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Department stores like Target or Walmart have some pretty good deals. But they can’t compare to the savings you’ll get at the dollar store.
Sure, there are items at the dollar store which are inferior to the name brand items you’ll find at Target, but not everything needs to be name brand.
Here’s a list of 9 things you should be buying at your local dollar store.
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1. Party Supplies
When you’re throwing a party, there’s no need to spend big bucks on disposable items like balloons, cups, and plates. Nobody knows nor cares where you bought these items.
You can save big by purchasing things like tablecloths, plastic utensils, cups, and paper plates. When the party is over, those items will be thrown away anyway.
2. Wrapping Paper
A few times per year, and especially during the holidays, you’ll need to wrap presents and get gift bags.
But what’s the point of getting top-quality wrapping paper? The recipient is going to rip it and throw it away anyway. I’m sure they’re more interested in what’s inside.
3. Dishes
The dishes sold at dollar stores are certainly not top of the line. But when you have kids, you don’t want to use fancy dishes that break easily. You’ll want to find cheap plastic plates and cups at the dollar store.
4. Greeting Cards
You do not need to spend $4 on a greeting card. Most of the time, the gift I’d appreciated but then discarded. The dollar store may not have top-quality cards, but it’s the message you write inside that counts.
5. Picture Frames
Prices for picture frames vary wildly at stores like Michaels. But sometimes, the best picture frames are plain. A simple picture frame draws attention to the photograph rather than the frame.
And if a simple picture frame is what you’re after, the dollar store is the place to get it. Just check the quality of the item first.
Since these products are mass-produced, check the hardware to see if it was built correctly. I doubt there’s any quality control going on at the Chinese factories they were made in.
Make sure the frame is not too flimsy, and there’s no excess glue on the frame, which could be hard to remove.
6. Fashion Accessories
You don’t want to buy clothing at the dollar stores, but accessories may be alright.
You can find anything from colorful shoelaces to hair bows there. Other accessories include headbands, bobby pins, and bracelets.
7. Holiday Decor
You may be the kind of person who decorates their home for every major holiday. If this is you, you should pick up the decor at the dollar store every year.
You can find more than just Christmas ornaments. There’s also Halloween decor, Easter eggs, and decorations for Thanksgiving too.
8. Washcloths
If you’re looking for cleaning rags, look no further than the dollar store. You can buy them at two for a dollar. That price can’t be beaten.
9. Plastic Storage Containers
The big stores typically want to sell you a full set of plastic containers. But at the dollar store, you can buy them individually for just a buck.?
You may not recognize the brand, but it doesn’t really matter, does it? The same goes for storage bags. Ziplock is the leading brand, but the $1 bags hold your sandwiches just the same.
What other items do you like to buy at the dollar stores?
I absolutely love this article! Your tips can help save people a lot of money and I respect your creative advice.
I am writing a similar themed article for my blog and I am going to list your blog as the inspiration. I am quite impressed.
They also have decent dish soup, laundry soup etc.
Indeed they do. I wouldn’t buy lotion or body wash there, but I don’t mind the soap I use for the dishes – and I know they won’t mind either!
Good post Edwin. I agree with all your items. I always tell my wife to simply avoid any “Food items” (for the most part) and I’m happy! You’ve summed up the best of the best here. Thanks.
Yeah I agree, I don’t trust the food there too much.
They have name brand body washes. I buy them all the time. Especially when I don’t want to go to Walmart.