15 Items TO BUY at Dollar Tree and 10 items NOT TO BUY at Dollar Tree
If you have a Dollar Tree nearby and are looking to get the most bang for your buck, you may be wondering what deals are really great buys and what things you should avoid wasting your money on.
To become a savvy Dollar Tree shopper, be sure to check out this list of things to buy or NOT to buy at your local Dollar Tree – where everything is priced at just $1 each (keep in mind that product inventory can vary greatly from store to store).
15 Items TO BUY at Dollar Tree:
1. Greeting Cards
Why pay $3 or $4 for a single greeting card when you can purchase an American Greetings card for just $1 each at the Dollar Tree (or possibly less if a coupon is available!)?! Consider stocking up on cards for upcoming events while you’re there.
2. Party Supplies
Shop for parties and special occasions at the Dollar Tree! You can snag a huge selection of various party supplies, wrapping paper, gift bags, tableware, and more for just $1 each, which is a huge discount compared to other retail stores that sell items for 4-5x the cost.
If you’re needing to decorate for a party, head to Dollar Tree where you can snag various Helium Balloons for just $1 each. Plus, you can select the empty balloons that you’d like and they’ll even fill them with FREE Helium after checkout so they’re full of air and ready to go!
3. Bread
Select stores offer name-brand packages of bread, bagels, and more for just $1 per loaf that normally sell for $2.50-$3 each at the grocery store. Keep in mind that these items may be nearing their expiration date within a few days or a week, so consider freezing or storing in the refrigerator.
4. Best-Selling Books & Movies
You may be able to find best-selling books (by authors such as Nicholas Sparks or Janet Evanovich) and even Blu-ray movies priced at just $1 each! These books retail sell for over $10-$12 at your local bookstore, so this is a great deal to snag if you’re needing new reading material.
You may even be able to find Blu-ray and DVD movies for just a buck each! Such a crazy price!
Also, a great deal to snag for the kiddos is on coloring books. They have a large selection of coloring books and various activity books – all for just $1! These would make great stocking stuffers and additions to birthday gifts…and a great way to keep the kids entertained in the car, at doctor’s visits, or on-the-go!
5. Reading Glasses
Keep your eyes peeled for prescription strength fashion reading glasses for just $1 per pair, which normally sell for several dollars at other stores. Glasses for a buck?! Seems like a bargain to me!
6. Spices
Planning to cook or bake or just want to refresh your spice collection? You may be able to find select spices or pepper grinders for just $1 each, which is a great deal compared to the expensive prices at the local grocery store. With the holidays quickly approaching, you may be able to head on over to your local Dollar Tree and snag baking spices on the cheap.
7. Hair Accessories
Shopping for a little girl or looking for inexpensive stocking stuffers? You can often find packs of hair clips, hair ties, and hair bows priced at just $1 each!
8. Cosmetics
Keep an eye out for name-brand cosmetics from brands like Maybelline, Milani, Soft Lips, Wet ‘n Wild, and more priced at just a buck! Pair these low prices with manufacturer’s coupons and you may even be able to score Free makeup!
9. Sunscreen
If you’re headed to the beach or pool, stock up on sunscreen for just $1 each at Dollar Tree. You may even be able find smaller bottles of the normally expensive sunscreen brands like Bullfrog (most likely only during seasonal months) for just $1 that sell for much more at the grocery store. And, rumor has it that these bottles work just the same as the normally expensive brands.
10. Pregnancy Tests
Why pay $8-$10 for a pregnancy test when you can find Pregnancy Tests for just $1 each at Dollar Tree!? And, rumor has it that these tests work just the same as other name-brand tests.
11. Cleaning Supplies
Select cleaning supplies found at Dollar Tree appear to work just the same as name-brand products. One product I’ve found that works great is a 2-pack of Quick Erasers pictured above (similar to the more expensive Magic Erasers)… and they’re just $1 per 2-count box!
12. Picture Frames
Decorate your house with picture frames from Dollar Tree! Similar picture frames may cost $5 or more at other stores and look just the same. Before purchasing, be sure to check that the hanging bracket or hook is securely attached.
