10 Things You Should Never Buy at the Dollar Store (and 10 You Should)
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Who doesn't love a trip to the dollar store? You walk in with five bucks, and you walk out with a bag full of stuff. (See also: Home Decorating for Under $5)
Of course, the stuff you have in that bag is going to vary in quality from good to "Are you sure you want to take the risk?" So I have compiled a top 10 list of things to buy, and 10 things to steer clear of.
What to Buy
Here are the items you should look out for every time you're at the dollar store.
1. Gift Wrap, Cards, and Party Supplies
What's the most depressing thing about buying gift-wrap? Personally, I hate spending $3-$4 on a roll of paper that is specifically designed to be seen for 10 seconds before it's ripped off and thrown in the trash. That's why I always get it from the dollar store. It's 75% cheaper, it looks just the same, and it's not so painful to see it get annihilated. While you're there, grab balloons, plates, cups, plastic cutlery, greeting cards, and anything else related to a birthday or anniversary. You'll save a ton of money over the years.
2. Glassware, Cups, and Mugs
There's a decent selection of glassware in most dollar stores, and they're perfectly safe for the home. They're not made of inferior glass that will shatter when you breathe on them. The glasses may not be the most current styles, and you may not get exactly the shape you were looking for. But if you're just looking to add a few glasses to your cupboard, your money goes a long way here. The same goes for cups and mugs. Again, don't expect a massive array of the latest styles. But they hold tea and coffee just fine.
3. Reusable Plastic Containers
It's often called Gladware, but that's a brand name. You can find these storage containers made by Betty Crocker, Ziploc, Rubbermaid, Tupperware, and many others. Your selection may not be that great in the dollar store, but you'll get a lot more containers for your cash.
4. Coloring Books, Crayons, and Kids' Crafts
The prices of coloring books range from "how much?!" to "seems reasonable." In the dollar store, however, they're as cheap as chips. And while you're there, stock up on crayons, pencils, erasers, pipe cleaners, colored paper, and glue sticks. (See also: Budget Design Ideas for a Kids’ Playroom)
5. Batteries
"No way," I hear you cry! Well, yes way. Fine, dollar store batteries aren't as good as the expensive, name brand batteries. Dollar store batteries are usually older carbon-zinc technology, as opposed to alkaline or lithium. BUT, when you're paying $1 for a pack of 4 AA batteries, and the name-brand variety costs $5-$6, you are getting a better deal. So, they won't last as long, but they're at least 80% cheaper. If you don't mind replacing batteries more often (and checking often too, as some batteries will leak if left in too long) they'll do just fine; especially for those power-draining kids toys.
6. Holiday Decorations
Easter. Halloween. Christmas. Thanksgiving. If you can name a holiday, there are expensive decorations to buy. Luckily, your dollar store has a good stock of bargain decorations, and few people will know the difference. A word of warning though…avoid anything electrical (see the first point in the "Do Not Buy" list below). (See also: Holiday Shopping at the Dollar Store)
7. Most Cleaning Products
Bleach is bleach. Ammonia is ammonia. Glass cleaner is glass cleaner. Don't worry about paying 75% more for the name brand versions; just get down to your dollar store and stock up on the cleaning products you need at bargain prices. You may find some of the products are not as strong as the name brand versions, but just use a little more. At these prices, you can afford to. While you're in that aisle, pick up sponges, dishcloths, towels, and other cleaning products. (See also: The 5 Best All-Purpose Cleaners)
8. Personal Hygiene Items
Go ahead and spend a small fortune on those name brand shampoos, conditioners, shaving creams, deodorants, and toothpastes if you want. Cheap shampoos and conditioners often work as well as more-expensive ones. (See also: Luxury Hair Treatments From Your Kitchen)
9. Socks
Whether for the gym or daily wear, you'll find bargain socks in the dollar store. Just evaluate them as you would any other item of clothing. Some can be very thin and not offer the cushioning you'd like.
