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22 Things You’d Be Smart to Buy at the Dollar Store

/Updated /28 Comments/in , /by Mary Hunt

Dollar stores are just about everywhere—national chains like Dollar Tree, Dollar General, and Family Dollar, and all kinds of independents like Ollie’s Bargain Barn and 99 Cents Only, too. What do they hold in common? The promise of good stuff, cheap!

dollar store aisle

Photo thanks: Dollar General

Thanks to inflation, few things are dollars stores cost only a buck, but even at $1.25, $2 or sometimes even $3, bargains are galore.

At least a couple of times a week, someone will ask me what I miss most about living in Southern California. Because we lived there many years before pulling up roots and relocating to Colorado, you might assume it would be a long list.

But my usual response is “Not much!” and not just to get a laugh. Truth be told, I can only think of three things: Adult kids, good pizza, and my beloved 99 Cents Only Store—the best “dollar” store ever.

The company’s 378 stores derive close to 80% of their sales of $2.9 billion from categories such as fresh produce, non perishable grocery items, and consumables that overlap with those of traditional grocers and discounters.

As for missing great pizza, admittedly, I have not tried every pizza option in our new location, so hope springs eternal. But I cannot find even the hint of a plan to expand 99 Cents Only Stores to Colorado, and that’s a cryin’ shame.

Good thing there are other brands of dollar stores nearby while I wait for 99 Cents Only Stores—my personal gold standard for good stuff cheap—to get smart and open a store in my neighborhood.

food on display in a store

Photo thanks: 99 Cents Only Store

Here’s why I love dollar stores in general: It’s easy to match quality with need when what I need does not require much. Let me show you what I mean about need vs. quality with this quick list of things you’d be wise to buy at a dollar store—plus a few to avoid.

Greeting cards

Don’t expect Hallmark’s complete line to show up at the dollar store. But you can expect first-quality greeting cards for just about every occasion. This is my go-to source for greeting cards that I know will be opened, enjoyed for the moment, and tossed. Nothing wrong with that, but I sure don’t want to spend $3.99 or more for a disposable card when I can get it for a buck!

Gift Bags, gift wrap

A dollar store is the best place to buy gift bags and wraps for a fraction of the cost of traditional stores. And why not? The gift bags and all that gift wrap will end up in the trash in just the time it takes to rip open the gift. So who needs super, high-end quality for disposable gift wrap?

Dollar store quality is plenty good and cheap to boot. Gift bags, filler, and wrapping paper are my favorite examples of matching quality with need.

School supplies

Always stop first at the local dollar store for all school supply related items— markers, pens, paper, pads, notebooks, pencils, crayons, and pocket folders. Can’t find everything on your school’s required list? Get what you can then supplement elsewhere as necessary.

When to avoid

If your school’s list of required supplies names a specific brand or type of item, don’t try to sneak in a dollar store inferior version.

Party supplies

Paper plates, cups, disposable tablecloths, plastic cutlery, balloons, and even theater-size boxes of candy—if you need it for a party and don’t need it to last for more than a few hours, the dollar store is the place to find it. You don’t need things destined for the trash to be durable. These supplies include:

  • Paper plates, napkins, and cups
  • Champagne flutes
  • Plastic forks, spoons, and knives
  • Plastic tablecloths
  • Paper streamers
  • Birthday banners
  • Latex balloons
  • Mylar balloons
  • Birthday candles
  • Glow sticks, bracelets, necklaces, and wands
  • Noisemakers
  • Party hats
  • Table centerpieces
  • Plastic serving bowls and trays
  • Plastic serving ware

Wax paper, parchment, foil

These are hard to compare price-wise because the square footage and quality are different at the dollar stores than the boxes in the regular grocery stores. However, they are still cheaper per inch. I also like the pre-cut pop-up foil sheets, which are colossal frustration savers. Just remember: Match quality with the need you intend to fulfill.

Seasonal decor and favors

Do you want to decorate for Halloween, Thanksgiving, Valentine’s Day, and any other holidays? Do you love to fill Christmas stockings with trinkets, small gadgets, and other fun stuff? You’ll find everything from packages of spider rings, to glow sticks, streamers, wall and door decor, and on and on—all super cheap—at the dollar store.