13. Gardening Items
If you’re planning to do some yardwork, keep an eye out for packets of seeds for just 25¢ each (4 for $1). They also offer bags of mulch, seed starters, gardening tools and more – just $1 each!
14. Drinking Glasses/Mugs
I’ve spotted super cute drinking glasses, travel mugs, and coffee mugs for just $1 each that would also make great gift ideas for teachers or family members. Or, stock up a college dorm room with glassware or dishes for just $1 each.
15. Decorative Baskets
Browse around for decorative or storage baskets for just $1 each that may sell for several dollars at other stores. Also, look for seasonal baskets that would be perfect for making gift baskets or using for home decor!
To see the items NOT to buy at the Dollar Tree, click the link below “Read More / Post Your Comments”
10 Things NOT to Buy at Dollar Tree:
1. Toys
Steer clear of dollar toys as they are often cheap quality and may not meet safety standards.
2. Gum
Gum is often repackaged into smaller packs so you’re not getting as good of a deal as you could get at a grocery store or drugstore during a sale when paired with a coupon.
3. Paper Products
Cheaper is not always the best deal, especially when it comes to household items like toilet paper or paper towels. A four-pack of 1-ply toilet paper for $1 may seem good, but you can often get more for your money at other stores or even when shopping online.
4. Batteries
The battery life may not last as long as name-brand batteries, so you’re better off buying batteries elsewhere or waiting for a sale and using coupons.
5. School supplies
Although you can get smaller packs of pencils or pens for just $1 each, you can get better deals at Office Supplies, Target, or even drugstores during Back to School sales or when paired with coupons.
6. Tools
Don’t buy your tools at the Dollar Tree unless you’re only planning to use them a couple times as the quality is not that great. Consider investing in a more expensive tool set during a sale or around the holiday season.
7. Plastic Food containers
According to a recent study, the quality of these containers are very poor and may not be safe for using with food. Unless you’re planning to use these containers to store cleaning supplies or other non-food items, consider purchasing food containers elsewhere.
8. Soda
If you drink soda, skip past the Soda aisle as you can often get name-brand bottles of soda for much less when paired with a sale at grocery and big-box stores.
9. Pet food
Shop for your furry friends at a pet or grocery store as experts warn about the lack of quality standards with dollar-store pet food.
10. Kitchen Utensils
Although they may offer a variety of miscellaneous kitchen utensils for just $1 each, the quality of these items may not stand up to what you’d find in other retail stores for a few dollars more.
A few money-saving tips:
- Looks can be deceiving! Be sure to compare sizes and prices to what you’d normally pay at your local grocery store after coupons before deciding on purchasing. As you can see above, a 3-count package of size 4 Huggies diapers or a 6-load bottle of Tide Simply Clean & Fresh for $1 each may not end up being the best price per item/ounce.
- At Dollar Tree, you can use manufacturer’s coupons or occasional store coupons for increased savings! Plus, they accept coupons for over a dollar on multiple items as long as the coupon amount does not exceed the combined retail price of the items indicated. Be sure to print the store’s coupon policy and bring it with you while shopping.
- If you have issues using coupons at Dollar Tree, be sure to contact the Dollar Tree customer service by phone at 1-877-530-TREE or via the contact form here to share your positive and negative feedback.
For kitchen tools I’ve seen Betty Crocker company and sometime kitchen aid… And what about plastic spoons and paper plates and bowls for parties?
We had Betty Crocker brand peeler and pizza cutters each break after one use. Never again.
i use the betty crocker measuring cup, i like it. ive even droppen it no breaks. washed it a lot and the ink hasnt come off.
i have a few spoons – high heat resistant ones at that!- from my dollar tree that we use on our non stick pans and have had these for years..
Love my Betty Crocker strainers for washing off fruit and veggies.
Yep, I disagree about not buying utensils. When my husband & I first got married, 10 years ago, we got some dollar store utensils, cups & even cookie sheets. We were fully expecting to have to replace them rather quickly but figured they’d work till we got ourselves more established. Well, I STILL have & use some of those utensils & the cookie sheets I used for several years before replacing with some really good quality ones. Now with the cookie sheets I always lined it with parchment or aluminum foil so stuff wouldn’t stick. Anyway, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy again if we ever had to!
