What not to buy at the Dollar Store

What Not to Buy at the Dollar Store


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 buy
and all those things you should avoid.



Tissue Paper-Buy it at the Dollar Store

It's so much cheaper at The Dollar Store and works great in those 
recycled gift bags we all have laying around.


Scotch Tape-Buy it at the Dollar Store

Is it just me or does your house go through tape like it's going out of style?


 Thumb Tacks-Buy it at the Dollar Store


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: Buy it at the Dollar Tree


Both things I use often, both things worth picking up
Windex does not corner the market on window cleaner and Pledge doesn't either


Estracell sponges-DO NOT BUY IT at the Dollar Store


While they may look like the scotch brite sponges, they are not the same.
 Don't waste your money buy these instead.  You will be glad that you did!


Sun dishwashing liquid: DO NOT BUY IT at the Dollar Store


This stuff is so watered down that it's cheaper to buy the name brand
Dawn makes a far more superior product and you can use it for more than just dishes.


Stor-it sandwich bags: Buy it at the Dollar Store


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


Potted Meat: DO NOT BUY IT EVER


I'm pretty sure potted meat is never a good idea
also, any "meat" at The Dollar Store-gross!


Pretzels: Buy it at the Dollar Store


These are great for lunches and so much cheaper than at the grocery store


Kids Shampoo: Buy it a the Dollar Store

If you have kids that wash themselves you know how much shampoo you go through.


Shower Curtain: Buy it at the Dollar Store


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: DO NOT BUY IT at the Dollar Store


So thin and so not worth it
These washcloths are about the same price and are far superior.


Extra Healing Lotion: DO NOT BUY IT at the Dollar Store


It may look like Vaseline's healing lotion, but it is not even close.
Find a sale and buy the real deal
This is my favorite hand lotion right now.


Bobby pins: DO NOT BUY IT at the Dollar Store


Honestly, didn't know anyone could screw up bobby pins
but they did.
Don't bother
These don't cost much more and work far better in my opinion.


Cotton Swabs: DO NOT BUY IT at the Dollar Store


These guys bend before you even stick 'em in your ear.
It's like they are scared or something.


Pregnancy Test: Buy it at the Dollar Store


Who knew?
Seriously, the best $1 deal in the store
Compare them with other brands here
**updated**see this follow up post Should you Buy a Dollar Store Pregnancy Test
After years of buying pregnancy tests at the dollar store, WalMart has come up with a pregnancy test of their own and it's less than a buck!



Glue Pens-Buy it at the Dollar Store


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: DO NOT BUY IT at the Dollar Store


These are awful! They won't sharpen and they get dull in a nanosecond
My daughter loves the Crayola twistables instead.


Crayons: DO NOT BUY IT at the Dollar Store


There is something to be said for Crayola.  They have crayons figured out.
These are just waxy and yuck.
Crayola crayons are cheaper than the 8 or 10 in this pack and are far better!



Dough Pate: DO NOT BUY IT at the Dollar Store


It's called Pate...seriously...skip it.
It's not play doh
and yes, I do know that Pate is a French word for paste or dough.
It's still not the same


Bubbles: Buy it at the Dollar Store


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!

**updated**
This Dollar Store post has by far been one of my most popular posts.
I did a few follow up posts based on department.
You can find them here

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4


this post contains affiliate links. if you purchase those items, i may be compensated.

381 comments

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 381 of 381
Beth said...

I agree with most your opinions, but you hate on the Estracell sponges! Those are seriously the best sponges, they don't start to smell, and they last forever. Throw em in the dishwasher and they are good as new. These are actually the only sponges I will buy.

susanesque said...

I wanted to say thanks for this! I'm always wondering what is a good buy at the Dollar Store and what I'd be better off spending more on. I do disagree, however, with the kids shampoo. My daughter has had really thick hair since she was born and this stuff just seems to dry it out. If your kid has more "adult" textured hair than kid-textured, I'd skip on that. Also, you gotta be careful. Once I almost bought an 8-pack of spic-n-span wipes, but thought to check the cleaning aisle - found a WHOLE ROLL for the same price! What? :P

I would also recommend the silicone ice cube trays you can sometimes find in the seasonal aisles. Fun and functional - and they are TOUGH! :)

Nancy, Andrew, Hannah, and Thomas said...

I get mine at Biglots. $2 a piece. They do smell straight out of the package but air out very quickly. Used them for years and change them frequently as well. Best part is they're weighted so still good quality for cheap

Robin B said...

Must buys-
Glas candle holders & candles, ribbon, glass rocks (decorative thingies), some of the bins, puzzles, hair brush, greeting cards...
NOT BUY-
Toys, dog chews (fabric ones) grooming glove, kitty litter, cat food (dry-never used wet), tools, food....

Lose Weight Cart! said...

I love finding Stuff for super cheap at Dollar Tree that I didn't know I could get there.

Snag: dog toys, white rain shampoo and conditioner, pancake mix, Popsicles, pony tails, nail polish, broom, plastic utensils, plates, cups, potholders, qtips, aim toothpaste, batteries, gum, generic pop, draino, shower/toilet cleaner, some eye makeup (ESP. Eyeshadow), cat toys, dog bones, dog and cat food bowls, kitty litter scoop, STOCKING STUFFERS, salt, flour, instant mashed potatoes, small lunch snacks, shower caddy, pic frames, hand soap, shower curtains, band aids, dog and cat food for a quick fix
Pass: toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, flip flops, mouth wash,cat litter, hair dye

anonymous said...

WRAPPERS
IBUPROFEN
MAGIC ERASERS
SPAGHETTI SAUCE
NOODLES
GIFT BAGS
TISSUE PAPER
SPICES

Colby said...

This post is too funny! I like the ideas you have to try. Our dollar store kinda stinks but maybe I'll try again, we live next to canada and they totally cater to canadians...boo for me. Anyway the prego tests seem awesome but the mean....meat in a pot?? What is that, and where did it come from? But I guess it may be like tuna? Who knows I'm a vegan so meat really doesn't come into my home but I just thought it was really interesting lol.

Sonja said...

If you get newsletters from the dollar tree it just got better!!!! They now except manufactures coupons!!! I'm gonna love love love the dollar tree even more!

Sonja said...

Dollar tree now excepts manufactured coupons!! Yay!!

Sonja said...

Dollar tree takes coupons now!!

CouponJuliann said...

Dollar Tree now accepts coupons!!! You can get some free things and some REALLY cheap things now!

