8 Things You Need To Buy At The Dollar Store in 2024
The Dollar Tree is, quite possibly, my favorite place to shop. I love getting things there because I am only spending $1.25 per item. In 2024 the dollar store is still going strong and even though prices may have risen to a dollar and a quarter, it’s still the cheapest place around. Since going down to one income (ok, 1 1/2. I work part time), saving money for my family has become essential. Here are 8 things I exclusively buy at the dollar store.
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Wrapping Paper and Gift Bags
I’ve never liked spending a ton of money on gift wrapping supplies when it just ends up in the trash. But, I won’t give up my dream of having my HGTV Christmas tree with neatly wrapped presents in color-coordinated wrapping paper. The dollar store has my back. I can live out my dream without breaking the bank. We’ll call is “Frugal HGTV”. They even have rolls of cellophane to wrap gift baskets in.
Pro Tip: Since the dollar store wrapping paper is very thin, buy the darker colored paper or only wrap solid color boxes with it. Any boxes with bright print are going to show right through.
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2. Cleaning Supplies
Chemicals are the same anywhere you go. Bleach is bleach. So why not pay a dollar for it? At the dollar store you can get name brand cleaning supplies like Lysol and Ajax for a fraction of the price. Some of the bottles are the small version but if you get multiple small bottles it’s still cheaper than paying full price at any other store.
Pro Tip: Grab a large basket while you’re at the dollar store to make a cleaning basket. That way you can throw your chemicals in it and tote it around the house.
3. Seasonal Home Decor
I’ve been buying seasonal home decor from the dollar store for years. I remember when my husband and I were in our first apartment it was the only place I could afford to shop for home decor. Now that I can afford more, I still choose to shop at the dollar store. I love their Christmas selection especially to find little trees or ornaments to place around the house. They sell the same trees that Michaels does (little pipe cleaner trees) that I paid $12 for a set of 3! At the dollar store I could have gotten 9 for $12! I got the ones from Michaels last year and I’m still mad about it.
Pro Tip: Too much dollar store decor tends to look tacky. Pick and choose what you want to buy and think about where you would put it before you purchase.
4. Greeting Cards
Greeting cards are another thing I feel are unnecessarily expensive. I’ve seen cards at Target for $5 and even upwards of $10! There is plenty of selection at the dollar store for all occasions.
Pro Tip: As someone who is chronically unable to send cards out in a timely manner, I pick up a bunch at one time. If I have a stash of cards I am more likely to send it out on time. If I have to go make a trip to get a card, I will not be sending a card on time.
5. Energy Drinks
The age old dilemma of “where can I get cheap energy drinks?”. At least it’s a dilemma in my house. In fact, I’ve been on a journey throughout the years to find the cheapest energy drinks. Enter: dollar store. I have done the math for Amazon, Costco, the gas station, and the grocery store. The dollar store is the cheapest place. Not only are they cheaper but you can get more for the same price. I can get 24 cans for $30 here. That’s 2 weeks worth of energy drinks for my husband for $30. We also only buy Monsters or the occasional Rockstar. Just name brands for us. Energy drinks are a luxury but there’s no sense in spending excessively on them.
Pro Tip: Make sure you’re buying the large 16 oz. cans. That’s the best deal for your dollar on energy drinks.
Related Post: Here’s How To Budget Energy Drinks
6. Emergency Candles
I lovingly call them “Jesus candles” but these are white prayer candles. I use them for emergency candles for power outages (a known issue in our area). They are cheap, emit a ton of light, easy to carry around the house, and have a long burn time. They also don’t have a scent. We have a ton of candles that smell nice but during a power outage I don’t need my home smelling of “every single candle scent I own”.
Pro Tip: You can wrap these candles in twine (also available at the dollar store) and it makes a cute, rustic table candle. Just secure the ends of the twine with hot glue.
7. Mason Jars and Glass Jars
I love a good mason jar! I haven’t started canning…yet…but I use them for spices, Epsom salt for baths, and just some random stuff. I have one filled with safety pins. If you’re not into the mason jar movement, they sell lots of other pretty glass jars with lids.
Pro Tip: We all know mason jars are great for crafts! You can’t beat a dollar for them!
8. Plates, Bowls, and Other Table Dishes
I like to keep my table set and decorated for the season. I found these ceramic dinner plates at the dollar store and I had to pair them with chargers I also found at the dollar store. They usually have a complete set with dinner plates, salad plates, bowls, wine glasses, and water cups. The dollar store also has a great selection of chargers. If you pick up places with designs on them like I do, I would only hand wash them.
Pro Tip: Remember: chargers are just fancy placemats and they are not meant to be eaten off of! They are plastic and I would not put them in the dishwasher.
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The dollar store is definitely on my errand run every other week. I always come back with too many things! I’ve tried narrowing down my spending there but these 8 things are what I will not give up! Things are getting expensive, especially here in Washington, but the dollar store still keeps its prices down.
Another frugal things to do is to get a stack of washcloths to clean with instead of paper towels. I love that I can get a 24 pack on Amazon and just keep washing them instead of constantly wasting paper products!
