Everything You Should And Shouldn’t Buy At The Dollar Store

Published on August 17, 2020
The Dollar Store is truly a wonderful place. You can get similar or even the same exact products that you would get at other stores but at a fraction of the price. While there are so many products to choose from that are worth buying at the Dollar Store, there are a few that you should also avoid altogether. These are some of the best products you’ll be able to find as well as some you should probably get somewhere else.

Coffee Filters – Buy

There’s nothing more important than your morning coffee, we know. So why spend extra money on the same exact coffee filters when you can get it at the Dollar Store for so much less? You’ll be throwing it out anyway, so you might as well pay less.

Coffee Filters

Coffee Filters

Hair Accessories – Buy

Hair accessories, especially those we give to our children, don’t typically have a long lifespan. They either get lost or broken, and before you know it, you’re buying more again. So why spend $5 or more on these accessories when you could stock up on the same thing for $1 each?

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Hair Accessories

Hair Accessories

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Plastic Buckets – Buy

Plastic buckets are always a useful item to have around the house. Their uses range from washing your car, storing random items, and holding drinks at a barbecue. You might as well stock up on some affordable ones at the Dollar Store.

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Plastic Buckets

Plastic Buckets

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Dish Towels And Washcloths – Buy

These items eventually become so dirty and disheveled that we opt to replace them, so why spend an arm and a leg on fancy dish towels when you can get a bunch for the same price at the Dollar Store? There are plenty of colors and styles to choose from as well.

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Dish Towels And Washcloths

Dish Towels And Washcloths

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Greeting Cards – Buy

If you’re the type of person who includes a lovely greeting card along with a gift, you know that these tend to add up. Many greeting cards can cost $5 or even more! Why not stock up on a bunch from the Dollar Store, which are exactly the same, and be able to give even more cards for less money!

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Greeting Cards

Greeting Cards

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Picture Frames – Buy

Picture frames are a great way to add a personalized touch to your home. However, sometimes these photo frames can get quite pricey. Why spend more when you can get similar picture frames at the Dollar Store for less. This way, you can focus on the actual photo instead of the frame.

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Picture Frames

Picture Frames

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Socks – Buy

We all know that familiar feeling of finding just one sock in the dryer, and its partner is nowhere to be found. Instead of paying an exorbitant amount for socks, you can stock up on a large supply at the Dollar Store and you’ll never have to worry about running out.

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Socks

Socks

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Party Supplies – Buy

Planning a party is no easy feat, especially when you realize that many party decorations and favors can set you back a good amount of money. The Dollar Store has a huge selection of party supplies at the fraction of the cost of giant party supply stores.

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Party Supplies

Party Supplies

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Pregnancy Tests – Buy

You might be surprised to find out that pregnancy tests at a pharmacy can cost about $15. You can get the same exact item without the brand name at the Dollar Store for just $1. They are just as reliable, so why spend so much more?

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Pregnancy Tests

Pregnancy Tests

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Vase And Decorative Bowls – Buy

Glass vases and decorative bowls are a lovely addition to the home in order to spruce things up. You can buy these at a home decor shop, but why spend so much more on an item that is literally the same as the ones found at the Dollar Store?

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Vase And Decorative Bowls

Vase And Decorative Bowls

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Plastic Food Containers – Buy

Plastic container boxes and Tupperware can really set you back a lot, and that’s why it’s especially frustrating when you can’t find the lid. Why spend so much more than you need to when you can buy a whole pack for $1 instead?

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Plastic Food Containers

Plastic Food Containers

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Chocolate And Candy – Buy

Whether it’s Halloween and you’re stocking up on treats or you just have a craving for some sweet goodness, buying name brand candy and chocolate at the Dollar Store is a no brainer. They are literally the same candy items you would get elsewhere, but at a much lower cost.

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Chocolate And Candy

Chocolate And Candy

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Notebooks – Buy

Here’s another no brainer, why shell out $5 or more on notebooks for your kids or yourself when the Dollar Store has a huge selection of patterned and colorful notebooks for just $1 each? You can get 10 notebooks for $10 as opposed to just 2 notebooks for the same price at another store.

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Notebooks

Notebooks

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Storage Containers – Buy

One of the best things you can get at the Dollar Store is storage containers and bins. These are a godsend when it comes to keeping your home or office organized. There’s no need to spend more for these storage items that will keep your life neat and clutter-free.

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Storage Containers

Storage Containers

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Mugs And Glasses – Buy

When it comes to buying mugs and glasses, the Dollar Store is a great place to find low cost options. You can get glasses that are exactly like the ones sold at fancier home furnishing shops for way less. The best part is that you can choose how many you want without having to buy a boxed set with set amounts.