My Betty Crocker scissors are my couponing scissors! I love them and have multiple pairs.
I also found cute scarves, a dish drying Mat and dish cloths recently that I thought were good deals.
Great post, thanks!
You are welcome! 🙂
Party supplies are good to buy, except treat/goodie bags! Everytime I have bought them from here they tear, and I have tried several times thinking that maybe I just got a bad batch.
This is dumb I buy a lot of things their and they are very good if you don’t like it don’t shop their. Stop trying to get people from buying stuff for cheap prices it’s annoying
I’ve been curious about toothpaste like Crest and Colgate.
I bought 2 packs of Colgate at Dollar Tree because I had a coupon. But then I watched this YouTube video that some dollar stores (not Dollar Tree) actually sell counterfeit toothpastes from an African country. I looked at the boxes of Colgate I bought, and they’re from Mexico. I don’t think they are counterfeit, but I prefer the ones made in the USA. So, I suggest just wait for a sale at one of the national pharmacies.
I almost never buy party supplies at dollar tree. My walmart has a majority of their party supplies for 97 cents. I’m all for saving that extra 3 cents 😉
Totally agree, plus it’s a smaller quantity for $1. My mom and I found that out shopping for my niece’s bday party and price comparing everywhere. Walmart was the lowest at $0.97 usually and twice the amount of goods; like 20 plates for $0.97 instead of 10 for $1.00.
Thank you this is helpful info!!
Yeah that helped me too!
I scored a whole set of adorable party plates, cups, balloons and party hats 75% off last week at Meijer. I normally buy the party stuff at Dollar Tree, but it was all .74 or cheaper and although my daughter’s birthday isn’t for another 6 months, the whole point is to save that .26! lol I’m with you! Every little bit helps 🙂
Yes! That is a great deal as well!
From experience, I can say the dollar tree pregnancy tests do work just as great as the name brands.
😀
i can vouch for that as well. it’s not a rumor but a fact. this yahoo finance article also has pregnancy test on the list and sites a news report where a doctor confirmed it’s accuracy, stating ““After looking at the studies I really think there is no difference.” https://finance.yahoo.com/news/definitely-buy-15-things-dollar-160041589.html Other studies have been done as well, so definitely a good buy especially if you’re one that likes to keep checking until the doctor’s visit 🙂
Same here found out about both of my amazing girls from dollar store pregnancy tests!!
I also agree – found out with all 3 of my kids from the dollar tree band. Semi-off topic: Has anyone seen that meme going around facebook stating that if you have to buy your pregnancy test from the dollar tree you can’t afford to have kids? Uggh, what nonsense!
I agree! Just research the sensitivity level of each brands online and you’ll see the dollar tree brand has the same levels as some more expensive brands.
Also agree, I found out about my baby boy 1 yr ago with these cheap ones! Why pay $10 when you can get 10 of them for that same price? lol
Yes I can vouch for this as well! I bought a name brand one just in case to see if the dollar store one worked…and it does!
Indeed! I have seven children and the last six have been confirmed positive using Dollar Tree pregnancy tests. 🙂 Besides, with 7 kids $1 is all I can afford!
My doctor just told me we can either due a pregnancy test here or you can go get the $1 one at the dollar store and they are just as accurate and way cheaper!
Pregnancy tests are only 88 cents at Dollar General
Wow! That’s a great find!
I disagree for batteries. I used the “c” batteries for my daughters vibration chair when she was an infant and they lasted like a week and we left that chair on practically all day
I also use them for toys and don’t seem to have an issue with them.
We had our bouncer on all the time as well but I only remember changing them once a month or so. We used energizer or Duracell.
I agree, we’ve had great luck with the Sunbeam brand batteries. We used to buy Kirkland (Costco) brand but have been using Sunbeam ones from Dollar Store & they work great & last!!
One tip: many battery packs have 4-6 batteries but often right next to this there are 8 packs, for an even better deal!!
Definitely do not work as well as duracell in our 360 controllers. After experimenting with different brands, I will only use duracell now.
Good for some things, yes they worked well in our baby vibration chair too but not good for some things because they didn’t work well in a remote control car.
Bummer. Yeah the Dollar Tree batteries do not always last as long.
