You might imagine the Dollar Tree to be a wasteland of useless junk!
You couldn’t be more wrong! They have some pretty good deals.
That’s coming from someone who shops there pretty frequently.
Let me fill you in on my little secret of the best things to buy at the Dollar Tree and of course what to avoid.
One of the hardest parts (really it’s not that hard) of shopping at the Dollar Tree, is knowing if you’re getting a great deal or not.
It can be hard to know if the product you’re buying is really worth your dollar… but that’s okay.. that’s where I come in!!
My favorite part about shopping at the Dollar Tree, besides their amazing prices, is that they actually sell a lot of name brand products.
Yes, the Dollar Tree is much more than meets the eye!
Did you know that there are 3 different “Dollar” Stores? I don’t shop at the Dollar Tree because it’s the closest “Dollar” Store to me. I shop there because it’s the only “Dollar” Store where everything only costs a dollar!
Here are the 3 different types of “Dollar” Stores:
- Dollar General
- Dollar Store
- Dollar Tree
The Dollar Tree is the only store in which every product in the store is actually a dollar! The other Dollar Stores sell lots of products that cost more than a dollar.
So next time your out make sure it’s the Dollar Tree you’re hitting up!
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Dollar Tree Online Shopping Sayy Whatttttt
You read that right, you can shop at the Dollar Tree online!
If you don’t want to shop at the Dollar Tree in person to get their great deals, do your shopping online. It’s fast, convenient and you get the same awesome products as you would in the store without actually having to go there.
I’d even consider that an insider tip because not a lot of people know you can shop online for Dollar Trees deals.
Check them out online HERE!
One of my favorite things to buy at the Dollar Tree is holiday décor. Their holiday décor always sells out fast so you have to be ready and waiting for it to hit the shelves.
I’m going to be honest with you, for $1 their holiday decor is top notch. If I can’t find what I’m looking for in-store, I check online and can usually find it.
Did I mention that when you shop online you get free in-store shipping?? Now it’s no Amazon Prime, we all got a little spoiled with that, but if you don’t want to pay for shipping to your house, you can always send it to your local Dollar Tree. It only takes a minute to walk in and pick it up.
One way we’ve found to save even more money when shopping online at the Dollar Tree is by shopping through Rakuten! It’s a website that partners with thousands of stores to give you cashback on your purchases. It’s free to join and you get free cashback!!
That’s right, Rakuten gives you FREE cash back straight to your account if you shop through their website. I promise you it’s not too good to be true, we use it for our online shopping.
Check it out HERE (it’s free). Did I mention when you sign up with our link they’ll give you $10 cash back welcome bonus after you make your first $25 purchase at any store!
Here’s yet another way to save money at the Dollar Tree, sign up for their Value Seekers club. You’ll get access to contests, money-saving party idea, crafts, recipes, product sneak peeks and so much more. Click here to sign up for the Dollar Tree Value Seekers Club (it’s free).
If you’re ready to buy something for a dollar, check out this list of the best things to buy at the Dollar Tree!
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> The Best Bank To Save All Your Newfound Money
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> 15 Dollar Store DIY Fall Decor Ideas That You Must Try
Need a place to put all this money you’re saving? Check out a High Interest Savings Account from our bank of choice, CIT BANK.
The Best Things To Buy At The Best Dollar Store
1| Party Supplies: This is the number one reason I visit the Dollar Tree and I think it should be the number one reason you visit too! They have an epic party supplies section.
Planning on throwing a birthday party, baby shower, or even a wedding? Then this needs to be your place. For kids, they have themed birthday supplies. They also have party supplies in just about every color in the rainbow.
2| Craft Supplies: If you love crafts or have kids that love crafts, the Dollar Tree is a gold mine for supplies! There’s a variety of different art supplies, craft paper, glitter and so much more! This is our go-to place when we need supplies for crafts with the kids.
For some really great craft ideas, check out Kidz Craft Corner.