10. Movie Theater Candy
Those boxes of candy they sell for an arm and a leg in the cinema are being sold in dollar stores, often at 2-for-1 prices. Stick to the name brands like Raisinets, Skittles, Jujyfruits, Whoppers, and Hot Tamales, and you'll do just fine. Of course, always check expiration dates on any food you buy. (See also: A Quick Guide to Expiration Dates)
10 Things to Avoid
From good value, we move to not so good. Or absolutely no way! Here are 10 things to put on your "avoid at all costs" list.
1. Anything With a Plug
There is no way of knowing if these items have met the minimum safety requirements, because the UL (Underwriters Laboratories) safety seal is often counterfeited. So although those night lights, extension cords, and other electrical "bargains" seem like a good deal, avoid them.
2. Food Storage Bags, Aluminum Foil, and Cling Wrap
You really do get what you pay for with these household staples. It may only be a buck for a box of bags, but look again. How many bags are you really getting? And will they hold a seal like the name brand bags you buy in grocery stores? As for cling wrap, it won't be of the same quality as the varieties you'll find in your supermarket. Expect it to be tricky to get off the roll, thin, and not very "clingy" at all. And the foil will be paper-thin and tear easily.
3. Kitchen Utensils
I speak from personal experience on this one. Way too many times have I been tempted to buy a spatula, can opener, or cooking knife from the dollar store. In my experience, they are not well made — especially when it comes to knives. Buy good quality knives, especially a chef's knife, and don't skimp on the price. If you get a quality knife, it can last you a lifetime.
4. Vitamins
If you've looked at the prices of vitamins in your local grocery store or health food shop, you wouldn't be faulted for trying to find them cheaper elsewhere. However, the dollar store is not the place to look. Daily Finance cites a 2004 Consumer Reports study that says half of the 18 multivitamins they tested were missing vital ingredients. And the FDA does not have tight controls on vitamins. Bottom line — they probably won't hurt you, but you may be getting short-changed.
5. Toys
When your kids are involved, it's best to err on the side of caution. Many unbranded toys from the dollar store are low quality. What's more, they may not meet current safety regulations. You don't want to risk the safety of your child to save a few bucks. If money is an issue, shop the clearance aisles in retail stores, or look for good, used toys on Craigslist and second hand stores. (See also: 10 Fun, Homemade Toys and Games)
6. Medicines
When it comes to your health, it's better to go with the name brand or generic items in the supermarkets and retail stores. Painkillers may be substandard, counterfeited, or lacking ingredients that the label claims they have. And one of the biggest problems is medicines like Ibuprofen have often gone past their expiration dates. Keep a watchful eye before you buy.
7. Oven Mitts
They're cheap, and they look the same as more expensive versions. The difference is in the construction and the padding, and you don't want to mess around with something designed to protect you. Do yourself (and your hands) a favor, and buy the more expensive versions. You'll be glad you did.
8. Soda
The one-liter bottles of soda in dollar stores are not really a bargain. You can usually pick up a two-liter of the same variety for just a few cents more at your local grocery store. And the same goes for cans and smaller bottles of soda, too. It's really not worth it. (See also: Homemade Soda)
9. Tools
Any DIY aficionado will tell you — a $1 screwdriver or hammer is going to break, and quickly. As someone who does a fair bit of DIY myself, I can tell you that tools are worth the investment. Don't go anywhere near the tool section in a dollar store; you are just throwing your money down the drain. And more importantly, poorly made tools can be dangerous. (See also: Cool Tool Gifts for Fixer Uppers)
10. Chewing Gum
There's nothing wrong with it, but it's just not a bargain. Go to a warehouse club like Costco or Sam's Club and you'll pick up a huge pack of gum and save way more money than you would buying gum from the dollar store.
So, that's my list. 10 to try, 10 to avoid. Do you agree? Have you got other things you would add to either list? Let us know.
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I love the dollar store, and agree with most of the article, but I have to disagree with buying drinking glasses and mugs there. You will get more for your money at a discount department store. A quick search yields a couple results of a 12-pack of glass tumblers at less than $11.
I also would never ever buy pet foods or pet supplies.
after buying 3 horribly rotton cans of dog food, I wont either
Living in California, I have seen required lead warnings on glassware (maybe from the etching?). No thanks. Cheaper at Ikea, anyway.
