Even though the dollar store can seem like a place that will help save you tons of money, heed these warnings, as if don't shop smart, you can end up spending a lot more than you would have originally!
There are certain items that were practically designed to be sold at dollar and discount stores, while others are…well, best left in the check-out lane.
Like with any other shopping experience, it's important to be wary of impulse buys and to not fall for sneaky sales tactics. Keep a shopping list with you and try not to get side-tracked by that salt-and-pepper shaker shaped like a pig or ugly Christmas sweater; After all, every dollar store is different, making for an adventure each time.
Stay focused, keep a budget in mind (if a guy in Syria can feed over 100 cats for $2, you can avoid buying that extra Snickers bar) and you'll be good as gravy!
Please SHARE these essential tips for shopping at the dollar store with everyone you know!
1. BUY: Brand Toiletries
Dollar stores sell brand toiletries like toothpaste, bandaids, cough drops, and vitamins for great prices. Instead of spending a ton of money at the pharmacy or grocery store, you can stock up easily and often far under your budget.
2. LEAVE: Make-Up
Sure, it may seem like a great bargain at the time, but this stuff typically isn't very good for your skin, nor does it stay on your skin for long. Try cheap but higher quality brands like e.l.f. and NYC Color instead.
3. BUY: Holiday Decorations
They not be super fancy, but you're guaranteed to get great use out of them anyway, and most dollar stores sell the same logos and images as brand stores. Re-using decorations is also a smart option instead of just throwing them out when the holiday's over.
For an added discount, shop ahead for next year in the days immediately following a big holiday like Thanksgiving or Christmas.
4. LEAVE: Crayons
Cheap crayons are no fun, let's be honest. They're often made of wax and quickly fall apart or simply don't work.
5. BUY: Greeting Cards
There's no need to spend tons of money on cards, especially when you have a lot of friends and family to send them to! You can usually get good deals like 2 for $1.
6. LEAVE: Economy-Sized Dish Soap
Cheap and massive dish soap containers are often overly diluted with water to fill large containers, so you're not really paying less for more. You're better off finding a coupon for the same thing at the grocery store.
7. BUY: Snacks
Don't fear the food section! You can find delicious brand and off-brand treats in every dollar store, and not just unhealthy ones. Some dollar stores sell canned chickpeas, dried fruit, cheese, and even fresh produce, if you're really lucky.
8. LEAVE: Sharpies and Pens
Off-brand Sharpies and pens tend to run out of ink quick and generally aren't of the highest quality.
9. BUY: Goodies For the Kids and Grandkids
Your kids will be excited about the toys you get them no matter how much it cost. That's one of the great things about kids…if you present the present (no pun intended) well, they'll be enamored by it either way!
Haven't you ever heard of the savvy grandmas who buy Disney-themed toys at the dollar store in secret before going on their big trip to the happiest place on Earth?
Don't buy ALL of their toys here, but for a quick and cheap treat, they'll be happy.
10. LEAVE: Batteries
Off-brand, cheap batteries are more prone to leakage and won't run for nearly as long, which will ironically end up costing you more money when you scramble to replace them.
11. BUY: Kitchenware
You don't need anything fancy to cook noodles or clean your countertops. Cheap food storage containers do the job just fine, as do utensils and disposable dishware.
12. Remember, "true" dollar stores where everything is actually $1 or less include Dollar Tree and 99¢ Only.
13. You don't want a big surprise when you're done at the check-out lane!
Please SHARE these dollar store do's and don't's with everyone you know!