Energizer are the batteries that I like to use because if you ever have something ruined by their batteries going bad, you just need to contact Energizer and they will usually have you send the unit with the bad batteries and then they will send you a check. I had not heard of this before, but working in a medical office, our dr. handed me his Dictaphone to get it replaced. At least this is how it used to be. Would assume it still is. 🙂
The pregnancy tests are just as good. Studies done by reputable universities have shown that they work just as well as much more expensive tests. A huge bonus for those of us trying to get pregnant and testing often!
If you are testing often, order pregnancy tests from eBay. You can get 10 for a 1.50. They are just the strips and you have to dip them but they’re cheap and work perfectly. 🙂
Good to know Kate! Thanks for sharing.
I have a friend that has used the pregnancy test for every pregnancy and she can voucher that it works! Just can’t believe it’s $1! 🙂
I used the preg tests and ovulation kits to get pregnant!
Thanks for the awesome list. I’ve found that the Betty Crocker grater awesome, very sturdy and durable.
Oh awesome – good to know!
Betty Crocker kitchen scissors are also good.
Off topic:
Can someone please post the link on how to make those cinnamon scented balls to pit around your house?
What?! I’ve never heard of this! I’m interested…
like the pinecones that they sell and you put around the house?
I could of sworn that there was a post on here last year on how to make them, but I can’t find it. And when I google cinnamon balls I get food. lol.
Not sure what exactly you are looking for but you could probably find it on pinterest.
Here is Martha’s take on it:
https://www.marthastewart.com/273214/pomander-how-to
I did it years ago. The orris root powder is key for preservation. Mine was still non-moldy way past a year. I think I got mine at the food co-op in the bulk section but craft stores might sell it now too.
google: orange pomander ball …for design ideas.
google images of:
https://preview.tinyurl.com/pmormtk
Rake in the points ( Doorbuster) gives $3 hurry ladies;)
Thanks Nona!!!!
You welcome
yay! thanks for the heads up
Thanks SO much! 😄
Thank you!
Thank you!
What is this? How do I do it?
I disagree with the soda too. The bottle shown are 3 liters not 2 liters.
Tried this once, tastes like chemicals or soap! Never again.
that’s what grape soda or grape juice is suppose to taste like 😉
Yep. I have only used the lemon lime for party punch, though. Worked great!
I buy our flour tortillas at Dollar Tree. They are big enough for anything I use them for, and much less expensive than the grocery store.
Quality of ingredients is lower. Containing more chemicals. You can get a 10 pack of 5 ingredient flour tortilla at super markets on sale frequently for 2.50 making them the same price 🙂
True with the batteries, I’d rather buy somewhere else as they seem to drain out pretty quick
As many others have said, the pregnancy tests are often for those of us that are super impatient and test often. For each of my pregnancies I was able to get a faint positive 4 days before my missed period, which is on part with the very expensive tests!
I absolutely love the dollar tree! However, you are very accurate. You must pay attention to what you buy. Some are great deals, and other’s aren’t. I seen a lady buying that TIde and I cringed! Price per load is outrageous! Some stuff is junk! Others are a steal! My favorite buys are: Candy, Puzzles/coloring books, reading books, cards, seasonal decorations, carpet fresh, medicines, dog food (little box of puppy chow by purina), and ANYTHING brand-name. I love the brand name cosmetics. I recently started watching you tube videos ( a reader suggested this!) to see what is being found that week at dollar tree, so I know what to look for! Last week I scored 32oz Gevalia iced coffee w/almond milk! Yummy. Collin thanks for all your time, and energy in all that you do. I love the deals, but also stuff like this. Articles, diy, recipes. What would my life be without hip2save? Thank you so much. You are an amazing person 🙂
I scored the coffee too this week. Will you share the name of the weekly video? I also found the Sally Hansen version of nail polish stickers, like jamberry!
I bought that $1 Tide, only b/c there was a $3 Tide MobiSave offer a few months ago, so it was a MM!
I buy crock pot liners and oven roasting bags at Dollar Tree.
Ooh! That’s a great one to grab!