Candles are a great buy at the dollar store too. saves a ton of money and some times they have a bag of 100 tea lights!
Pregnancy tests are actually WAY cheaper at our dollar tree store and they work!
i buy the urinary tract infection test kits. my cat is prone to UTIs and the vet can never get a sample so i use them to check at home. it's not a perfect test but she said it's good enough to let us know when he needs a round of antibiotics. but she did say she wouldn't trust them if she didn't know he already has a tendency to infections
Trust me, they don't
Now I have an unwanted child
Please note that I'm only 15
Please note this too, always wear a condom
The pregnancy tests are the exact same test as what is used in a clinic, same manufacturing company and all.
I buy plastic sandwich bags and aluminum foil as well as my trash bags and I've been satisfied with them. The bags don't tear and I don't count how many sandwich bags there are because it takes a long time for two people to go through them.
Our dollar store carries a lot of 2-3 liter soda bottles, so they can be a good deal, depending on the store you go to. Even name brands such as Coke and Pepsi.
Their toys are sometimes good too. We sometimes find toys at our dollar store that are the same as sold elsewhere. Hot Wheels cars are one example, although you can usually get them for the same price elsewhere. There are lots of toys there I wouldn't buy either, so I know where you're coming from on that one. We've sometimes lucked into toys that sell for about $10 in other stores.
I buy zip-bags and aluminum foil at the dollar store and love them. The foil is name brand and the brand of bags I use from there are great.
Sometimes you have to experiment and find the better brands there.
I would add to the do not buy list: mini clip-on book lights. They seem like a great deal, but rarely work for more than a few minutes before conking out.
Great list, Paul!
I’ve gone to the dollar store plenty of times for wrapping paper. Also found fun little pieces to add to my Christmas Village. I never thought to go there for Tupperware though. I’ll have to keep my eye out for it next time.
I have to agree with shopping for glassware at Ikea. I’m sure the dollar store has great deals, but I prefer Ikea’s selection. 6-pack of tumblers for $2.99? Yes, please. I went there for my mugs and dishes too, not to mention furniture. That place is addictive…
I buy a lot of my cooking utensils at the Dollar Store. Mostly things like salad tongs, plastic stir spoons, measuring cups, etc. I admit I've bought knives too, but mostly when I've been in a situation where I'm going to take the knife somewhere. I figure it's a dollar knife, if I forget to bring it home, no big deal, but I still have some of those dollar knives in my drawer and they work just fine. But for measuring cups, measuring spoons, etc, why spend more?
Glasses and mugs are good if you only need a couple. Otherwise, I have a tumbler set that cost me 8.99 for 12 that I bought at Walmart.
i disagree with her sentiment about that also. i've bought utensils/kitchen items like spatula, measuring cups and what not and they were perfectly good. i even see betty crocker brand there. glasses i've bought at the dollar store broke somewhat easily so I wouldn't buy those there again, you could easily find a good set on sale at a department store but cooking utensils are well worth buying at the dollar store.
Since I am hair stylist I immediately don't want to believe anything in this article because you said Dollar Store shampoo works the same as salon shampoos. Thats absolutely ridiculous. It may work for certain hair types, but try to wash my hair with that crap and see if you can make it straight and not frizzy. You cant.
I had the opposite experience. I believe they are the same or at least the high price does not justify the difference. I know you buy shampoos at your store at $7 and sell it at $20. Big markup. The distribute also gets them at $3 and sells it at $7. and then manufacturer sells that $20 shampoo at $1.5. VO5 shampoo is sold for $1 but they sell thousands a day so the seller can buy at $0.8 and still make money. Buy $1 shampoo and if you want add a spoon of olive oil and one spoon of lemon juice and now you have a $40 shmapoo.
Make sure to double check how much wrapping paper you get in the $1 roll. Also, if you waste half the paper while you are wrapping because it keeps tearing that's also no good. I found that out when my dollar store wrapping paper was only about 1 millimeter thicker than tissue paper and kept popping holes in the corners as I was wrapping. Most of the more expensive roll is a better value. I just getu wrapping paper when it's on clearance right after the holidays.
I love all the other suggestions/warnings. Thank you for a great article.