Anonymous said...

snag:
- .69 cent chocolate bars
- picture frames
- headbands / hair clips / hair ties (no plastic ones or ones with the hard metal pieces)
- food containers
- sandwich bags
- disposable baking pans
- seasonal goods
- silk flowers
- clothing hangers... i have yet to find cheaper ones here in canada
- .50 cent postcards (for you postcrossing folk out there)
- mini lawn chairs
- ramekins

pass:
- bobby pins, they snag so much
- handheld fans (the new ones suck)
- scented candles, they don't smell at all
- tools that break right away
- utensils, cups, bowls, etc.
- cheese graters, it looks like shards are coming off
- betty crocker veggie peeler, it doesn't work well
- earbuds, they sound like crap
- windex knockoff... leaves streaks
- hair dye. I don't trust it
- underwear. see above lol
- packing tape. there's a certain brand that DID NOT work during our move. it came in a red dispenser.

TickledTink said...

The Ovulation tests also work great... though you can get them even cheaper by buying the Wondfo tests on Amazon

We used to buy a lot of glow stick bracelets from the dollar store to take on trips to Disneyland. They sometimes had duds but for the same price as one necklace at Disney, we could have several packs and had lots of fun with them

Cara said...

I get toothbrushes (pack of 3 for a buck) and a three-pack of LED flameless candles, batteries included! Batteries in general work well, too; they're Sunbeam brand at my Dollar Tree. Thanks for this post!

BrilliantGlow said...

The Washcloths and Towels, even tho they are cheap they do come in handy for washing the car and the dog.

When Fred is out an about making a mess in the mud as she likes to do, I can use a cheapO washrag and not feel bad about putting in the trash if she is that yucky from chasing squirrels.

And if the tires are really nasty, they work out pretty good too, again I don't feel bad about putting them in the trash after using them on the tires.

I wouldn't pass them off, I wouldn't use them as everyday items, but as for a messy day pick up yes or a crap look what the kid/dog/husband/cat did this time yes. :o)

Carol said...

Definitely buy the shower curtains but not for the shower. I use these to cover tables or the floor when kids are doing crafts and for scout meetings. If the mess isn't bad, wipe off and use again. If the mess is bad enough ~ pick up the corners and toss in the trash with no guilt feelings about waste!

Janey said...

Our Dollar Tree has a freezer section, and every time I'm in there, I buy several of the 1-lb bag of frozen strawberries. The best deal ever. Plus, they have good-sized bags of frozen french fries, just as good, and considerably cheaper than the grocery store.

My husband is diabetic and eats a lot of nuts, so I like to get the boxes with a bunch of small bags of peanuts. Perfect size, and convenient to keep around.

Tamara said...

I just learned this summer (from a marine mechanic) that the LaLa's Awesome Cleaner (it's a yellow liquid in a spray bottle and also comes as a refillable jug) is a great cleaner/degreaser. It also cleans algae off of surfaces without harming the siding or fiberglass (boat). You have to use it while the algae is still moist for best performance but it is less harsh than bleach! I bought an extra for inside the house too!

The Coupon Junkie said...

Love the post. I was smiling the whole time, knowing it was true.

I am even loving them more, now they are accepting coupons. Any mine even had some name brand items that I had coupons for. Win win. I know I will be back again and again and again.

Corrie said...

Haha, yes! I love the dollar store! When I was pregnant, I had two expensive digital tests, took both: positive! Yikes.... Well, anyway to get back to my point... I went to the dollar store & bought 10 preggo tests... I took a test every other day, or few days because I wanted to be sure before making an appt. they were all positive. My son is now 10 mo! The tests are a great deal!

Stephanie and family said...

Yes, at age 39 I thought I had a stomach bug. My brother-in-law said "I bet you are pregnant!" I picked up a pregnancy test at Dollar Tree as a joke. NO JOKE! Those tests are accurate!!

Michelle said...

The bubble solution at my dollar store is awful, it didn't make any bubbles at all!

kvelte said...

Do buy: gift bags, tissue paper sheets, greeting cards, serving dishes for parties, storage and snack bags, coloring books, cute decorator pencils, fabric place mats (use them to make pillows for your couch or side chair), foam noodles, glass candlestick holders and glass dishes (use to make cake/cupcake stands), pet food bowls, clear serving tongs (great for parties), toothbrushes. I always have extras for the unexpected guest or the teenage sleepover who forgot theirs lol. One thing I haven't bought that I saw was the at home marijuana test. Great for parents. So if anyone has any info on those please share.

Unknown said...

Their all purpose cleaner, Awesome, really is awesome it works wonders, its better than some cleaners that sell for 5 dollars. Also their knock off oxyclean for the wash works really good on stains.

Charles Burkett said...

The one "snag it" idea of pregnancy tests, as a guy, that almost seems like going to a surgeon that got his medical degree online. Maybe I am wrong, but I would hesitate to put my trust into that one.

Jennifer V said...

Thanks for this fun post! I, too, am a dollar store lover. I regularly buy coloring books, toothbrushes, seasonal decor, preschool workbooks, frames/mirrors, plastic tablecloths for birthday parties, glass vases, organizers, puzzles, silk flowers to make into hair bows, and one of my favorite wedding gifts: big glass mugs for making root beer floats! I also buy pregnancy tests and my parents buy their reading glasses there(they have a pair in every room).

I always check there when I am trying to hunt down a unique candy. They have a big variety.

I bought two stick horses there several years ago and although the plastic sticks broke quickly, I just replaced them with wooden dowels and my kids still love them!

I would pass on their crayons too. Total crap. Also, their packages of latex balloons gave me trouble. A lot of them had holes in them before I even blew them up and then they popped really easily! Most toys break easily and the yo-yos...a total joke.

Angi said...

I would have to say i agree with your dos n donts...i would add some of their socks are good, books, holiday items, and my favorite cleaner is Comet multi- purpose cleaner lilac bliss. It cleans and leaves a fresh clean lilac smell, which lilacs are my favorite!

Unknown said...

I always run to the Dollar Store to snag sunscreen. In Florida I used to get Banana Boat and other name brands, but I don't mind the generics either. They are so expensive usually, and even other generics are at least $3 or $4. I live in Sweden now, and fill my suitcase with things from the kitchen isles whenever I'm home. The BBQ utensils were terrific last summer - we've used them a lot here in Stockholm!

Anonymous said...

Definitely, you were spot on about the pregnancy tests! I think it's a hidden treasure. I buy plastic and glass jars to put treats in and make them cute for gifts. I always find the Palmolive Dish Soap I love there. I agree about tissue paper, gift bags, and greeting cards. I also find random scrapbooking, summer, kids, and holiday items that are worth the purchase!

Unknown said...

I check out our Dollar Tree once a week. Things I will NOT buy are:
- Most food items. I'll grab a snack pack every now and then.
- Cleaners. Most are so watered down it would end up costing the same as name brands. Glass cleaner streaks like crazy. The furniture polish picks up dust, but it leaves a nasty greasy film.
- Batteries. SAVE YOUR MONEY. These things work for maybe 10 minutes. They're decent for things you don't use often, though.
- Night light bulbs. Check the wattage! It may save to buy the bulbs, but you may end up paying for it in your electric bill!
- Medicines. I tried some of their vitamins once, huge waste of money. I'll just stick to name brands or store chain brands. WalMart has their Equate brand of Motrin and Tylenol pretty cheap. I once bought twin packs of each for $4 each. Nice steal!

