Ive always been a dollar-store shopper, but I never bought food there.
It might be two days closer to the expiration date, but not past it.
So now I save $1.49 on every loaf of bread.
But you have to be careful.
So what should you buy at dollar stores, and what should you avoid?
What You Should Buy at the Dollar Store
Why pay more when you dont have to?
Greeting Cards
Everyone seems to agree on this one.
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2.
The experts say to look for socks made with acrylic or spandex for comfort.
Vases
it’s possible for you to include decorative bowls, too.
Ive found decent vases made of glass and plastic in dollar stores.
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4.
I wouldnt buy them anywhere else.
Wrapping paperis usually a good deal too, but the rolls are short.
Party Supplies
Once again, were talking about disposable items.
Why pay twice as much for streamers and plastic tablecloths, or five times as much for Mylar balloons?
A trip to the dollar store can easily save you $20 if youreplanning a party.
Grooming Items
Hair ties and bobby pins eventually get lost, so why pay more for them?
Some name-brand shampoos show up in dollar stores too, for half of what they normally sell for.
Still, makecareful comparisons; many canned foods actually cost less at regular grocery stores.
The same frames cost $5 or more in any other store where weve seen them.
Just check to be sure the bracket or hook for hanging is securely attached.
They cost at least twice as much in most other stores.
Drinking glasses are a good deal too.
What Else Should You Buy at the Dollar Store?
Rope and twine, for uses that dont require high-quality tying
12.
Kids coloring books, but not the low-quality crayons
13.
Bags of balloons, good for water balloons and party decorations
14.
Bandanas, for various uses
15.
Candles, for emergencies
16.
Dish towels, in two-packs.
They wear out quickly, but theyre still worth it
17.
Plungers: Throw them away when they break; you get seven for the price of one.
Cleaning supplies: Some are OK, and theyre much cheaper.
Sponges, for cleaning other than dishes
20.
Duct tape: Its low-quality but perfect for some uses.
Dont Buy These Dollar Store Items
Heres when its not worth the savings.
Some experts also say that parts and paints used for dollar store toys might not meet standards for safety.
Batteries
The experts say thebattery lifeis so short that youre better off getting batteries elsewhere.
I figure they last half as long but cost a fourth as much, so it still makes sense.
Medications and Vitamins
These show up on many dont buy lists for dollars stores.
I wouldnt trust any supplements or drugs that are made for this market.
Pet Food
Experts warn about the lack of standards with dollar-store pet food.
Then there is the size issue.
Those small packages may cost more per ounce than the bigger bags you buy elsewhere.
Tools
Most tools found in dollar stores are barely functional, in my experience.
One last bit of advice: Be sure youre in a dollar store.
Steve Gillman is the author of 101 Weird Ways to Make Money and creator of EveryWayToMakeMoney.com.
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