Travel toiletries

Travel-sized toiletries aren’t necessarily inexpensive just because they’re smaller. And don’t expect the best selection or cheapest prices at Walmart or even your local pharmacy. But the dollar store? Check it out first and prepare to be amazed.

Pregnancy tests

Hold on. It’s true—most dollar stores sell pregnancy tests for a dollar that would cost upwards of $15 or more in a drugstore. Are they reliable? I suppose they are if they do what they say on the label. And assuming the test kit is sealed and not beyond its expiration date, why not? If you’re worried about a false response, buy a few kits to make sure. At a buck each, you’ll still save a bundle.

When to avoid

You’d be well-advised to avoid any pregnancy test with an expiration date that is nearer than six months.

Double-sided tape

You can get 130 inches of this tape at the dollar store. This is a shorter tape than the 450-inch roll for $4.79 at Staples, but it is still cheaper per inch.

When to avoid

Buy your double-sided tape elsewhere if your intended use will need to stay double-stuck for an extended time.

Beauty and personal care

Get ready to be blown away by all the shampoo, deodorant, shaving cream, soap, body wash, razors, hair accessories, hair care gear, bandages, and personal care items in the typical dollar store. You may not see a lot of name brands—but then again you might, depending on the day.

When to avoid

As for unknown brands, check the ingredients. It may be junk or you just might find similar products but not the same as the more pricey options you’re used to.

Stocking stuffers, gift bags, gag gifts

If you’re looking for small gifts—like the kind to fill birthday party goodie bags or Christmas stockings—dollar stores are full of suitable trinkets.

From tiny toys to stickers, playing cards, puzzles, souvenir plastic party cups, boxes of crayons and colored pencils, play packs (which come with small coloring books, crayons, and stickers), and candy, you can find everything you need. Just do not assume that toys and novelty items from the dollar store are going to bring of a lifetime of fun and hilarity to your recipients.

When to avoid

Dollar store toys are pretty much disposable. If that toy, doll, or action figure makes it through the day it’s gifted, it could be considered a miracle. But if your need is a moment of fun and joy, go for it. And when that singing bass on a plaque lasts even longer than the party, consider it a bonus.

Containers to get organized

Why pay $3.99 each for plastic shoe boxes with lids to organize the kids’ rooms when you can get them for a buck at the dollar store? Dollar stores are notorious for their containers, bins, boxes, and organizational helpers.

Having a Garage Sale or need to sell a car? Dollar stores are the place to find ready-made plastic signs for posting. Just use a marker to fill in your specific information in the spaces provided and you’re set.

Reading glasses

Yep, you’ll find them too, at a dollar store. Probably not a huge selection, but you’re sure to find at least a couple of options that fit and in the magnification strength you need. And when you do, grab a few pairs because you know how easy it is to misplace reading glasses.

Home decor

Where do you go when you need a  picture frame, flower vase, wreath, doormats, or other home decor? Check the dollar store! Reorganizing your pantry and cupboards? Dollar stores are notorious for containers that are ideal to get things organized. Just keep in mind, that you’re not likely to find the quality of perhaps The Container Store. But do you really need that much quality?

Cleaning supplies

Look on the shelves of the cleaning aisle at any dollar store, and you’ll find lots of off-brand bleach, cleansers, dish soap, laundry detergent, stain treatments, toilet cleaners, glass, and mirror cleaners. Baking soda and vinegar, too. And don’t be shocked to find an occasional name brand in the lot. Look for microfiber cloths, sponges and scrub brushes, and other equipment as well.

Kitchen utensils and accessories

I suggest caution when considering cutlery, tongs, spatulas, and so forth from the dollar store. Much of what you’ll find is not worth spending a dollar on. But on occasion, you’ll come across a super bargain on name brand, excellent-quality kitchen utensils, and accessories that will bring great value to your kitchen. Things like measuring spoons and cups, spoon rests, name brand kitchen scissors, peelers, scrubbers, cutting boards; towels, pot holders, and placemats.

I have rubber spatulas, serving spoons, glassware, and measuring cups from 99 Cents Only that I’ve had for many years and they’re still my favorites. 