3| Greeting Cards: If you were to walk into Target right now and buy a greeting card how much would you spend?? Does anywhere between $3-$6 sound familiar? At the Dollar Tree, you can score 2 cards for $1. When they’re on sale you can get 4 cards for $1. Save yourself some money, don’t buy greeting cards anywhere else!
** Best Dollar Tree Find Alert **
4| Dollar Tree Gift Bags: Need I say more.. These Dollar Tree gift bags are the same quality as those at Walmart and Target. The only difference is.. They’re only a dollar! That’s why I’ve got these down as a Best Dollar Tree Find Alerts that you just can’t pass up.
5| Bows for Gifts: Bows for gifts can be expensive! A lot of people use them. Me, I skip the bow altogether because I’m cheap, but since I know a lot of people use them I thought I’d help you out.
Their bow selection is pretty epic so check it out. I’m assuming around Christmas they disappear quite fast.
6| Holiday Decor: If you love holiday decor as much as every other woman on this planet, run as fast as you can to the Dollar Tree! Holiday decorations at the Dollar Tree are hard to pass up.
They have a wide variety of signs, center pieces, and hanging decor. Need valentines day cards or St. Patrick’s Day gifts for a whole class? Hit up the Dollar Tree!
Go check it out, you’ll love their stuff!
7| Wrapping Paper: They don’t have big rolls of wrapping paper like you’ll find on Amazon or at Walmart. However, if you’re looking to wrap a small gift and don’t want to buy a whole roll of wrapping paper. You know where to head!
8| Scotch Tape: Scotch tape for a dollar is a great deal! It’s not the same quality as normal scotch tape but it gets the job done. I was able to wrap all of my Christmas gifts last year with it just fine.
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9| Artificial Flowers: If you come to my house around any holiday, or really any day for that matter, you’re going to find artificial flowers in a vase somewhere around my house.
Yep, they’re from the Dollar Tree and I’ve had them for years. Artificial flowers are expensive at most craft stores like Michael’s or Joann’s. The Dollar Tree’s selection is big and it changes with the season. You’ll love their Christmas selection of flowers.
10| Coffee Mugs: Looking for a cheap alternative to expensive household items? They have a pretty large selection of coffee cups, plates, cups, and bowls.
This would be a great buy for short-term use such as getting ready to go off to college or buying your first home.
11| Tupperware: If you’re not wanting to spend an arm and leg on Tupperware, this is the place to go! They have a large selection of different sizes and brands. I think you’ll be able to find something that will work for you.
12| Aluminum Pans: Do you use aluminum pans around the holidays? I know we do. I hate going to a holiday party with a big pot and end up with a big mess to clean later.
I only wish I would have known about these awesome pans sooner! They have every size and shape you could possibly want.
13| Kitchen Utensils: In need of some new kitchen utensils, then you’re in the right place. The Dollar Tree has a wall of every kitchen essential you could think of using or needing!
14| Cling Wrap: If you’re looking for cling wrap, tin foil, parchment paper or other similar items, the Dollar Tree has it all. They even had name brand items such as GLAD.
15| Canned Food: Before buying food at the Dollar Tree I highly recommend you check expiration dates. With that said, they do have a pretty big food section. Some of it is hit or miss but I can recommend their can food.
16| Popcorn: Enjoying a family movie night wouldn’t be the same without popcorn! Grab some M&Ms and popcorn and enjoy your movie night.
17| Candy: Honestly I feel like you can’t go wrong buying candy from the Dollar Tree. After all it’s sugar, my kids love it and don’t complain. Around Halloween they add an extra aisle of Halloween candy.
18| Bread: They actually carry name brand bread! Give it a try!
19| Glow Sticks: There are certain times in the year where glow sticks are cool, like 4th of July, or when going to a drive-in movie. Kids just love glow sticks and the Dollar Tree has the best! Before your next party or outdoor event make sure to grab some, your kids will thank you!
20| Toddler books: Who would have thought that the Dollar Tree would have a book selection? Granted it’s not the biggest selection, they actually have quite a few books for several age groups. My favorite books are the educational hardcover books they have for young kids.