You hit the nail on the head. That is almost exactly the list of items I will buy at Dollar stores. Like every type of retail outlet, they have their place as a shopping destination and I am thankful for their existence every time I have to plan an event.
Personally I avoid buying anything I ingest at the dollar store. I've done it before and the things I bought, candy included, tasted..... off. Given how many counterfeit products I've seen in the dollar stores I figure I best stick to local farmers, store generics and things I recognize.
That being said, I'm all about the paper products there. That and (relating to the tools) picture hanging supplies, small nails, vases and garden twine are all super cheap there.
Has anyone ever tested the over the counter drugs at dollar stores? I've gotten ibuprofen there and it worked fine. I've bought kitchen utensils and knives there, they weren't the best, but they also worked fine (and still do). I still have my oven mitt from Dollar Tree from four years ago and it looks and works fine.
How much research was done on this article?
I've used the aspirin and the knives, and they worked for me. The knives are great, and I use them every day. Little research was done by this author.
I agree....The brands in the medication aisle are mostly put out by Assured...which is a dollar tree brand. It is Not expired medicine. They have their own distributers here in the US so it would not be legal to sell counterfeit medication. I use ibuprofen, a decongestant, and a sleep aid that all work as well as walgreens. I cannot tell the difference. I still have Alot of kitchen utensils also that were from Dollar tree.
if you are shopping at a 99¢ chain store (purple carts) a lot of the items are name brand feom other retailer liquidations. same with Dollar Tree but in regards to the garden variety independently owned places, i would wholeheartedly agree with this list with the exception of hair care productssuch as shampoo and conditioner. and i would add body washes and lotions and fragrances as well. unless it is a brand you recognize and trust (keeping in mind to beware of counterfeits) most of the stuff available there in that category is indeed crap harsh chemicals and inferior quality.
Interesting. There's definitely some items I wouldn't buy there though I heart the dollar store.
Sometime in the last couple of years I kept seeing a brand of soap at The Dollar Tree store. It smelled wonderful, lemon verbena, oatmeal verbena and several other fragrances. I thought well it is from the dollar tree so it can't be much and might not be good for my skin. One day I decided to google the brand which is Soap Works. Oh My this stuff was almost five bucks a bar from the company. Long story short, went back bought the soap and have been using it ever since. The bar is huge and last forever and it smells wonderful. Some of the things the dollar tree gets is overstocked merchandise I think because they don't always have this soap. I have founded at Roses stores for a dollar also. Recommend anyone to try it!
I have had some good luck with headphones. The kids broke my really expensive ones in no time flat so I bought a set for everyone and if they get lost or broken --- no problem. Some of their kitchen gadgets can be ok and household cleaners.
A friend of mine bought some candles that almost caused a house fire at the dollar store ---so buyer beware.
I woke from my sleep one night due to the smell of smoke. There was a fire on top of my bedroom dresser. A candle holder I had purchased from the Dollar Store was on fire, even though I had blown out the candle prior to going to bed. The paint was flammable and ignited from the heat after I fell asleep. It was an eye opener for me. BTW, it happened the night before Christmas Eve and my dad was a firefighter who was working that night, it was soooooo close to a tragedy. I woke up just in time to put out the fire. BEWARE OF CANDLE HOLDERS!!!! I wouldn't really trust any candles from there actually, you don't know what chemicals you are burning with the wax.
I do love the stores for many other things, especially cards, gift bags and party supplies, but there are some things they shouldn't be allowed to sell, like candle holders.
i have bought kitchen stuff and uses it for camping and i get clothes pins for bags of chips. the long lighters for candles.picture frames are good too.greeting cards are great.containers are good for kids little toys or little girls hair stuff.
Good article. And totally agreed. The LA's Totally awesome they sell is fabulous.....cleans darn near everything......though I've now been told it's bad for the environment.....and my health.....eeek! the 2-butoxyethanol stuff in it......
I love their greeting card section.....they are simple, and to the point, with plenty of space where I can add my own personal touch ;) And for only a buck. lol.