I am picky at Dollar Tree, but I do greeting cards and my daughter loves the jigsaw puzzles there. Also some of the books come from Costco as they have the Costco item number and price sticker in the upper right cover corner. I do buy maraschino cherries, dries figs, huge Honey Bunches of Oat cereal boxes, glad zipper sandwich/snack bags, canned pumpkin, firefly kids toothbrushes there. Recently I got the Crayola Color Studio HD pen, but it was a disappointment. I am glad I didn’t pay more for it at Target.
My Dollar Tree doesn’t have most of the nicer items but it evenly found new OPI nail polishes at my local 99c store. I purchased a variety for my teen girls and as gifts for their friends.
Used 3 dollar tree pregnancy tests 10, 14, and 16dpo and they were all negative… A $8 EPT test on the same day was positive AND now I have an 18 month son… They’re Junk!
I have had good luck with Dollar Tree spatulas (rubber scraping kind), Betty Crocker scissors, name brand makeup & nail polish. I also shamelessly use the off brand eye shadow and colored lip gloss that looks like Baby Lips, save the garish colors especially for Halloween makeup.
Books – I can’t even tell you how many books I’ve gotten from Dollar Tree. I send word finds and sudoku books to my pen pals and buy coloring & activity books to keep the kids occupied and for stocking stuffers. At my store cards are 2/$1, even better deal!
I’m terrified to use their dishware though – scared of lead paint or sketchy clear coat.
There are three stores in a radius around me and I love scoping them out whenever I’m nearby. They even recognize me!
Love the Dollar Tree!! I will say I have steered clear of non-name-brand sunscreen, though, ever since my kids got sunburned on a family vacation after using a store-brand sunscreen. Not worth taking the risk to me.
I am always weary of buying any of the ceramics at the dollar store that we would eat out of- years ago Oprah I think did a thing on how sometimes they could contain lead in the glaze or something like that- ( I don’t totally remember lol) But there are so many other things we find here that really save us money! Love my Dollar Tree!!!!
lead glaze is very common in ceramics – my MIL has made ceramics for years and warned me of the same thing! I guess there are specific types of glazes that are “food safe”, but there is no way you can tell that by looking at the item
Love the off brand Spray and Wash. I swear it works better than the name brand stuff!
Good to know…I’m going to try it!
I always buy toys at the dollar store for easter baskets, halloween bags, stocking stuffers, etc. My niece loves them. They have cute little things for $1. She loves the puzzles, coloring books, books, etc. I’ve also bought lots of utensils there too, like the Betty Crocker ones, they’re awesome, love the red color too. Hot pads too, those things are hard to find and you get two for $1 that are nice. Also buy dishes and glasses there; really nice quality for only $1.
We buy trash bags from here – if you arent overstuffing and just using them for basic kitchen needs, we find them to be sufficient enough if I cant find a sale. We also buy the huge pack of white “dinner” napkins, Dog “waste” bags, Holiday decor, some wrapping paper and bows, cards, theater candy, off brand “pine sol” for mopping,. sponges, “magic” erasers, “dusters”- lots of cleaning supplies.. My husband also swears by their “car tire degreaser”. I used it the other day and it really does work as well as the expensive brands. Some things might be on par with walmart prices – but seriously, I would rather spend a few cents more and just pop into the dollar tree! My walmart is one of only a few stores in our town and its usually packed and waiting in line for a few items gets old. Plus, they are out of half the things we go in there for! Id rather go to the Dollar tree and be in and out in 10 minutes.
Were you happy with the off-brand “magic erasers”? I bought some a couple of days ago, and they tear apart when I scrub hard.
Annie I don’t like the dollar store magic erasers. They crumble so easily compared to the name brand ones.
My husband routinely buys the aluminum roasting pans for serving when he smokes brisket or pork shoulder and swears they are the biggest and the best you can get anywhere!
That’s great Kellie! Awesome tip!
I’ve gotten great potato bread at my Dollar Tree. It was fresh and as good as name brand at the grocery store.
We just got a Dollar Tree in our town and I love it! Best product so far is the LA’s Totally Awesome toilet cleaner. I have tried all sorts of cleaners on our rusty-water stained toilets and the dollar store one took it right off, no scrubbing involved 🙂
oops, I mean The Works toilet cleaner. I have been happy with the LA’s laundry detergent as well (although not for my mechanic hubby’s work clothes…)
Yes! The Works is awesome!!!
