It feels like Christmas to me every time I walk into the dollar store. You never know what goodies you are going to find under the “tree”! I know they sometimes get a bad reputation, but if you know what to buy (or not) then you can leave there with some really amazing deals. Check out my recommendations below!
Things You Should Buy
Greeting Cards – Unfortunately, most end up in the trash within a few weeks after the party. So instead of paying $4.59 to have the fancy card singing to the birds at the landfill, I buy mine at the dollar store. My local store actually has name brand cards 2/$1, so whenever I go I stock up to always have a few on hand.
Pens – I have a few nice pens that I love to use, but inevitably I’m always searching for one in the junk drawer as I’m trying to quickly write something down. You can get all the way up to a 10 pack for $1.
Snacks – With growing kids at home snacks can get quite pricey. The dollar store usually has a whole aisle dedicated to these tasty treats. Sure, most aren’t named brand, but every once in a while you can find a real gem. Lunch box cracker sandwiches and coconut chips are favorite snacks I buy for our family.
Balloons – I recently spent $26 on a small balloon bouquet for my mother in law’s birthday at a name brand party store. I was shocked at the price! The dollar store usually has at least 15 different balloons designs to choose from at any given time. Added bonus: They will also fill your balloons from home for $1 a piece!
Theatre Candy – If you are having a fun movie night at home stop by your local store and pick up a few boxes of your favorite candy. Not only can each person get what they like, but the kids will feel like they are sitting right there in those theatre seats. Sticky floors not required.
Gift Bags – There’s nothing worse than buying a gift and then having to pay an additional $3-$4 on a gift bag. With varying sizes, the dollar store has plenty of options for all your gift bag needs.
Thank You Cards – Again, another card destined for the trash can, thank you cards after a party can get quite pricey. At 8/$1, you can choose from a bunch of cute designs without spending a fortune.
Pregnancy Tests – This will be nothing fancy. No curved handle, and certainly no digital results. But, this child will cost you more than you could ever prepare for (all in a good way!). No need to spend $15 on something that can tell you the same thing for $1.
Craft Supplies – I cannot tell you how many craft ideas have landed me at the dollar store. You will never know what treasures you can find while meandering the isles! Have a party or wedding coming up? It’s a perfect place to search for a hurricane glass candle holder or flattened marbles. Not to mention the naked foam wreaths waiting to be filled with your gorgeous creations!
Picture Frames – These are great if you need a quick frame, or if you are making an oh-so-cute picture wall. The last time I was in there I even saw frames with sayings on them, so not all are black and boring!
Seasonal Decor – I LOVE window clings! What I don’t love is how gross they get after the season is over. Since inventory changes for every season or holiday, you can decorate your house for super cheap. Most of my decorations have lasted a few years, but if they don’t then I’m only out $1.
Fake Flowers – Have you seen the price of fake flowers?! Even with your 40% off coupon, you’re still spending way more than you should on these beauties. The dollar store doesn’t have the large selection a brand name store would, but for $1 you are saving a significant amount.
Things You Shouldn’t Buy
Batteries – You just can’t skimp on batteries. They are great for low drain items such as your remotes, but they can’t keep up for the higher draining items. In the long run, you will be spending more replacing these than if you bought the real deal.
Meat – This one should be pretty self-explanatory. Please don’t buy the $1 ribeyes. Just… don’t.
Travel-Sized Toiletries – Even though these will be name brand items, you can still probably get them cheaper at a big box store.
Medicine – I am all for generic, but this is way generic. Also, since they usually come in such small quantities ( i.e. allergy meds) it is actually cheaper to buy them at the store. The price per pill will come out to be less than what the dollar store offers.
Toys – Since most dollar stores have a no return policy you cannot take back that cheap, plastic toy that just broke into pieces. I realize you are only out a buck, but try explaining that to the kid who is holding the poor, mangled toy in their hands.
The only major drawback that I have faced is with inventory. Each store has a certain amount of staples that they always carry, but will vary slightly on the rest of their stock. But whether you need a table cloth, soda pop, coloring books, or cat food, the dollar store has it all!
