The Do’s And Don’t Of The Dollar Store: What Should You Actually Buy?

Published on September 30, 2021
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Getting things at the Dollar Store is quite convenient, especially considering its low prices. However, did you know that sometimes you can actually get the same or a better deal at other stores, like the supermarket? Here’s everything you need to know about which products to buy at the Dollar Store and which to get somewhere else.

Coffee Filters – Buy

Coffee is serious business, so it’s important to be properly stocked up on everything you need to make your daily brew. Why spend more on coffee filters when you can get them at the Dollar Store?

Coffee Filters

Coffee Filters

Hair Accessories – Buy

One frustrating thing about hair accessories is the fact that no matter how hard we try, it seems like they always find a way to get lost. If not, they somehow end up broken. There’s no reason to spend a ton on hair accessories like hair ties and clips when you can get them at the Dollar Store.

Hair Accessories

Hair Accessories

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Plastic Buckets – Buy

These are some of the most useful items to have around your home. You can use them for storage, helping you wash your car, or storing drinks in ice during a BBQ. There’s no reason to spend a ton on these, so make sure you stock up on these at the Dollar Store.

Plastic Buckets

Plastic Buckets

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Dish Towels And Washcloths – Buy

At the end of the day, dish towels and washcloths get so dirty and worn out that we tend to replace them. There’s no reason to spend a ton on fancy kitchen towels when you just toss them out. Get a bunch at the Dollar Store, there are plenty of styles to choose from.

Dish Towels And Washcloths

Dish Towels And Washcloths

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Greeting Cards – Buy

If you are the type of person that has to include a nice greeting card along with a gift, this is the tip for you. While greeting cards can certainly add up, you can stock up on inexpensive yet beautiful cards at the Dollar Store. No need to spend more for the same thing.

Greeting Cards

Greeting Cards

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Picture Frames – Buy

There’s nothing like adding a personal touch to your home than adding some photos in frames. Unfortunately, picture frames can get quite expensive, which is why getting them at the Dollar Store is such a good idea. Now you can focus on the photo instead of what’s around it.

Picture Frames

Picture Frames

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Socks – Buy

Socks have a reputation for getting lost in the dryer for a reason. We all seem to lose track of socks, so there’s no reason to spend an exorbitant amount on them in the first place. Stock up on a whole bunch of socks and never worry about not having a matching pair again.

Socks

Socks

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Party Supplies – Buy

Party supplies are a lot of fun, but they almost always end up in the trash at the end of the party. There’s no reason to skip out on them, but rather you can get them at the Dollar Store for way less than other places. There’s a great selection and everything is very affordable.

Party Supplies

Party Supplies

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Pregnancy Tests – Buy

Pregnancy tests found at the pharmacy can cost a whole lot, some even up to $15. You can get the same thing, without the brand name, at the Dollar Store for way less money. These are just as reliable, so there is no reason to spend more than you need to.

Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy Tests

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Vases And Decorative Bowls – Buy

Adding some flowers in glass vases or potpourri in a glass bowl is always a nice way to add some color into the room. While you can buy these at home decor stores, there’s no reason to spend so much on them when you can buy the same exact thing at the Dollar Store for way less.

Vases And Decorative Bowls

Vases And Decorative Bowls

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Plastic Food Containers – Buy

If you’re really on top of meal prepping and are always taking your food on the go, then having lots of plastic food containers is absolutely key. These can really add up, so why not just buy them at the Dollar Store, where they cost $1 for an entire pack?

Plastic Food Containers

Plastic Food Containers

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Chocolate And Candy – Buy

If you’ve got a serious sweet tooth or Halloween is coming up, there’s no better place than the Dollar Store to stock up on bulk bags of candy. You’re literally buying the same exact candy, but for less money. It’s a no brainer.

Chocolate And Candy

Chocolate And Candy

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Notebooks – Buy

This is yet another one that you should absolutely buy at the Dollar Store. Why spend $5 (or even more!) on notebooks for you or you school aged kids when you can buy them for the Dollar Store for just $1? There’s a wide selection of patterns and colors so you can choose ones that represent your personality.

Notebooks

Notebooks

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Storage Containers – Buy

Getting storage containers is a great idea to keep your house or office organized. These are an absolute must, especially if you’re getting them at the Dollar Store. There is no reason to spend more on these storage containers when you can get them for cheap at the Dollar Store.