YES. Totally avoid their kitchen gadgets haha. I did buy an ice cream scoop from the dollar tree.....and wow, it lasted maybe 4 uses......went too deep into the Edy's ice cream and the plastic handle broke......mind you, this had a metal head on it.....but yep, the handle cracked on it......so will be replacing that from something from Walmart or Bed Bath and Beyond......
But then again I work at a department store chain in the mid-west that carries a name-brand line of kitchen gadgets (brand is best known for its excellent stand-mixers), and the ice cream scoop is so poorly designed and made that I am sure it would break the first time someone used it for anything stiffer than Cool-whip!
I look for office-supply type products: I love some pens I just got @ 10 for $1--the ink runs out faster than more expensive pens, but they still come out better because pens are ridiculously expensive, and they feel good in my hand. You have to watch how much paper you are getting in notebooks and things, but there are some good buys. I got some notebooks once that I liked so well, I called the paper company to ask where to get more!
Also I check out the aisle with cell phone accessories. The clear screen covers are good, and I can find cases I like for my phone. Why spend $15 or more? Also the rubber tipped styluses are great. I wouldn't buy the chargers or adapters tho.
I also buy box cutters there, and I always look for non-aerosol hairspray. Kitchen towels can be a good deal. I use some square candle jars I got at dollar tree (they happen to be name-brand) as cell phone holders. Avoid potpourri etc.; I bought "cinnamon-scented" diffusers at a dollar-type store and the cinnamon smelled like the red mouthwash at the dentist's office!
I buy aluminum foil and zipper seal bags. My store does carry a lot of the big brand names though. I have been satisfied with the generic brands too though.
You missed noting Automotive fluids of any kind, oil especially. Never compromise the quality of fluids needed in your car.
Good advice, Daniel. I wouldn't want to chance it.
DOG TOYS and dog treats NEVER buy at the dollar store... The toys are really not safe for dogs -- they are made with cheap materials and they(Chinese suppliers) don't care if it's harmful to your pet.
That said I love dollar stores but since Dollarama took out their craft section and turned into a $1-$3 store, I hardly ever go.
I've found great sandwich bags here!! Just stay away from the foil though..
Actually, you are way off base on a lot of these for the dollar store I shop at. I have gotten decent kitchen knives, decent tools, even decent viatmins. Out dollar tree even sells 3 liter sodas now.
Don't get me wrong, there is still plenty of junk. The thing is to LOOK at the item before you buy it.
The store I shop is headed by a corp office and they look at sales to see what sells and what doesn't for EACH STORE. So they drop items that don;t sell and find other better replacements. (So says the manager. lol)
Bottom line in shopping: Look before you leap! You can tell what you're buying before you leave the store if you just check it out first. Be it Dollar Store, Good Will or Walmart. Even online, you can read reviews first.
Shop smart!
I disagree with things to avoid list. I've bought all of those things and I they've worked fine. It's just a matter of being choosy and knowledgable about whatever you buy depending on your needs.
You miss the point of why someone like me shops at the dollartree. It is because i only have a dollar! I can get gum for a dollar, I don't have 8 dollars to buy a huge pack at Sam's club. I can buy 3 ounces of cashews for a dollar, i can't afford fifteen dollars for a big jar at sam's club. It would be great to be wealthy like you, i would not need to go to the dollartree at all!
I buy everything, or nearly everything at Dollar Tree. I disagree with most of the 10 things not to buy. I buy wraps and foils and they work just fine. I buy kitchen utensils and have never had a problem and they last awhile. I use dollar store oven mitts and potholders without issue. Same with toys. I am not paying a lot for toys when they'll get broken in a week anyway. Dollar tree has some cute toys for kids. The quality of the items at the dollar store has greatly improved over the last several years. They have also expanded their product selections. Always a lot to choose from. Why shop anywhere else and pay 4x the price for the same items? Also, sometimes shopping clearance isn't saving too much when you can go to the dollar store and buy the same thing for $1.00.
Dollar Trees is the way to go, if you on a fix income, because some of that stuff we spent a lot a money on some if we do not use it by the expiration date , it a waste just check the date before you buy. It is no harm to buy at the Dollar stores, especially when you just need something at the moment, and do not have enough money.
the dollar store version of zyrtec is not only significantly cheaper than all the other generics but it works the same.
this article was based on fear not product testing.