A few things I will buy are:
- Conditioner. GREAT for shaving! Shaving cream/gel is so expensive, and conditioner leaves my skin feeling super soft!
- Dryer sheets. 40-50 sheets for $1. Great for actual dryer use or for hair static, drawer fresheners, etc.
- Most seasonal decorations. You can find some real cute things. Especially check after each holiday, the decorations are usually marked down 50%.
- Candies. Our store had these espresso candies... I had tears when they quit selling them. My co-workers loved them too!
- Puzzle books. There is a wide variety of crosswords, word searches, variety puzzle books.
- Glassware. From wine glasses to vases. I found Coca Cola glasses for $1. My husband is a huge Coke fan, so I bought him a few Coke glasses :) The wine glasses are great for drinking or for crafts! If it breaks, it's only $1.
- Disposable pans. Our store also has non-disposable pans/dishes. Not the BEST quality, but they do the job. I have a tin bread pan that's been used several times and gone through the dishwasher and still looks new.
- Knock-off Swiffer pads (wet or dry). They work just as well. The wet ones tend to scrunch up more than actual Swiffer brand, but it gets the job done.
- In the craft aisle, our store has these wicker baskets for gift sets, flora arrangements, etc. They also work as vegetable/fruit baskets for the counter.
- Plastic storage bins. Great for organizing/storage.
- Certain makeup. Some of the eyeshadow and masscara are wonderful! I bought some eyeshadow once that crumbled as soon as the brush touched it. Disappointed, but you get what you pay for.
- Nail gear. Clippers, emery boards, pumice stones. They all work pretty well.
- Some crafty things. Some are pretty good, others are junk. It's just kind of hit-or-miss with that.

I've had no problem with their q-tips. I did buy the plastic ones once, and those wouldn't even be good to use for craft purposes. The cardboard stick ones work just as well as Q-Tip brand.

Leah C said...

I like to wrap Christmas gift baskets up in red or clear cellophane. You can't get it cheaper than at the Dollar Tree. My local grocery store carries only the Hallmark brand, same size as Dollar Tree, for four times the price.

It can also be a great place for cute baskets for Christmas gifts. Not super high quality, but for wrapping up some lotion and soap, it does the trick!

Amy Beth said...

Some dollar stores allow you to order in bulk from their website (Dollar Tree is one of these stores). I had a lot of gifts to buy last Christmas and was able to get a case of Christmas stockings at $1 each!! Now, of course they weren't homemade, fance-shmancy, stockings, but they did have a quilted pattern on them and I was able to embellish them a little bit. Worked out great and there were stocking for everyone! Love dollar stores!

Wendy said...

Best tortillas ever at the dollar store! And the Plackers for flossing! And the greeting cards are hilarious...in a twisted way...which is how I like them!

Wendy said...

Best tortillas ever at the dollar store! And the Plackers for flossing! And the greeting cards are hilarious...a little twisted humor...just how I like it!

Unknown said...

DO not buy the shower curtains. They are poorly cut and they don't fit. I made the mistake of buying them at 2 different dollar stores. Better off to pay the extra money for one that will fit!
Don't buy crayons...they are too waxy and not an assortment of colors (at least in the 2 boxes I bought).

Misty said...

The Dollar Tree "Febreeze" works great, good size bottle and the fresh smell lasts way longer then real Febreeze. They also have an "awesome" cleaner and degreaser in an orange spray bottle, worked wonders in the kitchen and on the stove. The disinfectant spray is good as well, smaller then the lysol spray but for the same price as a can of lysol you can buy twice as much of the dollar store brand and the good smell lasts much longer.

Unknown said...

Pregnancy tests! I heard so many of my friends talking about how accurate and great they were. Its how I found out I was pregnant. I know quite a few people who swear by them.. I mean buy 3 or 4 for $4 opposed to two for $12 or more for name brands or even store brands.

Unknown said...

Pregnancy tests! I heard so many of my friends talking about how accurate and great they were. Its how I found out I was pregnant. I know quite a few people who swear by them.. I mean buy 3 or 4 for $4 opposed to two for $12 or more for name brands or even store brands.

Unknown said...

Pregnancy tests! I heard so many of my friends talking about how accurate and great they were. Its how I found out I was pregnant. I know quite a few people who swear by them.. I mean buy 3 or 4 for $4 opposed to two for $12 or more for name brands or even store brands.

Unknown said...

Hahahaha I bought those exact bobby pins a month ago, and literally thought, "How can you mess up a bobby pin?! Hahah th good ones are only 1 dollar at WalMart anyway. :p

Stephanie R. said...

Great post! I also love the Dollar Store, and I think you just about nailed it with the ones to pass on!

Unknown said...

The pregnancy tests are a real money saver. We've been trying to conceive for almost a year so I can't even imagine what kind of money we've saved with this medicine cabinet staple. Plus if you're anxious like I am, you can satisfy your curiosity for about a buck. They also have ovulation tests. Haven't tried them yet, but seems they might not be the best buy if you are trackng for an extended time frame - $1 for 1 test not so good. Thanks for the great post. Love the $$$ Tree!

Anniem said...

I used to buy the dollar store ones to do just that- switch them out- I found out the chemicals were causing my husband to go into asthma attacks. I paid $10 for a cloth shower curtain liner that is washable. It's paid for itself more than the original $10.

Heidi said...

I agree with most comments except the washcloth. I bought the microfiber ones and they work great. The ones I bought at Wal-Mart cost three times as much and have started disintegrating. They have only been washed once.

Unknown said...

Agreed that when most people hit the dollar store we tend to think everything in there is a steal.. table cloths, plastic cups, plates, napkins, etc.. are anywhere from 3-10cents cheaper at Wal-Mart. However one thing not mentioned.. I buy my little night light bulbs from there.. 5 for a $1 I haven't found them anywhere cheaper yet.

bking said...

Never buy aluminum foil there. I wrap my cheese balls in them before parties. This Christmas I had quite a surprise. I took the foil off when everyone started asking about it (it is one of their favorites) and the foil on the inside had actually come off and soaked into the cheesebsl. I tried to scrape the top layer off and the inside even tasted like it.

Rikki & Daniel said...


Ours seems to carry things we don't see at a lot of other DT stores. It even has a dairy and frozen food section! Our family snags/passes on the following.

