Video: What to Buy at the Dollar Store

Hip2Save may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you via trusted partners and affiliate links in this post. Prices and availability are accurate as of time posted. Read our full disclosure policy here.


In this video, I discuss what items I personally think are the best to buy at the Dollar Store (specifically the Dollar Tree). Check it out and then come back and let me know if you agree with all my recommendations…

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYoSx8RHIjQ]
* If you can’t see the video, go here to watch it.

Also, keep in mind that this video was filmed a few months back (prior to cutting my hair). I didn’t want you all to think I had some magic pill to make my hair grow that fast! πŸ˜‰

Join The Discussion

Comments 158

  1. alv

    Balloons, greeting cards, and gift bags are great items to buy at Dollar Tree.

    • Sue

      Ditto, and also plastic storage.

  2. ihearthip

    I thought it was the magic relish! LOL jk

  3. Jessica

    la’s totally awesome products in the cleaning section!

  4. Jenelle

    I buy my Sunday newspapers there ours retails for 2.00 on Sunday but Dollar Tree only a 1.00!

    • Kristen

      Ours also keeps them until Wednesday so you can get them after Sunday too!

    • Happymama

      What?! Woohoo!

      • Ashley57

        It is awesome, but don’t get too excited…my Dollar Trees don’t do this, so make sure to check.

        • steph

          Yeah, other sites have posted about getting your papers at Dollar tree or Menards for $1 but none of the stores in my area even sell the paper.

    • Tara

      do they have coupon inserts???

      • Carmen

        Sure do. My moms dollar tree allows you to buy 5 and they are in the process of trying to get more papers so they up the minimum qty of 5. I wish ours sold them for a dollar. When I travel back home, I always pick up 5 on Sunday.

  5. Adrianne

    I love Dollar Tree! I buy puzzels, books and decorations, cards, gift bags, holiday stuff.

  6. Mel

    Other things I like to buy at the Dollar Tree: Dog toys, cleaning items like brooms or dustpans, plastic dishware, hangers, candles, greeting cards and holiday decor!

  7. Kristin

    I love getting cheap craft supplies that I can do with my kids on a rainy day. It’s a sanity saver for me! They have craft kits as well as supplies (foam sheets, paints, stickers, pipe cleaners, beads, lanyard, etc). I also get educational activity books from there too. I let my girls pick them out so that they’re more excited to do them at home πŸ™‚ Our Dollar Tree also sells Luigi Italian ice (4 pack) and frozen diced mango (we use those for smoothies). Oh yeah, and don’t forget the hand sanitizer, sandwich baggies, and pregnancy tests!

    • Nicole

      Oh yeah, their pregnancy tests were the only ones I ever used! They were right (+) both times for me! haha

    • Kristin

      Same for me…we went through infertility issues with both pregnancies, so I bought them in bulk (not really, but it seemed like it!) so that I could frequently take the tests and ease my mind during those stressful times.

      • Amanda Stuckey

        Same for me too!! I’ve used the Dollar Tree pg tests too! And they even detected it before I technically had a missed period….save your $12 & just buy the cheapy ones at Dollar Tree!

        • Marissa

          how eaarly did you test? i need to test around the 16th but am very tempted by the other ones that say you can test early!

          • Kim

            Mine was correct 2 days early. The positive lines were faint but there. Snuggling a 2 week old as I type this with one hand πŸ™‚

          • T.S.

            Marissa: I tested the day of my missed period with a dollar tree test and I did not see a line but my husband did so he ran out and bought another dollar tree test and it was clear as day positive an hour after the first one I took πŸ™‚ Earlier than that may not be accurate.

            • Marissa

              Thanks guys! I mean i understand its a no brainer BUT if i have the option to test 6 days earlier it might be worth it cuz im GOING CRAAAAZY lol
              8 MORE DAYS!!!!! πŸ™‚

          • Rebecca

            I tested a couple days early and it was positive!

    • T.S.

