[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/saving-and-budgeting\/best-things-buy-dollar-store\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/saving-and-budgeting\/best-things-buy-dollar-store\/","headline":"87 Best Things to Buy at the Dollar Store","name":"87 Best Things to Buy at the Dollar Store","description":"If you\u2019re on a strict budget, you\u2019re probably wondering about the best things to...","datePublished":"2019-02-25","dateModified":"2023-04-22","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/author\/logan-allec\/#Person","name":"Logan Allec, CPA","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/author\/logan-allec\/","identifier":4,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6e74dd0453a5871d1dcfde6d40d9494765ca8bfdb01927cefee4564d4bee9075?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/6e74dd0453a5871d1dcfde6d40d9494765ca8bfdb01927cefee4564d4bee9075?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Money Done Right","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Money-Done-Right-Personal-Finance-and-Investing-Blog.png","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Money-Done-Right-Personal-Finance-and-Investing-Blog.png","width":488,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/best-things-to-buy-at-the-dollar-store.jpg","url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/best-things-to-buy-at-the-dollar-store.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/saving-and-budgeting\/best-things-buy-dollar-store\/","about":["Saving Money"],"wordCount":4339,"articleBody":"If you\u2019re on a strict budget, you\u2019re probably wondering about the best things to buy at the dollar store.The idea of buying items for significantly less is quite appealing. While the quality of some items may be poor, there are lots of real bargains to score. They include party supplies, personal care items, household items and food.Also, you should note that there are different types of dollar stores. At Dollar Tree, most things cost $1 or even less. However, at Family Dollar, Dollar General, and others, items can cost up to $10 although lots cost a $1.With that said, here are 87 great discount store buys.Table of ContentsToggle1. Party Supplies2. Greeting Cards3. Mailing Supplies4. First-Aid Basics5. Notebooks6. Permanent Markers7. Gift Bags and Boxes8. Pool Toys9. Storage Containers10. Puzzles and Board Games11. Coffee Filters12. Holiday Decorations13. Poster Board14. Reading Glasses15. Rubber Gloves16. Hair Accessories17. Books18. Pregnancy Tests19. Tote Bags20. Disposable Baking Tins21. Vases and Decorative Containers22. Bread23. Mugs24. Cleaning Supplies25. Dishes26. Cookie Sheets27. Food Containers28. Cotton Swabs29. Picture Frames30. Art Supplies31. Boxed and Bagged Candy32. Double-Sided Tape33. Socks34. Index Cards35. Washcloths36. Flashlights37. Plastic Buckets38. Flip Flops39. Painkillers40. Plant Pots41. Spices42. Sandwich Bags43. Sponges44. Teaching Supplies45. Aluminum Foil46. Toothbrushes47. Wrapping Paper48. White T-Shirts49. Brooms and Dustpans50. Shampoo and Conditioner51. Stocking Stuffers and Small Gifts52. Tools53. Kitchen Utensils and Tableware54. Non-Perishable Food55. Candles56. Batteries57. Paper Products58. Plastic Utensils59. Simple Skin Care Treatments60. Spray Bottles61. Tissues62. Wipes63. Microfiber Cloths64. Petroleum Jelly65. Note Cards66. Kids\u2019 Band-Aids67. Pens and Pencils68. Shelf Organizers69. Sudoku and Crossword Puzzle Books70. Stickers71. Lint Rollers72. Trashcans73. Canned Soup74. Spaghetti Sauce75. Pet Supplies76. Earbuds77. USB Chargers78. Cold Medicine79. Makeup80. Baby Food81. Tampons82. Soaps and Body Washes83. Glow Sticks84. Air Fresheners85. Artificial Plants and Flowers86. Travel-Sized Items87. Disposable Razors1. Party SuppliesYou can get party supplies at the dollar store for as much as 70 percent less than elsewhere.If you need festive tablecloths, streamers, and party favors, or just paper plates and cups, head to the nearest discount store and save some cash.Throwing a party doesn\u2019t need to break the bank.2. Greeting CardsA dollar or less can get you the birthday, anniversary or Christmas card you need.There\u2019s no need to spend $5 or more unless you really need fancy ribbon and textured paper. Get a cheap card and write a heartfelt sentiment the recipient is sure to love.3. Mailing SuppliesSome of the best things to buy at the dollar store are envelopes, bubble wrap