Things You Should Actually Buy at the Dollar Store

By Lauren Boudreau 4 min read

We’ve all been there for the best deals: the dollar store. Sometimes things are a dollar and sometimes they’re not, but we always know one thing: They are dirt cheap. But is anything worth buying at the dollar store? We know that with cheap prices comes cheap manufacturing. Won’t it just break in a week? Believe it or not, there are some items that you should definitely get from the dollar store. These items won’t break or expire, and they are items you actually need. Well, OK, mostly need.

Here’s the definitive list of items you should get from your local dollar store.

1. Greeting Cards

Everyone who’s been to Hallmark knows that a greeting card can set you back as much as $6. But it doesn’t have to! The dollar store has you covered. They have greeting cards for every occasion at less than $1.

2. Plastic Utensils

Why spend more money on something that is just going to be thrown away right after use?

3. Paper Clips

At Office Depot, a pack of paper clips can run you $2.49. Get ’em for $1 a pack at Dollar Tree.

4. Storage Bins

Bins used for storage don’t need to be anything fancy. You throw the old Christmas lights in and toss it in the basement. At the dollar store, you’ll find bins for a variety of uses.

5. Tampons/Sanitary Napkins

As long as women still have to pay for these, they should purchase them at the dollar store. Feminine hygiene products can set you back $6 to $10 elsewhere.

6. Aluminum Foil

You should always get your aluminum foil at the dollar store. The price per square foot will always beat any other retailer.

7. Wrapping Paper

At other stores, wrapping paper can be $5 per roll, but at the dollar store, a 20-foot roll is $1.

8. Cleaning Supplies

Buying cleaning supplies at the dollar store is a good way to keep to a budget. The supplies have all the same ingredients (though maybe they’re a bit diluted) and get the job done.

9. Double-Sided Tape

This can cost around $5 bucks at Staples. But at the dollar store, you can find it at a fifth of the price per inch.

10. Mailing Supplies

The dollar store sells padded envelopes in pairs of two, and a 10-pack of mailing labels.

11. Seasonal Decor

Holiday decorations are crazy expensive these days. Rite-Aid sells some of its Christmas decor for as much as $60. But never fear, the dollar store is here. They may not have as large of a selection, but you sure won’t be busting any budgets.

12. Craft Supplies

Even if you’re not into crafting, it’s a good way to keep kids busy. The dollar store sells plenty of beads, crayons, paintbrushes, coloring books, glitter, and more!

13. Socks

Socks are basically disposable clothes. They always get lost in the dryer or develop holes quicker than you want them to. Therefore, dollar store socks are the way to go.

14. Hair Ties

Hair ties are like socks. You buy 50, and suddenly you have two. They get lost so fast, so you might as well save on them. Hair clips and other accessories are also very cheap.

15. Bathroom Supplies

This includes shaving cream, mouthwash, toothbrushes, and loofas.

16. Mugs/Glasses

This is a good way to rack up mugs and glasses on the cheap. Just make sure they’re dishwasher/microwave safe.

17. Picture Frames

Back in the day, people actually put pictures on walls instead of posting them on social media. If you’re into that kind of thing, a variety of picture frames are sold at dollar stores for a fraction of the cost.