News Flash: Dollar Store Trips Not the Best
October 7, 2009 by Jennifer Chait
Filed under saving money
The other day my eight-year-old Cedar says, “So, I’ve been thinking that all dollar stores sell is junk that breaks right away.” Most little kids I know love the allure of the dollar store – so many items, so little time. Cedar did used to love them, I think he’s been burned by one too many cheap dollar store toys though. Plus I don’t totally disagree with Cedar actually. There is a ton of crap at dollar store type places. You have to be smart and picky when shopping at the dollar store.
Frankly, I rarely go. Being a smart consumer is important to me, as is saving money, but overall I also think it pays to be green and dollar stores are full of chemical packed cleaners and body car products, all going for a song, which makes me cringe. You can make homemade green cleaners and even homemade healthier body care for a song, no dollar store needed.
Still, there are a few good finds at the dollar store, such as…
- Picture frames – not high quality frames, but frames you can fix up and decorate all on your own with left over paints, glitter, and more.
- Out of season gift wrap or birthday wrapping paper and bows.
- Big plastic bins for storing stuff in the garage. I don’t recommend you use plastics in the house, but they work well to keep the damp at bay in a non-living space.
- Table cloths you can use for the kids to do art projects on.
- Foil cooking pans – cheap and recyclable. Non-disposable is best, but if you gotta travel with food, these are good.
What other decent finds do you get at your local dollar store?
[image via stock.xchng]
I found a wonderful set of Disney math flashcards that I use with my Kindergarten class. They love the pictures and, for a buck… it’s a terrific treat for them! Some times of the year, you can also find deeply discounted canning supplies at the dollar store — you just have to be careful about expiration dates on pectin and whatnot.
I always buy my graham crackers,wheat thin generic, apple juice, shower soap,pretzels,cookies,shaving gel/cream,body powder,baby soap/shampoo,3 ltr pop, feminine pads etc. at Dollar Tree–save lots of money on the way to taking my Mom to get her hair “done”.
Tissue paper, curling ribbon, plain cotton dish towels, microfiber towels for dusting and cleaning (I use them instead of swiffer pads), and Kosher salt.
I buy the Sunday newspaper at the dollar store. That way I get all the coupons I need without paying full price for the paper.
I like buying inexpensive items at the dollar stores. I supplied my whole travel camper with light weight and throw away items. How else, can a family get the most out of the few dollar we have left over at the end of the month? I hope, they stay around for a long time. I need all the help I can now days. Thanks.
I never thought of getting foil pans at the dollar tree. Good call! I’m with you, though, I rarely go to the Dollar stores because most of what is there is junk. But I do get non-christmas wrapping paper there!
I have found the same thing … alot of junk, however our $-store caries a brand of bread that is whole-wheat & no HFCS or “bad” oils — it normally cost $3 in our grocery store. I always get our cards (2/$1) and gift wrap & cheap party suplies there. They also have a great selection of pre-school/elementary activity books.
Socks, socks, socks. Also ponytail holders, movie candies (Mike n Ikes, etc), gift bags and tissue paper. I also get the kids party stuff there (cups, plates, invites, crowns/hats, loot bags, etc). During Christmas season, they have amazing gift boxes and containers for wine and cookies.