and packing tape. If you go to the post office, the cost will be much higher.4. First-Aid BasicsYou\u2019ll find bandages, gauze and antiseptic ointments at the dollar store for a fraction of the cost at pharmacies.Good to Know: If you don\u2019t mind not having popular brand names in your first-aid kit, you can save up to 50 percent.5. NotebooksWhether you want to write your to-do list or keep notes in classes and meetings, you shouldn\u2019t have to spend a fortune on notebooks. If you have kids who go through books quickly, you have an even bigger incentive to seek out the best prices.6. Permanent MarkersThis is another area in which you definitely don\u2019t need to splurge. You may get as many as four markers for the price of one when you head to the dollar store.7. Gift Bags and Boxes These items often end up in the trash within five minutes so you should spend as little as possible. You may not get all the bells and whistles you would get from the fancy gift store, but the bags and boxes will serve the same purpose.8. Pool ToysDo you need cool pool floats or games for poolside? If so, a great place to check is your neighborhood dollar store. Have a backup flotation device on hand if you\u2019re worried about the quality of the floats.9. Storage ContainersWhen you want to get rid of clutter, you probably head to the store for containers. If you\u2019re not shopping at the dollar store, you may be spending a lot more than is necessary.Good to Know: For just a few dollars, you can get containers for clothing, toys, and just about anything else.10. Puzzles and Board GamesIf you want to keep your kids occupied, puzzle and board games are a great idea.Since they are likely to begin losing pieces almost immediately, why spend more than $1?11. Coffee FiltersEnsure your home or office never runs out of this essential. Coffee filters cost a lot less at the dollar store and if you think about it, they really aren\u2019t worth a lot.12. Holiday DecorationsWhether it\u2019s a scarecrow at Halloween or shiny balls for the Christmas tree, you\u2019ll find lots of options at dollar stores.Reminder: Lower priced holiday decorations are some of the best dollar store finds.13. Poster BoardKids will often need poster board for their class projects, and they may not remember until the night before. Having some cheap boards on hand at home can really help in a pinch. When they cost just $1 or less, stocking up is easy.14. Reading GlassesIf the only eye problem you have is focusing on close objects, you may only need reading glasses. Those at the dollar store can be just as helpful as the more expensive ones you can get in other stores.Pro Tip: Schedule an eye exam if you have problems seeing at long distances as well.15. Rubber GlovesRubber gloves are among the best things to buy at the dollar store. You need to protect your hands from germs and harsh chemicals, but you don\u2019t need to spend a lot to do so. Buy a few pairs the next time you pass by the discount store.16. Hair AccessoriesBobby pins always seem to disappear so you can never have too many. However, the dollar store also gives you the opportunity to get large packs of headbands and scrunchies for just $1. You can also get combs and brushes for cheap.17. BooksIf you\u2019re wondering how to buy cheap books, the dollar store may be just the place to look. You\u2019re unlikely to find the latest New York Times bestseller but you can get a decent selection of reading material.Good to Know: Children\u2019s books, crossword puzzle books, and religious-themed tomes are often on the shelves.18. Pregnancy TestsPregnancy tests can cost up to $15 in the grocery store. You can get them for just a buck at some dollar stores and they are just as accurate.19. Tote BagsTote bags come in handy when you\u2019re going to the store, heading to the beach, or just taking some items to a friend. They can disappear quickly so stocking up at the dollar store makes sense.20. Disposable Baking TinsThese foil pans cost about half as much in the dollar store. If you need to bake something for a picnic or potluck, a disposable tin can come in handy. Since you\u2019ll be throwing them away, it\u2019s best to save your money.21. Vases and Decorative ContainersEven though you\u2019re on a budget, you probably still want your home to look great. Dollar stores usually carry vases in quite a few designs, and you can also get decorative glass bowls for a buck or two.22. BreadBread is a