15 Things You Really Should Buy At The Dollar Store (Money Talks News)

[EvilTofu]

Here's the list from Money Talk News:

1. Greeting cards
2. Party supplies
3. Gift bags, boxes and wrapping paper
4. Seasonal décor
5. Reading glasses
6. Hair accessories
7. Pregnancy tests
8. Vases
9. Mugs and glasses
10. Dishes and silverware
11. Plastic Storage containers
12. Picture frames
13. Bagged or boxed candy
14. Socks
15. Washcloths and dish towels

Source: http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2014/0...PHphY8Bq5hY.99



I wouldn't buy mugs, glasses or dishes from dollar stores. My mom does that and it drives me crazy - they chip and break easily, you'd ended up paying more. Here are few things I think are good deals from dollar stores that were not mentioned on the list:

1. Disposable dusters and floor cloths (off-brand Swiffer)
2. Dishwashing gloves
3. Foil burner guards
4. Plastic sheet protectors
5. Masking tape
6. Cable tie and flat nails
7. Craft supplies

[walkonby]

yes buyer be very aware at the Dollar Stores, but I usually go there for greeting cards.

[Tbites]

I like the Dollar store for a few things, greeting cards particularly but I've become weary of dishes and cups. I read something a while back about ceramics from China that contained traces of lead, and that just set off the paranoia button in my brain

Same goes for plastic plates... but that's just me not trusting that Dollar store products that touch my food will be made of "safe" plastics.

On a side note, I was talking with a friend about the fact that I need to get some more big mugs for coffee/tea but that I would probably have a very hard time finding any that aren't made in China.... without paying a premium for them.

[Mia]

I wouldn't buy socks. They are made of polyester, no trace of cotton.

[Chantel]

Honestly people are kidding themselves if they don't think the stuff that's in dollar stores is the same junk you're buying at Walmart. Really, those cheap plastic dishes, no-brand toys, tote bins and the like? You really think WALMART, the kind-hearted sweatshop that it is, pays its' workers in China significantly better for these products as the dollar store pays their Chinese workers? No. If one of them has lead or other nasties in it, the other one probably does too.

There isn't some kind of nicer-than-others sweatshops where "We don't use lead here, only the finest pure plastics!".

It is cheap crap, no matter where you buy it, because the buyer pays a dollar per hundred for them.


EDIT: This is not to say I don't LOVE dollar stores. I totally do. I'm just not going to believe that a big box store that has almost identical stuff is somehow getting the extra fancy no-toxins variety while the dollar store is buying something significantly inferior.

[mulock]

Pregnancy tests..... Hmmm how much faith would you put in a $1 pregnancy test.
I also noticed they sell condoms, lubricant, and ovulation tests too.

[scrapbookingoasis]

Pregnancy tests..... Hmmm how much faith would you put in a $1 pregnancy test.

from my experience the pregnancy tests do work.....

[Chantel]

Pregnancy tests..... Hmmm how much faith would you put in a $1 pregnancy test.
I also noticed they sell condoms, lubricant, and ovulation tests too.

The sticks cost mere cents to manufacture. You can buy them by the box full online.

What you're paying for is the brand name, sleek "ergonomic" plastic case and fancy little cap so you can cover up the bit you tinkled on and post pictures of the test all over facebook and hand your relatives something you peed on and not have them drop it like a hot potato...

Most stuff in dollar stores is probably from the same factories that produce your beloved brand-name items, and that holds true for off-brand products you buy at regular stores too.

[oscarandme]

I don't know if I agree with the whole list but I always go there first for seasonal decorations.. crafting/school/office supplies.

[Silk]

Food for thought- thanks for posting!

Silk

[Zonny]

from my experience the pregnancy tests do work.....

They have a 50/50 shot of being right!

[Jina]

The pregnancy tests do work. I was a bit skeptical but even my GP suggested it so I tried and it worked. They are just less elaborate than the expensive digital ones sold in the supermarkets.

I things I usually buy at the dollar stores are greeting cards, party supplies, gift bags and wraps, puzzles/crafty things to keep my son busy if we travel, storage baskets, stationery.

FIL bought reading glasses and no complaint. Was even recommended by his doctor.