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Mugs And Glasses

Mugs And Glasses

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Seasonal Decor – Buy

Seasonal decor is always great for getting into the festive spirit, regardless of the upcoming holiday. But since these items are usually used just once a year, there’s no reason to spend an exorbitant amount. The Dollar Store always has a great selection of seasonal decor options for way less than other stores.

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Seasonal Decor

Seasonal Decor

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Dishware – Buy

Buying dishware at the Dollar Store is a great option, especially for college kids or those just starting out and are not looking to spend a lot of money on these items. There is usually a large selection of good quality plates, mugs, and more, so you can find an entire kitchen collection for a very reasonable price.

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Dishware

Dishware

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Tote Bags – Buy

At this point, we’re all well aware of how damaging plastic is to our world. That’s why incorporating reusable bags is so important. However, some of these totes can cost $15 or even more! With a large selection of cute printed totes at the Dollar Store, you can feel good about helping the environment without having to empty out your wallet.

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Tote Bags

Tote Bags

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Reading Glasses – Buy

For those who need just a simple pair of reading glasses, buying a pair at the Dollar Store is a fantastic option. For the basic reader glasses, the prescription is just as good, but you won’t have to spend hundreds on a frame.

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Reading Glasses

Reading Glasses

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Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes – Buy

For something that will literally end up in the trash the moment a gift is unwrapped, there is absolutely no reason to spend top dollar on gift bags, boxes, wrapping paper, or ribbons. The Dollar Store has a massive selection to choose from so you won’t ever have to sacrifice on quality.

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Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes

Wrapping Paper, Gift Bags, Boxes

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Deodorant – Avoid

While there is nothing wrong with the actual deodorant being sold at the Dollar Store, they are just not the best value. Often, the sticks being sold are smaller than ones you’d get elsewhere, and for the price they’re being sold for, are not saving you much money at all.

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Deodorant

Deodorant

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Toys – Avoid

While stocking up on these toys for goodie bags is a good idea, the toys being sold at the Dollar Store don’t have a long lifespan. Since they are so inexpensive, they tend to be a bit flimsier and often do not last very long.

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Toys

Toys

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Tools – Avoid

If you’re in a situation where you are desperate for some tools, getting them at the Dollar Store should be okay. However, if you’re planning on expanding your collection, it’s better to invest in pricier but higher quality tools that will be longer lasting.

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Tools

Tools

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Batteries – Avoid

While batteries at the Dollar Store are much less expensive, sometimes this does come at a cost of quality. They will typically not last as long and sometimes they may even leak. It’s usually better to go with brand name for batteries as a rule of thumb.

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Batteries

Batteries

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Knives – Avoid

If you want to get a knife for outdoors trips and camping, then the Dollar Store options are great. However, typically you want to invest in high quality knives that will last you a lifetime, even if they end up costing a bit more initially.

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Knives

Knives

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Earbuds or Headphones – Avoid

It is totally understandable that not everyone can or is willing to pay $150 for headphones. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper option, it’s probably better to opt for ones that are $10-$20 as opposed to just $1. The Dollar Store options will most likely have lower sound quality and a shorter lifespan.

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Earbuds Or Headphones

Earbuds Or Headphones

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USB Chargers – Avoid

If you’re really desperate for a new USB, then the Dollar Store option is okay, buy if you want a USB charger that will last a long time, it is definitely better to invest in a higher quality one. Also, brand name chargers will safely charge your device without compromising its abilities.

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USB Chargers

USB Chargers

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HDMI Cables – Avoid

To be fair, many stores do overcharge customers for HDMI cables. However, there are in between options for a less expensive HDMI cable that is better quality than one you might find at the Dollar Store. While the Dollar Store alternative is very inexpensive, you may be compromising in quality and longevity.

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HDMI Cables

HDMI Cables

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Plastic Cooking Utensils – Avoid

This goes for plastic utensils not just from the Dollar Store, but from anywhere else too. It is better to avoid using plastic cooking utensils as they may have adverse health effects. It is always better to use stainless steel utensils instead.

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Plastic Cooking Utensils

Plastic Cooking Utensils

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School Supplies – Buy

While the impressive selection of school supplies at the Dollar Store may not be the highest quality available, they are still good enough and way less expensive. This especially goes for buying supplies for kids who have a tendency to lose their school supplies.

