Dollar stores have a bad rap amongst some people. But savvy shoppers know that there’s some great bargains to be found at the dollar store, if you know where to look and what to shop for – it’s a real treasure trove.
Here’s a list of our favorite items that can be found at the dollar store for below normal retail price.
Movie theatre candy
This isn’t one you usually think about, but it’s a great way to buy candy before a trip to the cinemas. If you’re lucky enough to live near a shopping complex that houses a dollar store and a movie theatre, go 10 minutes early to give yourself enough time to grab some cheap candy at the dollar store. Otherwise you’ll be paying for treats at a premium price at the movie theatre.
Cleaning supplies
Personally, I’m a believer in using store brand white vinegar to clean all my kitchen and bathroom surfaces. It’s a really economic way to get the house clean and germ-free. But if you’re a sucker for brand-name or specialty cleaners, buying them at the dollar store is your best bet for a bargain. They also usually have cheaper sponges and cloths than you would find at the supermarket.
Greeting cards
Don’t waste your money on greeting cards from the newsstand or corner store. The dollar store is the best place to find good greeting cards for any occasion at an affordable price. Remember to keep it in mind the next time you’ve got someone’s birthday coming up.
Party supplies
Speaking of birthdays – as well as other festive occasions – the dollar store always has an amazing selection of party decorations and supplies suitable for almost any occasion you can think of. They’ve got supplies for birthdays, Halloween, Christmas, hen’s nights, the 4th of July, costume parties – you name it, they’ve got it! Don’t bother going to a costume shop or ordering supplies online. The dollar store is your one-stop shop.
Kitchenware
A good one to remember is that dollar stores always have a surprisingly great selection of items for your kitchen – especially ceramic items like mugs. But you can also find perfectly good drinking glasses, mixing bowls, chopping boards, plates, tea towels and cutlery at the dollar store. Don’t worry about going to a home specialty shop, because the dollar store has everything you need.
Toiletries
When you go to the dollar store, don’t forget to stock up on toiletries. There’s always a fantastic selection of items to keep in the bathroom. That way, you won’t have to waste money on toiletries when you go to the grocery store. Toothpaste, shaving cream, tissues, make-up remover wipes, razors and mouthwash are just some of the great things that you can get for a rock bottom price.
Hair accessories
If you’re on the hunt for cheap hair elastics (I always lose mine!), check out the dollar store. They’ve always got everything you need to style your hair. Think hair brushes, headbands, hair clips and bobby pins.
Arts and crafts
If you or your kids are creative, look no further than your local dollar store for art and craft supplies. It’s really got everything you could want for letting your inner artist fly. It stocks all types of paint, pencils, art books, markers, crayons, stickers and more crafting items than you could list. They’ve also got a great selection of coloring-in books – the kids will be entertained for hours on end.
What’s your favourite thing to buy at the dollar store?
