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15 Dollar Tree Items That Look More Expensive Than They Are

Get the look of luxury for $5 or less.

Dollar Tree store logo and featured item
Updated May 9, 2025
Fact checked

You don't have to max out your monthly budget just to get the finer things in life. We've got a few genius ways for you to save money, and it starts at your neighborhood Dollar Tree store.

Instead of wasting cash at overpriced specialty retailers, choose DT dupes that combine high quality with low cost.

From elegant interior accents to salon-worthy beauty buys, our favorite finds include an assortment of affordable items that only look expensive.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Royal Norfolk Turquoise Swirl Bowl

turquoise swirl bowl

Price: $1.25

Form meets function in this 5.5-inch microwave and dishwasher-safe stoneware bowl. Not only can you use this kitchenware classic to serve a variety of dishes, from soup and salad to cereal, but it also boasts an upscale, shabby-chic style.

A set of four Cambia Stoneware Cereal Bowls costs $40 at Pottery Barn. In a price-per-bowl comparison, Dollar Tree is significantly more affordable at $1.25 compared to $10.

Ceramic Vase

a display of ceramic vases

Price: $3

Fill your home with flowers. Replace your plain, clear glass vases with something softer. The pastel pink palette gives this pick a fun, flirty feel that pairs perfectly with fresh-cut spring blooms.

While this ceramic bud vase is more than Dollar Tree's usual $1.25 price tag, the $3 investment is worth it. Amazon sells an almost-identical option for over $56.

Personal Care Coconut Vanilla Body Wash

coconut vanilla body wash

Price: $1.25

Home decor isn't the only DT section with a standout selection of high-end copycats. The dollar store is also known for its amazingly affordable beauty dupes. And this scented body wash is one of the most popular products.

Yes, it looks just like Native's Coconut and Vanilla cleanser. But instead of $10 for the brand-name, you can nab Dollar Tree's generic version for $1.25.

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Skin Nutrition Botanicals Niacinamide and Squalane Serum

niacinamide and squalane serum in a bottle

Price: $1.25

Niacinamide and squalane are more than just beauty buzzwords. These sought-after ingredients hydrate, smooth, and brighten the skin.

While you'll often find them in pricey products from salons or specialty stores, Dollar Tree has a deal that's an absolute steal. Compare $1.25 to $65 for Sunday Riley's B3 Nice Niacinamide Serum at Sephora.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

alfons/Adobe woman paying contactless credit card

May brings both warmer weather and major sales with the combo of Mother's Day (May 11) and Memorial Day (May 26). Here are some of the best deals to watch for:

  • Mattresses, furniture, and large appliances
  • Spring clothing clearance
  • Garden plants and outdoor furniture
  • For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like strawberries, artichokes, and cherries.

Retailers are already prepping for summer while you're just enjoying spring, making May perfect to save money at your favorite retailers.

Sherwood Truffles

a pack of sherwood truffles

Price: $1.25

Get a six-piece pack of these premium milk chocolate or milk chocolate with caramel filling truffles for a bargain price. They might look like expensive Lindt Lindor candy, but this fancy find is only $1.25.

Vanilla Scented Candle

vanilla scented candle

Price: $1.25

This candle looks as good as it smells. A metallic gold top and watercolor pattern print add a high-end style to the interior accent.

That doesn't mean you'll pay more for this pick's opulent appearance. The three-ounce canister candle is only $1.25. At that price, you can afford to snag one in each color and scent.

Hammered Glass Bottles with Stoppers

hammered glass bottles with stoppers

Price: $1.25

You don't have to go overboard and decorate your space with expensive, dramatic accents. These artistically elegant, hammered glass bottles exude understated elegance.

Choose from clear, red, yellow, and green options. Display the classic containers as they are, or fill them with colorful glass beads and dried flowers.

Natural Sense Clementine and Basil Reed Diffuser

clemente and basil reed diffuser

Price: $1.25

Not a fan of candles? No problem. This Clementine and Basil Reed Diffuser provides hours of serene scents. For $1.25, this is a home goods deal that's too good to pass up.

For reference, NEST New York's Orange Blossom Reed Diffuser set is available online at Nordstrom Rack for $62.

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Birch and Vine Woven Basket

birch and vine woven basket

Price: $1.25

Add a shabby chic or rustic farmhouse style to your living room, bedroom, or bathroom space. Display this 5.8-by-2.8-inch woven straw basket on your mantle, a floating shelf, nightstand, or vanity. Use the fully functional accent to store keys, makeup, or craft supplies.

Delta Home Cactus Flower Hand Soap

a bottle of cactus flower hand soap

Price: $1.25

Hand soap is a necessity. But it's also luxury. That is, if you choose a high–end brand. This 16-ounce pump of "Cactus Flower" scented soap has the look, feel, and fragrance of a pricey product. Instead of $32 or more for a fancy find from an upscale company like Molton Brown, this DT generic is only $1.25.

Hair Clips

dollar tree hair clips

Price: $1.25

Get some serious glam for less at Dollar Tree. You'll find these sophisticated barettes for a bargain price in the discount retailer's hair accessories aisle. Score two metal clasp faux mother-of-pearl clips for $1.25.

Spa Luxury Papaya and Coconut Oil Hair Mask

papaya and coconut oil hair mask

Price: $1.25

Skip the salon and save money with this affordable at-home treatment. It will only look like you paid for a pricey professional service. Infused with papaya and coconut oil, this moisturizing mask will leave your curls sleek and shiny.

Quick tips: How to prepare for economic uncertainty

thanksforbuying/Adobe financial and budget planning with chart report

Uncertain times call for a review of expenses that goes beyond simple cost-cutting. Here are some steps for you to consider:

During challenging economic periods, try to focus on what you can control. And remember that financial resilience isn't built overnight.

Iridescent Glass Candle Holder

person holding a candle holder

Price: $1.25

Snag this new home decor item while it's still available. The iridescent textured candle holder is an easy way to elevate your space. Add scented votives, which cost $1.25 for a three-count at DT, or even LED tealights (also $1.25 for three) to this stylish selection.

Even though this pretty, patterned piece looks pricey, it's a steal compared to what you could pay elsewhere. Wayfair sells a similar glass tabletop votive holder for $25.99.

Ioni Tinted Lip Oil

ioni tinted lip oil

Price: $1.25

Lip oils are all the rage. But you could pay a high price for this popular product. While DT's dupe appears expensive, the hydrating, plumping, vitamin E-rich tint is actually a $1.25 deal. In comparison, Ulta sells Clarins' version for $30.

Accent Rug

accent rug on display

Price: $5

Greet guests with this $5 find. Add the accent to your entryway, kitchen, or any other indoor space. The 21-by-24-inch rug has a designer style that upgrades your home's interior aesthetic.

Bottom line

Refrina/Adobe dollar tree store from outside

Life's little luxuries shouldn't break the bank. And at Dollar Tree, you don't have to worry about going over budget. With most items priced at $1.25, these high-end copycats will leave cash in your wallet.

Even though this dollar store's prices are already low, it's easy to save more on your next shopping trip. Use the top rewards credit cards to earn cash back, perks, and points on eligible purchases.

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