Snag: huge plastic bowls, cupcake carriers, plastic serving ware, Dermasil (retails for $7/tube at drugstores and is good!), 'neosporin', crafts, stickers, American Greeting thank you cards/invitations, small gift bags, party decor/supplies, balloons, dye free children's Tylenol (with great exp date and not on recall list), large bottle liquid hand soap refill (orange one only- nice and thick!), LA Best Cleaner, foaming carpet cleaner ($6 can elsewhere and this stuff works REALLY well), hair doodles, and headbands.

Pass: band aids, batteries, anything in the electrical aisle, anything in the pet supply aisle, Bissell cleaners, The Works cleaners ( work really well but only $.79 ea elsewhere), clothes, most baby supplies, knick knacks, anything at front registers (cheaper elsewhere).

Thanks for posting. It's kinda fun analyzing why you really do go to the dollar store. :-).

Ali Richardson said...

Awesome roundup! I would add to never buy hotpads from there. I burned my hand SO band when using a cheesy $1 hot pad. Ouch!

Unknown said...

I actually use the dollar store washcloths for detailing /cleaning the vehicles or around the house. They are cheap, washable, and after they get to many holes I can just throw them away and not worry about wasting to much money on them.

Unknown said...

I use the washcloths for cleaning /detailing my house and our vehicles. Its a cheap way to wash and reuse, and when they get to many holes in them I just toss them. Also great to keep in the car as an alternative to paper towels, just wipe up the mess put the washcloth in a sandwich baggie, wash and replace in the car.

Unknown said...

I actually use the dollar store washcloths for detailing /cleaning the vehicles or around the house. They are cheap, washable, and after they get to many holes I can just throw them away and not worry about wasting to much money on them.

elainahsparents@hotmail.com said...

Walmart now has some for 89¢

Melanie said...

Fun Dip! 10 cents a pack!!! We love it!

chica nana said...

A few years ago I started bringing my 3 granddaughter to the dollar tree to do their Christmas shopping. I wanted each child to choose their own present for each parent, aunt, uncle, friend, etc. and then come home and wrap it. This has started a fun traditions and one that takes a few hours to accomplish. With all the figurines, mugs, frames, candles, crafts, vases, etc, they always manage to find something special for each person and has taught them that they too must give, not only receive... and it is not too painful on MY wallet!

Lauren vdH said...

I actually think that wood polish is watered down, so I hate it... never cleans finger prints, and just beads up on my wood cabinets. I recently found lemon oil (at walmart) and LOVE it!

Michelle be free said...

I bought buboes for kids there many times so this past summer I got a bunch and to my surprise a few of the bottles had cleaner in them instead of bubbles! I called the store to tell them not even asking for a refund but to make sure no other kids got a hold of them, and the person on the phone said there was nothing they could do and hung up! I called again to speak to a manager and they said they would look into it. Later that day I went in concerned with it and to my surprise they did nothing! Please becareful when get things not just at the dollar store but anywhere. Luckily my kids didn't get a hold of them and nobody was hurt.

Unknown said...

I used the big plastic containers with a lid to give cookies as gifts last year. Our dollar Tree sometimes has plastic zip type bags in 2 gallon size and sometimes has even bigger clothing storage bags with a built in carry handle. Great for putting dirty clothes in when traveling. The coloring books are a bargain at $1. I have to stay out of the candy aisle. Too many name brand temptations. Lint roller, but keep an old handle from a more expensive on handy in case the plastic breaks. I used the cardboard Halloween decorations , did all the front windows for $2.
Stay away from the baby wipes(terrible). I don't buy the make up at Dollar tree, but some of those like Family Dollar & DG have name brands.

The Davies said...

Be careful with toothbrushes. You need a soft bristle good name brand for daily use. My husband is a dentist and very picky with his choice in toothbrush. I love to shop at the Dollar Tree as well. The window cleaner is great. The preg tests work well! I agree with your finds. The squeezable applesauce is great for lunches. If you have a freezer section some of the things are good but don't waste your money on the cream cheese or chip dip!

Danielle said...

Don't buy the pregnancy tests... they don't work. After using 6 of them that said negative I finally bought an EPT at Walgreens that was positive.

Heather said...

All six pregnancies (and the nots in between) were accurate with dollar store tests.
Small garbage cans or bins are great.
Pay attention to ounces on food, it can be great or not.
Condoms. Haven't seen them often, but never had one fail, and at 12 for a dollar, can't beat it.
I have found nice wooden toys that have lasted us for years occasionally. It's very hit and miss, but so nice to hear reviews and not have to waste money on stuff. My nephew did a comparison of $ batteries vs. Duracell for a science project; name brand lasted 4x longer, on average.

Unknown said...

Great post another thing I buy at my dollar general is sandwich bags and trash bags. Cheaper and work just as good.

Unknown said...

Great post another thing I buy at my dollar general is sandwich bags and trash bags. Cheaper and work just as good.

Unknown said...

I buy so many picture frames at the dollar store! And party supplies, children's books, spices, holiday dishes, cleaning supplies, craft supplies, candles, the list just goes on and on.

Miss Robyn said...

Deal's is NOT a strictly $1 store, or at least not in our area. They are a discount store like Dollar General and Family Dollar.

The "Awesome" brand cleaner and "The Works" toilet cleaner are FAB. Won't be using anything else! :)

Sarina said...

We also have at home MARIJUANA DRUG tests and like the pregnancy tests I was unsure so I tested them and I am not a smoker and mine was negative and my friend was and his was positive. The same with the pregnancy tests, they do work, they are the same ones they will give you at a walk in carenet or planned parenthood

Sarina said...

We also have the at home Marijuana Test at our local store and we tested it to see and they do work, could save you a small fortune, I believe most stores charge around 40 for at home drug testing.

Anonymous said...

I bought a pair of sunglasses from the dollar store about 3 years ago, I wear them all the time, they even sit on the top of my head good. The colour has not flaked off, the lenses sometimes pop out when I am cleaning them, but they snap right back in place. I love the shower curtains. Not for the shower though, they suck for that. I used them as a catch all under baby's high chair when they were learning to feed themselves, as a craft mat for when the little ones were playing with play doh or painting. They make great drop cloths for painting, and furniture covers for your outdoor furniture. I make gift baskets and the dollar store is always my go to for small fillers and my ribbons and bows and wraps. Also a great place to grab up things for a day at the park or beach.

heater said...

I am a teacher so love love love this store they have some nice teacher incentives/tools that usu cost MUCH more else where. I buy only the "brand name" freezer bags because their bags well dont hold up. Their glasswears have help me make amazing gifts relatively cheap with lots of WOW factor at minimum cost!!! Will u marry me Dollar Tree??? LOL!!!

APAYNE said...

I love this post and I thank you for making it! I have a dollar store close to my house as well and im trying to learn what is a good buy of not and your post has definitely helped! but i do have to disagree with you on one thing, the Bobby pins. I use an unhealthy amount of bobby pins and i feel like i'm always running out. Snagged the exact same kind that was in your post and I LOVE THEM! that are longer then traditional bobby pins, i went back a week later and bought 2 more packs just in case i cant find them again lol

Thanks again for your post!!

gaylynn said...