Tools

Not every tool in a home or garage needs to be a top-of-the-line, name brand with a life expectancy of many decades. Take a tape measure, duct tape, glue or maybe even a tiny set of screwdrivers for the kitchen. You’ll find all those things at a dollar store—picture hanging kits and handy assortments of screws and nails.

When to avoid

Practice caution when considering a hammer, screwdriver, or socket set. Dollar stores may not have the sturdy quality you typically need to actually get the job done. The last thing you need is a piece of junk sitting in a drawer or garage shelf.

Non-perishables and produce

The main thing I miss about 99 Cents Only is the fresh produce. I would make 99 Cents my first stop on the way to the supermarket. Beyond bananas, I couldn’t predict what I would find in the fresh produce section, so I’d stop there before going on to the supermarket. Oh, the bargains on beautiful, locally grown produce!

Good news! Dollar General currently offers fresh fruits and vegetables in nearly 3,900 stores, with plans to offer produce in more than 5,000 stores by 2024, and in 10,000 within the next few years.

You will find lots of food in the typical dollar store. The array of canned goods and other non-perishables is impressive. Just make sure you know your prices. You don’t want to pay $1.25 for a can of soup that is regularly priced $.69 at the supermarket. It can happen.

Craft supplies

Before you load up for your next craft project, check the dollar store. You’re sure to find many items on your list; just be cautious. Know your prices! You might do better at Hobby Lobby with the store’s super discounts. Still, the dollar store deserves your consideration for things like:

  • Ribbon
  • Craft sticks
  • Magnets
  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes
  • Modeling clay
  • Beads
  • Paper
  • Stickers
  • Googly eyes
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Pom-poms
  • Washi tape
  • Stencils
  • Glue (school glue, tacky glue, glue sticks, glue dots, and Mod Podge)
  • Storage cases for organizing small craft supplies like beads

Flower pots

Look for great flower pots, especially if you like to decorate clay pots. They make great gifts or awesome decor for windowsills, patios, and porches. You’ll see the same $1 pot at Lowes is $3.97.

Pet supplies

From name-brand pet food for dogs, cats, and fish to vet-approved toys, leashes, food dishes, and even an occasional doggie sweater or Halloween costume—the dollar store lets pets live the good life without their owners worrying about the cost. You just might be surprised by what you’ll find.

Be cautious, however, when it comes to dollar store pet food. Pet food is far less regulated than human food. Dollar stores can get away with selling pet food containing subpar ingredients, including a lot of fatty fillers.

When to avoid

The typical dollar store doesn’t have a lot of selection, generally. And much of it is close to its expiration date, off-label, or made offshore. So it’s best to save your pets’ stomachs and buy food elsewhere.

Where does it all come from?

That’s an interesting question, and one I posed to the founder of 99 Cents Only some years ago. The answer? It all depends! Ha.

He got his start buying out inventory when stores would file for bankruptcy. Or a situation where a major retailer’s inventory was passed that company’s policy of useful life (meaning getting ready to expire). Or that store got stuck with huge quantities of last year’s model. Or it simply needs to reduce inventory for one reason or another. Cash is king, which would allow him to garner amazing bargains.

That is still his method, but the chain has grown so large,  the challenge now is to buy up large enough quantities (for pennies on the dollar) to stock all 400 or more stores.

In closing …

Let me remind all of us of this vital principle: Even the best deal in the world is not good if it’s something you don’t need or won’t use.

 

Question: What is your favorite dollar store find? 

 

 

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28 replies
  1. Roxy says:

    I love the Dollar Tree and the Dollar General . They have cheaper stationary items . Certain cleaners are more reasonable and your guaranteed to save some kinda savings to shop there. Every dollar counts these days so it’s nice to have stores like these.

    Reply
  2. Pat A Weiser says:

    Maybe it’s just in our area, but since the pandemic, the sizes and quality available at the Dollar Tree have gone drastically downhill. There are still some excellent bargains, I agree. Interesting enough, many European countries have a Euro Store or a Pound Store, and the quality of products are superior to anything we get here, especially in Italy.