YES YOU ARE. SOOOOO. RIGHT
I disagree with the personal hygiene products. I've bought body wash from Dollar Tree several times and 1) It has always had a faint "odd" smell to it, and 2) It's very runny so you end up going through it a lot faster. I find bargain brands like Suave on sale for $2-$3 without the weird smell and it lasts much longer.
Things that are awesome that were not mentioned:
- zip ties - for light use
- shower curtain rings - make a Pinterest scarf organizer!
- measuring cups and spoons - I have the Betty Crocker red ones and they've lasted years and years
- plastic storage bins - so many sizes and colors!
- gardening gloves - for light planting, weeding, etc
- gardening trowels, cultivator, shears - really good quality
Things that suck that were not mentioned:
- gardening soil - awful quality
- plastic plates/serving dishes for camping - grilled food melted the pattern off one, not dishwasher safe, so why bother
- solar lights - I came home with a dud and they were all dead the next year
- hanging shower rack - so flimsy and fits next to nothing
- rugs/mats - super thin and they come apart
#11. Pregnancy Tests!! (Trust me on this one).
I cannot agree. we were poisoned by some of the glassware at Dollar Tree and since then learned that 81% of the products they sell that were tested ARE POISONOUS.
Got to be really careful of off gassing plastic. I have totally converted to the glass storage containers that I have gotten at TJ Max and Marshals.
That said, I have also gotten many great things at my dollar stores. It helps to look closely, even sniff, read packages etc. Most kitchen stuff is just that, stuff. However the little plastic handled paring knife I got 25 years ago at a dollar store is still sharp as ever. And I got the greatest handled scrubber I have ever had. As soon as I used it I went back to get more of them, but wouldn't you know, they were no more and have never again appeared anywhere, in any of the stores from dollar stores to Sur Le Table to online sites. Oh well, at least I have one. They were probably imported from some remote hinterland and as they didn't have great eye appeal were a one time deal.
And finally, even some food is OK. I love redskin peanuts and the very best ones I have found are in the little cans at a dollar store. And I always check out the fresh produce for the occasional organic item. Shopping at dollar stores is a treasure hunt with occasional duds and lots of great discoveries.
I would rethink the list. I would never buy glassware, plasticware, and now add toxic crayons to the list. There is no telling how much lead, or other heavy metals are in the glass or how much bpa is in the plasticware. I'm just creeped out at the thought of what might be in almost any foreign product that you could buy there other than hangers and clothes pins. Cadmium childrens' jewelry, melamine baby formula and cough syrup, and now toxic crayons are proof enough that people over there either just don't give a damn, or are waging some form of strange economic warfare where they try to bankrupt us by poisoning an entire generation of children.
I completely disagree with including soda on the "Things to Avoid" list. I buy 3-liter bottles of (offbrand) soda for $1. I don't know of any other stores that sell 3-liters of soda, and if they do, I doubt it has a price of $1.
You forgot Plungers. lol I speak from experience, one restaurant I worked at had a couple of those from the dollarstore but of course thank god had 1 good plunger lol. Unplugged a couple nasty plugged toilets. you can't unplug a toilet with those dollarstore plungers to save your life! >.< Never buy those at dollarstores. they are the weakest ever! just wasting your money.