Dollar General sells a canned ham, like the canned tuna, that is awesome. Also I buy my reading glasses and sun glasses there, they seem to last longer than the expensive one.

Unknown said...

You sound like someone I would get along with. I am all about saving money and buying generic for most products. I have compared many name brand products to Walmart's Equate products. Why spend more for a name? Here is my blog http://rachelknowsbest.com

Unknown said...

You sound like someone I would get along with. I am all about saving money and buying generic for most products. I have compared many name brand products to Walmart's Equate products. Why spend more for a name? Here is my blog http://rachelknowsbest.com

Andrea said...

Ouch for Mother Earth. Lots of nasty chemicals in many of your product suggestions. I understand we're all on a budget but our dollars cast a vote on how we want the world to be for our children. Spend them wisely...

Anonymous said...

SO glad I'm not the only one who noticed this about the dishwashing liquid. It's so clearly a watered down waste. Definitely NOT worth it!!

Unknown said...

The thing that I definitely pass on more than anything is the store brand conditioners and dandruff shampoos. They are terrible and leave your hair feeling waxy and gross.

Denise from Ark said...

I'm insane, adding to this. But I read the first 200 comments and there are a few things I didn't see mentioned: The felted hangers are 2 to a package and cheaper than WM. I am slowly changing the entire closet. The shimmer eye shadows can be used to pearlize craft projects; I saw a video where a gal made some pearl spray to use for papercrafts. She also used spray bottles from body freshener because they came 2/pkg so she got two bottles for $1. Totally agree on the vitamin E creamy vaseline. Awesome stuff. I have to wash at a laundrymatte, which charges .75 for one box of soap if I run out. DT detergent is $1 for a big bottle, so I keep a bottle in the trunk in case I forgot to make more (I make/take powder). TINS!! I love tins, especially anything with a hinged lid. Can't beat their price at Christmas, and Pinterest has some of the cutest ideas to paint and decorate them.

Denise from Ark said...

Shoot two things I forgot: On a more somber note, if you're a prepper, (and everyone SHOULD be - even if it's only prepped for two weeks of no utilities/transportation) DT is a fabulous place to get prepping supplies like can openers, packages of dry food, etc. I've heard bad stuff about their hand held can openers but mine last just fine. I have 3 in my prep kit just in case. Just for fun, I use the flp flops to make cutsie flippies for summer. Cut the tops off and replace them with braided fabric. I've even done some where I bought two identical sets so I could glue them together to make thick soles.

Stephanie said...

I bought some zippered mesh bags in the school supply section that make great knitting/crochet project bags. I also get the orange degreaser from there as it works wonderfully.

I also buy lots of storage containers, craft supplies, dog bowls, & certain kinds of toys from there as well. They are the only place I have seen whoopie cushions on a regular basis.

Unknown said...

I didn't see it above, but I just recently got a few packs of the Goody's (name brand) hair clips which are normally $4-5 at a brand name store. Definitely snag-it!

circa810 said...

Dog treats! My girl loves the bone shaped nes!

circa810 said...

Dog treats... my Girl loves them

Anonymous said...

Nice post! I agree with almost everything except for the bobby pins...I have tons of hair and the dollarstore bobby pins are my go to. Everytime I'm there I grab another pack..that's how much I like them.

Unknown said...

You're so right about the pregnacy tests! I bought 2 & both were positive! Had a boy 9 months later!

Unknown said...

You're so right about the pregnacy tests! I bought 2 & both were positive! Had a boy 9 months later!

Unknown said...

You're so right about the pregnacy tests! I bought 2 & both were positive! Had a boy 9 months later!

KennieGreen said...

I agree with you on the lotion. Wal-Mart's Equate brand is $0.97 and it is the closest thing I've found to the vasoline brand.

Unknown said...

Please be aware these are not accurate, as a labor and delivery nurse I have heard many negative things about them.

Unknown said...

Please be aware these are not accurate, as a labor and delivery nurse I have heard many negative things about them.

Amanda said...

I've bought, and continue to buy, many things at Dollar Tree (the REAL dollar store... not a misleading name like Dollar General & Family Dollar.) Shower curtains, kleenex, zipper baggies, movie sized boxes of candy. They usually have an awesome collection of woven baskets, candle holders, vases & other glass containers in the craft aisle. The minced garlic jars and dried spices are fine & a great deal. I buy socks for my daughter sometimes too. They're cute, fit ok, and for $1 I don't mind how fast they get dirty or she grows out of them. There are other things but if I listed them, I'd be here all night :)

Susan Mallett said...

Snag: glass vases, chewing gum, gift bags, helium balloons, sudoku puzzle books (favorite), toothpaste, post-it note pads (found a 2-pak), serving trays (great for potlucks), glow sticks for the kids

Leave: ink pens (yuk!), stuffed animals, seasonal knick knacks and most decorations (cheesy), pocket knife (breaks easily), holiday candy

Julie said...

Also: Aluminum disposable baking pans! These cost $3 or $4 at the grocery store!

MathewsLisaJ said...

I use the vinyl shower curtains to protect the floor when I paint. Or to put down outside when I need to spray paint something. They work much better than those thin plastic drop cloths you get at the home supply stores.

nelson said...

Oddly - high theft item- most stores have this happen-

nelson said...

Oddly they are a high theft item- I never would of thought this but apparently all stores have issues with it.
So glad I read this today- have to get stocking stuffers and tape for wrapping:)

Cole said...

I would say pass on the shower curtains. They're so thin that they always billow. Get a heavier one or one with magnets from the store. Plus, some dollar stores don't have clear ones, which is important from an aesthetics point.

Also pass: garbage bags. They are literally garbage. Thin and break too easily.

Cole said...

Another pass: lingerie laundry bags.
I bought a two pack. One fell apart in the first wash. Eeps

Ann said...

I bought almost everything from the Dollar Store for gift bags for out of town guest's hotel rooms for my daughter's wedding... bottled water, brand name Tylenol, Tums, snacks, brown sack gift bags & curling ribbon, etc... I buy poster board, costume items, vases & rocks/pebbles as fillers, floral foam, seasonal decorating items for outside...so much. No potted meat here!!

Betty Bird said...

Onesies
Scrapbook Embellishments
Bread Pans (Bake,give and don't worry about getting it back!)
Beef Jerky(its not the highend brands but if your hungry it's good)
The Sunday Paper
Tuna in the pouches is actually pretty good.
Pass
Jalepenos are just awful they're mushy and don't even have a kick to them.

Venassa said...

Dollar store pregnancy test worked for mess about 2 weeks after the missed period (after already using an expensive one). Next time I'd go straight for the dollar store.

