Do you hate overpaying for everyday, mundane stuff? Me too. Luckily, shopping for everyday goods at a dollar store is one of the easiest ways to save money; my favorite place for amazing dollar deals is Dollar Tree.
If you’re not familiar with Dollar Tree, let me tell you about it. It’s a discount store in the United States and Canada, where everything costs $1.00 or less. They offer seasonal items, housewares, cleaning supplies, party items, food, and more.
And while it’s not necessarily advertised as a discount grocery store, if you visit one you’ll soon notice it could be. They sell many of the things and brands you’d find at your local grocery store. But it’s even better since, at a Dollar Tree store, you never pay more than a dollar per item!
Here Are the 15 Must-Buy Dollar Deals at Dollar Tree!
Frozen Foods
Looking for a deep discount grocery store? Well, look no further! Just head to the back aisles and prepare to be amazed by how far you can stretch your cash. Although often overlooked, you can reliably count on Dollar Tree stores for frozen foods like that yummy Texas Toast garlic bread, french fries, hash browns, pancakes, hot pockets, and of course frozen pizza, which you can creatively embellish into pure deliciousness!
You can really take advantage of your trip to the dollar store by stocking up. If you have a deep freezer, you’ll be able to reap maximum benefits!! What a score!
Cake Mix and Frosting
I find this mind-boggling, in a good way. For $2.00 you can get cake mix and frosting, and it’s from a mainstream brand that’ll definitely cost more at a supermarket! That’s why I think this is an understated grocery store. Gimme some cake! 😛
Betty Crocker Kitchen Utensils
For some reason I felt the need to zoom in on this pizza cutter! I wanted to do an impulse buy but my husband Miguel did not let me get it. HAHA. His words were: okay, when have you had any need for a pizza cutter in your life? I of course laughed, and said all the time!! LOL. Of course, I can do without it, so I ended up not getting it. I must say, though, that the selection of other Betty Crocker kitchen utensils is pretty diverse.
Cold and Flu Medicine
I can attest to having taken this product for years, and have survived thus far. I say this because many people might be reluctant to buy medicine at the dollar store because it’s not name-brand. But notice that when you look at the active ingredients, it’s comparable to the name-brand; the price, however, is not!
So stock up on these dollar deals when you don’t need them, and avoid doing a pharmacy run and paying five times the price when you wake up with a cold!
Security Envelopes
If you look for these on Amazon, you’ll see that you’ll pay a lot more for 80 envelopes (two 40-packs), while Dollar Tree has 40 for $1! (And it’s the same brand and size).
Toothpaste
Again with the overpaying…why would you do it? Just stock up on these, too.
Facial Tissue
Cotton Swabs
Jergens Hand Soap
This is one of the best hand soaps out there! Super rich and moisturizing, and it smells pretty good. It might not be a luxurious brand name, but it does the job and even the most sensitive skin will be pleased.
Safety Pins
I have bought them at Walgreens for over $3.00 in times of need! Now I avoid that by getting a pack of these every now and then!
Tape Measures
They also have the ones used for construction projects (with the yellow metallic tape). Very convenient! They may not be high-quality, but I think they’re fine for occasional use.
Air Freshener
A good one to have at home and in the office, to survive your work day. Your guests will thank you for it! LOL. Well, they might not actually tell you! 🙂
Over-the-Door Hooks
A great dollar deal that saves my mornings! I take out what I’ll wear to work the night before, and hang it behind the bathroom door. No more decisional fatigue from staring at my closet. But really, who doesn’t love to have a more organized, simplified routine? Incorporate these pronto!
Gift Bags
Avoid spending between $3 to $5+ at Walgreens or CVS the next time you need a gift bag. I take advantage of these dollar deals around the holidays, because getting a bag here and there really adds up!
Party Favors and Decor
Party galore! Hit the dollar store first – before going to any other brick-and-mortar store when party planning, and avoid overspending!
What About Quality?
That’s where I think you have to be discerning. Clearly, some things at the dollar store are very low quality, and it’s probably better to buy them elsewhere. However, for other things, the quality is either comparable to that offered in other shops (and sometimes even the same brands), or it doesn’t really matter.
The Lowdown
So, if you hate overpaying for stuff, make a trip to your closest discount store or (even better) Dollar Tree. This is one of the easiest ways to save money, assuming you were already going to buy these things. Plan your visit to the dollar store so you don’t run out of this stuff and end up having to take a detour and pay full retail prices at a department or convenience store!
That’s my take!
Have you ever visited Dollar Tree? What are your best dollar deals so far? Do you think it’s worth it?
Lily, I’m all for saving a few bucks. I have been in dollar stores from time to time, but they never made it in to my shopping routine for whatever reason. I usually go to Walmart for the types of things these stores sell.
Dollar Tree and some of its competitors have also been great investments in the past. Yet again I have never invested.
I probably need to rethink it when it comes to this area. Tom
Hey Tom! Yeah, I usually don’t go out of my way to make a trip to Dollar Tree -that’s why I make the most of it every time I go! Huh….I never thought of investing in it! I’ll keep it in mind 🙂
I just started shopping at our local dollar tree a few months ago. I’m obsessed! Buying party favors and bags is so cheap. Another major surprise: the candles. I love candles, but it is hard for me to justify spending 10-20 bucks on one. The dollar store ones last just as long, and are just as potent, as the expensive ones!