Storage Containers

Storage Containers

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Mugs And Glasses – Buy

Some of the best things you can find at the dollar store are mugs and glasses. You can find literally the same ones that you can find at high end stores but for way less money. Since you can buy them individually, you won’t be stuck with a specific amount from a boxed set.

Mugs And Glasses

Mugs And Glasses

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Seasonal Decor – Buy

Seasonal decor often ends up forgotten in a box somewhere or in the trash at the end of the reason. You don’t have to spend a fortune in order to get into a festive spirit. Instead, you can get some fun seasonal decor at the Dollar Store, which always has a great selection regardless of the time of the year.

Seasonal Decor

Seasonal Decor

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Dishware – Buy

There are tons of options for dish ware at the Dollar Store, which are perfect if you need to stock up or for college students who are not looking to spend a lot of money. There is a wide selection of plates, mugs, bowls, and everything you need for a reasonably priced dish ware set.

Dishware

Dishware

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Tote Bags – Buy

Plastic bags are seriously wasteful and truly terrible for the environment. At this point, we all know that it’s better to use reusable bags and tote bags. Unfortunately, these tote bags can end up costing a fortune. That doesn’t have to be the case. The Dollar Store offers a variety of adorable tote bags with patterns that will help save the environment without breaking the bank.

Tote Bags

Tote Bags

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Reading Glasses – Buy

If you’re looking for a simple pair of reading glasses, you don’t have to spend a ton of money on them. Getting these at the Dollar Store is a great option, especially for basic reading glasses. The prescription is just as good without the hefty price tag for the frame.

Reading Glasses

Reading Glasses

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Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes – Buy

Of course, the dilemma of wrapping paper and gift bags is the fact that while presenting a nicely wrapped gift looks great, it’s unfortunate that once a gift is opened, the wrapping ends up in the trash. That’s why you should get all of these supplies at the Dollar Store, where there is a huge selection at a fraction of the price.

Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes

Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes

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Deodorant – Avoid

While the deodorant itself is totally fine, getting it at the Dollar Store may not always be the smartest option in terms of price. The deodorant sticks sold here tend to be smaller, which means that the price is not actually as great as you might think.

Deodorant

Deodorant

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Toys – Avoid

While you might think that stocking up on the inexpensive toys at the Dollar Store is a good idea, these are not always a good idea. Since their quality is not so great, they will not last very long. It’s probably a better idea to get fewer, high quality toys elsewhere.

Toys

Toys

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Tools – Avoid

If you’re really in a pinch, you can get them at the Dollar Store. Otherwise, you should invest in pricier but better quality tools to have at home. These are more expensive but they will last much longer.

Tools

Tools

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Batteries – Avoid

Batteries are definitely cheaper at the Dollar Store, but it does come at a cost. The quality of these batteries are not as good as the brand names and can sometimes leak. You’re better off buying the big name brand instead.

Batteries

Batteries

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Knives – Avoid

If you’re looking for knives for camping and outdoors trips, then getting them at the Dollar Store is a great option. However, when it comes to your kitchen knives, you should really invest in a set of high quality knives, even if they are pricier than the Dollar Store ones.

Knives

Knives

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Earbuds or Headphones – Avoid

We can understand if you don’t want to shell out $150 for a pair of earbuds or headphones. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, you might think that the Dollar Store option could work, but you should probably go for ones that are a bit better quality than the ones sold here.

Earbuds Or Headphones

Earbuds Or Headphones

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USB Chargers – Avoid

If you are truly desperate for a USB, then it’s okay to get it at the Dollar Store. However, if you want one that will last for a long time, then you should invest in a higher quality one somewhere else. Brand name USB chargers will safely charge your phone without sacrificing quality.

USB Chargers

USB Chargers

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HDMI Cables – Avoid

Of course, many stores charge way too much for HDMI cables. However, it’s best not to buy these at the Dollar Store, as the quality is not so great and will definitely not deliver on longevity.

HDMI Cables

HDMI Cables

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Plastic Cooking Utensils – Avoid

While you should avoid the plastic cooking utensils at the Dollar Store, you should probably avoid plastic cooking utensils from other stores as well. It’s a much better idea to use stainless steel options, since plastic ones can have adverse health effects.

Plastic Cooking Utensils

Plastic Cooking Utensils

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School Supplies – Buy

The Dollar Store provides a seriously impressive selection of school supplies, and they are way less expensive than the ones found at other stores. This is especially good for kids who tend to lose their pens on the first day of school.

