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 snag
and all those things you should avoid.
Tissue Paper-Snag 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-Snag it
Is it just me or does your house go through tape like it's going out of style?
Thumb Tacks-Snag 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: Snag 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
You can read about Anna's top secret cleaning tip (hint, it involves furniture polish) here.
Estracell sponges-Pass
While they may look like the scotch brite sponges, they are not the same.
Don't waste your money
While they may look like the scotch brite sponges, they are not the same.
Don't waste your money
Sun dishwashing liquid: Pass
This stuff is so watered down that it's cheaper to buy the name brand
Stor-it sandwich bags: Snag 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: Pass
I'm pretty sure potted meat is never a good idea
also, any "meat" at The Dollar Store-gross!
Pretzels: Snag it
These are great for lunches and so much cheaper than at the grocery store
Kids Shampoo: Snag it
If you have kids that wash themselves you know how much shampoo you go through.
Shower Curtain: Snag 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: Pass
So thin and so not worth it
Extra Healing Lotion: Pass
It may look like Vaseline's healing lotion, but it is not even close.
Find a sale and buy the real deal
Bobby pins: Pass
Honestly didn't know anyone could screw up bobby pins
but they did.
Don't bother
Cotton Swabs: Pass
Stick with Q-tips
These guys bend before you even stick 'em in your ear.
It's like they are scared or something.
Pregnancy Test: Snag it
Who knew?
Seriously, the best $1 deal in the store
Compare them with other brands here
Glue Pens-Snag 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: Pass
These are awful! They won't sharpen and they get dull in a nanosecond
Crayons: Pass
There is something to be said for Crayola. They have crayons figured out.
These are just waxy and yuck
Dough Pate: Pass
It's called Pate...seriously...skip it.
It's not play doh
Bubbles: Snag 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!
76 comments:
Great post. I also buy:
Contact paper-way cheaper than vinyl
headbands
ribbon
Jelly Bellies
Sandpaper
glitter glue
greeting cards
oh my gosh, you are cracking me up with the potted meat and bobby pins! What a great idea for a post!!! I'm pinning this right now :)
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!
I am so with you on this! I buy a lot of their shampoo and LA's Best CLR alternative. Works pretty good!
Pass: Safety Pins
Thanks for sharing this!
Also, I had NO idea about the pregnancy tests, so thanks! That is a huge savings!
I love this post!
More bath products like shampoo, soap, hairspray...those would be great to know about!
Great post. I always wondered about the pregnancy test. I've learned my lesson on the rest except the canned meat never bought that anywhere lol
I have to disagree with you on the potted meat issue...It is no different than the potted meat in the grocery stores...Have never had a problem with it, or the prepackaged Pepperoni or Salami...Cheaper than the other stores...Will agree on the Qtips, but all cheap brands seem to have the cotton fall off...
if I had seen this post long ago i could have saved a lot of time and money..I agree with you.
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!
Our dollar store doesn't have a pregnancy test. For a dollar I would buy 12 ^_^
Mary, MI
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 !
Fun Post!!! I go there sometimes and buy stuff only to get home and think....REALLY??? Why did I think that I needed this:) BUT I can honestly say that POTTED MEAT has never made an appearance at my house...hahaha!!!!
another awesome snag are the reading glasses. they are $5.00 and up everywhere else.
I 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!
Oh yeah the greeting cards are good and does yours have balloons?
Mine has helium filled balloons, birthday, sesame street, over the hill, smiley face, seasonal, etc. They are great and just a buck!
You can also sometimes get balloon weights there, much cheaper than the party store.
Posterboard.
Books---hardback nice books are often there.
I would not buy the crayons either.
Food:
Whales are good (cheddar knock off of goldfish crackers).
Hi Rachel!
Thanks for linking up to the Blog Hop! Great blog!
Pleasure finding you... Have a great day!
Kelly
www.livelaughrowe.com
Awesome post!!
oh 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!
Ha! 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.
Oh, so helpful - who knew about the pregnancy tests? Hilarious!Will you, pretty please, consider sharing with my readers at http://sassafrassalvation.blogspot.com/2012/02/sasss-sunday-salvation-show-12.html ?
Hugs,
Kathy
Great post! Potted meat??? YUCK! I'm a little wiser today thanks to you ;)
You 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!
I 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!
I buy dollar store barrettes and hair bands. (especially the little plasticy ones for my 19month old!)I learned about the pregnancy tests when someone ahead of me at the checkout got one! Their generic diapers aren't so hot. The generic ones I get at the grocery store actually work A LOT better. I have found that Walmart's brand of stuff is sometimes worse that dollar store generic! (clothes pins were USELESS, ironing board barely stood up, laundry basket cracked on the first use. :P)I like to buy my plastic storage containers at the dollar store and laundry baskets. I have been using them for years with no trouble!
I 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!!
Potted Meat? Who would even be brave enough to try that? Thanks for the tips! t.xoox
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. Greeting cards are great. Cotton pads for eye makeup removal. All these are a snag for me!
I totally agree. Another pass - the plasticware (to use at parties), breaks as soon as you use it!
I 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!!!
Thank you for the photos!
I love the rolls of brown craft paper and glow sticks!
Great post! When we were trying to have our second child, I bought lots of tests from the Dollar Tree! So much cheaper and still accurate. It was nice to feel like I could test and not be completely throwing money away if it was a negative! We also get the tissue paper and glow sticks!
Potted 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.