    Reply
  3. Sandy Phillips says:

    Thanks to all the replies I got some great ideas I had forgotten about. Like English Muffins & Bagels which are 4$at the grocery store. Bleach-,Vanilla & potting soil also!I can’t wait to go shopping again.

    Reply
  4. Joan says:

    I bought a pair of kitchen tongs with plastic ends to use in non -stick pans. They lasted several years-longer than the name brand tongs I bought at the Bed and Bath store. Finally bought another pair a couple months ago.

    Reply
  5. Wendy Tucker (Tockman) says:

    Here’s the thing: In LA the 99 Cents Only Store is now called The 99. Who knows if same owner, but almost nothing is $.99. Most items are slightly less than the markets or drugstores, but often the price ends in ‘.99’; hence, the name. This is very disappointing. However, the Dollar Tree is still around, but nothing is only $1. Now, $1.25. But everything in the store IS only $1.25, which at least is honest.

    Reply
  6. Cally Ross says:

    when we camp or stay in a B&B, the Dollar Tree stores offer great deals on extra bits for our visit. we can get trash bags, dish/bath/hand soaps, hot pads and towels, foil, matches, plastic wrap, batteries, coloring books, shampoo, candy/snacks, toys…. enough for the short time we’re visiting an area. knowing the prices at your regular store (Walmart, Target, Krogers, etc) can help you decide if an item is worth the dollar vs. driving to a big store and facing temptation!

    Reply
  7. Ann Marie G says:

    I know that the kitchen gadgets at Dollar Tree are not usually durable but they are perfect when renting an Air BNB or the like for a week or so. Our friends occasionally let us use their vacation condo where they have very basic kitchen tools so we usually stop at the local Dollar Tree to pick up things like tongs, rubber scrapers, dish soap, dishwasher detergent pods, and plastic containers to store any leftover food. We wash and leave these items behind and by the time we return a year later, they are usually gone since the condo is rented out regularly and no doubt the items break or get tossed by the rental agent. But I’ve learned many of Mary’s tricks as far as party supplies, greeting cards, gift bags, aluminum foil, gag gifts, balloons, etc. when shopping at my local store.

    Reply
  8. Wendy says:

    I was a loyal customer of 99 Cents Only store for decades –still am, sort of. Let me add to the previous comments: the store is no longer 99 cents only — it is called The Ninety-Nine and there is very little that is $.99. CHECK PRICES. Read labels. I do buy produce there–they have a reduced rack but sometimes produce which should be on that rack is not. If you see something bruised or limp but still edible, ask the manager to reduce it. They often will do this–not eagerly, but they do.

    Reply
  10. Linda Radosevich says:

    My go-to store for cheap greeting cards is our local Dollar Tree – 2 for $1.00 or ‘special’ cards a dollar each. I stock up on facial tissue there too – although they’ve gone up to $1.25 a box.

    Reply
  11. Jean says:

    Besides the greeting cards at Dollar Tree, I LOVE their dish cloths. They have a plastic mesh backing for scrubbing and stay fresher longer than any other cloth I’ve found. I have several and can always have one in the wash. You get 2 for $1.25!

    Reply
  12. Sallye says:

    Lightbulbs! Recently I needed to buy “flame” style lightbulbs and they are $2-$4 each at WallyWorld (and you have to buy a package of 4). My favorite dollar store sells them for 2/$1. My fancy lamp looks great at a fraction of the price.

    Reply
  13. Mrs. M. says:

    We have a Dolkar Tree in our city, and it is where I buy the moisture absorbers for closets! I’ve checked prices, and they beat walmart prices on these by a few dollars each.
    I also buy disposable aluminum pans there for gifting food. Some styles even come with lids.

    Reply
  14. Katherine says:

    Thank you Mary!! I too love the 99 cent only stores, and trained my children to love them too I can vouch for the accuracy and validity of the pregnancy tests. I used 99 cent store tests for 7 pregnancies and they were correct every time! I also used them between pregnancies when I wasn’t sure, and they were correct then too!

    I love the produce! It’s honestly one of my favorite places to go. I love that they are in Arizona and Nevada, so there is hope they could eventually move into Colorado!

