15 Must Buy Dollar Store Items
There are definitely some things I wouldn't recommend buying at the dollar store, but that doesn't mean you should write off the whole place! There are tons of items that can save you money, especially when you're shopping for things that don't need to be fancy or last forever.
From party supplies and craft materials to organizing bins and greeting cards, the dollar store can be a great place to stretch your budget.
Here are 15 must buy dollar store items that I think are worth picking up:
Party supplies - Napkins, paper plates, plastic cutlery, tablecloths and party decorations are some of my favourite dollar-store buys. When you're purchasing something that's likely to be used once, there's not much reason to spend a fortune on it.
Mailing supplies - The dollar store is where I usually pick up our mailing envelopes. You can often find a great selection at a much lower price than at an office-supply store, including peel-and-seal envelopes so you can skip the licking!
Pregnancy tests - Pregnancy tests can be expensive at the drugstore, so the dollar store can be a much more budget-friendly option. Just make sure you follow the package instructions carefully and check the expiration date before using one.
Greeting cards - My husband says that if I have to get him a greeting card for a special occasion, he'd appreciate it if I got it from the dollar store. LOL.
Honestly, I agree. There are usually lots of cute and funny options, and I'd much rather spend a couple of dollars on a card that's going to end up in a drawer than several dollars on one that's going in the recycling bin a few days later.
Craft supplies - Craft supplies are must buy dollar store items, in my opinion. Felt, beads, acrylic paint, embellishments, glue, cardstock and double-sided tape are just some of the craft supplies I've picked up at the dollar store.
Some locations have really good craft sections, so it's worth taking a look before heading to a specialty craft store.
Wrapping paper - Why pay a premium for wrapping paper when it's going to be ripped to pieces in approximately 14 seconds?
The dollar store is my go-to for inexpensive wrapping paper, especially when I need a particular colour or theme for a birthday or special occasion. (Though I do get my Christmas wrapping paper on clearance from other stores when it goes on sale after the holidays.)
Gift bags - Gift bags are another item I don't think you need to spend a lot of money on. Dollar stores usually have a huge selection of colours, sizes and designs, and they're perfect for those last-minute gifts.
Organizing products - I've purchased numerous bins, containers and buckets from the dollar store over the years.
My most recent purchase was some simple white plastic bins for organizing our bathroom closet. They hold our stuff just as well as the fancy (and much more expensive) versions, and that's exactly what I'm looking for!
Foil pans - Doing some freezer cooking? Feeding a crowd? Taking food to a potluck?
Pick up your disposable foil pans at the dollar store rather than paying more for them elsewhere. They're especially handy when you don't want to worry about getting your favourite casserole dish back.
Helium balloons - I've always found balloons and party decorations to be worth checking out at the dollar store, especially when you're putting together a birthday celebration.
I've purchased regular balloons and decorations there, and helium balloons can also be a budget-friendly option where available. Just check the current selection and pricing at your local store.
Double sided tape - Double-sided tape is one of those little things that can be surprisingly expensive at an office-supply or craft store.
If you use it for card making, crafts, wrapping or little household projects, check the dollar store first. It's one of those inexpensive supplies that's worth having in your craft drawer.
Kid Activities/Crafts - I like to keep a few colouring books, activity books, craft kits and little projects tucked away for rainy days, long car rides or those inevitable "I'm bored!" moments.
The dollar store is perfect for this because you can put together a little stash without spending a lot of money.
Batteries - I haven't done any scientific testing on dollar-store batteries, but I've had good experiences with the ones I've purchased over the years.
For things like remotes, clocks and other lower-demand household gadgets, they're definitely worth considering. Just compare the price per battery and check the package before assuming the cheapest looking option is actually the best deal.
Reading glasses - My mother-in-law has always purchased her reading glasses from the dollar store. I love the idea because it means you can keep a pair in different rooms of the house instead of constantly wondering where you left them!
They're also handy to keep in a purse, desk or bedside table.
Cooking Utensils - I've found some surprisingly good cooking utensils at the dollar store.