      It’s funny though that some people who believe in only name brand stuff will not touch a dollar store pregnancy test! I took one when I was pregnant with my son (well actually I took 9)! Lol And they were all positive of course but my best friend will still spend $14 for a test because it’s NOT from the dollar store and she believes it won’t work as well. So I spent $9 on 9 tests instead of $126 on 9 name brand test…that is a no brainier!! πŸ™‚

  8. nel

    We also love to go there for swimming stuff like donuts, goggles, water shooters, noodles etc. if we stay at a hotel with a pool unexpectedly. Not the greatest quality but you also don’t always want to take home wet swim gear and they seem to have some of those things year round.

  9. Nicole

    Two of my favorite things to buy at Dollar Tree are wine glasses and beer mugs. I do a lot of glass etching for friends weddings with them! I etch their new last name initial on them as a bridal shower gift, or bride & groom, or some friends have asked me to etch glasses for their entire bridal parties! Those $1 glasses become special keepsakes and if I mess one up, I’m not out a lot of money to buy another and start again! My local Dollar Tree has a lot of cool Coca Cola glasses, too.

    • Amanda

      That’s an awesome gift idea!

    • eve

      Beautiful idea. I need to learn how to do this! Very creative!

      • Nicole

        There are a lot of how-to instructions on Pinterest, that’s where I first got the idea. I have a Cricut that I use to cut out my stencils, but you can also use an exacto knife. Armour Etch is about $7/bottle and it goes a long way.

  10. Marina

    Lysol toilet cleaner!

  11. Ann

    holiday items

  12. Sam A.

    Great video! My local store carries Lysol toilet cleaner, which I buy all the time. It’s even better when I have a coupon! I also buy the “character” Anticavity rinse for the kids, toothbrushes, sometimes toothpaste and Reynolds aluminum foil.

  13. rn30032

    I love my local store in Decatur,Ga..I get holiday items, gift boxes/bags, paper cups, plates. Pregnancy/ovulations tests and yes they work. Medicines, some food and juice items

  14. rn30032

    also…my store often have name brand stuff if you are a stickler for that but iget toothpaste/toothbrushes, some make-up and items for giveaways at church during festivals.fairs

  15. jennifer

    Generic name ace bandages and ankle braces good to have on hand. Natures Own bread at my dollar tree! It’ s pricey at Kroger. To go along with the sunscreen is the aloevera gel for sunburns is really nice to have on hand.

  16. Pam

    Pregnancy tests, too.

  17. Sarah

    Love your recommendations! I try to purchase all my greeting cards at Dollar Tree — love their 2/$1 section! They also have packages of “thank you” and “blank” cards that are great! Sometimes I am able to find cute books there for my little guys.

  18. Rose

    Storage containers, baskets, plastic ware, all the food section its a great price to pay. Holiday theme items.

  19. tbits

    I always get my baggies, foil, foil pans & plastic wrap @ Dollar Tree! No sense in paying the higher prices on the same things @ other stores. LOL! You make such cute babies! πŸ™‚ Just sayin! I know… I had 2 boys then got my girl (they are now 25, 16 & 13)

  20. Lady Kay

    Snack bags, epsom salt and basic medical supplies!!! Great for restocking your medical supply and for preparing snacks for the kids.

  21. i

    We love the kids learning workbooks. Additionally, they have started carrying potato gnocchi, which we love!

  22. amanda

    Some great buys at Dollar Tree! Be aware of their return policy, though. My local store only offers store credit, never your money back, even with receipt.

  23. Laura

    I like their liquid plumber and green works bathroom cleaners.

  24. Hollie

    I buy large generic zip locs (2.5 gallon I think) in a 5 pack. We use these to pack our boys shoes or sock for scout camp. they also have zippered sweater bags 2/1.00 which we use for clothes for camp packing.

  25. Ashley

    I always buy cheap picture frames at dollar tree. I recently got a bunch of different black ones that coordinate together in different sizes and they look great together in my hall. No one has to know they were only $1!

