Last Wednesday I was getting a little stir crazy with the rainy/cloudy weather so I loaded up the kids and went to the local Dollar Store. I’ll do a post on some inexpensive indoor fun soon. I’ve been looking for cheap craft projects, etc to do with my 2 year old. The more I plan now the better we’ll do through the winter months!
Before I started couponing I thought Dollar Store prices were awesome. I don’t agree completely anymore. You see, dollar stores don’t always have the best deals even though most items are only $1. Don’t get me wrong, you can still find some pretty amazing buys, but don’t be fooled by some items.
Many times the quantity of the product at the Dollar Store is much less than at other stores. Be careful with paper items such as foil, baggies, trash bags, etc. A lot of times you’re better off going to Walmart for these items when you compare the price per item(per bag, inch, ounce, etc). Also you can’t use coupons at the Dollar Store.
Some items I buy at the Dollar Store are:
- Coloring Books
- Educational items(in the teacher section)
- Baskets & Bins
- TISSUE PAPER-usually can’t beat their price!
- Gift bags(although after having babies my box of gift bags is full!)
- Bubbles
- Craft Items(pipe cleaners, foam wreaths/balls, construction paper)
- Some holiday decorations & ribbon-although watch the quantity
- Some paper products(mainly party supplies)
Items I tend to find cheaper elsewhere:
- Kleenex
- Dish Soap
- Toilet Paper
- Foil & ziploc bags
- Small glass votives(Walmart’s are usually $.87)
- Most of their food, surprisingly(I feel like the grocery stores turn over rate is much quicker than a dollar store so in my opinion it’s fresher)
Your turn: What items do you typically find at the Dollar Store? Since everything is only a dollar do you find yourself throwing more in the cart because ‘it’s only a dollar?’ I know I’m guilty of that one! 
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I love the dollar tree unlike the family dollar everything is $1 I am very guilty at throwing extra stuff in the cart cause it is only a dollar. I usually get my cleaning products, holiday decorations, and many more I get trash bags from walmart and groceries but other then that there is a lot I get from the dollar tree.
I usually try out kitchen gadgets at the Dollar Tree. They’re not always the most durable, but good for those occasional projects (like silicone brushes to baste things — can get a 2- or 3-pack for a dollar). And I agree with you on the gift products — so much cheaper there. We’re fans!
Thanks Angela, that reminds me-I need to go to Dollar Tree for some wooden spoons!