21| Stickers: Who doesn’t love stickers? If you have kids, more than likely you have a sticker stash somewhere. I know we do.
Stickers are a cheap solution to distracting your child while you get something done on your to-do list. We use them to distract the kids while we work on the blog!
22| Toys: Yes, they have a large selection of toys and yes, they’re CHEAP. I mean they’re only a dollar so what can you really expect. But here’s a secret, that cheap toy will entertain your child just as long as that expensive one will from Target.
** Best Dollar Tree Find Alert **
23| Coloring Books: They have quite a range of coloring books, such as animals and different cartoon characters. Definitely something for everyone. Some of the coloring books are thinner than others but it still hits the list of Best Dollar Tree Finds.
24| Brushes: A dollar for a brush, you can’t go wrong!
25| Hair Accessories: Are bobby pins and ponytails an essential in your everyday life? I honestly wouldn’t buy mine anywhere else. Ponytails are freakin expensive nowadays, so make sure to grab some at the Dollar Store for a $1.
26| Kleenex: Winter is right around the corner and so is your next runny nose. Make sure to stock up on their kleenex. They even have my favorite name brand Kleenex.. Puffs!
27| Pregnancy Test: You might be asking yourself, do the Dollar Tree pregnancy tests even work? Let me tell you from experience, they do. Don’t run to the drug store and buy a $14 test that does the same exact thing.
28| Q-Tips: An essential of most peoples lives. I would say they work just as good as any name brand q-tip.
29| Toothpaste: I’ve never bought an off-brand toothpaste nor would I recommend it. However, they do carry Crest and Colgate two popular kinds of toothpaste.
30| Toothbrushes: A toothbrush for a dollar isn’t a bad deal so make sure you grab a few.
31| Shampoo/ Conditioner: If you don’t mind using off-brand products they do have a nice selection of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.
32| Socks: Go enjoy their selection of black and white socks. They come in a variety of sizes!
33| Peanuts: They have a great selection of peanuts and those can be a quick little snack.
34| Crayons: I know some people complain about using generic crayons and that they don’t work. The Dollar Tree actually carries Crayola and has a great selection of back to school supplies.
35| Stationary Items: Anything and everything you would need, the Dollar Tree has it! Items such as pens, pencils, pads of paper, calendars, and planners, you name it they have it!
36| Notepads: Who doesn’t love the cute little notepads you stick on your fridge to write down notes, or grocery lists on? They carry a variety of different little handy notepads and notebooks.
37| Poster Board: We’ve all needed poster board at some point in our life. Whether it was in school or for making a sign. Don’t waste your money on poster board anywhere else when you can get 2 for $1 at the Dollar Tree.
38| Stocking Stuffers: Do you have young kids or grandkids. More than likely you’ll be able to get away with stuffing their stockings at Christmas time with a single trip to the Dollar Tree.
39| Reading Glasses: Their reading glasses are the same as those at any drug store. When you buy them at the Dollar Tree you don’t have to worry if you break or lose them because they’re only $1. They also have a pretty big section of sunglasses. These are usually located on a carousel by checkout.
40| Picture Frames: If you’re ready to buy something for a dollar that you’ll love, head to the picture frames aisle. They have a large selection that comes in a variety of colors and sizes.
41| Vases: Most Dollar Tree stores have vases and other glassware that you can decorate your home with. You can use these items to decorate during the different seasons. Grab some paint from the paint sections and paint your decor to match the seasons.
42| Storage Containers: If you need storage ideas for your home, you’re going to love their storage containers. They have a variety of shapes and sizes along with just about every color you could imagine.
These storage bins have come in handy around our home for toys,and in our camper to keep things organized. Make sure to check out 150 Dollar Store organizing ideas at DIY & Crafts for some ideas.
43| Baggies: Everyone uses baggies for a wide variety of things. You’ll love their wide selection of snack, sandwich and freezer bags.
44| Screen covers for your phone/Ipad: Who wants to spend an arm and a leg for a screen cover for your phone when the Dollar Tree has them for a dollar? I’ve used them and they’ve worked perfectly. Check them out, especially if you have younger children with phones.