Stacie & Sheree said...

Dermasil lotion is also a great buy at Dollar Tree!

Unknown said...

I love this post! Pass on the spaghetti sauce nasty! Cut the check for the spaghetti sauce! I personally like there body wash by April called Dream Orchid, hand soap, and all there glue sticks for your glue gun. There craft section, worth looking at. I love there pictures that are already framed! You can use them to decorate around the house or for a gift spent four dollars on picture for the bathroom and it made a wonderful difference. Love Dollar Tree!

Anonymous said...

I would agree with all except the pregnancy test. Walmart now has this same one for $0.89 and for me, since I'm at Walmart a lot, it's worth it to have bought them. (There were months of uncertainty as I was irregular due to endometriosis.)

Munchkin Momma said...

These are just as reliable as the ones the doctors office buys in bulk! Just make sure you have a clean cup (plastic disposable) to collect your urine these are the kind that uses a dropper.

Munchkin Momma said...

Wow such a great post and so many excellent comments!
Don't forget their Mylar balloons for parties! It's the only place I buy them!
You can order bulk and pick it up at the store if you go to dollar tree direct . Com
I buy a lot of snacks there. The freeze dried fruit and pretzels and those little pretzel and cheese snacks are a good deal there. The potted meat or spam type stuff is okay for a 72 hr kit not something I would buy on a regular basis though. The travel baby spoons are a great deal compared to the take n toss brand and I still have some that have now been used through 5 different kids and passed around through friends! The bins and baskets ( not laundry ones) are great for organizing and depending on what you use them for they work well. The lingerie bags are fantastic for keeping socks sorted ( there are 6 of us!) also keeps baby socks from getting jammed under the wringer in the washer! They have lots of as seen on tv items too like the bra strap converter which is a good quick fix to turn your regular bra into a racer back. The $1 a pair cute socks aren't bad but the packs suck. Books are great there especially the educational kid ones. I buy a lot of craft supplies there my kids go through them so fast and it doesn't matter what brand I buy. I love the paper and teacher supplies too.
Hmm... I'm starting to think my hubby was right and I am an addict!
Don't forget matches for 72 hr kits or stockpiles!

Kelly Calandrino said...

Thanks for the helpful tips. I would have NEVER thought to try a shower curtain from the DS. As thin as the plastic is, it really does the job just as well as the last $10 plastic curtain I bought. Very grateful for your information!!

Jessi said...

Pasd on candy. A lot of times it's the same price or more expensive, and has usually expired.

Unknown said...

I get picture frames for a buck. Simple black ones go with anything

Unknown said...

I get picture frames for a buck. Simple black ones go with anything

Amie said...

Love this! So helpful.
I can confirm that the pregnancy tests do work. I have been both pregnant and not pregnant and they were right both times :) All my friends have used them too. Great thing to have on hand when trying to have a baby.

justamom said...

The worst product ever from there was liquid plumber it was watery and did nothing I suspect I could have drank it and lived bought the real stuff after was thick smelt like a chmical and actually worked........ the vim cleaner works awesome, dog poop bags lso perfect, pregnancy test works fine bobby pins are useless, batteries are great

Unknown said...

On pregnacy number4 with dollar store tests. So worth the savings

Torina43 said...

Natural White toothpaste is another good buy. It does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate as most do. SLS is a foaming agent that sometimes irritates skin. I went through a spell where I was getting canker sores all the time and they took forever to heal until I switched toothpastes and eliminated SLS. I haven't had a canker sore in 4 years.

Unknown said...

Well this is an old post, but I have to recommend the little animal containers in the baby section. 2 for $1 and they are PERFECT for homemade baby food! BPA free for those who wonder. So nice to be able to have a large amount instead of the expensive containers for baby bullet!

Anonymous said...

This might reveal that I'm a cheapo, but I bought earbuds at the dollar store once because I figured that the worst that could happen was I'd be out a dollar. They worked for exactly 6 minutes and 40 seconds through a lecture and then quit. Pass!

Amy said...

Napkins and greeting cards are two things I always go to the Dollar Store for.

Megan and Kris said...

I did use the pregnancy tests. Couple times when we were trying but ended up using. More expensive one to be sure when it was positive.

memoriesandadventuresofamom said...

Walmart now carries an 88¢ pregnancy test and a few other health/personal items like hydrocortisone cream and painrelief

memoriesandadventuresofamom said...

Walmart now carries an 88¢ pregnancy test and a few other health/personal items like hydrocortisone cream and painrelief

memoriesandadventuresofamom said...

Walmart now carries an 88¢ pregnancy test and a few other health/personal items like hydrocortisone cream and painrelief

Unknown said...

Dollar tree totally saved my night once, I locked my keyes in my van, and broke in using a glow stick ;)

Mom said...

I bought the shower cleaner there last week. It works fine but the trigger is so small it's hard to spray without your hand slipping off. We usually make our own spray so I only bought it to have a new bottle...that kinda backfired ;-)

Unknown said...

I have tried the pinesol. It smells so nasty i through it away. They also have diabetic socks in black and white. Same thing walmart has for $7.00,

Unknown said...

I have tried the pinesol. It smells so nasty i through it away. They also have diabetic socks in black and white. Same thing walmart has for $7.00,

Unknown said...

I have tried the pinesol. It smells so nasty i through it away. They also have diabetic socks in black and white. Same thing walmart has for $7.00,

Unknown said...

You forgot gift bags, greeting cards, and fancy mylar balloons;-)

Unknown said...

you forgot gift bags and Mylar balloons:)

Unknown said...

Are those also what you buy there to?

Unknown said...

Are those what else you buy?

kelly heritage said...

mylar balloons and party paper products are a thumbs up! also, our dollar trees keep the pregnancy tests at the register.

kelly heritage said...

mylar balloons and party paper products are a thumbs up! also, our dollar trees keep the pregnancy tests at the register.

Unknown said...

I buy foam-core poster board for my job there. It's not as thick as what I can buy at the Office supply store, but it's easier to cut, and it's a mat finish so it's easier to draw on with markers. For what I need, it's far more superior to what's 3x the cost in the other stores.




Lynn said...

I am laughing right now a little bit. I don't know if anyone has said this already but, 'pate' or 'pâte' is French for dough or paste.

Unknown said...

Our dollar store has bacon for $2 less than the grocery store, that's the only meat we buy there. We buy tp and dish soap too. Charmin and Dawn for way cheaper! Same with Tide laundry detergent. We do half our shopping there :)

Hilly said...

They now have them at Walmart for .87 cents! They are with other items of the same price on a shelf to themselves, usually beside the pick up line at the pharmacy.

AlisonArtisan said...