I totally disagree with this article. I've found name brand foil and plastic bags, cleaning supplies, food and drinks. The generic plastic bags work fine. I make great money and a friend told me I was wasting too much at the regular stores.i decided to give the 99 cent store a try. I love the coconut water and refuse to pay 3 dollars a pop for one. I recently found some multivitamins that Martha Stewart makes. Yes they are goid quality, and I've compared them to my 25 dollar ones, same ingredients. I've bought treats for my dog, Purina ones and a few made in Canada. Yes some things are questionable but for the most part everything I've bought has been fine. I buy 70 percent of my drinks from the dollar store now. You just have to really look and do your research. Urban detox drinks sale for double at Walmart and Target. Why pay more money for the same thing? Tons of name brand stuff in my in my 99 cent store. I have also bought bar soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and Axe Body sprays for my boyfriend. 70 percent of purchased stuff by me from there has been name brand. I was buying a Chocolate wine from Fry's grocery store that was 14 bucks. The dollar store was selling the same brand for 2.99, and yes the grocery store still sales it for 14. You do the math on that! Open your eyes and stop thinking all the items are crap. Look at the dates on stuff also. I know people that turn their nose up to it, heck I use to be that way. For all the people who want to keep wasting money at the big name stores be my guest. Im in every week and I'm amazed by all the great stuff I find. I've never bought anything stale or old. Have I liked everything I purchased no, but that happens when I go to Walmart or Frys. It's the gamble we take when shopping any place. If I don't like it, I've only spent a buck instead of 3 or 4. Now produce I don't but because I just eat organic. Nice that they have options for people who don't have much money. I see a ton of people at the 99 cent store in an affluent area of Gilbert AZ driving away in their BMW's....kuddos to all that love 99 cent store.
Love your comment Samantha!
"I totally disagree with this article"
first of all, get a life, second shut up, and third, i dont see you writing an article
also this article was written with some research, unlike your statement purely on experience and speculation.
you don't know if your vitamins really have the same main ingredients, FYI Counterfeit exist and fake stuff, not all labels are real at dollar stores.
I buy refried beans, canned sliced mushrooms, garlic, broccoli, orleans sardines in hot sauce, sometimes mangos, sometimes asparagus, sometimes lettuce if im going to use it quick (always spoils faster than the date), lint rollers, sponges, and paper plates at the $ store. That's pretty much it.
If the vegetables arent there or aren't good I buy them when I wait for boneless skinless chicken to go on sale (then I buy like 20 pounds of chicken) That's pretty much my entire diet.
I agree with most of this. But the kitchen utensils, I agree with but the (baking) spatulas are pretty durable. I have 3 and they are 2 years old and are used multiple times a week and still hold strong. I did get an expensive pack of baking spatulas for Christmas and most didn't hold up after the 3rd use of melting chocolate or making rice crispy treats, but the dollar tree ones are the best one's that I have ever bought.
Obviously the person writing this article is not on a fixed income or state aid and can afford to pay more money elsewhere. For for alot of people in my city shop there because its the only place they can afford. You may think the food is no good because its a dollar buf I buy almost all my food with the exception of meat from my dollar tree. They have a lot of name brand products the dollar tree and if a dollar is all you have then best place to shop
I would like to know if the eye seeing glasses are okay to wear. Talk about a bargain. My biggest problem is putting things down and then not having them with me. That's why I love the tools they have. I have good screwdrivers etc. in the garage but I keep the dollar ones in the car and inside the home for quick fixes that don't require a lot of pressure, (yes they are not as durable or made with hardened steel). Also not mentioned here is the poster board. Great buy for a quickie but they won't last long because of the glue they use to adhere the paper to the foam. My favorite is clip boards but for some reason they don't usually have them.
I have bought bulbs from the dollar tree and I screw them in to replace a blown bulb and they always burst,always I had one that just broke like some one cut around it with a very fine glass cutter and I found it on my bed the next morning,I have a ceiling fan that hold 4 bulbs and I found that 1 bulb on my bed cut perfect round cut in half and the bulbs blow fast as you use them that's just one thing I have found wrong. The colors for coloring are just wax and they do not color good at all and they break.You have to buy name brand colors if you want them to color good and last.
I'm so sad to have learned that the Dollar Tree coffee mugs contain lead in the paint. I just bought lots of them to decorate and give as gifts. I live in Texas, so there's no warning stickers on them like in California.
I would add: SKIN LOTION! Often, the cheap price means that the lotions is VERY WATERY....and really, just a waste! (This I have learned from personal experience)!
Would NOT buy there shower/bath products. The shampoo and body wash I purchased was horrible.
Last year, my father bought me a laundry basket from a dollar store. When you or a toddler sits on the laundry basket, it will break easily. In 2014, I also have bought two packs of combs and a bandana at a dollar store. I used the dollar worth combs to comb my hair. A lot of the comb's teeth broke. I also think buying a box or two of jigsaw puzzles and pencils are safe for adult people. I do not trust the frozen or non perishable foods, cotton swabs, feminine products, cologne, or hair conditioners over there.
