Dollar Store Deals

Almost every town has a local dollar store. There are a lot of people who are uncomfortable shopping at dollar stores. They are perceived as, for lack of a better word, cheap. However, for many frugal people, dollar stores are a welcome addition to their shopping rotation.

In fact, a well-run dollar store can be a place to find bonanza of high quality items that you normally shop for on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. There is a clear process to finding great items at the dollar store without compromising on quality. Here is a list of 10 items which are actually good deals you should buy at the dollar store from now on.

#1 Soap

If you’re shopping at a well-run store you will likely find soaps that you are familiar with. Brands such as Zest, Dial, Caress, and Yardley are usually found on the shelves. Buy the soap in bulk because you’ll likely go through it quicker than you think.

#2 Toothpaste

You can almost always find name brand toothpastes such as Colgate, Aim, or Ultra Bright. These brands are commonly purchased at most grocery stores, Target, and of course at Walmart.

#3 Gum

It is pretty common to find multiple packs of chewing gum at the store. Typically, these purchases work out to be 2-1 (or 50% off) the normal purchase price.

#4 Books

If you’re about to go on a trip and need books (and don’t have a Kindle) there normally are a number of books for sale in most stores. Occasionally you may find a best seller, but more often than not you will find books by writers you’ve never heard of.

#5 Body Products

If you buy products such as: hand soap, body wash, Vaseline, and some lotions, the quality tends to be consistent when purchasing brand names you know and trust. If it’s a brand you’re unfamiliar with, they tend to be a bit diluted and not as effective. The cheap shampoo at the dollar store is probably fine.

#6 Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes have gotten pretty expensive. There are almost always toothbrushes in stock at most dollar stores and all of us will always need more toothbrushes for our teeth. The best packages to purchase are the multiple packs which work out to a 50% savings. A few spare toothbrushes never hurt to have around.

#7 Party Items

If you are throwing a party, pick up your paper plates, paper towels, and table clothes the next time you visit. Normally, these are items that are thrown away after an event so it may be a lot more cost affective to purchase them from the dollar store instead of your local grocer.

#8 Items To Entertain Kids

Kids are rough on their toys, coloring books and stuffed items. Fortunately all of these are usually found on a regular basis at most well-run stores. You may want to stay away from the stuffed animals and just pick up coloring books, puzzles, and crayons instead.

#9 Socks

You can never have too many socks. Buy the thicker ones so that they will last longer.

#10 Water Glasses or Tumblers

Most people break a couple of glasses a year. Pick up a set of replacements to have on hand just in case.

If you approach dollar store shopping with the same type of intentionality as your normal shopping you will be able to stock up on items you need, and have fun embracing the challenge of dollar store shopping while searching through the store to find the best deals.

For an alternative perspective, check out posting on 10 things NOT to buy at the dollar store, top dollar store finds and when trying to save money can cost you.