15 Items You Should Always Buy at a Dollar Store main image
Scroll Down To Continue

15 Items You Should Always Buy at a Dollar Store

Going shopping? While we all love to go to one store to purchase everything, you can save money by buying different items at varying shops. Sometimes, a great sale can save you tons of money. However, certain stores are designed to save you a little extra money. That’s right – we’re talking about dollar stores. Many people forget that these shops exist, and that’s a shame because they can save you major moolah.

People may not shop at bargain stores because they look down on them and consider the quality worse than something you may purchase at other stores. However, quality doesn’t have to cost a fortune, especially if it’s items that usually made the same no matter where you buy them. In fact, the dollar store may get the items from the same factory! Many stores get the same product, change the packaging, and charge what they want.

Why pay more than you have to? You might not be able to do all your weekly shopping at the dollar store (dollar store steaks anyone?), but that doesn't mean there aren't some serious bargains to be had there! All it takes is a little smart shopping. To save a little money, check out these 15 items you should always buy at a dollar store!

1. Disposable Aluminum Pans

1. Disposable Aluminum Pans

When you bake cinnamon rolls for a friend or a turkey for family Thanksgiving, an inexpensive single use aluminum pan means no worries about retrieving or storing a dish. These can run up to $8 at places like Walmart, but you can get the same quality pan for $1 at a bargain store. 

We promise, no one is going to care (or notice) if you show up to the potluck with a bargain basement aluminum pan! 

2. Steel Mesh Scrubbers

2. Steel Mesh Scrubbers

These cleaning pads grab food, scrub it off your pan, and eventually go in the trash. 

You'll find familiar brands with a smaller price tag at your local dollar store.

3. Trash Bags

3. Trash Bags

The key to an effectively functioning trash bag is thickness. 

Check the thickness of your favorite brand, then match it in a less expensive dollar store product.

4. Paper Towels

4. Paper Towels

Cheap paper towels work well on spills. 

However, be sure to compare thickness, frequency of perforation, and length of roll to your preferences before making a dollar store choice.

5. Liquid Soap Refills

5. Liquid Soap Refills

Refill your hand soap dispensers with soap in a scent you like. 

You'll get to keep your favorite container while saving a few bucks!

6. Greeting Cards

6. Greeting Cards

While you'll find fewer die-cut cards, there are plenty of pleasing designs and appropriate sentiments available at a cost of 50¢ or $1 per card with envelope. 

You can stock up and be prepared for those last-minute celebrations that are sure to pop up.

7. Gift Bags

7. Gift Bags

Gift bags in many sizes, shapes, colors, patterns, and themes fill the racks at most dollar stores. 

Be prepared by keeping some on hand at home and at the office.

8. Tissue Paper

8. Tissue Paper

Top your gift bag with bright colored tissue paper from the party supply aisle or head to the seasonal section where additional colors and patterns appear throughout the year.

No need for spending extra on something that's going to be thrown away immediately!

9. Plastic Storage Bags

9. Plastic Storage Bags

Most of us throw away our plastic bags after one use, so why not save a few bucks by purchasing a cheaper brand that may be a little less durable? 

Just make sure you getting what you pay for.

10. Kid's Sunglasses

10. Kid's Sunglasses

With UV protection just like more expensive brands, you can rest easy at the pool or ballpark when your kids wear dollar store sunglasses. 

If they get broken or lost? No worries, they were only a dollar! 

11. Activity Books

11. Activity Books

Keep the family entertained on a budget with multiple versions of alphabet, word search, crossword puzzle, sudoku, maze, and coloring books. 

It will also hurt a lot less when you have to run to the store to buy a replacement for your child's favorite book because it got left at the park. 

12. Shower Curtain Liners

12. Shower Curtain Liners

A fresh shower curtain liner will make you feel clean before you even hop in. 

Replacing this item more often just became doable with liners from the dollar store.

13. Glass Vases

13. Glass Vases

What could be more cheerful than sharing cut flowers from your garden in a clear glass vase filled with colorful glass gems?

Not having to break the bank to do so.

14. Glow Sticks

14. Glow Sticks

Whether you use them for fun or safety, there's no need to pay more for an item that lasts only 12 hours. 

Choose from bracelets, necklaces, wands, and more. You name it, the dollar store has it!

15. Mesh Laundry Bags

15. Mesh Laundry Bags

If you need a small bag for washing delicates, a pop-up hamper for college, or a bag to take to the laundromat, you can find it at a dollar store. 

These items never last long, no matter where you buy them, so you might as well get the cheap one. It will save you money on replacements later.