  26. Kan

    can you freeze bread?! I never knew!

    • fran

      Yes, we do it all the time!

    • mochi

      oh yes. just bring it down to your fridge to defrost it….taste like it was never frozen.

  27. Melanie

    My dollar store sells off brand swiffer pads 4 pack for $1.00, I buy my floor cleaner from there to refill my swiffer bottle up with, works great and spending way less then I did on swiffer products.

  28. CB

    I always get my gift bags, tissue and paper at Dollar Tree they are a great deal! I also like to get my bleach there. I will have to look for the magic erasers there (you can never have enough with small kids!)I like to get bubbles and outside toys there. If they get spilled or broken I don’t feel so bad πŸ™‚ one of the best toys are the bug catcher kits. They are great for exploring in the yard and lighting bugs in the summer!

  29. Jean

    One of my favorite saves at the Dollar Tree are greeting cards. They are usually 50 cents each as opposed to $3-$5 per card elsewhere.

  30. Bonnie

    mostly party supplies, but also workbooks and decorations for my preschool classroom.

  31. JA

    I have a lot of repeats…Sunday papers, greeting cards, lunch baggies. Also, calendars, silk flowers and wreaths to make your own decorations, baseball cards for my son and office/teacher supplies if you have a little one who likes to play school. And I love when they have the little solar powered dancing flowers! They had bunnies at easter and recently scarecrows that danced too, but they sold out too fast!

  32. Luvmycoupons

    I got a 5 pack of BPA free plastic containers. Perfect for organizing my office supplies and for freezing single servings of smoothies or soups (when I make a huge batch).

  33. aclevin

    Magic erasers are made of melamine foam which you can buy pre cut in bulk for as little as 3.50 for a back of 20. I go through these like crazy so I never even buy off brand when it is such a better deal to buy the foam. If you can’t find it in your local home depot, you can grab it with free shipping on amazon or even for relatively low on ebay! It has save me a butt ton πŸ™‚

    • Jean

      Ooh, I love that idea.

    • karen

      Where in the store (what section) does Home Depot usually carry this?

    • Marcie

      Aclevin
      Would you mind posting the amazon link to these? That would be so great!

  34. mochi

    agree w/lots of comments here such as party stuffs, greeting cards, hair accessories. my dollar tree sells sargento shredded cheese 4 oz which is great cause i dont eat lots of cheese. I also regulaarly buy the colgate medium bristled toothbrush (clean? version) there and the scotts boxed tissue paper which is as good as kleenex, imho. however, one of better purchases i have made was one-time purchase of a stand-up dusting pan (you know when you sweep the floor). i thought it would break easily but still lasting after 3 or so odd years. And, i sweep at least 1-2 weekly. lol

  35. Heather

    I like all of the ideas mentioned so far. Another thing that I have found there and love is the big pack of plastic baby spoons. I actually ended up liking those a lot better than the more expensive ones.

    • Courtney

      I love those baby spoons, too! And the wipes!

  36. Bridget

    Totally off topic, but you look just like Cynthia/Brittany Daniel!

  37. sherry

    food coloring!!

  38. Misty Nicole Overstreet

    My dollar tree has also had the tubs of frozen chocolate Γ©clairs and danishes, that sell at Wal-Mart for 6.00, which is a steal! I have also been able to snag with coupon deals on covergirl, di-gel stomach aid, zicam, ricolla, and other such items! I also buy puppy pads, ceramic pet bowls, cat collars, and such items as well!

  39. lacie

    I have a dg close by.. otherwise its m9re than half hour to town… so out of it being easy I go there. Otherwise I plan all my trips to town… … I like cards at deals… my bday bags at deals… dg I like to get those opps I forgot this in town which have been from milk to food coloring… lol

  40. Jamie

    I emjoy getting nice glass vases, dog treats, and wall clings they have 25+ sayings. I was just there today. I however did not know they take coupons so i will be looking out next time i go!