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School Supplies

School Supplies

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Double-Sided Tape – Buy

Buying double-sided tape at a supply store could cost you nearly $5, while you could get the same exact thing at the Dollar Store for just $1. Even though the name brand roll is a bit longer, you’re still saving money by buying the alternative at the Dollar Store.

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Double Sided Tape

Double Sided Tape

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Cotton Swabs – Buy

Cotton swabs are one of those items that you really do not need to invest in name brand for. At CVS, a box of cotton swabs will set you back $3, while at the Dollar Store, you can buy the same thing for a third of the price. It just makes sense to get it at the Dollar Store!

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Cotton Swabs

Cotton Swabs

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Paper Clips – Buy

A box of 60 paper clips at Office Depot costs $2.49, while a box of 100 vinyl-coated paper clips at the Dollar Store will cost you just $1. It’s absolutely a no-brainer, why spend more for less of the same thing?

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Paper Clips

Paper Clips

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Clay Flower Pots – Buy

Planting a garden is a great way to relax, but often you have to buy flower pots in addition to the plants themselves. These pots can end up costing a huge amount, even 4 times the price of the plant itself! However, you can get clay flower pots at the Dollar Store for 1/4 of the price of other stores.

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Clay Flower Pots

Clay Flower Pots

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Holiday Food Decorations – Buy

Adding some fun and festive sprinkles, candy canes, frosting, and more is a great way to add a fun flair to your holiday cooking and desserts. However, some retailers take advantage of the fact that people are willing to spend during holiday times. At the Dollar Store, there’s a great selection of holiday themed food decor that won’t set you back so much.

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Holiday Decorations

Holiday Food Decorations

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Mailing Labels – Buy

We bet you didn’t know that you can get personalized return labels at the dollar store. These are a great thing to get especially around the holiday season when you are sending more mail than usual. These are a way cheaper alternative to the post office version.

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Mailing Labels

Mailing Labels

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Shaving Cream – Buy

Shaving cream is another one of those items that you really don’t need to get a name brand for. A can of the stuff will cost you $3 at a pharmacy like CVS, while the same thing (or a very similar non-name brand) can will cost a third of that price. Why spend more when you don’t need to?

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Shaving Cream

Shaving Cream

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Advil – Buy

Buying over the counter medications such as Advil can be quite pricey at pharmacies. If you’re truly suffering from a horrible headache and you need a quick solution, you can always head to the Dollar Store and grab three two-packs of Advil that cost just a dollar.

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Advil

Advil

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Balloons – Buy

Balloons are one of those items that become obsolete within a few hours of being used. So why spend a ton of money on these decorative items when you don’t have to? Stock up on individual balloons or get packs of them for a fraction of the price of other stores.

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Balloons

Balloons

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Band-Aids – Buy

Band-aids are a great first-aid item to have on hand at all times. However, there really isn’t a need to spend so much money on name brand bandages, since they will eventually end up in the trash (or fallen somewhere you’ll never find them again). A box of bandages at the Dollar Store will get you the same value for a fraction of the cost.

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Band Aids

Band Aids

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Pint Glasses – Buy

If you’re in need of pint glasses, you should definitely invest in a set from the Dollar Store. They’re great quality and are a fantastic set of glasses to add to your collection, especially if you like to crack open a nice cold beer at the end of the day.

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Pint Glasses

Pint Glasses – Buy

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Board Games – Buy

For those who love spending quality time with their friends and family by playing board games, we have some great news. While these can get a bit pricey, you can often find board games at the Dollar Store at a much more affordable price than elsewhere. Incredible!

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Board Games Buy

Board Games Buy

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Bobby Pins – Buy

Everyone who uses bobby pins knows how annoying it is that you seem to lose all of them within two weeks of buying them. Luckily, you can easily find them at the Dollar Store, and with a pack of 72 pins for just a dollar, you don’t have to feel bad anytime you lose one!

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Bobby Pins Buy

Bobby Pins Buy

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Bread – Buy

Bread is one of those necessities that can end up costing way more than it needs to. You can actually buy Oroweat bread for about 66% less of the cost at the grocery store. There’s no reason to pay more for the same exact bread.

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Bread Buy

Bread Buy

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Cleaning Supplies – Buy

Not only can you find brand name cleaning supplies like Windex and Clorox at the Dollar Store, they’re actually a lot less expensive there than other stores. There’s seriously no reason to shell out so much more money for the same exact products.

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Cleaning Supplies Buy

Cleaning Supplies Buy

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Cookie Sheets – Buy

Blogger Crazy Craft Lady swears by Dollar Store cookie sheets, and we absolutely trust her judgment in this department. To keep your cookie sheets in great condition for longer, consider wrapping them with aluminum foil with each use.