School Supplies

School Supplies

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Double-Sided Tape – Buy

Double-sided tape is very useful to have around the house, but getting it at a supply store can cost up to $5. You could get the same thing at the Dollar Store for just $1. The brand name roll might be longer, you’re still getting a better deal by getting the alternative option at the Dollar Store.

Double Sided Tape

Double Sided Tape

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Cotton Swabs – Buy

Cotton swabs are one of those items that there’s really no reason to invest in a big name brand for. Getting a box of these at a pharmacy like CVS can cost up to $3. At the Dollar Store, you can get the same thing for a third of the price.

Cotton Swabs

Cotton Swabs

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Paper Clips – Buy

At Office Depot, you can buy a box of 60 paper clips for $2.49. However, a box of vinyl-coated paper clips at the Dollar Store cost only $1. It’s a total no brainer, there’s really no reason to spend more money for less of the same exact item.

Paper Clips

Paper Clips

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Clay Flower Pots – Buy

Planting a garden is a fun way to destress. Many times, you need to buy flower pots in addition to buying the plants themselves. There’s no reason to be stressed out about that, even though flower pots can cost a fortune. At the Dollar Store, you can buy flower pots about about 1/4 of the price of other stores.

Clay Flower Pots

Clay Flower Pots

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Holiday Food Decorations – Buy

There’s nothing quite like adding in some fun and festive sprinkles, frosting, candy canes, and more decorations to make your holiday baking more festive. Some retailers take advantage of the holiday times and charge an arm and a leg for these. At the Dollar Store, you can find a great selection for a reasonable price.

Edible Holiday Decorations

Edible Holiday Decorations

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Mailing Labels – Buy

Did you know that you can buy personalized return labels at the Dollar Store? These are especially great to have on hand during holiday seasons when we all tend to send more mail than the rest of the year. These are a cheaper alternative to ones you can get at the Post Office.

Mailing Labels

Mailing Labels

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Shaving Cream – Buy

Shaving cream is another item that you can skip the name brand for. A can of shaving cream can cost around $3 at CVS, while the same thing will cost you a third of the price. There’s no reason to spend more.

Shaving Cream

Shaving Cream

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Advil – Buy

If you’re looking for over the counter medicine like Advil, you can sometimes spend quite a lot of money if you’re at the pharmacy. You can buy these at the Dollar Store, where you can get three 2-packs for just one dollar.

Advil

Advil

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Balloons – Buy

Balloons are yet another product that unfortunately become pretty useless a few hours after they’re used. There’s really no reason to spend a lot of money on balloons, especially since they’ll be tossed out pretty quickly.

Balloons

Balloons

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Band-Aids – Buy

It’s always important to have band-aids on hand as part of your first aid kit. However, there’s no reason to spend a lot of money of these, especially since they’ll end up being thrown out anyway. You can get a box at the Dollar Store for way less.

Band Aids

Band Aids

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Pint Glasses – Buy

If you need to get some pint glasses, you can actually get a set for yourself at the Dollar Store. They are good quality glasses and are a great addition for your glass collection, especially if you love the wind down with a cold beer at the end of the day.

Pint Glasses

Pint Glasses

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Board Games – Buy

Who doesn’t absolutely love spending quality time with loved ones and playing board games? Did you know that you can actually get some beloved board games at the Dollar Store? No reason to spend more than you need to on these games.

Board Games Buy

Board Games Buy

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Bobby Pins – Buy

The one thing about bobby pins is that if they don’t get lost in your hair, then they get lost elsewhere. That’s why there’s really no reason to buy a pack of these anywhere but the Dollar Store, where you can buy 72 bobby pins for just a dollar. That way, you won’t feel bad once you start to inevitably lose them.

Bobby Pins Buy

Bobby Pins Buy

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Bread – Buy

Bread is a staple in nearly every culture for a reason, which is why you should not have to spend a lot of money on it. Did you know that you can buy Oroweat brand bread from the Dollar Store for 66% less than what it costs at the grocery store?

Bread Buy

Bread Buy

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Cleaning Supplies – Buy

You can find brand name cleaning supplies at the Dollar Store, including products from companies like Clorox and Windex. They are much less expensive here than at other stores, so it’s a great idea to stock up on these supplies.

Cleaning Supplies Buy

Cleaning Supplies Buy

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Cookie Sheets – Buy

According to blogger Crazy Craft Lady, these Dollar Store cookie sheets are an absolute must-have. We definitely trust her when it comes to cookies. You can make your cookie sheets last even longer by wrapping them in tin foil each time you use them.

