SHARK BITES – What to Buy & What Not to Buy at Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree is a really great place to shop for most items and I’d like to share my tips with you on how to shop smarter there. Everything is priced at just $1 at Dollar Tree, but I am hoping these tips below will help you get the most out of your money. Note that store inventory varies by location, so just keep that in mind if looking for something specific while shopping. Also note that you can use manufacturer coupons there to save even more!
What to Buy at Dollar Tree:
- Party Supplies & Balloons – Dollar Tree has a very nice selection of party supplies, tableware, gift bags, wrapping paper, and more for just $1 each. Helium balloons are also dollar each and they carry a wide variety of balloons for most occasions! You can save a ton of money shopping at Dollar Tree rather than Party City for your party needs.
- Greeting Cards – Greeting cards can get really pricey at most stores and usually have the hefty price tag of $3-$4 for a single card. Not at Dollar Tree. All greeting cards are just $1 each and there is also a nice selection of cards for 2 for $1.
- Reading Glasses – If you use reading glasses, consider buying them at Dollar Tree because they’re only $1 a pair and you don’t have to worry about losing or breaking them since they’re so inexpensive!
- Pregnancy Tests – You can find pregnancy tests at Dollar Tree for just $1! Can’t beat that price and according to Google, they work just as good as the more expensive brands.
- Cleaning Supplies – Quite possibly one of the best things to buy at Dollar Tree. Some of the cleaning supplies found at Dollar Tree work just as good as the big name brands found elsewhere…the only difference is they’re only $1 at Dollar Tree! Have you ever bought the LA’s Totally Awesome cleaning spray? That cleaner is absolutely amazing and I am amazed every time I use it…it works wonders. I still can’t get over how it’s only $1.
- Candles – The candles at Dollar Tree are a great value for just $1 and they’re comparable to Glade or Air Wick! Can’t beat it. I buy them all the time.
- Spices – Need to add spices to the spice collection? Check your local Dollar Tree for a wide variety of spices for just $1 each. Much cheaper than other stores.
- Books – Check the book section the next time you visit Dollar Tree. Many times, you’ll be able to find best-selling books for only $1 each! They also have some pretty great books and coloring books for the kids.
- Make-Up & Hair Accessories – Dollar Tree sometimes carries cosmetics from name brands like Milani, Soft Lips, Revlon, Wet ‘n Wild, Maybelline, and more for just $1! You never know what you’ll find, so I recommend checking this section each time you visit Dollar Tree since stock does vary by location. Also, check for hair ties and hair clips for just $1!
- As Seen on TV Products – Dollar Tree frequently sells many of the As Seen on TV products that normally run for $10+! It’s a great opportunity to try out these products without breaking your wallet. I recently bought a Perfect Bacon Bowl from there…it sure beats spending over $10 on it!
- Picture Frames – Want to put those beautiful family photos in a frame? Check Dollar Tree for some pretty amazing frames for just $1 each! Other stores have similar looking frames for $7+ each, so paying just $1 is a big bargain for getting something almost identical.
- Drinkware – Dollar Tree has a nice selection of glasses, mugs, and travel mugs for just $1 each!
- Picnic Supplies – If you are planning a family picnic or barbecue, you’ll want to pick up picnic supplies there for just $1 each! Much much cheaper than other stores.
- Holiday Decorations – Also one of my favorite things ever to buy at Dollar Tree. Dollar Tree has huge selections of decorations for all the major holidays! You can definitely decorate your house for all holidays without spending too much.
- Kitchen Utensils – Great value for what you get. You may not get a utensil that lasts for life, but it’ll do the job and will last you at least a few years. Plus, if you are heading to someone’s house for a get-together and are bringing a dish with you, consider taking kitchen utensils from Dollar Tree with you. That way, if you forget them there, you don’t have to worry about it since it was just a buck.
- Batteries – The batteries aren’t the best, but for $1, you can’t beat it. I mainly buy batteries there for tv remotes and they do the job just fine.
What Not to Buy at Dollar Tree:
- Pet Food – The pet food and treats found at Dollar Tree are not great quality. Please consider paying more for a better brand for your furry friend to avoid any harm. You may be able to spot the big brands at Dollar Tree…definitely check for the big brands and avoid the unknown brands.
- Sunscreen – Planning a day in the sun? I wouldn’t consider getting sunscreen from Dollar Tree. I have heard from several people that this sunblock isn’t sufficient enough and doesn’t do the job. I personally would pay a few more bucks and get a name brand from somewhere else rather than risk getting sunburned and damaging your skin.
- Tools – The tools Dollar Tree carries aren’t built to last. They’re a good buy if you need to use a tool only a few times because they aren’t built to last.
- Plastic Food Containers – The quality of these plastic food containers are very poor and some studies even suggest they may not be safe for using with your food. If you buy them, I recommend using them to store objects in and not edible items. However, you may be able to spot name brands such as Betty Crocker at your Dollar Tree…be on the lookout for the name brand containers.
- Soda – Don’t waste your time getting the Dollar Tree brand soda because you can frequently get Coca-Cola and Pepsi products for the same price or less during a sale or coupon stack.
- School Supplies – This one is up for debate. Some people swear by the Dollar Tree school supply products and others hate them. I personally haven’t had any luck with pens other supplies that I have purchased for my desk there..they just never hold up and last long. You can also snag better deals on the big name brands during back-to-school sale season.
- Toilet Paper – The 4-pack of their toilet paper is $1. It may seem like a good deal, but often times you can get cheaper toilet paper. Plus, I have heard a lot of negative things about the quality of the toilet paper.
What do you think? Please comment below with your Dollar Tree tips and suggestions!
~Sharky “Don’t sink with the fishes. Be the consumer in the know!”
What is “Shark Bites”? Shark Bites is a money-saving tips series here on FreebieShark that aims to help you and your family get the most out of your money. “Shark Bites” posts are both educational and straight to the point. Just another way FreebieShark is helping you save!
