AARP Says These Are the 10 Worst Things to Buy at the Dollar Store

Dollar stores are great for shoppers trying to save on groceries, especially when retirement income or a carefully managed household budget leaves little room for unnecessary spending. A low sticker price, however, does not automatically make an item a bargain. AARP recently highlighted several categories where the initial savings disappear through poor durability, smaller package sizes, quality concerns, or more frequent replacement.

The goal is not to avoid dollar stores altogether. Plenty of inexpensive household basics still make sense there. Instead, shoppers may want to know which aisles deserve extra caution. Here are 10 purchases AARP and the consumer experts it cites suggest may be better bought elsewhere.

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

Batteries

AARP cites consumer analyst Elisabella Ricca, who notes that lower-cost batteries may not deliver the same performance or longevity as name-brand alternatives. When a battery runs down sooner, the shopper needs to replace it more often, reducing the appeal of the original savings.

That matters particularly for items used regularly around the home, from clocks and remotes to flashlights. Paying somewhat more for dependable batteries at a supermarket, warehouse club, or another retailer may provide better value over time.

Groceries

Dollar stores have become an increasingly visible destination for grocery shoppers, but food is another category where bargain pricing deserves scrutiny. AARP cites Ricca's warning that some food products may be approaching their expiration dates or may no longer be at peak freshness.

There is also a recent food-safety example worth remembering. In January 2026, the New York attorney general announced a nearly $560,000 settlement with Dollar Tree after an investigation found recalled WanaBana cinnamon applesauce pouches remained on sale at stores after the nationwide recall.

Electronics and chargers

Phone chargers, headphones, extension cords, and small electrical products seem like easy ways to save a few dollars. The downside is that poor construction may mean a shorter usable life, slower performance, or another trip to the store for a replacement.

AARP's experts specifically flag electronics because a lower upfront price does not necessarily mean lower overall spending. For frequently used electronics, a sturdier product from a reputable retailer may be the more economical choice over several years.

Plastic food containers

AARP cites shopping strategist Trae Bodge, who advises caution with unfamiliar brands, particularly when containers are intended for microwave or dishwasher use.

A container that warps, cracks, or deteriorates quickly becomes a replacement purchase rather than a lasting bargain. Bodge also raises concerns about potentially harmful chemicals leaching into food from unfamiliar plastic products. Spending more on established food-storage brands may provide greater peace of mind and durability.

Makeup

Cosmetics are not the place to chase the absolute lowest price, according to the experts cited by AARP. Ricca warns that generic makeup from dollar stores may have lower-quality ingredients and says reputable brands generally devote more resources to product testing and quality control.

Shoppers do not necessarily need department-store cosmetics, either. AARP points to affordable name brands such as e.l.f., NYX, and Wet n Wild, which are commonly sold at drugstores and big-box retailers. Waiting for promotions may make these recognizable brands even more budget-friendly.

Skincare

The same caution applies to skincare. AARP cites Ricca as favoring reputable brands over unfamiliar personal-care products from dollar stores, particularly because ingredient quality and safety may be harder for shoppers to assess at a glance.

That concern is supported by a 2025 Campaign for Healthier Solutions report that screened dollar-store personal-care and beauty products. Researchers identified 46 products with chemicals of concern among 130 products examined, including some ingredients restricted or prohibited in certain jurisdictions.

Pet food and treats

Saving money on a pet's food is understandable, but AARP's experts suggest the Dollar Store is not the best place for this. Consumer savings adviser Andrea Woroch warns shoppers to watch for poor-quality ingredients in dollar-store pet food and treats.

Warehouse clubs such as Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's could provide a better alternative because larger packages of name-brand products may lower the cost per serving. For households already buying pet supplies regularly, comparing unit prices rather than package prices might help you save.

Candy

A small bag of candy for about a dollar feels inexpensive until the package size is compared with larger bags at supermarkets, warehouse clubs, or big-box stores. Woroch tells AARP that dollar stores frequently stock smaller bags, meaning the "bargain" may actually cost more.

For shoppers who already plan to buy treats, a sale-priced family-size package may provide substantially more product for the money. Seasonal markdowns after holidays are another opportunity to lower the unit cost.

Picture frames

Dollar-store picture frames may look appealing for displaying family photographs, but flimsy construction could make them not worth it. Woroch recommends checking discounters such as HomeGoods or Marshalls, where a sturdier frame in roughly the $5 to $12 range may last considerably longer.

For retirees decorating a home on a budget, durability matters more than the lowest possible receipt total. Replacing several broken or damaged frames over the years may ultimately cost more than purchasing one better-made frame at the beginning.

Toys

Dollar-store toys may be tempting when buying a small gift for a grandchild, especially when children sometimes lose interest in toys quickly. The concern is that cheaply made toys may break easily, potentially leaving behind small pieces that pose safety concerns for young children.

AARP cites holiday sales, resale stores, and gently used toys as alternatives. The 2025 Campaign for Healthier Solutions report also identified PVC in children's products purchased from major dollar-store chains.

Bottom line

Dollar stores still have a place in a smart budget, but the lowest price should not be the only factor guiding a purchase. A battery that dies early, a container that fails after several uses, or a small package with a surprisingly high unit price may erase the savings almost immediately.

The bigger lesson from AARP's list is to compare cost per use, cost per ounce, and expected lifespan, not just the number printed on the shelf. A bulk warehouse purchase, an inexpensive name brand from a drugstore, or a sturdier item from a discount retailer may save more money in the long run. For fixed-income shoppers trying to save money in retirement, knowing which dollar-store aisles to skip may be just as valuable as finding the ones worth browsing.

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