Dollar stores are great places for thrifty shoppers. But anyone who has ever used a dollar store cotton swab knows that there are just some things that you shouldn’t buy there. So, what should you buy at a dollar store?
In fact, there are some things that are so much cheaper at a dollar store that you’re far better off buying them there than anywhere else.
10 Things to Pick Up the Next Time You’re at the Dollar Store
Sandwich Bags, Tin Foil, and Parchment Paper
If you go to the grocery store and buy any of these things they’re going to cost you around $3-$5 each. While this isn’t a huge expense – you can save a lot of money over the course of a year if you buy them at a dollar store and pay just $1 for each.
Office Supplies
Some office supplies are much cheaper to buy at the dollar store and you should load up on those the next time you go. Things to buy include notebooks, pencils, mailing labels, paper clips, tape, and staples. But please – avoid dollar store pens. They tend to be cheaply made and could explode or just run out of ink at inopportune times.
Craft Supplies
You can get all sorts of great craft kits for kids at dollar stores that are often much cheaper than you would find at craft stores. You can also get things like scrapbook paper and accessories at significant discounts. So, before you hit up your local craft store – check out the dollar store to see if they have what you need.
Holiday Decorations
Want to decorate your place for Halloween, Christmas, St. Patrick’s Day, Canada Day, or Valentine’s Day? If you don’t want to spend a lot of money – you might be better off getting your decorations at the dollar store rather than buying them elsewhere. While you’ll have to pick through a bunch of cheap-looking decorations – there are almost always some great finds that no one will know you bought at a dollar store!
Kitchen Stuff
Do you need a serving dish? A mixing bowl? A pitcher? You can likely find them for $1-$2 at a dollar store! Before you go to a kitchen specialty store, check out the selection at the dollar store. While you won’t find any fancy gadgets there, you will find good quality essentials.
Greeting Cards
Need thank you notes? Invitations for your child’s birthday? Holiday cards? How about birthday cards? Cards are one of those things that are significantly overpriced. I mean – greeting card companies charge you $5 for words on paper! Rather than pay through the nose for a nice sentiment, stock up on cards the next time you go.
Gift Bags and Wrapping Paper
Why pay several dollars for wrapping paper or a gift bag? You can find them for cheap at the dollar store! They also tend to have some simple and elegant monochromatic bags for any occasion.
Party Supplies
Are you having a party and need paper plates, plastic utensils, cups, straws, and tablecloths? You’ll find the same stuff that you would at a party supply store at a dollar store for a significant discount. The quality is just as good as you’ll find elsewhere.
Frames
Do you want to give someone a framed photo as a gift? Or do you need a frame to display a family photo? Dollar stores can sometimes have cheap-looking frames, but sometimes you can find something that looks great.
Junk Food
You will likely get it at a discount on your favourite brand of chips or chocolate bars. Load up your cart with your favourite food so that you can enjoy your treats at a discount. Just makes sure that the chocolate you’re buying is actually the brand you want. Sometimes you might think you’re buying M&Ms, but discover you bought N&Ns when you get home. Not the same thing!
These are just a few of the things that you should always buy at a dollar store. However, there are a lot more great buys. The next time you go, bring this list with you and save money!
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