Thank you, very helpful. I agree with much of what you report but not everything… I hope you don't mind if I pipe in and offer my two cents. I agree that the party supplies are great, but not the greeting cards. They scream "I came from the Dollar Store" as they are made of flimsy, grainy paper and their artwork and designs are corny and dated looking. I agree also about the glassware. I bought some really fine looking highball glasses that are heavy and expensive looking. Not only that, I bought 12 ivory dinner plates and 12 soup bowls with beaded edging (same design as Martha Stuart) about five years ago - by far my number one purchase from the DT. Not a single chip in any of them, and elegant enough to use at a dinner party. No lie. You are right, the kitchen utensils for not great, but there are a few good ones, especially the red Betty Crocker frosting spatula and BC kitchen shears (surprising, but true). Also, unlike you, I've gotten some good tools like pliers, measuring tape, and utility knives. I also think the paint brushes are perfectly adequate, except the foam brushes which are terrible, very flimsy and tend to decompose in paint. I differ also on the crayons and markers as well, both of which are of very poor quality. The crayons have a faint color and break easily.
A few ramdom thoughts....
The safety pins are super flimsy, easily bending and becoming unhitched.
The tape is okay, but do not buy double stick tape unless it's 3-M (which is in stock occasionally but not often).
Great clothes pins and clothes line...
Love the brooms, dust pans, foil (Reynolds), and Glad extra large storage ziplock bags.
My favorite cleaning product is Lime Away. I don't think I want to know what it's made of, but it does the job! Never seen anything like it. Somehow, the window cleaner is terrible though.
Most importantly, I have always bought GE lightbulbs at the DT, but I never will again. Just had one explode and read that this is common with cheap lightbulbs, made in China, like theirs. Scary.
Even scarier is that I could go on and on about Dollar Tree items, which tells me it's time to read a book, help a neighbor, or go for a walk. Over and out....
My boyfriend and I live right across from a dollar tree and buy the food all the time. I've even bought the milk and cheese and it's been fine (except the cheese that says "now melts") they have a good number of name brand things, like red Barron pizza (mini, of course), Libby's canned veggies (which are actually 79¢!) and hot pockets. We make a point to try a bunch of the foods and so far only the little bag of cheese tortellini was bad. Their box pastas are great and so are their cookies (and they're vegan!) you don't have to avoid the food all together, but be weary. And don't over cook the fries! Lol (tip: buy the steak fries so even if they get overlooked and hard you still have lots of actual potato left)
your absalutly right! it wont hurt to get a few things from the dollar store like packaged foods and canned foods [like soup or zoodles]but id stay away from meat cheese and alternative stuff like that
i have had their bread that claims no milk products and have had lactose symptoms and when i toast it it doesnt get brown like toast should
One time I found a dollar store item that was $7.99...
AT A DOLLAR STORE??
So many points to argue, so little time. O_O
The batteries may be cheaper, but you will spend more replacing them than if you had just bought the Duracell in the first place.
Crayons? No - everything in that store is made in China. Those crayons have been found to contain lead and other unsavory ingredients.
I would skip on most of the health and beauty products.
I buy very little from dollar stores. Made in China products have poisoned our children and pets - there have been no measurable changes in the way they manufacture goods since these discoveries over the past several years.
As for brand name products - read the fine print. Some of the labels lie outright, while some were made for other countries, with more relaxed rules and no concerns over ingredient purity and safety.
Are you kidding me? this might have been true ten years ago but not now. Drinking glasses and coffee cups crack too easily now. Hand towels are mostly polyester. you have to go over your spill or cleaning kitchen table 10 times wiping and squeezing little liquid out. Cotton towels are much more superior. Their plastic jugs with cap break in no time. You but a dish washing pan, and what many of us use for organizing bins crack in no time. Quantities of health products are getting smaller and smaller. the generic pepto bismal they sell is good for about one tablespoon full. Soon you will have to a magnifying glass to find it. They are selling smaller and shoddier for bigger profits. And the dirt poor people who make these things barely or don't even make a living wage in the foreign sweat shops.