Without reading all the comments, I'll share my favorite and not so favorite finds. Tin foil, Yes! Plastic wrap, No! String, Yes! Party plates, napkins, plastic silverware, Yes! Helium balloons (2/$1), Yes! Wrapping paper, Yes! Plastic storage containers and the like, Yes! Plastic Zipper Bags, No! *I find the plastic is way too thin and when you try to open them the whole top strip rips off and then they are useless* Party favors, No! (Cheap crap that falls apart instantly or never works at all.) The lists of good and bad can go on and on.

Dedra said...

I will ad that I bought 3 name brand pregnancy tests elsewhere and they came back negative or inconclusive results and then the next day bought 2 more and same thing...then that day bought 4 dollar tree tests and all were positive. My daughter will be 3 this year so I would say they are accurate.

kiwibeeper said...

Thanks for the info, I often wonder what's actually worth it at the dollar store.

I am not disputing the quality of the no-name play dough, but the pate on the box is French for "dough", it's not the pate that is spread on crackers. I tried to spell them both in here to show the difference, but can't get the ASCII codes working for some reason.

Perhaps this product is from Canada, where law requires both official languages on all packaging.

Anyway, just thought it might offer you some comfort that they are not trying to pass it off as a food product!

Maggie said...

Love this! The pregnancy tests are the best. I found out my son was coming with a dollar store test, 5 days early. I won't ever buy an expensive pee stick again. I always buy candy there, I have aa huge sweet tooth. I also like to buy paper goods for parties there!

Tava said...

This list is right on point! Wish I would've found it before my trial and error phases of trying them all out on my own. :)

Something I'd like to share w/you is about the picture of the wannabe Play-Do. You've got it listed as "Dough Pate". If you look really closely in the picture, the brand is Wonder Dough and it is written on the front side of the package. Then on the back side it says Dough/Pate. Pate is French. Meaning Pate is just the French way of saying Dough. It also follows this form on the quantity.

mamabyrd said...

Hello I just found your blog on Pinterest.Awesome job!! I just tried the comforter bags because I also so them on Pinterest for storing clothes. They were table!! Super thin but I also purchased a few drawer organizers and I think they just changed my life!! They are super!

Karie said...

The bobby pins are not that bad. I actually purchased them about a year ago and i still use them. (:

Stcyault said...

I work for dollar tree, and we are always getting new stuff in all the time, I suggest finding out when your local dollar tree gets it truck and go in about 2 days after that day it gives them time to put the new stock out. Party basics are always a good deal there, and don't wait to buy like holiday stuff once it is gone it is gone

kmcgrew213 said...

i bought my clear wine glasses there.. they are so great and look very expensive! my roommate bought expensive ones and hers all broke within a few months!

Ashley said...

This post was extremely helpful to me because I have been wondering about some of the items listed and now I know whether or not they are worth it. Thank You!

Another wonderful thing the Dollar Tree has is a large size frizbee. It seriously works better than any of the ones from Wal-Mart and is perfect for playing on the beach.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Unknown said...

this is so funny!! you have to add tea bags. I figured tea was tea. Yea um NO!!! I bought an 80 count box of tea bags from the dollar store and ended up having to use 2 tea bags per cup to make a decent cup. So if my math is correct, I really bought a 40 count box. soo disappointing...

Unknown said...

this is so funny!! you have to add tea bags. I figured tea was tea. Yea um NO!!! I bought an 80 count box of tea bags from the dollar store and ended up having to use 2 tea bags per cup to make a decent cup. So if my math is correct, I really bought a 40 count box. soo disappointing...

Lindsey said...

Seriously just bought and used those pregnancy tests and they work great - fast and can you say CHEAP?! Love it! All they're really testing for is the increased HCG hormone so you can't screw that up. Oh - and they were positive :)

Rachel R. said...

Potted meat is potted meat. Personally, I think it's nasty any way around it, but the dollar store's stuff isn't any worse than what you'll find at a pricey supermarket. Single-serving pouches of salmon are actually significantly cheaper at DT than the supermarket. (Still not as cost effective as larger cans, but if you're looking for the single-serving ones - for trips or whatever - they're a good deal.)

Totally agree on the q-tips. The first time I used one, the cotton popped off in my ear and I had to have hubby pull it out with tweezers. (!) They might be good for crafting, but not for personal uses.

One of my best snags was Sunkist dark chocolate-covered "orange slices" (candy). These are usually 3-something a bag! Relatively healthy as candy goes, too.

We've found good t-shirts on occasion, too. (They sometimes seem to get in name-brand "seconds.") And occasionally they've had some decent DVD's.

dk012377 said...

I like to buy the fluoride mouthwash for the kids. it has the same active ingredient as ACT for a fraction of the cost. we also get toothpaste and toothbrushes ( but only the name brand ones). also love to stock up on soy milk there. and of course we stop there to pick up movie candy on the way to the theatre (shhhh, don't tell)

dk012377 said...

ah yes, another fun thing is nail polish, the kids love it for sharing with friends at sleepovers.

Anonymous said...

> Washcloths and Towels: Pass

I buy these and donate them to my local Avian Hospital. They love them.

-- C.

Janel said...

My favorites: garden seeds!!!! they are 4 packs for a dollar for the normal envelopes and I had better luck with starts from seed with those packs then my fancy mail order seeds. Serious!

Jigsaw puzzles... my kids love the 50 ish piece ones and they're mostly disney and pixar.

Mouth wash... comes in pretty small bottles, but still a better deal ounce-for-ounce than store brand listerine.

Those shower curtains really are great for everything. I used them to save my carpets while potty training my kid.

Skip the oxiclean rip off... doesn't work very well. Skip the name brand dish soaps... cheaper to buy real ones ounce by ounce in the grocery store.

Jenny - AKA - frogmama said...


Shower curtain liners -my kids rip them or if they get gross, i can just replace them. Easy.

Some things that did not make your list that i always stock up on at Dollar Tree:

-glow sticks and glow necklaces, etc- and bring them to fireworks, camping and wherever we know our kids are going to beg us to pay $3 for ONE. $store even has the fancy ones

-AG13 and other coin-looking batteries. They last quite a long time. I try not to stock more than well use in a year because i did have an old package leak once, but for $3 PER BATTERY other places, buying a 10-pack for $1 to fix your kids favorite toy for several months is worth it. I have never tried the AA batteries there. (Note: geek husband says "heavy duty" is good for clocks and things like that but you want "Alkaline" for cameras, light-up stuff and things like thar

-kids books. I always find good deals for kids books there. Some/many are poorly manufactured and are sorta dumb stories, but kids can get very hung up on about any story, and some actually have very good content. I bought some cute rhyming Bible story board books there that i would have paid more if they had been sold somewhere else. I picked up a series of Winnie The Pooh books once there. The pages were a bit thin, the binding was a bit weak, but the stories were cute and they did survive my child. Some even have made it into my "save for my future grandkids" box.