  41. Jennifer Olson

    This just reminded me to check my dollar store for shower curtain liners. The cheapest ones at Walmart are $2.12. I also recently bought quite a few coloring books and thiings for the kids to do on a long car trip. Coloring books are much more at the other stores than at the dollar store. Now I want to go out and explore some more things there.

    • JA

      They do have them! They are very thin at the top and sometimes my littles pull too hard and rip the curtain ring holes. I just get a hole punch and make another!

      • Jennifer Olson

        Thanks. I have two stores I can check.

    • Anne

      Yes! I buy shower curtain liners there….and treat them as disposable πŸ™‚ (When they get too dirty, I just replace them…)

    • anne

      Just saw a tip on pinterest that dollar tree shower curtain liners make great paint drop cloths. why didn’t i think of that?!

      • MosleyMom

        EXCELLENT idea! I’m also gonna try to sew one (or maybe iron on? ) onto the back of an old sheet or blanket and use it for outdoor picnics, but with a weather barrier! Smart. Thanks for the tip.

    • Rachel

      I purchased a washable shower liner from Target (maybe WalMart) and it is awesome. It looks so nice and I can wash it anytime it gets dirty looking. I love that I will never have to throw it away unless it gets torn. πŸ™‚ OH! It cost less than $10 too!

      • Rachel

        Ditto!

  42. jennifer

    I have that stand up dust pan, too! It is a real back-saver and I paid alot more for my fancier more complicated one that I keep in another room. Also all the kitchen utensils are good to have on hand. I buy cheap spatulas and spoons for the RV.

  43. Jennifer

    Love the video – so glad you are doing these weekly. Off topic a little … but was there any significance to the message on the balloon????? I mean, you could have gotten one that said Happy Birthday πŸ˜‰ At least you know we’re paying attention – ha!!

    • Moria

      I guess you didn’t watch the whole video. At the end she said that she’s not having a baby.

  44. Tara

    I always buy my mesh shower sponges there. They used to have a 6pk for $1 but I haven’t seen those lately but I do still find the 2 and 3 packs. Also get the holiday items, party supplies and this summer they had the rubbermaid plastic storage containers.

  45. Amy @ The BOAT

    Probably already said but I get a lot of treasure box goodies for my son’s school, birthday party favors, coloring books, puzzles and kids books. I always go there for a board book for the little kids that come to our parties….they are too little for pencil sharpeners and pencils. They also have cute kids Halloween costumes and accessories and always great holiday items.

  46. Amber R.

    I get nail polishes for my daughters there! Its an off brand but still works just fine, and for little girls who change their polish constantly its a bargain!

  47. jennifer

    oh and sunglasses!, not the greatsest quality but I lose them alot and so does my mom so we buy several and stash in the glovebox because some is always better than none. Omg! shower curtain liners..why didn’t I think of that?!

  48. Courtney

    Homeschoolers and teachers: There are a ton of workbooks, bulletin board cutouts, awards, posters, stickers, etc.

  49. joan

    At Dollar Tree I buy shower curtain liners, and imitation Windex Multi-Purpose Cleaner.

  50. jennifer

    The party table cloths are also super good to keep on hand for projects for the kids or even drop cloths for painting since they are cheaper than buying plastic on the roll. Great for picnics at the park or capes for halloween costumes since they come in so many colors. I highly recommend keeping a few of these around because they just seem to keep finding uses in my home

    • Nicole

      Capes for Halloween costumes! I never would’ve thought of this!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

It's not your Grandma's coupon site!

Sign up for a Hip2Save account (it's free) to access all of the awesome features!

Forgot Password?

Don't have an account? Register

Forgot Password

Don't have an account? Register

Become a Hip2Save Insider

Don't Miss Out! Join our large community of insiders - it's totally free! Once you join, you'll be able to save & share your favorite deals, rate posts and recipes and add items to your HipList and Cookbook! What are ya waiting for?!



Already have an account? Login

Thank you for rating!

Would you also like to leave us a comment?