Cookie Sheets Buy

Cookie Sheets Buy

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Index Cards – Buy

If you’re a student or you know one, you know how important index cards are for studying. You can buy 12 packs of index cards for just $6 at the Dollar Store. That is quite the deal.

Index Cards Buy

Index Cards Buy

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Mini Flashlights – Buy

Mini flashlights are a great idea to have on hand for any emergency situation where you need some light. These are quite inexpensive at the Dollar Store, so you can stock up, especially if you’re going on a camping trip.

Mini Flashlights Buy

Mini Flashlights Buy

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Flip Flops – Buy

For those of us who keep losing flip flops, the Dollar Store actually is a great solution. There’s a wide selection of cute flip flops for just $1 each, so you can get a bunch at the beginning of summer and you won’t feel bad if you leave them behind.

Flip Flops Buy

Flip Flops Buy

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Permanent Markers – Buy

This is one of those items that it always useful to have around the house. You can buy Sharpie brand markers pretty much anywhere, but you can buy three packs of Sharpies for just $1.50 at the Dollar Store.

Permanent Markers - Buy

Permanent Markers – Buy

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Things With A Plug – Don’t Buy

While these items are significantly cheaper at the Dollar Store, it’s probably not the best idea to buy them there. They tend to be pretty low quality and might even be a bit dangerous. Avoid anything with a plug from the Dollar Store.

Things With A Plug – Don’t Buy

Things With A Plug – Don’t Buy

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Vitamins and Supplements – Don’t Buy

While vitamins and supplements are definitely cheaper at the Dollar Store, you should think twice before buying these. You should probably avoid discounted prices when it comes to products that have to do with your health.

Vitamins And Supplements

Vitamins And Supplements

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Pet Food – Don’t Buy

While you can find great quality, name-brand pet food at the Dollar Store which is totally fine to buy, make sure you avoid the off-brand pet foods that you are not familiar with. It’s important to buy pet food that is high quality.

Pet Food – Don’t Buy

Pet Food – Don’t Buy

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Beauty Products – Don’t Buy

There are many personal care items that are worth buying at the Dollar Store, but you should avoid buying makeup and hair color at the Dollar Store. You should always avoid buying makeup from brands that you are not familiar with, especially if they are very cheap.

Beauty Products – Don’t Buy

Beauty Products – Don’t Buy

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Wedding Decor – Buy

If you’ve ever planned a wedding, you’ll know that they can get quite expensive. If you want to save a good bit of money, you can DIY some decor pieces, many of which you can find at the Dollar Store. Just Google some DIY wedding decor ideas.

Wedding Decor Buy

Wedding Decor Buy

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Paper Towels and Napkins – Don’t Buy

When you’re dealing with paper towels, napkins, and toilet paper, you probably shouldn’t scrimp. Cheaper products of this quality usually mean worse quality, and you’ll definitely regret it when you’re using them.

Paper Towels and Napkins – Don’t Buy

Paper Towels and Napkins – Don’t Buy

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Windshield Washer Fluid – Don’t Buy

You can buy a gallon of windshield washer fluid at the Dollar Store for just a dollar, about half the price of the name brand kind. However, you should take note that the off-brand fluid is not effective during winter, which means you won’t get protection in below-zero weather. You should opt for the better quality fluid instead.

Windshield Washer Fluid – Don’t Buy

Windshield Washer Fluid – Don’t Buy

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Soda – Don’t Buy

While Dollar Store soda is definitely less expensive, you will know the reason why the second you take your first sip: it’s just not as good. You’re better off going for the brand name stuff.

Soda – Don’t Buy

Soda – Don’t Buy

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Baby Products – Don’t Buy

When it comes to baby products, you should absolutely always go for trusted brand name products. There’s no reason to take a chance on an unknown brand when it comes to your baby, since you want to avoid allergic reactions or other unwanted situations.

Baby Products – Don’t Buy

Baby Products – Don’t Buy

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Baking Soda – Don’t Buy

Baking soda is great to have on hand as a natural cleaning agent and also for baking. You can use it to eliminate odors from your fridge as well. You don’t need to buy this at the Dollar Store, because it’s quite inexpensive everywhere it’s sold.

Baking Soda – Don’t Buy

Baking Soda – Don’t Buy

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