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Never Buy These 15 Items Anywhere But at Dollar Tree

Master the art of frugal shopping with these 15 essential Dollar Tree finds.

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Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Dollar Tree can save you money on everyday items or special one-time buys.

You may be surprised to find that you can find some quality products for less than you would have to pay at other retail stores.

So whether you just want a good deal or you’re sticking to a budget to lower your money stress, here are some items you should always get at Dollar Tree for the best deal.

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Journal

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A set of notebooks

Journals are great to have around to take notes, write down thoughts and even prepare yourself financially by keeping track of your expenses.

Grab a whimsical 100-page spiral-bound journal from Dollar Tree for $1.25 compared to a similar 125-page spiral-bound journal from Target for $5.

Toy cars

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A set of toy cars

Pick up some things for your kids while you’re at Dollar Tree that are sure to make them happy.

You can get a Hot Wheels Die-Cast Car at Dollar Tree for $1.25 for the kids who love cars, while a similar car at Walmart would cost you $3.48.

Gift bag

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A set of birthday bags

Sometimes a gift bag is an easier option to wrap a special present for someone instead of pulling out wrapping paper.

Grab a large gift bag with a fun birthday design for $1.25 at Dollar Tree, or pick up a similar bag at Target for $3.

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Aluminum foil

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A package of aluminum foil

You may be surprised that something as basic as aluminum foil could be cheaper at your local Dollar Tree than at other retail stores.

Pick up a 40-square-foot roll at Dollar Tree for $1.25, or head to Walmart and grab a 50-square-foot version for $4.48.

Toothpaste

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A package of toothpaste

Keep your teeth clean and minty fresh with some toothpaste from your favorite Dollar Tree.

A tube of Colgate toothpaste can cost you $1.25 at your local Dollar Tree, or grab a similar tube from Walmart for $1.97.

Crossword puzzle book

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A crossword book

Keep your brain sharp and challenged with crossword puzzle books from Dollar Tree.

You can pick up a large-print crossword puzzle book from Dollar Tree for $1.25 or a similar version from Target for $8.99.

Trash bags

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A package of trash bags

Take out the trash easily with some trash bags from Dollar Tree that cost less than other retailers.

Hefty Strong 13-gallon trash bags come in a box of 25 for $5 from Dollar Tree or a pack of 50 from Target for $11.29. At that price difference, Dollar Tree is the better choice to get ahead financially.

Nail polish remover

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A thing of nail polish remover

Clean up the polish on your nails with nail polish remover from an affordable dollar store.

Dollar Tree sells a six-ounce bottle of nail polish remover for $1.25, or you can pick up a similar six-ounce bottle from Target for $1.69.

Seasonal items

Courtesy of Dollar Tree Velvet decorative pumpkins from Dollar Tree

Get in the holiday spirit with items from the shelves of Dollar Tree.

For Halloween, you can grab a decorative Halloween pumpkin for $1.25 compared to only one from Target for $5.

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Party cups

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A package of party cups

Get some red party cups to celebrate a birthday or to have on hand for your latest summer barbecue.

A 50-pack of 18-ounce red cups will cost you $3 at your local Dollar Tree, or you can get similar cups from Walmart for $5.84.

Hand soap

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A jar of hand soap

Keep your hands clean while getting name-brand products from your local dollar store.

A 7.5-ounce container of name-brand Dial hand soap will set you back $1.25 at your local Dollar Tree compared to $2.49 at your local Target.

Flash cards

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A set of flash cards

To get your kids back in the school swing, you can pick up some affordable teaching supplies at the Dollar Store.

A pack of multiplication flash cards costs $1.25 at Dollar Tree, or you can find a similar set of cards at Target for $2.79.

Batteries

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A package of batteries

You can pick up name-brand batteries from Dollar Tree that cost less than the same product at other stores.

Panasonic’s four-pack of AA batteries costs $1.25 at Dollar Tree compared to $3.99 from Walmart.

Hair clips

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A set of hair clips

Hair clips like butterfly clips are coming back in style, and you can get a pack of your favorite clips from Dollar Tree.

A pack of eight butterfly clips costs $1.25 at Dollar Tree compared to 10 clips for $5 at your local Target.

Reading glasses

Courtesy of Dollar Tree A set of reading glasses

Need some help reading the fine print? Dollar Tree has you covered.

Grab a pair of fashionable reading glasses from your local Dollar Tree for $1.25, or pick up a similar pair from Target for $9.99.

Bottom line

Refrina/Adobe dollar tree store sign

Dollar Tree can be a great option if you’re on a tight budget and want to save money shopping.

But a dollar store can also help you stick to a budget if you’re working toward a goal, such as retiring early, buying a car, or putting a down payment on a house.

Check your local area to see if you can find a dollar store near you and look at the aisles for things that may be useful for your home for a fraction of the cost compared to other stores.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.