staple in many households. Some dollar stores sell well-known brands of loaves and bagels for only $1 in comparison to $2.50 or more at the grocery store.Pro Tip: Remember to check the expiration date so you use or refrigerate the bread in time.23. MugsMugs are good discount store buys and the quality is pretty much the same as what you get in other stores. Not only are they cheaper, but you can buy exactly how many you need instead of having to purchase a set.24. Cleaning SuppliesYou\u2019ll often find popular brands like Tide and Clorox for just $1. Whether you need multi-purpose cleaner, bleach or detergent pods, you may be able to find what you need at a discounted price.25. DishesIf you want nice dishes that will do the job even if they aren\u2019t top quality, the dollar store comes through yet again. Cheap dishes are especially appealing if you have little kids who may drop the crockery.Pro Tip: If you\u2019re a busy single mom looking to save, the dollar store is a great resource of baby stuff as well. And if you\u2019re looking for more money-saving tips.26. Cookie SheetsCookie sheets don\u2019t need to be pricey. If you bake often or you make large batches of goodies, you likely need lots of them. Consider getting a few from your neighborhood dollar store.27. Food ContainersFood containers may cost up to $5 at the grocery store and some brands of food storage bags are expensive. If you\u2019re on a budget, this is not ideal since plastic containers have to be replaced often.28. Cotton SwabsYou definitely don\u2019t need to spend more than is absolutely necessary on cotton swabs.Pro Tip: Brand makes very little difference in quality and you can get a box at the dollar store for just over half of the usual price.29. Picture FramesTo save some money, purchase your picture frames from the dollar store and paint them or jazz them up in another way. Your walls can look great without you having to spend a fortune.30. Art SuppliesIf you or your kids want to get crafty, you don\u2019t need to need to go overboard with spending. You can get foam shapes, beads, sequins, and decorative tape for just $1.31. Boxed and Bagged CandyIf you take your own candy to the movie store, you can get a bargain in dollar stores. Go shopping around holidays like Halloween or Valentine\u2019s Day to get the best selection.32. Double-Sided TapeWhen every penny counts, you don\u2019t want to make any bad purchases. Double-sided tape may not be the most expensive thing, but you pay even less at the dollar store.33. SocksYou probably don\u2019t want to buy dollar store clothing, but the socks can be of a decent quality. Whether you need them for yourself or your children, you\u2019ll find some acrylic or spandex blends on par with department store options.34. Index CardsIndex cards are important for test prep or giving a presentation and are one of the best things to buy at the dollar store. You can get a pack for under $1 in some discount stores, so you have no excuse for not having some on hand.35. WashclothsWashcloths are also some of the best things to buy at the dollar store.Good to Know: You can often find ultra-soft and absorbent microfiber cloths for face and body and some specially designed for babies. Most stores have matching bath and hand towels.36. FlashlightsDollar store flashlights aren\u2019t top quality but if the power suddenly goes out, you\u2019ll be glad you bought a couple. You can get a small one to keep on a keychain or in your car in case of emergency.37. Plastic BucketsPlastic buckets are great for temporary storage, household cleaning, and washing cars. If you\u2019ve realized you need to get a bucket, skip the trip to the hardware store. You\u2019ll find lots of different colors and sizes at a dollar store near you.38. Flip FlopsIf you need shoes for communal showers, the beach or the pool, look no further than the discount store. These stores have lots of cheap colorful flip-flops from which you can choose. Some may even last a couple of years if you don\u2019t lose them.39. PainkillersYou\u2019ve probably had to buy a small pack of pain relievers on the go when a headache suddenly came on. Even if they were expensive, you got them anyway because you just wanted the pain to go away.Pro Tip: If you want to be prepared next time, get two or three packs for $1 and keep them at work, in your car or in your purse.40. Plant PotsHardware stores often sell plant pots for more than $10. However, you can get them