I’ve shopped at discount dollar stores for years, though I used to avoid buying food there.
Then my neighborhood dollar store began stocking the same brand of whole wheat bread I usually purchase for $2.49. It’s sometimes a couple of days nearer the best-by date, but never past it. Now I pocket $1.49 for each loaf.
That said, you need to be cautious. Once I bought a screwdriver from a dollar store and it disintegrated the first time I used it.
So what items are smart buys at dollar stores, and which ones should you steer clear of?
Good Dollar-Store Buys
Why spend more when you don’t need to?
1. Greeting Cards
Most people agree this is a no-brainer. Why fork over several dollars for a card when you can grab one for a single buck?
2. Socks
Socks found at dollar stores are frequently acceptable quality, and children’s socks sometimes come two pairs per pack, making them far cheaper than at other retailers.
Look for socks that include acrylic or spandex for added comfort, experts advise.
3. Vases
Decorative bowls and vases are often on par with the least expensive options elsewhere, which typically cost $3 or more.
I’ve discovered satisfactory glass and plastic vases at discount stores.
4. Gift Bags and Wrapping Paper
Gift bags seem to be pricier everywhere else, and they’re disposable anyway. I don’t buy them anywhere else.
Wrapping paper is usually a bargain too, but expect the rolls to be rather short.
5. Party Supplies
Again, these are mostly disposable. Why pay double for streamers and plastic tablecloths, or many times more for Mylar balloons?
A single trip to a dollar store can save you around $20 when you’re planning a party.
6. Grooming Items
Hair ties and bobby pins inevitably get misplaced, so why pay more elsewhere?
Occasionally, name-brand shampoos appear at discount stores for a fraction of the usual price.
But steer clear of very flimsy combs sold in packs of 10 or more — I snapped one the first time I used it.
7. Certain Food Items
I’m still wary of generic imported foods, but I will buy familiar brands I’ve seen elsewhere — that bread, for example, cuts my grocery bill.
Do compare carefully; many canned goods can actually be cheaper at regular supermarkets.
8. Picture Frames
My partner and I have photos in wooden frames we purchased at a dollar store. The same frames are often $5 or more at other stores.
Just make sure the hanger or bracket for mounting is firmly attached.
9. Storage Containers
While I avoid dollar-store food containers (see below), I do use plastic tubs and bins from discount stores for cleaning supplies, hardware, and other storage needs.
They typically cost at least half as much compared with other retailers.
10. Some Kitchen Items
Okay, flatware from dollar stores is usually a little flimsy, but honestly, how often would you snap a fork or spoon?
Drinking glasses are frequently a solid bargain too.
Other Dollar-Store Finds Worth Buying
Here are additional items I buy at dollar stores, focusing on things that save me at least half the usual price and have performed well enough:
11. Rope and twine for non-critical tying tasks
12. Children’s coloring books (but opt for better-quality crayons elsewhere)
13. Packs of balloons — great for water fights and party décor
14. Bandanas for a variety of practical uses
15. Candles for emergency kits
16. Dish towels sold in two-packs — they wear out faster but are still economical
17. Plungers: toss them when they give out; you effectively get several for the price of one
18. Cleaning products: some are perfectly serviceable and much cheaper
19. Sponges for general cleaning tasks (not always ideal for dishes)
20. Duct tape: it’s not industrial-strength but suits many household fixes
Also consider browsing for inexpensive decor ideas like dollar store decor if you want frugal ways to refresh a room without spending a lot.
Items to Avoid at the Dollar Store
These purchases usually aren’t worth the few dollars saved.
1. Toys
With some exceptions, most toys at discount stores are poorly made and break quickly, if they function at all.
Experts also warn that some materials and paints used on inexpensive toys might not meet safety standards.
2. Batteries
Specialists note that battery life tends to be short, so you’re usually better off buying batteries elsewhere.
I do buy batteries at the dollar store for low-drain items like remote controls. If they last half as long but cost a quarter as much, it can still be a sensible purchase.
3. Medications and Supplements
These items often appear on “don’t buy” lists. I wouldn’t trust supplements or drugs made specifically for this low-cost market.
One possible exception is aspirin from a reputable brand, but small containers can make the per-pill price higher than at a pharmacy.
4. Paper Goods
That four-roll bundle of toilet paper or a roll of paper towels for a dollar might be tempting, but take a closer look.
Rolls are usually smaller than standard sizes and the quality tends to be very low.
5. Plastic Wrap and Aluminum Foil
These are commonly short, thin rolls made to sell cheaply, which means they don’t perform as well as full-size alternatives.
6. School Supplies
Pens, notebooks, binders and the like are often subpar at dollar stores. Plus, if you wait for back-to-school sales, you can find deeper discounts at big-box retailers like Walmart and Target.
7. Pet Food
Experts caution about inconsistent standards in discount-store pet foods.
Also, those small packages frequently cost more per ounce than larger bags sold elsewhere.
8. Power Cords and Electrical Gear
Extension cords and power strips from dollar stores are often low quality and can pose safety risks, according to specialists.
9. Tools
Most hand tools found at discount stores are marginally functional at best, in my experience.
10. Food Storage Containers
These plastics are often poor quality, and safety can be a concern. A report about hazardous chemicals in cheap store items highlights this risk (see the report).
I’m not overly concerned about chemical exposure from tubs I use to store garage items, but I avoid storing food in inexpensive dollar-store plastic.
One final tip: make sure you’re actually in a true dollar store. Some chains keep everything at a single dollar price, but other retailers that use “dollar” in their name, such as Dollar General, offer many items at higher prices.
Alex Mercer is the author of “101 Frugal Tricks to Save Money” and runs Savinly.com. He’s worked as a landscaper, freelance editor, bargain hunter, and community volunteer. Of the many odd jobs he’s held, writing remains his favorite.
