The neighborhood dollar store has some great values on everyday items, and it’s fun to fill up your basket on your must-haves and still get change from a $20 bill.
But it shouldn’t be the go-to for everything on your shopping list. In some cases, the items might not be up to your standards; and in other cases, you can find many things for less at your local grocery store.
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“In general, some items at the dollar store will be bad purchases because the quality isn’t the best or the price per unit is higher than what you’d pay elsewhere,” said Julie Ramhold, blog senior staff writer at DealNews.com, a shopping comparison site.
“On the other hand, some items will be great for purchasing at the dollar store because you can get name brands for less than if you were to shop elsewhere, so you get the same great quality for a lower price.”
Here are the items you should always buy when shopping at dollar stores.
Picture Frames
If you like to display your photographs, you know how pricey frames can get. You won’t be committing a decorating faux pas if you mix and match higher-quality frames with those from dollar stores. They often stock a variety of frames in metallics, a rustic wood look or a simple white that can show off your photos, brighten your space and provide a nice contrast with your more expensive ones.
Candy
The candy aisle provides shoppers with one of the best values at the dollar store, Ramhold said.
“Dollar stores have a variety of different candies for great prices, even if they aren’t just $1 each,” she said. “Because of the cheap cost, you can easily stock up on a variety of kinds to make goodie bags for parties, create a candy board or anything in between.”
Personal Care Basics
Hair clips and ties, as well as combs, can be worthwhile finds at dollar stores. There’s usually a selection of name-brand toothbrushes and toothpaste. Even if you don’t find your preferred brand, grab a few to have on hand for guests in an emergency.
Drinkware
“Dollar stores offer a ton of different kinds of drinkware to suit any party needs, from Irish coffee mugs to wine glasses to pint glasses to themed coffee cups and more,” Ramhold said. “You can also find plastic cups, both for kids and adults, and the best news is every single one is usually only $1 each. These likely won’t last for years and years, but they’re an affordable solution, especially if you don’t have the budget to buy full sets.”
Greeting Cards
With cards often costing $5 or more, dollar stores provide a great alternative. Dollar Tree stocks Hallmark-brand cards.
“If you shop for greeting cards at grocery stores or stationery stores, the cost will add up quickly, especially if you need to buy in bulk,” Ramhold said. “But if you shop at the dollar store, you can usually get them for 99 cents or even less in some cases. If you need a stack of them, the dollar store is your best bet.”
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This article was provided byMoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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