    Reply
  15. Karen Salamin says:

    I don’t shop at the dollar stores often, but when I do I try to remember that many of the “disposable” items (plastic products, etc.) can actually be recycled. That way there is less stuff going into the landfill….

    Reply
  16. Daylin says:

    I’m from California and pretty much grew up on 99Cents Stores. In California, I lucked out having both a DollarTree and 99Cents Store within a few miles of each other (less than 10 miles). So what I couldn’t find at the DollarTree I could down the street and find it at 99Cents!

    Reply
  17. Sue says:

    like you, the 99 cent only store is my favorite! They have a terrific selection of stuff not found at the other dollar stores. Cleaning supplies, holiday dec, stuff for organizing, they have everything you need!

    Reply
  18. Susan O'Neal says:

    I don’t allow myself to look at the $1.00 cards at Dollar Tree. If I only look at the 2 for a dollar aisles I can always fins something suitable, and, even better, attractive “Thank you” and “Thinking of you” blank notes can be had in 8 for a dollar multi packs on the end caps.

    Reply
    • Karla says:

      Life just doesn’t get much better than 50 cent Hallmark cards! Even figuring in the stamp, it’s easy to make someone’s day for just a little over $1.

      Reply
  19. Barbara Jackson says:

    I will go to the Dollar Tree or 99 Cents Store to get a serving bowl and utensil to take to potlucks. If one or both go missing (usually tossed in the foray of quick cleanup), I don’t care. These stores are also great for food storage containers to use when giving food to someone who tends to not return good containers. I do wash takeout containers, but sometimes I don’t have the size I need. Like Mary said, compare quality to need.

    Reply
  20. Deb R. says:

    This is the BEST deal at Dollar Tree — a four-pack of single-use Super Glue! You know you can never get anything out of that bigger tube after the first use because it glues itself shut and you end up tossing it. These little tubes are perfect.

    Reply
  21. joni Giacoma Chadwell says:

    We are close to two Dollar Tree stores. I have run across their prepackaged Bologna, regular, thick cut and garlic along with their turkey breast, cooked salami, and sausages in the cooler marked down to a QUARTER. Of course they were close to the expiration date so in the freezer they went. Another time they had English muffins and snack cakes slashed to a quarter. There were small containers milk and dozens of medium eggs for 25 cents each another time. I check the dairy case every time I shop there. Happy Shopping!

    Reply
  22. Judy G says:

    At my local Dollar Tree I find crossword & sudoku puzzle books by Kappa. These books are $5-$7 each elsewhere. Also, I find pretty plastic charger plates there that I use under larger potted plants to catch the excess after watering the plants. In addition, I buy Hallmark greeting cards at the Dollar Tree.

    Another recommended location for Hallmark holiday cards is Hamrick’s, if you have one close by. Last year in November I paid full price at the Hallmark store for two boxes of cards. When I visited Hamrick’s the same day I found boxed Hallmark cards from the previous season for less than half price & they were just as nice as the current season cards.

    Reply
  23. Lucienne says:

    I love the complete salad kits from the 99 Cent Only Store. They are the same brand as the supermarkets, but are only $1.99, and they have decent expiration dates. I like to get greeting cards from the Dollar Tree. Some of their cards are $1, but there is a good selection of Hallmark cards that are 2/$1.

    Reply
  24. Bonnie says:

    I also miss the $.99 store now that we live in Illinois. Some of my favorite finds were tiny gardening tools, and a bag of potting soil that was perfect for taking care of a few indoor plants. Of course, I also bought the pots there and sometimes they even had plants.

    Reply
    • LaStarr D Heiliger says:

      Like you and Mary I miss the .99 store also! Dollar Tree here in Southern Indiana is good for many things…love the catering items (covered trays, nice plastic ware, etc) offered especially in the Spring for graduations and weddings.

      Reply
  25. Adele says:

    I LOVE the .99 Cents Only store! Like you, it’s my first stop for produce! I work around their delivery days and find full bins with quality, often times organic, produce. Their selection on ethnic sauces and oils is fantastic, and in small enough sizes, that you don’t waste the rest of the bottle or jar when you only need a tablespoon or two. I also hit Dollar General on a regular basis. Items are not always $1, but usually less than the super market, and there is always a great selection.

    Reply

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