Sweet! 😀
Some of my best kitchen utensils came from Dollar Tree when I first got married 14 years ago. Still use them and they’ve lasted longer than some of my other name brand ones.
That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing! 😉
Ok the one place me and our kids, teachers, friends go to dollar tree is for party favors, its awesome in that department! However, that being said I bought a spoon for cooking and it broke, bought another that my husbands says it feemsy, then went and got a what I thought was a medal ladle only to see the paint chipping away so it wasn’t really medal at this point I don’t know what it is! So I agree with Collin on her list! If you want kitchen ware target, Walmart, and other stores carry great sales on this items.
We buy our greeting cards and gift bags there! Saves a lot of money for us!
My dt has webkinz toys now!! Regular $15++ at the other stores
Ooh! That’s a great one to find at the Dollar Tree!
mine has beyblades for $1 so there may be some exceptions on the what not to buy list like name brand items sold at regular stores.
I get lots of classroom supplies from DT- Love the 2 pack of posters to decorate our Homeschool room (cant beat the price and quality is great!)
I disagree with your what not to but list. I buy a lot of plastic containers and kitchen untensils from the Dollar Tree. I have used them over and over and neber had an issue.
I have a spatula that I got from Dollar Tree at least 8 years ago. Just used it today to flip my salmon patties!
Totally agree on pregnancy tests!! Only place I’ll buy them! Also the ovulation tests are awesome. I went yesterday and noticed a few other cool things, not sure if they’re new or what but- knock off fake glue on nails (like impress nails) but WAY cheaper & cute designs!! Fake lashes are great there too.. And last but not least, wine glasses!!
I disagree about the toys, when it comes to older children. My younger two have grown out of the “puts everything in the mouth” stage and are both now in the “constantly needs bribes to do ANYTHING” stage. So, I bribe them with “credits” that they can spend at Dollar Tree. They spend them on bubbles, balls, hula hoops, squirt guns, and other cheap toys. I know these toys aren’t going to last forever, but each child averages one “prize” per week and actually care about the toy half as long, so I don’t feel like I’m wasting money. For them, also, actually buying the “prize” is as much a part of the thing itself, because we don’t get out but once a week.
With all the toy overflow in our house, “disposable” toys sound great! 😉
Please do not buy pet food from the dollar store. Besides being of questionable quality, it’s cheaper in bigger sizes from other stores. Also, NEVER use the flea and tick products from dollar stores. I’ve seen dogs with chemical burns from cheap flea treatment.
I will say the one pet item I always get are the plush dog toys. They last longer than more expensive ones. I buy about 12 or so every three months.
I’ve used DT pregnancy tests with each one of my four kids and they worked just as well as the name brand! If the hormone is there, they will detect it! No need for anything fancy! 😉
I love their gift bags and other gift wrapping supplies.
I also disagree about the batteries. They work fine for all of my kid’s toys and the remote controls around the houe.
My DT has their brand of aluminum foil singles in a 30 count like the Reynolds singles… Love them.
Also their breezy dryer sheets are a 30 count and smell good and are cheap.
Also just bought all stainless serving utensils there.
Hormel pepperonis are a great deal at dollar tree. I also buy tons of the shower curtains. They are very cheaply made but I can throw a shower curtain away as often as I like with no guilt. Also the plastic table cloths are great for everything from special occasions to drop cloths for projects. My favorite deal is the 20oz Dt. Mountain Dew for $1. Yes I know I should drink water but when I splurge I like to buy one single 20oz and no where else near me
has this size for $1. If I get them at Walmart across the road they are $1.68.
I have to disagree with buying spices at the dollar store as many of them are made in China and I am very skeptical of all food from China.
I do buy the button style batteries there and find them to be excellent quality.
Why aren’t you worried about safety of the mugs? If they’re cheap and questionable, it’s worse than cheap toys as you definitely do use them for eating and drinking, right?
I would be cautious when buying sunscreen from discount stores. Many off brand products do not contain the active ingredients that block the cancerous UVB/UVA rays.
I saw a test for “weed” there the other day.