-coloring books (and word find/puzzle books) Seriously. Who needs to pay $3 (or more) for a Strawberry Shortcake coloring book. I would always get these before road trips and let each kid get one.

-baking pans - not for baking, but for magnet board crafts and the 11x14 jelly roll pans work great on a kids lap in the car for their play area cuz they are magnetic and stuff cant roll of easily.. I bought some $store light-up spinners for the kids to use on them when we had a nighttime road trip.

-Storage containers are touch-and-go. Most dont latch well but are good for organizing less-used items (shoe laces and care, cookie cutters, pumpkin carving stuff all come to mind). The bins and caddies resemble their larger, more expensive counterparts but are a bit small to use in a practical sense.

Thats all i can think of and im sure im not the only one to suggest these. Thanks for the great post!

Unknown said...

I would say PASS on the pregnancy tests! I bought three and they all said negative. Then went to the doctor the same day and I was 8 weeks pregnant! They are NOT accurate!

Unknown said...

Give the product AWESOME a shot, it cleans 100% of everything! Blood, grease, grass, dog stains on carpet, nasty dog cages, walls...you name it!! My whole family swears by it, I personally buy it by the half gallon!!

Unknown said...

I buy the cleaner called Awesome! And its just that! We used it in a resturant i worked at gk cean grease off the sides of big deep fryers, this stuff works wonders on anything!

Unknown said...

I buy the cleaner called Awesome! And its just that! We used it in a resturant i worked at gk cean grease off the sides of big deep fryers, this stuff works wonders on anything!

savingssally said...

This makes a couponer cringe lol...

Unknown said...

Pregnancy test work great that's how i found out i was pregnant with my son i took four of them and they all said pregnant I'd say they work for sure.

Unknown said...

I speak from my personal experience , please pass on the pregnancy test! I took this same test when I was 5 months pregnant with my son just to experiment with it and guess what? It said negative ! Ever since then, I don't waste my $ on that :-)

Unknown said...

Hi! Never NEVER buy toothpaste from a dollar store. Their products are typically shipped from other countries and they have different fluoride regulations there... The news did a break down on a tube that came from africa. It said Africa does not have fluoride in their water and if used in the USA it can be toxic if even swallowed the tiniest bit. I never never buy anything from there that could be or potentially be consumed. No food, no toothpaste or mouth wash. You get what you pay for and im not paying for a doctors visit over a 1.00 food/oral hygiene product. Nope!

Unknown said...

Hi! Never NEVER buy toothpaste from a dollar store. Their products are typically shipped from other countries and they have different fluoride regulations there... The news did a break down on a tube that came from africa. It said Africa does not have fluoride in their water and if used in the USA it can be toxic if even swallowed the tiniest bit. I never never buy anything from there that could be or potentially be consumed. No food, no toothpaste or mouth wash. You get what you pay for and im not paying for a doctors visit over a 1.00 food/oral hygiene product. Nope!

Janice @ Mom On The Run said...

The dollar store pregnancy tests are VERY worth it - found out I was preggo with each of my dighters from these - so glad I didn't spend $10 on the clear blue :)

NAT said...

I practically live in the Dollar Tree..love it

NAT said...

Love the Dollar Tree..I go totally nuts when I go..:-).

NAT said...

I practically live in the Dollar Tree..love it

Unknown said...

WalMart has some for $2.00.

Wendelou72 said...

The wine glasses, plates and coffee mugs are a buy! Great for gifts and craft projects!

Mickey Doodle said...

About the pregnancy test....My friend's son and his friends were being silly and ended up buying some of these. One came out positive....LOL...I would double check on that one.

serafinelaveaux said...

I buy canned chicken and ham from Dollar Tree all the time. Their canned chicken tastes way better than Walmart's Great Value canned chicken, and it's cheaper.

DancingMooney said...

Please do Not buy Dollar Store QTips, they are truly unsafe. I used to buy them, until one day the cotton fell off, INSIDE my husband's ear. He had to go to the doctors to have it removed. Awful.

Tiffany@Fizzy Party! said...

I agree with all that you posted except the towels. Like you, I thought it would be a waste of money. My husband on the other hand loved the idea of towels for $1. So he bought a bunch. 6 yrs later those towels have held up. So for about 16 cents a year I'm the one eating my words.

Unknown said...

I've gotten several $1 ree shower curtains because my cats think a shower curtain is like kitty Disneyland lol, but yeah they all have smelled stronglt of what I assume to be chemicals. I read a news article approx. 5 yrs. ago that Americans should avoid buying any dollar store toys & products that could go in achild's mouth because most are made in China & were found to be chok full of toxic levels of lead.:/

Unknown said...

I've gotten several $1 ree shower curtains because my cats think a shower curtain is like kitty Disneyland lol, but yeah they all have smelled stronglt of what I assume to be chemicals. I read a news article approx. 5 yrs. ago that Americans should avoid buying any dollar store toys & products that could go in achild's mouth because most are made in China & were found to be chok full of toxic levels of lead.:/

Unknown said...

Not sure if you watched the 20 20
Episode about counterfeited makeup, cleaners and other beauty items recently but just wanted to share what I learned. Often times Dollar stores and other smaller stores sell counterfeit name brand makeup that is harmful. Some of the makeup tested had over 100 times the legal limit of copper and lead. The show didn't mention any of the discount $1 by name but after viewing this episode I will never purchase any beauty or cleaning products from a $1 store.

Sharon Crawford said...

I buy calenders and planners there, also toothpaste and baby powder, pet toys are usually good for us too. Holiday items like glow bracelets for Halloween, sparklers for summer are good. I too have bought items and thought 'why'd I do that'?

MML said...

TOILET PAPER! Perhaps it's because it's not polite conversation, or just indicative that I am newer to the frugality/couponer game, but toilet paper here is the best "deal." The dark blue package one. It's a deal as in square footage, not fluffy softness. I echo to buy sunglasses, some candies, gift bags, some cleaners, some t-shirts, and to one poster, I survived the fresh eggs. They seemed fine. Thanks for the post. I'll remember the scotch tape and avoid the pate.

Anonymous said...

Im impressed, I have too admit. Genuinely
rarely do I encounter a weblog thats both
educative and entertaining, and without a doubt, you may
have hit the nail within the head. Your idea
is outstanding; the thing is an issue that
not ennough consumers are speaking intelligently about.
My business is delighted that I stumbled across
this within my search for some thing in regards to this.

Anonymous said...

Hey very nice blog!

Anonymous said...

Hello! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would
be okay. I'm undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.

Anonymous said...

Hi, i think that i saw you visited my site thus i came to “return the favor”.I am
trying too find things to enhance my website!I suppose its ok to use some off your
ideas!!

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 381 of 381   Newer› Newest»
Powered by Blogger.