45| Cleaning Supplies: These items are just as effective as other store name brand items.. just cheaper.
46| Duster: Love dusting your home but don’t want to pay an arm and leg for dusting supplies, go check out their selection.
47| Mop/Broom: You need one, go get one!
48| Tools: They have a variety of simple tools. Some I would recommend, some I wouldn’t. If you’re looking for some basic tools just to get by, check out this section of the store.
Some of the tools they carry include measuring tapes, hammers, screwdrivers etc.
49| Gardening Supplies: Are you a gardener or an aspiring gardener? This is a good place to start. Their selection of gardening supplies in the spring was quite surprising. They had everything from dirt, bags of seeds, digging tools, cushions to kneel on, hanging baskets, gloves, vases, grow cups, and the list goes on.
50| Mail Section: We all need mailing supplies from time to time. Make sure to check out their supplies before heading to Walmart or the local post office for supplies.
They carry bubble wrap, packaging tape, padded envelopes, waterproof envelopes and normal white envelopes.
What Not To Buy At The Dollar Tree
We just covered 50 Of The Best Things To Buy At The Dollar Tree and there were some really good items on that list.
I’ve got to warn you though, not everything at the Dollar Tree is a good deal. There are a few items I would recommend not purchasing there.
Remember these are just my recommendations. If you find anything to add to this list make sure to leave a comment below so I can add it.
1| Plastic Silverware: We all use plastic silverware from time to time, however, their plastic silverware are extremely likely to break before your food even makes its way to your mouth. If you’re looking to eat a hearty meal, I would stay away from these.
Here’s a nice strong alternative that’s strong and won’t break easily.
2| Batteries: Their batteries last about as long as an ice cube in the hot California sun. I wouldn’t spend my money on them.
When it comes to batteries, you want something that’s long-lasting. This would be an item I’d fork out the money for and buy somewhere else.
This Value Pack is worth the money.
3| Kitchen Knives: Everyone needs good knives in their kitchen but like I said above, I would invest in a good set. These knives won’t hold up long term.
These are Our Favorite Kitchen Knives.
4| Electronics: I would stay away from anything electronic that plugs into the wall. These items are cheaply made. I’d rather fork out the extra few dollars for an extension cord than have to worry about a fire.
5| Meat: I wouldn’t recommend eating anything from the cold section at the Dollar Tree. I’ve seen different types of meat products before but I would just stay away from that. Buy your meat and other cold products at the grocery store.
What do you buy at your favorite Dollar Tree to save money?
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Related resources that will save you money:
- 30 Things To Do On A No-Spend Weekend
- Retirement Planning: Grow A Million Dollar Nest Egg
- Grocery Store Hacks That Will Help You Save Money On Food
- Create Better Money Habits By Kicking These Bad Ones
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I do not recommend the JOT glue sticks, as they don’t stick as well as the name brand. However, the name brand (Elmer’s) glue sticks from DT work just fine.
I think the plastic silverware works fine. They are not as sturdy as the more expensive ones from other stores, but I use them without problems, even wash and reuse them.
If you buy 3 x 5 index cards, keep in mind that the white ones are somewhat see-through. If you use them for paper crafting as I do, you will be able to see the design of the paper underneath. However, they are sturdy enough and should work just fine for their original purpose–to take notes in class. The neon colored ones don’t have this problem and are great for paper crafting.
If your Sunday newspaper normally costs more than a dollar, they are only a dollar at DT. When I was job hunting several years ago, it was worth a trip to DT to buy both Sunday papers (we have 2 major papers in Chicago). Of course, you also get all the Sunday coupon inserts. However, you have to decide whether it is worth a trip (gas money or bus fare) to DT for just newspapers; maybe the weekend is a good time to grab other DT items at the same time. In Chicago, the Sunday papers are available as early as noon-ish on Saturday. (This is true at all stores.) However, they run out pretty fast at DT; I guess eveyone knows this secret!
These are all great tips! Thanks for sharing them!