much cheaper in dollar stores. If you have a green thumb, you\u2019ll love the discounted pots.41. SpicesYou can probably get two or three bottles of spices at the dollar store for what you\u2019re currently paying the grocery store.If you want to try a new spice for the first time or you know you\u2019ll only use it at one time of year, there\u2019s no need to spend a lot of money. If you end up tossing the spice away, you won\u2019t feel guilty.42. Sandwich BagsEven if you like popular brands like Hefty and Glad, you can find them at dollar stores.Good to Know: You can pack your lunches for almost a third less than you currently do at the grocery store. Cheap sandwich bags are especially convenient and affordable for large families.43. SpongesYou should get rid of your kitchen sponges every two to three weeks to prevent the spread of germs. It, therefore, isn\u2019t wise to spend a lot of money on them.Pro Tip: Dollar stores sell multiple sponges in a pack for $1, making them some of the best dollar store finds.44. Teaching SuppliesMany teachers take some of their own supplies to the classroom and it can get expensive.Some of the basic things you need like pencils, sharpeners, and sticky notes are readily available at the dollar store. This makes it much more affordable to get things for the entire class.45. Aluminum FoilDollar store foil comes in a smaller roll than what you will get at the grocery store. However, if you need it and you don\u2019t have lots of money, this option will work in a pinch.46. ToothbrushesToothbrushes need to be changed every three months or immediately after illness. Plus, you may need to have some on hand for overnight guests.Luckily, dollar stores have them for almost a third of the price offered by other stores. You\u2019ll even find name-brands like Colgate.47. Wrapping PaperBuy your wrapping paper in bulk during the holiday season and it should last for the next year. You can get rolls of assorted designs for birthdays, holidays and other occasions.48. White T-ShirtsWhether you want them for lounging or DIY projects, you can get three-packs of white T-shirts for a lot less at the dollar store. If you need to get a couple at the last minute, don\u2019t bother with department stores when there\u2019s a dollar store near you.49. Brooms and DustpansThese basic cleaning items can cost up to $15 in some stores, but you really don\u2019t need to pay that much. You can get brooms and dustpans for just a buck in dollar stores.50. Shampoo and ConditionerIf you don\u2019t mind generic products, you can get your hair-washing essentials at a very low price.Good to Know: The ingredients in dollar store shampoos and conditioners are pretty much the same as those in other products.You may still need to try a few different options until you find which products work best for you, but it\u2019ll be at a much lower cost.51. Stocking Stuffers and Small GiftsWhen you need items for goodie bags or just little thank-you gifts, the dollar store has a lot to offer. Grab candy, toys, games, household products or beauty items depending on who the recipient is. You\u2019ll find something for everyone.52. ToolsSome dollar stores have decent tools. You won\u2019t find large power tools, but you\u2019ll get what you need for a basic toolbox.There will likely be hammers, screwdrivers and tape measures which are essential for any handyman or woman. If you want to be able to do small jobs around the house, start collecting supplies at the dollar store.53. Kitchen Utensils and TablewareIf you\u2019re now starting out and you need to outfit your kitchen on a budget, the dollar store can be a major help.You\u2019ll find bowls, cutlery, crockery, tongs, spatulas and just about anything else you can think of. They usually look great and they can last quite a long time.54. Non-Perishable FoodCanned and other shelf-stable foods are some of the best things to buy at the dollar store. However, you need to make sure you\u2019re actually getting a bargain by doing some price comparisons.You also need to ask yourself whether you\u2019ll really eat the food or if you\u2019re buying because it\u2019s cheap. Having good spending habits is key to making sound dollar store purchases.55. CandlesWhether you want to create a romantic atmosphere or just have a lighting source during an emergency, you can\u2019t go wrong with dollar store candles. You\u2019ll find tea lights, pillar candles, scented jar candles, and more in