Once known as a literal dollar store, Dollar Tree has seemingly abandoned the $1
pricing strategy. While shoppers were quick to accept the quarter increase to
$1.25, the discount retailer didn’t stop there. The newer “dollar plus” system
means you could pay $3, $5, or more.
Even though Dollar Tree’s prices have increased, we still found plenty of
over-$1.25 bargains that make it easy to avoid wasting money this
summer. From bold beach towels to cute Crocs copycats, here are 12 items that
are worth the added cost (and a few that aren’t).
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change
and may vary by location.
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1. Worth it: Home Collection Drying Mat
Price: $1.50
Give your kitchen a mini makeover without breaking the bank. This adorable (and
at $1.50, affordable) find features a whimsical watermelon print that’s perfect
for the summer. The 12-by-18-inch mat is more than just decor. Absorbent
material will soak up water, keeping your counter clean and dry.
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2. Worth it: Drink Dispenser
Price: $6
Celebrate the summer and set the stage for parties and other outdoor events. We
spotted this sweet drink dispenser and four-cup set for $6 in Dollar Tree’s
seasonal section.
Choose from a green and pink watermelon print or a yellow lemon wedge pattern.
Kohl’s sells a similar beverage dispenser (minus the cups) for $8.
3. Worth it: Garden Tool Hanger
Price: $1.50
Organize your outdoor gear with this genius gadget. The space-saving solution
makes it easy to store everything from rakes and shovels to cleaning supplies.
What do shoppers think? One Dollar Tree customer raved, “They are well worth it,
I put one in my laundry room to hold the mop, broom, and hang the dustpan.”
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4. Worth it: Seasonal Collection Summer Decor
Price: $5
Add a fun, festive, and fabulously funky touch to your home’s outdoor
entertaining area or decorate for a summer luau. This four-foot inflatable palm
tree is sure to get a giggle from your party guests.
5. Worth it: Seasonal Collection Color Changing Tumblers
Price: $1.50
Pass on plain cups and nab this color-changing summer-themed tumbler (straw and
lid included) before it’s gone. One Dollar Tree customer gushed in a five-star
review, “I bought this for an event and it was the highlight of the party!” The
BPA-free bargain buy is available in green, yellow, purple, and orange hues.
6. Worth It: Seasonal Collection Napkins
Price: $1.50
Set the table for summer parties and backyard barbecues. We found this 30-count
of seasonal strawberry-themed napkins for $1.50. Don’t assume you’ll get a
better deal online. Amazon sells a similar style (20-pack) for $6.19.
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7. Worth it: Seasonal Collection Popsicle Paper Plates
Price: $1.50
Nothing screams summer like icy cold popsicles. And this 12-pack of paper plates
features the chilly design. Swap dull disposables for this seasonal style
without sacrificing quality for cost. Priced at $1.50, this deal is a must-have
steal.
8. Worth it: Summer Fun Beach Towel
Price: $5
Pool and beach season is finally here. If last year’s towels have seen better
days, nab a few of these 30-by-60-inch stunners.
Even though this pick costs more than $1.25, it’s still less than what you could
pay elsewhere. Macy’s sells a slightly larger 40-by-70-inch beach towel for over
$19.
9. Worth it: Storage Essentials Oval Tub
Price: $6
Fill this 17.5-by-13-by-26-inch oval tub with cold drinks at your next barbecue
or use it to store your family’s summer gear (think towels, flip-flops, sports
equipment). Choose from teal, royal blue, red, and sage green — or, for the low
price of $6 each, pick up a few.
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10. Worth it: Men’s Diabetic Crew Socks
Price: $1.50
Score these non-binding, lightweight, cushioned size men’s 6-12 crews for $1.50.
Not sure about diabetic socks from a dollar store? Take it from this Dollar Tree
customer: “These are the best diabetic socks ever. There is no one out there
that can make a more comfortable, fitting, working diabetic sock.”
11. Worth it: Mysoft Ladies’ Clogs
Price: $6
This Croc copycat is a summer value that deserves a spot in your cart. The
causal shoes feature a comfortable, breathable design that’s perfect for the
pool, the beach, or a walk around town.
Get this budget-friendly bargain for $6. In comparison, Crocs Classic Clogs cost
$49.99 (on the brand’s website).
12. Worth it: Special Moments Photo Frame
Price: $3
Display precious summer memories in this bold beaded four-by-six-inch frame.
Even though the interior accent is more than Dollar Tree’s usual $1.25 price,
the beachy-chic item is an on-trend accent that looks like it came from a pricey
high-end store.
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13. Skip: EAI Home Snack Box
Price: $6
Snacks are a summer road trip staple. But this take-and-tote treat box isn’t
worth the extra few dollars. We found a similar item from Cook With Color at
Walmart for $4.48.
14. Skip: LED Tube Pillar Candle
Price: $5
Dollar Tree has a sizable stock of single and triple-wick candles for the same
price (or less) as this artificial option.
Instead of wasting your money on this plastic pick, splurge on one of the
store’s more sophisticated scented glass jar styles. The faux glow LED pillar
just doesn’t have the same high-end vibe as the real deal.
15. Skip: Blue Ribbon Classics Dipped Homemade Vanilla Pops
Price: $5
The $5 price tag for this 12-piece pack isn’t the value you expect from a dollar
store. Aldi sells an almost identical sweet frozen treat from the retailer’s
Sundae Shoppe brand for $3.25.
Bottom line
Whether you’re planning a backyard barbecue, headed to the pool, or celebrating
the season with a summer soirée, our handpicked list of “dollar plus” deals is
a smart shopping guide that can help you to separate deals from don’ts.
How can you offset the added cost of these pricier Dollar Tree picks? Choose
your payment method wisely and use the best cash back credit
cards to earn points, perks, or other valuable rewards on eligible
purchases.
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