Great post!
Hey Steph! Great to hear you discovered Dollar Tree. I haven’t try tried their candles; I’ll put it on my list for my next shopping trip there! Thanks for stopping by!! 🙂 Happy shopping!
Hi Lily!
I love Dollar Tree!!! Where else can you buy gift bags and balloons for $1? There are so many good things! I totally concur with you, this store is overlooked by many people. In my opinion, this bargain store is second to none. Now, a shopping trip is in order, I have to go check the frozen food section 😉
Heidi
Hi Heidi! Yes, it’s a money saver when it comes to holiday gifting! When you go to the frozen section, take a look at the mini deep dish pizzas they’re selling! Yum 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
I usually go to Dollarama (our equivalent store) and stock up on chocolate bars! So much cheaper and the same brand (just check the expiry date).
And if I need to buy a card for a special circumstance, I also get it there.
At one point, I was hooked and ended spending too much money because the deals were so good! Now I stick to a few items 🙂
Hi Caroline! I went to a Dollarama when we went to Montreal. I was so excited I actually took a picture of the sign to send it to the #1 Dollar Tree fan: my mom! I agree dollar stores are a great place to stock up on snacks, and of course chocolate 🙂 Yes, it’s easy to go over board, a list proves useful in this case. Thanks for stopping by!
I typically frequent PriceRite Marketplace. They are really good for the kind of items you mentioned. Sucks for fresh produce. I frequent dollar tree too. Mostly for consumer good.
Hi DividendGeek!
I haven’t tried PriceRite; I’m not sure I’ve ever seen it…I’ll be on the lookout! I’m surprised they carry fresh produce…maybe good for a smoothie if you’re in a bind? Thanks for stopping by!
Great Place!
We also have a “99 Cents Store” nearest to us, so that’s where we go.
Also available:
Greeting Cards of all kinds. Sure beats paying retail elsewhere.
Fresh fruits and vegetables.
Small electrical items: cables, bubs, etc.
Stationary supplies: paper, pens, rulers, etc.
Sox!! I get all my cotton sox from the 99 Cents Store!
Cleaning supplies: dishwashing liquid, vinegar, hand soap, shampoo, hair conditioner
Seasonal: plants, seeds, gardening supplies
Ummmm, I use my pizza cutter a lot actually. You don’t have to just cut pizza with it! Ha ha.
I like the Dollar Store because sometimes prices are so low that I can group things together in a lot and sell them on eBay. You don’t ever make a TON of money on it, but it’s a good bread and butter item for your store.
Soooo, I have a little confession. My workplace could be within walking distance to a local Walmart AND Dollar Tree! #Dangerous! The freeway that divides us isn’t quite safe for pedestrians to cross yet unless I take a big loop around, so, I end up usually driving there on my lunch break!
I hit up the Dollar Tree before Wal-Mart for sure!
I am also totally kicking myself I forgot to stock up on the air fresheners, for the office bathrooms….#dammmmit
(oh wait, another trip to the Dollar Tree? Oh darn?!)
Ok, I may have to analyze our freezer section compared to yours. A coworker bought some frozen burritos…annnnd said he spent the next day in the bathrooms (likely using up all the air fresheners). You look like you have better freezer options…I’m eyeing those steak fries. Nom Nom Nom.
Great post!
My favourite dollar store is Dollarama (similar to Dollar Tree), as Caroline mentioned.
They have the same Betty Crocker food stuff there. You guys eat pizza all the time, tell Miguel to say yes to the pizza cutter!
What I stock up at Dollarama are freezer ziplock bags, doggy poop bags (those are SO expensive) that are biodegradable of course, cards, and envelopes!
Thanks Gym!
All these comments are making me build the case for the pizza cutter; I might even be able to convince Miguel next time we go to Dollar Tree 🙂 I think Dollarama is such a cooler name -rhymes with drama! LOL! I wonder what the deal with Betty Crocker is?! Thanks for stopping by!!
Dollar Tree is my favorite store! My sister turned me on to buy some of their frozen items. We really like the meatballs.
A few of the items in the stores are 2/$1 which is nice as well. I always get several sacks of cleaners, food, etc and it’s under $20 usually. Great article!
Like Caroline and and GYM, my favourite dollar store is dollarama! I regret not buying their stock a long time ago haha!!
I agree that buying gift bags at dollar store is the best! They’re actually really pretty and offer lots of variety with wrapping paper, bags, and anything for The holiday season.
Btw, I love those over the hooks type of stuff. I’m obsessed with these organizational stuff and that is not a good thing for me. Lol..
I’m not sure if you’ve ever heard of Diaso (the Japanese dollar store) but I’d assume you have. I am in love with that place because they have the cutest stuff and it’s unfortunate they don’t have it in Canada (only in Vacouver). The stuff is too cute and irresistible that it’s actually bad for the wallet haha.
Great post overall about dollar tree. I have both dollarama and dollar tree near me!