store.56. BatteriesYou can also get some dollar store batteries for short-term use. They are convenient if you need to power a small flashlight or keep your remote going until you get your usual batteries.Good to Know: Dollar store batteries don\u2019t last as long as more expensive ones, but they are a lot cheaper.57. Paper ProductsYou probably don\u2019t ever want to run out of toilet paper or paper towels. Even if you have your favorite brands which you get from other retailers, it can\u2019t hurt to keep some cheap ones stashed away in case you need them someday.58. Plastic UtensilsPlastic utensils are great for informal parties. There\u2019s less washing up to do and you don\u2019t have to worry about your good cutlery disappearing.The next time you\u2019re having guests over, prepare with a visit to the dollar store.59. Simple Skin Care TreatmentsDo you use hydrogen peroxide for minor cuts or generic benzoyl peroxide for acne? If so, you can pick them up at the dollar store for less. Some people find these products work just as well as more expensive skin products.60. Spray BottlesSpray bottles can be of great help around the home. If you make your own bathroom or window cleaner, they are invaluable.Pro Tip: Retailers vary significantly in how much they sell spray bottles for, but you can be sure of a bargain at the dollar store.61. TissuesTissues are a guaranteed throwaway item and you can never have too many. Stock up on them at the dollar store and ensure every member of your family has some. Keep them in the car, your desk at work and in your purse so you always have a pack close by.62. WipesWipes are another product you\u2019ll want to have close at hand. You can use them to clean your hands when you\u2019re on the go, wipe up spills or even clean your desk after the weekend. They basically make any type of cleaning super easy.63. Microfiber ClothsIf you want a more environmentally friendly cleaning option, get microfiber cleaning cloths.They can be used dry for dusting and wet for a thorough cleaning. These are designed to pick up dirt and residue especially well to ensure your home is spick and span.64. Petroleum JellyYou don\u2019t need name-brand petroleum jelly. The dollar store version will work just as well to heal dry skin, soothe cracked hands and soften lips. You can even use it to highlight your cheeks.65. Note CardsIt shouldn\u2019t cost a lot to send a thank you card or a simple note of appreciation. You can find a good selection of note cards at most dollar stores and the quality is quite good. Even when you choose affordable cards, the recipient will appreciate your sentiments.66. Kids\u2019 Band-AidsIf you want brightly colored or patterned band-aids or those with popular characters on them, head to the dollar store.Band-aids either have to be changed quite frequently or they don\u2019t have to be on for long, so it isn\u2019t necessary to buy expensive ones. Your little one will love them no matter where they\u2019re from.67. Pens and PencilsWhether it\u2019s the office or the classroom, pens and pencils disappear quickly. People borrow them and never return them, or you simply misplace them. For everyday writing needs, dollar store pencils and pencils are best. You can also pick up pencil lead for mechanical pencils.68. Shelf OrganizersClutter increases stress and makes it hard to focus. If you\u2019ve been putting off tidying your space, go to the dollar store and get some cheap organizers to help you get things in order.69. Sudoku and Crossword Puzzle BooksEven in this technological age, some people prefer a good old-fashioned puzzle book. The dollar store is a great place to pick one up if you like to do puzzles when you have time to kill. Crossword puzzles also make great small gifts for other people.70. StickersIf you\u2019re a teacher or a parent, you know kids love stickers. However, they usually quickly shift their attention to something else.The next time you go to the dollar store, grab a few fun stickers including some gold stars to reward them for a job well done. They get a fun incentive and you keep some money in your pocket.71. Lint RollersIt\u2019s crazy how lint, fuzz and even pet hair seem to attach themselves to everything. Lint rollers make it easy to return clothing to its pristine nature, so you look professional and well-groomed.Bonus Tip: You can also use them on cloth blinds or lampshades.72. TrashcansTrashcans make great discount store buys. Schools, offices, and