Dollar stores — including Dollar General, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree — are everywhere in the U.S., outnumbering Starbucks and McDonald’s combined. In addition to having the word “dollar” in their names, these discount retailer giants share a similar business model: They sell store-brand and name-brand products for around, you guessed it, $1.
With so many store locations and beguilingly low prices, it’s no shocker that 88% of Americans report shopping at dollar stores on occasion. And in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis and the current inflationary period, the dollar store economy is thriving.
The siren song of the dollar store, with its convenience and rock-bottom pricing, can be hard to resist. The bad news is when it comes to dollar store inventory, you sometimes get what you pay for.
On the positive side, amid the shelves of cheap tools and knockoff toys, these discount retailers are also scattered with hidden gem deals. Navigate the aisles with our guide to the top things to always buy at the dollar store:
1. Gift Wrap, Bags and Boxes
Gift wrap is a no-brainer dollar store buy for one simple reason: It ends up ripped apart and tossed in the trash anyway. You can often find wrapping paper, gift bags and boxes at dollar stores at prices way significantly lower than your local grocery store.
Keep in mind: It’s worth noting that this one is controversial since some people feel that the quality of some gift-wrapping supplies means they should be avoided — particularly if you’re the type of person who likes to reuse bags and boxes. Gift bags and boxes might not last past one season or special occasion, which means you’ll have to restock sooner.
2. Greeting Cards
While pricing on grocery store greeting cards can reach upwards of $5, depending on fanciness, dollar store greeting cards cost around $1 (as we established). And they aren’t even necessarily cheap knockoffs, either: Dollar Tree offers two-for-$1 cards from HeartLine by Hallmark and $1 cards from Expressions from Hallmark.
Keep in Mind: You aren’t likely to find frills like pop-out dinosaurs or flap-activated music boxes in the dollar store greeting card aisle, but isn’t it the heartfelt handwritten message inside a card that counts, anyway?
3. Pregnancy Tests
That’s right! Pregnancy tests are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which means even ones sold at a dollar store are legit. Tests sold at ultralow dollar store prices should be just as accurate as the more expensive ones from the pharmacy.
Keep in Mind: If you want to be extra safe, you can search for a pregnancy test brand on the FDA database to make sure it’s been approved and cleared. In addition, since some dollar stores sell almost-expired products, be sure to triple-check an expiration date before purchasing and again before using a home test.
4. Sunglasses and Eyeglasses
Forgot/lost/stepped on your sunglasses and/or reading glasses? As long you aren’t in one of the two states that don’t have any Dollar Tree, Dollar General or Family Dollar locations (Alaska and Hawaii, FYI), you’re good. For around $1.25, you can pick up a pair of shades or reading glasses in varying strengths.
Keep in Mind: Look for sunglasses that have UV protection, though even these might not offer the most robust protection, so you may not want to use them as your primary pair.
5. Cleaning Supplies
From sponges to mops to toilet bowl cleaners, cleaning products are often disposable and, therefore, sensible dollar store buys. In the dollar store cleaning aisle, you can often find products from trusted brands like Clorox, Lysol and Ajax.
Keep in Mind: Liquid cleaning products tend to drop in potency over time, so it’s worth checking the expiration date on sprays and bottles. Or, play it extra safe by steering clear of liquids entirely and go for powered products.
6. Travel-Size Toiletries
Dollar stores tend to stock a selection of name-brand travel-size toiletries at way lower prices than pharmacies and grocery stores. We’re talking mini toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, deodorants, bandages and more from names like Crest, Lady Speed Stick and Gillette for around $1 a pop.
Keep in Mind: When it comes to products you put on your skin, be cautious. Skip off-brand items in favor of major labels, and always check expiration dates.
7. Picture Frames
If you’ve ever had art professionally framed, you know how astronomically expensive framing can be. Even DIY framing can be quite costly, depending on the size and material of the frame. If you have a photo or piece of art you want framed, it’s worth checking the dollar store first to see if they have any options you like. Many dollar stores, you’ll find, have a pretty eclectic selection of frames sold for around $1.
Keep in Mind: Quality varies. Before purchasing a frame, check the corners for stability and stray glue.
8. Paper and Plasticware
Our final category of items to always shop at the dollar store is paper and plasticware, a.k.a party supplies. If you’re planning a party, the dollar store can hook you up with a bounty of paper plates, tablecloths, disposable cups, utensils and streamers for a buck a pop.
Keep in Mind: Paper and plasticware bought at the dollar store can be on the thinner side, so don’t bank on giving your Valentine’s Day streamers and tablecloths a second life at your Cinco De Mayo party.
9. Storage Containers
If you’ve ever undergone the daunting task of bringing more organization to your life, then you know storage containers aren’t cheap. Plastic containers, bins, and storage solutions can be useful and cost-effective when you shop at dollar stores. They offer lower prices compared to other retailers, making them budget-friendly options, and often have a wide selection of containers in different shapes and sizes.
Keep in mind: It’s important to consider quality, durability, and the specific requirements of the items you plan to store.
10. Candles and Home Decor
When you don’t want to invest in a current home décor trend, hit up the dollar stores for a wide selection of candles, vases and other decorative items. Plus, dollar stores are great for finding inexpensive seasonal or holiday-themed décor that you may only use for a shorter period.
Keep in mind: While dollar stores provide budget-friendly options, the quality of candles and home décor items may not match those from higher-end retailers. Check an item’s quality to ensure it meets your standards.
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