I Love it when the Dollar Store gets overstock of Name Brand products worth well over a buck. And I heard that when the big brands downsize their container serving sizes (ie: Ketchup went from 24 oz. to 22 oz. for the same price) they sell off the larger sizing to the Dollar Stores. The 99 Cent Only chain now carries great Produce and Deli items so I can do most of my grocery shopping there now and save a ton of money! I concur with all of your recommendations. *winks... yes, I'm a Dollar Store Addict seriously in need of an intervention!*
Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian
Awesome tips! Thank you for sharing!
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. Thanks for your input on this. I especially appreciate the heads up on the crayons.
I was just there yesterday and found a deal on cheapie reading glasses - $1 there, $15 at HEB. And I could try em before I bought em. I think they sell so many things at $1 that are 50 cents at Wal-Mart. If you don't pay attention, you get fleeced.
You're too funny! I also have a thing for dollar stores, but agree that some things are definitely to be avoided!
Cheap dish soap is a big waste, the cotton swabs are really bad too. The Vitamin E lotion is not bad and I use a recipe for body cream that takes a bottle of Vitamin E lotion, a jar of petroleum jelly and any kind of lotion, whip it together with your mixer. It comes out looking like whipped cream and makes your skin feel so smooth. 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.
I actually purchase their sweeteners!
the 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♥
Great list - just wanted to let you know I shared it over at the Dollar Store Crafts FB page: https://www.facebook.com/dollarstorecrafts/posts/163081223810938
-heather
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.
My 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!
I snag most of those items too. They are great. The potted meat, gosh that sounds and looks disgusting!
Ours has a lot of food items...6 pack of Snackwell's or Keebler 100 Calorie packs in cellophane. Also, 6 packs of Kellog's Pop Tarts. And Nature's Own breads and rolls (which is over $3 in the grocery store!)
I've also found Cover Girl make up repackaged in generic looking packaging.
I buy the diaper cream. It is the same as butt paste, but $1 instead of $6!
Love the greeting cards, tissue paper, gift bags, glow stics/necklaces/bracelets, disinfecting wipes, microfiber cloths, rubber gloves...
I'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!
Oh! 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.
I have found great toddler's age books at the Dollar Store! Sesame Street or just plain colors/numbers theme books too!
And 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... :)
"Pâte" is French for "dough". It's very possible the "pâte" on the label was simply meant for Quebecois customers as well as English-speaking Americans.
I work with horses, so I am always snagging the cheap wash cloths for the barn. I always go in there to snag gift bags, tissue peer and don't laugh, cinnamon. It is really expensive at name stores and I mix it with sugar for coffee anyway. Great blog!
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!
I actually bought the potted meat to try for my 72 hour kits--it wasn't that bad!
I 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.
Good idea for a post, though.
My dollar store pregnancy test did not work :)
I'm with you for most of it .. other than the shampoo. I've found most of the brands at the dollar store loaded with tons of alcohol and other things not suggested for hair. other than that - I agree ! ps - my 8 yr old was once a positive $1 store pregnancy test .. :D Danielle CraftPlayLove.com
Their electric and masking tape is TERRIBLE.
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.
Love 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!!!
Great 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.
I 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.
What a great post!! I tend to only buy crafty things....gonna use your list the next time I go!! Thanks for sharing at Uncommon! Bonnie ;)
I 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!
I love the cheap shower curtains (and the fresh plastic smell!)
I 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!
Walmart has pregnancy tests for 88¢
Walmart has pregnancy tests for 88¢!
Always Buy: Shower Curtains, cheap holiday decorations for mostly-uncelebrated-holidays (Mardi Gras, Chinese New Year, etc)
Avoid: medicines (be sure you check expiration dates on them!)and condiments (because a lot of the time you can get them at the grocery store for less than a dollar)
Also, after years of buying prego tests at the $ store, Walmart has come up with their dollar store version. Up in a little section by the registers (usually) they have the same type of pregnancy test for 88¢! I feel like I've wasted 12¢ for years! (okay, just a year). So pass on the $1 pregnancy tests, pick one up from walmart for 88¢
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?
Great post! I got my pregnancy test at the dollar store and I was surprised at how good it worked. I will always get them there from now on.
Thanks for the great post!! I agree with everything you said. There are some things I avoid at the dollar store but some things I can't pass up. I like to buy coloring books, hard back childrens books, gift bags, tissue paper, glass dinner plates I use for serving platters, measuring cups, and I just found spools of 5 yds of grosgrain, satin and sheer ribbon at my dollar store. I was surprised at the variety of colors too.
I 've been wondering about their cleaning products but always afraid they won't work.
I bought a white shower curtain liner and was very disappointed in it versus the clear liner I buy now. The white liner was much thinner, and thus very flimsy, and there were no magnets on the bottom. The clear liner is much thicker and it does have the magnets on the bottom. I'm not sure about the other colors, but I stay away from the colored ones and always go with the clear liner now.
I found out I was pregnant with my fourth (and last!) child with a Dollar Store pregnancy test!
Thanks for your post! Agree with the scotch tape--my 6-year old son uses it for all his inventions, so I have to hide a couple rolls if I hope to have it when needed! I bought a shower curtain there but it tore within two days--not such a great deal! Also, the baggies used to be a great deal, but lately the count has been decreasing rapidly. Still, there are great deals to be found.
Clothing hangers-Pass. 4 for $1 is not a deal when Target has them for 10 for $1.29.
Great tips!! I was lol about the bobby pins bc I bought these and you are so right about them...they suck terribly:( The pregnancy test....so works!! They were 100% correct for all 3 of my pregnancies;)
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