasionally spill

I have several insulated cups from Starbucks that we use at home.

A drink is always more fun with a straw in it!

Invitations and thank you notes: Snag it

There are so many ways to make invitations special and do it without spending a lot of money, but if you are looking for doing it the quick and easy way, the dollar store has some great invitations that don't cost a lot of money.

I loved this set that also had matching thank you notes.

Kids Party Supplies/Favors: Snag it

The Dollar Store is always the first place I check for party supplies.

There are several very popular kids themes and you can usually find something to go along with your parties theme

More party items: Snag it

The Bargain Babe from *Zucchini Summer Blog* said... 

You can also sometimes get balloon weights there, much cheaper than the party store.

I did find balloon weights at our store, and cute favor boxes.

It's worth stopping at the dollar store first before you hit the party supply store

Cards: Snag it

Another huge response in my comments section was for the greeting cards.

Our store has a huge selection and always features cards for upcoming holidays (mother's day, graduation, etc...)

You can't beat the price!

Loui♥ said... 

love the greeting cards @ 2/$1! 

Are you surprised about some of the things you can pick up at the Dollar Store?

I know I was!

Anything I missed that you would like to add to the list?