I recently purchased a pair of heavy-duty Betty Crocker tongs for $3 from Dollarama, and they were by far the best price I had found for a sturdy pair.
Of course, quality can vary, so give utensils a quick inspection before buying them. But there are definitely some gems to be found.
A Few More Dollar Store Items Worth Checking Out
And because I can never stop at just 15, here are a few more things I think are worth checking out while you're there:
Reusable food storage containers - Great for lunches, leftovers and organizing small items around the house.
Cleaning supplies - Microfiber cloths, sponges, scrub brushes and cleaning tools can be inexpensive dollar store wins. Even some cleaning products (like Barkeeper's Friend) are cheaper at the dollar store than other stores.
Seasonal decorations - If you're looking for inexpensive holiday or seasonal décor, this is one category where I think the dollar store really shines.
Hair accessories - Hair elastics, clips, headbands and similar accessories are often inexpensive items that don't necessarily need to be a splurge.
School supplies - Not every school supply is a great dollar store deal, but it's worth checking prices on things like folders, notebooks, pencil cases and basic art supplies.
Storage hooks and organizers - Adhesive hooks, small baskets and little organizers can be incredibly useful for creating inexpensive storage solutions. Don't skip the makeup section! I've found some great containers there!
The trick with dollar store shopping is to know what is actually a deal. Just because something is inexpensive doesn't automatically mean it's a good buy. I like to focus on things where the quality is good enough for the job and the lower price genuinely saves me money.
Because the goal isn't to spend $1 or $3 just because you can, it's to spend less on things you were going to buy anyway.
What are your must buy dollar store items? I'd love to hear what you always pick up!
I read about organizing your refrigerator using plastic baskets from Dollar Tree and then when my freezer door was not shut completely and ice cream melted all over I decided to just always keep ice cream, especially the bars and sandwiches in a plastic bin, just in case of a power failure.
you can get some great stuff for themed birthday parties (We did a beach one with grass skirts and coconut tops lol and tons of garlands for the neck) invites are cheap as well as all the cards etc
also PIDDLE PADS – I get the 30 pack for $3 (I have ferrets)
and candles, esp ones for carrying in your car for winter time (the ones in a glass container!! and you can also stock up and make a small emergency kit for the car from all the stuff there!!)
I’ve even found Midol in the stores
Toothbrushes. Not toothpaste. Who knows where that’s from but name brand toothbrushes are $1 at Family Dollar and Dollar Tree.
I like to buy my bathroom cleaning supplies like toilet brushes and scrubbing pads for the tub, from the dollar store!
The recently opened Dollar Tree in Ontario sell helium balloons for next to nothing!!
Things NOT to buy at the dollar store are any pet snacks made outside of Canada or the US. Packaged in Canada or the US is not good enough as the product may be made overseas and packaged here. Many of the rawhide chews and other pet snacks that are made in places like China and Korea frequently contain preservatives and additives that can seriously impact your dog’s health. These countries do not have the same regulations for these items as Canada and the US. On the other hand, its a great place to buy doggie poop bags.
So true, Ilean. I’m glad you stated that about pet snacks. So many poor animals have died from these things and most people don’t know about it. To bad they’re allowed in this country.
I had to laugh at the pregnancy test part…I also used one from the dollar store when I was pregnant with my second daughter. While I was trying to determine whether or not I was pregnant the first time, I did spend a small fortune on tests. I was sure I was pregnant but was too early for the tests to catch it. So, the second time around I heard that the dollar store carried them and tried it out. I think I may have even kept it because I didn’t get a positive on the pregnancy tests from my first daughter.
Hi. Just a note about the helium balloons. I live on Vancouver Island and have found it to be very expensive to fill them because there is actually a helium shortage!
Yes Holly the Great Canadian sells them
I hate to bug for an elaboration, but my kid is having a birthday this month, lol.
Which dollar stores sell helium balloons? Great Canadian Dollar Store?
I buy mine at the Dollar Tree.
This is so true especially on the greeting cards. My dollar store sells them for 2 for $1 and even some for 4 for a $1. I have saved loads buying greeting cards from them.