homes all need them, and they shouldn\u2019t cost a lot.73. Canned SoupThis is one of the foods you can buy from the dollar store without fear. Store them in the pantry for emergencies or just occasions when it\u2019s too difficult to cook a full meal from scratch.74. Spaghetti SauceGetting basic spaghetti sauce and adding your own spices and meats is a great idea if you\u2019re trying to save money on groceries. You can prepare a hearty meal for your family without breaking the bank.75. Pet SuppliesYou\u2019ll find dishes, canned food, and treats along with toys, collars, and leashes at the dollar store. These will almost always be a lot cheaper than those at the pet store. Your animal definitely won\u2019t know or care where the items came from so save yourself some money.76. EarbudsDollar store earbuds can save the day if you leave your usual ones at home. They also ensure you can listen to your favorite music or podcasts if you need to get new fancy headphones, but you can\u2019t buy them as yet.77. USB ChargersOff-brand USB chargers are also a great quick fix if you don\u2019t have your usual charger on hand or if you need a temporary option.Good to Know: They are unlikely to last as long as the name-brand manufacturers\u2019 product, but they\u2019ll keep your device juiced up for a while.78. Cold MedicineIf you have the common cold or flu and you need a little relief, you can get brands like Theraflu and Vicks at heavily discounted prices. The next time you feel symptoms coming on, go to the dollar store instead of the pharmacy and keep some money in your pocket.79. MakeupYou can get makeup even cheaper than that in the drug store if you make a beeline for the dollar store. While some stuff will be from unknown brands, you can also find Elf, Wet n Wild, Rimmel, and Maybelline products.If you want to experiment with colors or formulas, makeup is one of the best things to buy at the dollar store.80. Baby FoodYou may be uncomfortable giving your baby brands you\u2019ve never heard of. However, you can find brands like Gerber at the dollar store, allowing your little one to eat their favorite foods even though you\u2019re on a budget.81. TamponsEvery woman knows sanitary items can get quite expensive. Luckily, some dollar stores carry Playtex and Tampax at lower prices, making that time of the month a little less stressful.82. Soaps and Body WashesWhatever kind of soap you need, you can find it in dollar stores. Liquid hand soap, dish soap and soap bars are all likely to be in abundance. Sometimes you\u2019ll even come across some of your favorite brands at a good price.83. Glow SticksIf you need cool glow sticks and other glowing toys for a kids\u2019 party, there\u2019s no better place to get them. Choose from very affordable sunglasses, wands, bracelets and more.84. Air FreshenersGive your home or car a nice fragrance without spending a lot of money. You\u2019ll find many different styles and many different scents from which you can choose.85. Artificial Plants and FlowersIf you struggle to keep plants alive but you like the look of them, get some artificial ones from the dollar store. Options range from cacti to roses so you can create the garden of your choice for as little as possible.86. Travel-Sized ItemsIf you\u2019re travelling by air, you may not be able to take all your toiletries with you. Or, maybe you\u2019re staying at home, but you want to try some new products.Whenever you need small portions of toothpaste, skin care products, or hair styling products, travel-sizes are a great idea.87. Disposable RazorsIf your skin isn\u2019t sensitive or problematic and you get good results with disposable razors, buy them from the dollar store and you\u2019ll likely get the best prices.For even more savings when you go shopping for the best things to buy at the dollar store, use a cashback app or coupons. You may end up getting some items free!What are your favorite dollar store products? Let us know below.\u00a0"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Personal Finance","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Saving And Budgeting","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/\/saving-and-budgeting\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"87 Best Things to Buy at the Dollar Store","item":"https:\/\/moneydoneright.com\/personal-finance\/saving-and-budgeting\/best-things-buy-dollar-store\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]