Deprive yourself on nothing necessary for your comfort, but live in an honorable simplicity and frugality. –John McDonough
This month, I am participating in a group challenge called July Uber Frugal Month led by Liz from Frugalwoods and a big part of my plan to save money is buying some of our everyday household and seasonal stuff at the dollar store and in this case, it’ s the Dollar Tree store which happened to be just a few blocks away from our home. I don’t see why anyone wouldn’t want to save a lot of money by simply making a small trip to the dollar store unless it’ s too far from where they live.
By the way, if you don’t already know, you can actually order online and have it shipped to your store.
There are so many things we can purchase at a cheap price without compromising the quality of the products. Not all cheap items are substandard and not all expensive items have the best quality either.
Don’t get me wrong. The stores in my area like Target and Walmart usually offer good prices but there are just some things worth buying in the dollar store and it would be ludicrous to buy them elsewhere like the things I will list on this post.
*This post contains affiliate links for your convenience and at no added cost to you. Please read the full disclaimer here.*
#1 Scouring pads and Sponges
I tried to calculate the unit price for Scotch Brite sponges from other stores vs. Dollar Tree and the winner is… Dollar Tree by $0.41!
#2 Seasoning and Spices
You probably know how expensive spices and seasonings can be especially if use it a lot. A small 3.18oz of Cajun seasoning costs $2.99 at the other stores while a 7oz. of the same seasoning costs how much? Yes, of course $1 dollar.
For some food and pantry items, don’ t worry too much about the safety or quality because they go through the same regulations and these items are FDA approved. If they have unsafe products and food items, the appropriate agency will recall them. After all, we are in America. Most, if not all merchandises go through strict regulations and quality control period.
3# Cleaning supplies
You really don’t need expensive cleaning supplies to keep your home clean and healthy. Just make sure to read the label and directions for use and you should be good to go.
#4 Balloons
The foil balloons at the party supply store would cost you $1.99. My friend, if you are planning to host a party with at least 20 balloons, that’s a lot of money you can save and use to buy other important stuff.
#5 Party Supplies
Besides balloons, they have great selection of party supplies and this should be your go- to store for parties especially children’ s party.
They don’ t have a vast selection of themes but if you want a great party without worrying too much about the cost, then this is the right store for you.
#6 Pregnancy Test Kits
I asked my friends for their input about this topic and can you believe? It was a male friend who had this very bright awareness that we should buy pregnancy test kits from the dollar store. Trust me. I have 3 children and I know these things. They work just as excellent as the other name brand kits from other stores. That will save you about $5 to $8 compared to other generic store brands. I learned a lot of lessons when it comes to pregnancy kits. I even bought a test kit for $18.99. What a waste of money!
#7 Greeting cards
They have tons of beautiful greeting cards and sometimes you can buy them for $1 for 2 instead of paying an average of $3.50 for 1 card at the other stores.
8# Gift bags
A small gift bag from other stores would cost you at least $ 3.99.
#9 First Aid Supplies and Bandages
Walmart sells the 60 counts Band-Aids for $1.93 while you can get a box of 80- count bandages for a dollar. You already have a boo-boo in your hand; don’t make another boo-boo in your pockets!
Related Article: 8 Life- Saving Measures Every Parent Should Know
#10 School and Office supplies
Not all their school and office supplies have the best quality like some of their pens that sometimes bleed through paper but majority of their products are as good as the name brand stuff. Their poster boards are great and a lot of my friends actually suggested I include it on the list.
#11 Razors
A pack of 10 disposable twin blade razors costs about $1.88 from other stores. Why would you spend more money only to throw it away after a single use?
#12 Organization Bins
This Uber Frugal Month, I am planning to organize my pantry so I can account for most of our food items. I already bought some bins, which by the way, my husband labeled (thanks!). It would really help if I buy more for the sake of everyone in my household’ s sanity.
There’ s a lot more I need to list but I figured you would be bored reading by then. Bottom line is, Dollar Tree may not have the best of everything but they offer an array of items that are worth buying. Just make sure to make your due diligence and compare prices by the ounce or unit as well. And like I mentioned, just carefully read the label and safety information and you should be fine.