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Cookie Sheets Buy

Cookie Sheets Buy

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Index Cards – Buy

You can purchase 12 packs of index cards at the Dollar Store for just $6. This is fantastic news for students or parents of students who are always in need of more index cards for studying. These are also a great tool for anyone who likes to keep physical notes.

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Index Cards Buy

Index Cards Buy

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Mini Flashlights – Buy

These mini flashlights are a great investment. They’re very affordable at the Dollar Store, and they’re perfect for stocking up on flashlights for camping trips, emergency situations, or for any other use you might think of.

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Mini Flashlights Buy

Mini Flashlights Buy

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Flip Flops – Buy

If you find that you keep buying and losing flip flops, then you seriously need to stock up on some of this summer footwear at the Dollar Store. At just $1 a pop, you won’t feel bad if you accidentally leave them behind somewhere. Plus, there are plenty of styles to choose from.

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Flip Flops Buy

Flip Flops Buy

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Permanent Markers

Permanent markers are absolutely always useful to have around the house. Of course, Sharpie is the best known of these markers, and you can find three packs of Sharpies at the Dollar Store for just $1.50, a great price for the brand name product.

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Permanent Markers

Permanent Markers

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Things With A Plug – Don’t Buy

While it might seem like a good idea to buy USB cables or extension cords at the Dollar Store because of their attractive price, these items should be avoided. These tend to be flimsy and can actually pretty hazardous, so you shouldn’t buy anything with a plug here.

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Things With A Plug Don't Buy

Things With A Plug Don’t Buy

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Vitamins and Supplements – Don’t Buy

Once again, while the vitamins and supplements at the Dollar Store might be cheaper, you should consider avoiding these and purchasing them at a pharmacy instead. When it comes to your health, you should avoid going for discount products.

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Vitamins And Supplements

Vitamins And Supplements Don’t Buy

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Pet Food – Don’t Buy

This one comes with a caveat: while pet food at the Dollar Store can cost as little as $1, you should not sacrifice quality when it comes to your pet’s food. If you can find name brand food, that should be fine, but try to avoid buying the off-brand foods.

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Pet Food Don't Buy

Pet Food Don’t Buy

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Beauty Products – Don’t Buy

While there are lots of person care items that are absolutely worth buying at the Dollar Store, but beauty products like hair color and makeup should probably be skipped. If the makeup is from an unfamiliar brand, you shouldn’t buy it, even if it is inexpensive.

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Beauty Products Don't Buy

Beauty Products Don’t Buy

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Wedding Decor – Buy

When it comes to planning weddings, they certainly don’t come cheap. There are plenty of DIY wedding decor ideas that use items found at the Dollar Store all over the web. Try to find some and you can manage to save big for your wedding’s decor.

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Wedding Decor Buy

Wedding Decor Buy

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Paper Towels and Napkins – Don’t Buy

When it comes to paper towels, toilet paper, and napkins, you really do get what you pay for. The quality of these products at the Dollar Store is not very high, and you’ll end up using more of the product than you’d expect, which means you’re not actually saving any money.

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Paper Towels And Napkins Don't Buy

Paper Towels And Napkins Don’t Buy

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Windshield Washer Fluid – Don’t Buy

While a gallon of windshield washer fluid is just $1 at the Dollar Store, which is half the price of name brand product, you should carefully examine the label to see why. The off-brand fluid is not effective in the winter, meaning you won’t get protection in below zero weather. It’s worth it to invest a bit more.

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Windshield Washer Fluid Don't Buy

Windshield Washer Fluid Don’t Buy

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Soda – Don’t Buy

While the soda at the Dollar Store is sometimes much less expensive, take one taste and you’ll understand why. When it comes to soda, you should pay a bit more for the real stuff.

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Soda Don't Buy

Soda Don’t Buy

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Baby Products – Don’t Buy

Here’s another area that should be avoided. When it comes to baby products, you should definitely go for trusted brand name products, as anything that’s from an off-brand comes with the risk of allergic reactions and more.

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Baby Products Don't Buy

Baby Products Don’t Buy

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Baking Soda – Don’t Buy

Baking soda is a great product for baking and also for cleaning. It’s especially great for eliminating odors in the fridge and freezer. However, this isn’t a product you need to get at the Dollar Store, as it is quite inexpensive everywhere, and you might actually find a better deal at other grocery stores.

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Baking Soda Don't Buy

Baking Soda Don’t Buy

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