I buy the dollar mini size Dawn dishwash soap and Clorox, one for each bathroom and one for kitchen. This makes it so handy when I need to spot treat an item or to soak out a mean stain headed for the wash right in the bathroom or kitchen before placing in the laundry room. It saves on steps and time! I also use the small Dawn on my sink as it takes up little space and is inconspicuous….I even recycle these by buying a large bottle and filling the smaller one as it goes empty!
We refill soap bottles too! I like the idea of sending less plastic bottles to the landfill! Thanks for sharing your tips!
It’s my go-to place for gift bags, wrapping paper, bows, ribbons, etc.
YESSS! I love getting gift bags there!!
I buy the small continues of laundry supplies because I have arthritis. They are so much easier for me to handle!
Thanks for sharing that tip! Such a great idea!
Hello, love this post! A couple other ideas are to fill a plastic basket with a variety of items for Secret Santa or to “Elf” your neighbors. A movie night theme works well with candy, popcorn and sometimes even DVD’s. Many great options for care packages as well, with plenty of containers and items to put in. One more go to item is the garage sale or birthday signs for the front yard. They are already on a stake so it’s easier than the ones you need to hang from other stores.
Thanks!
Hey Gina,
Thanks for sharing your tips! Those are really good ideas, I especially like the care package idea.
David
My go to store is the Dollar Tree….look for highly name brand items! My once is month spend $50 store! It could be a lot cleaner but it is a busy store! ?
I buy allergy medicine there every month. Generic zertec, Claritin , Allegra and Benadryl . So much cheaper than any where else and they work fine. I also buy did treats and cat toys there.
Those are awesome finds at the Dollar Tree! Thanks for sharing!
I love this and I LOVE Dollar Tree! In addition to your recommendations, my go-tos are their Chap Ice lip balm (I usually wait until they have their value 3 packs and I like them better than Chapstick – I use the blue one) and their spices/seasonings (Onion and garlic powders are a staple in my home).
Thanks for checking out the post and I’m glad you liked it! Spices and seasonings are a great idea to get at the Dollar Tree!
Dollar Tree is great to get everything! Especially when you’re on a tight budget. The seasonal stuff is pretty great! They usually have actual characters on their Christmas stockings. The only thing I think people should look out for is their brand food is gross, but I guess that’s why it’s a dollar! But what you posted are great things to buy at Dollar Tree, especially when everything is only one dollar.
Hi Savannah,
Thanks for checking out the post! I’m glad you liked the list!
Manufacturer coupons can also be used at Dollar Tree!
That’s a great tip! I didn’t know that but I’m going to try it now. Thanks for sharing!
Dollar Tree sells Mylar balloons for $1 each, and that includes the helium they use to fill the balloon. I’ve bought cute birthday balloons, plain colors for a baby shower (pale pink, gold, silver, and white), flower balloons for a teacher friend’s retirement celebration in spring, and so on. Do not buy expensive balloons at the grocery store!
We love getting birthday balloons at the Dollar Tree! They have a pretty good selection for only being $1!!
We ordered a case of purple star balloons for my son’s graduation in 2015 and had them shipped to the store. They blew them up half of them and then I saved the rest and in 2019 I took the balloons and receipt back to the dollar tree and they blew them up for my second sons graduation. You must have your receipt though.
That’s cool to know they would still blow up balloons after a couple years. Even more impressive is that you had the receipt! Love It!
Teacher supplies. Bulletin Board , ABC’s early reading g, math, the list is endless.
Those are all great ideas!! Thanks!
I’ve been buying myself men’s socks as they have some really funky ones! They fit just as good as expensive ones and get more comments on them! I love them!
That’s awesome! I’ll have to check them out next time I’m there!
We take our younger (6 or under) grandchildren to th dollar store for their birthday. They get to pick 20 things to buy. Doesn’t work well with the older ones. But with 18 grandchildren you do what you can.
That’s an awesome idea! That way your grandkids get a bunch of toys and it doesn’t break the bank. I’m sure they love being able to go on a little shopping spree at the Dollar Tree!
Candles and candle holders, makeup, nail polish.