I love shopping at my local dollar store for great deals and extra savings. But there are some things that really are not the greatest deals in those types of stores. After all, they are in business to make money too. But knowing some of the areas that you can save good money on your favorite items can help maximize your budget.
Here are some of my tips for finding great deals when shopping at a Dollar Store.
*Watch the Sizes One of the secrets of the dollar store is that they offer many name name brands but the package size is much different that what you find in a grocery store or major retailer. Make sure to check sizes and price match. An off brand that is a large size can work just as well and be a better value too.
* Watch the Canned Good Prices I am pretty selective when I choose canned goods from a dollar store. There are a few types that I regularly buy due to a lower price, but others I can find much cheaper on sale or in bulk at different store. Price shop!
* Cleaning Supplies can be a Steal I often grab cleaning supplies like bleach, window cleaners, floor cleaners and cleanser when I shop the dollar stores. Name brands and off brands that work well for a good price. Again, I make sure to check the sizes to compare for the best savings.
* Frozen Foods Can be a Great Deal Some dollar stores offer frozen foods that can be at deep discounts from what you can find at your local grocery store. Check the sizes.
* Candy is much cheaper plus you can find favorite brands you loved as a kid. They offer bags of bulk candy and hard to find theater size boxes too.
* Cheap Activities for Kids When it comes to keeping the kids amused during rainy days or traveling, there is plenty of cheap toys, games, and fun things you can grab for the kids.
* Shop for party supplies, decorations, gift wrapping supplies and floral decorations These items are hard to beat price wise at other stores. Seasonal choices and specialty decorations are a great find at these stores.
* Kitchen supplies There are plenty of kitchen supplies that are are a great deal at a dollar store. Foil pans are one of my favorite items to stock up on, especially around the holidays.
* Beauty Supplies can be a Steal Taking a walk down the beauty aisle can bring you some huge savings on items like hair products, accessories, and beauty supplies.
These are just some of the items that I head to my local dollar store for deep discounts. What are some of your favorite items to buy and save on?
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I do not have a Dollar store nearby, but I do watch the prices and bargain shop when I can get to one. These are good tips on how to make sure you get good bargains.
The nearest dollar stores to me are in the “big city” about an hour away, so I don’t get there very often. I do like to check out their kitchen tools, though, and I’ve gotten some nice gadgets there, like Betty Crocker spatulas, and my favorite vegetable peeler (which I’ve had for years, and which is still better than expensive ones I’ve picked up elsewhere). I find the dollar store to be a good place to pick up shampoo, too. And cookies!
Dollar stores offer great bargains and great traps. Watch for the different ones – some everything is a dollar and some only have some dollar items and some “cheaper” deals. Check prices and really consider before just buying. Clothes can be highly discounted for Disney outfits, and they offer some great clearance off season deals, even on novelty holiday items. School workbooks, kids activities, and books are often cheap. Cards and wrapping paper are some of my favorite deals. If buying food or makeup make sure to check expiration dates.
You are one savvy shopper! Thank you so much for the tips. I cannot believe how the prices for just about everything are just going up an up. Any and all red meat is ridiculous! I promised my son lasagna for his b’day and went to get some hamburger a couple of days ago. $4.69 a pound for 80/20. But if I bought a value pack of 73/27 it was only $2.79. But I had to buy at least 4 pounds. Simply craziness so tips like these really will add up in my wallet.
Watch the dollar store sales, I got silk flowers, a $3.99 flower bush for $.70. I bought all they had left in my colors (blue, white & yellow mixture). I now have three vases filled with flowers for short money. I found little bibs for a baby shower for $.50 on sale. I buy dish towels & hot pads, dress them up with lace, trims and edgings, and give them in a basket at Christmas time and for house warming gifts. Just make sure you find out what colors their kitchens or bathrooms are. I also like to keep a few on hand for those surprise guests at Christmas. I crochet hangers for towels, so you don’t have to cut towels, so you can hang them on stove handles, fridge handles, or knobs. You have to watch the quality, but you can find deals! The Betty Crocker Utensils at the dollar store are a great deal. I have had mine for a year, and they are the best. The silicone does not melt in hot pans, and they wash up wonderfully. I also check for candles & melts, in the real dollar stores, you can find some gems.
Great tips Dee! You can really find some treasures if you take the time
Your tips are spot on. Be careful with canned goods and check spices for expire dates. I love getting stocking stuffers there for fun little gifts.
Great post I love to buy cards, wrapping paper and gift bags at the Dollar Tree store. Oh and I love to get balloons there too. Some items are not a good deal though so you have to really watch what you’re buying. I love to get bleach there too and some cleaning supplies.
I have found so many name brand gluten free items, that normally sell for 3 or 4 times the price, especially Glutino and Udi’s bread items. The 99 cent store rounds it now so it truly is a dollar store, lol.