12 Random Dollar Tree Finds Over $1.25 That Are Worth It (And What to Skip)

Savvy shoppers know that shopping at Dollar Tree is a smart way to save money on everything from haircare to home decor. And while most of the store's stock is $1.25, the discount retailer also has a few higher-priced items.

We scoured the retailer for the best "Dollar Tree Plus" deals. And while plenty of these products are worth the extra cash, some fall short.

Not sure which picks are worth it? Here are our 12 favorite finds, and three to skip.

The lineup below spans home decor, storage, tools, clothing, and beauty products, so there's a mix of practical and fun finds worth checking for on your next trip, along with a few "plus" items where the extra dollar or two isn't worth it.

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

Price: $5

Relax and de-stress without breaking the bank on fancy fragrances. For $5, this 16-ounce essential oil candle is a steal. A 14.5-ounce jar costs over $26 at Bath & Body Works.

The candle is made with pure essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance alone, and it's marketed for stress relief and relaxation, with a scent blend designed to promote a calm, focused atmosphere. 

Because it's packaged in a clean white jar with minimalist labeling, it can double as a home accent on a nightstand, bathroom counter, or desk rather than looking like a typical discount-store candle. 

At 16 ounces, it's also larger than the Bath & Body Works jar it's being compared to.

Price: $5

Party prep just got easier…and more affordable. Instead of wasting money on separate items, get this assortment of essentials for $5. The 48-piece set includes nine-inch plates, seven-inch plates, 16-ounce cups, and utensils (forks, spoons, and knives) made of heavy-duty, strong, and durable plastic.

Splitting the 48 pieces across plates, cups, and three types of utensils works out to enough place settings for a small gathering without buying separate packs of each item. 

The pieces are disposable, so the set also cuts down on post-party dishwashing, making it a practical option for birthday parties, backyard barbecues, or potlucks where guests may not want to deal with real dinnerware.

Price: $5

Organize your home and keep your shopping budget on track. This six-cube rack holds up to 40 pounds of tools, crafting supplies, clothing, holiday decor, linens, or anything else you need to store. And at $5, you can afford to nab a few of Dollar Tree's collapsible fabric containers ($1.25 each).

Pairing the rack with Dollar Tree's $1.25 collapsible fabric bins means a fully stocked six-cube shelf could cost as little as $12.50, well below what a comparable cube organizer typically runs at big-box or specialty storage retailers. 

Because each cube can hold up to 40 pounds, the rack is sturdy enough for heavier items like books or folded linens, not just lightweight decor, making it a versatile option for a closet, garage, or dorm room.

Price: $7

DIYers will appreciate this 40-piece set. If you need tools for small jobs around the house, this is a bargain you can't pass up.

What do shoppers think? Take it from this Dollar Tree customer who praised this pick in the retailer's review section, "Good set for the price. Can't beat it."

At $7 for 40 pieces, the set works out to about 18 cents per piece, which is a low barrier to entry for a household toolkit. 

A ratcheting design means the screwdriver head can turn a fastener without repositioning the handle each time, which speeds up small jobs like tightening cabinet hinges or furniture hardware. 

The variety of bits and sockets included also makes it a reasonable starter kit for a first apartment or dorm.

Price: $6

Yes, it costs more than $1.25. But $6 for the soft, cozy 50-by-60-inch blanket is a much better deal than what you'll find at a specialty store. Pottery Barn's Cozy Cloud Plush Throw sells for $79.

A 50-by-60-inch throw is a standard lap-blanket size, big enough to cover a couch cushion or wrap around one person on a chilly evening. 

At $6 versus $79, the Dollar Tree version costs roughly 8% of the Pottery Barn throw's price, making it an easy way to add a cozy accent to a couch or bedroom without a big investment, even if it doesn't carry the same brand-name label or plush weight.

Price: $5

You can find fab fashions like these leggings at Dollar Tree. The buttery-soft athleisure wear is perfect for yoga, pilates, or a walk around town. You can even dress the pants up with a belted blouse or stylish chunky knit sweater.

Priced at $5, this trendy "Dollar Tree Plus" pick is well worth the extra money. You'll pay over $54 for Loft's Signature Softblend Leggings.

At $5 versus $54, the Dollar Tree leggings cost less than a tenth of the Loft pair, which makes them a low-risk way to try the athleisure trend without committing to a designer price tag. 

Because they're described as buttery-soft, they're suited to both workout use and everyday errands, and the ability to dress them up with a blouse or sweater gives them more versatility than a typical pair of gym leggings.

Price: $5

Keep your car clean and make road trips easier with this genius gadget. Features include nine compartments, mesh side pockets, and a sturdy waterproof design. Stash everything from water bottles to books in this easy-to-install back seat storage solution.

Don't assume you can get a better deal online. Compare $5 at Dollar Tree to over $23 on Amazon for a similar product.

With nine compartments plus mesh side pockets, the organizer offers enough separate sections to keep kids' toys, snacks, tissues, and electronics from sliding around the back seat during a drive. 

The waterproof design also means spilled drinks or muddy shoes are less likely to damage the seat underneath. 

At roughly a fifth of the Amazon price for a similar product, it's a low-cost way to add organization to a family vehicle.

Price: $5

Greet guests and, as the mat says, welcome family and friends to your home. This 100% polyester (face only) 15-by-25-inch rug costs more than Dollar Tree's regular $1.25 price tag. But for $5, the "plus" item is a major bargain.

How much can you save on this dollar store deal? You could pay over $30 for an indoor/outdoor doormat from West Elm.

A 15-by-25-inch mat is a common entryway size, small enough to fit most front porches or apartment doorsteps without overwhelming the space. 

The face is 100% polyester, so it should hold up to regular foot traffic and be easier to spot-clean than some natural-fiber mats. 

At $5 versus more than $30 for the West Elm version, the Dollar Tree mat costs roughly a sixth of the price for a similarly sized welcome mat.

Price: $6

These 19-by-14-10-inch bins simplify home storage. The stackable design makes clearing clutter off tables or the floor a breeze. And unlike drawers, you can easily see everything inside.

Here's what one Dollar Tree customer had to say in their five-star review, "I love these stackable containers…The size of these for the cost is way better than any I saw on Amazon."

Because the bins are open-faced and stackable rather than fully enclosed with lids, they work well for items used regularly, such as pantry snacks, craft supplies, or kids' toys, where digging through a closed container each time would be inconvenient. 

The stacking design also means multiple bins can be combined into a single vertical unit, which is useful for closets, pantries, or under-desk storage where floor space is limited.

Price: $5

No one will guess that you only paid $5 for this planter. And bonus, you can use the stylish pot indoors during the colder months or move it outside in the summer.

The planter can transition between indoor and outdoor use, so it works well for anyone rotating houseplants seasonally, such as bringing tropical plants inside before the first frost and moving them back outside once temperatures warm up. 

At $5, it's priced well below what a similarly styled planter typically costs at garden centers or home decor retailers, making it an easy way to upgrade a plant's look without a big investment.

Price: $3

Dollar Tree is known for its affordable dupes of some of the most popular beauty brands. And this shampoo is one of the top options. The sulfate-free, shea butter formula is a Cantu copycat that can save you over $5. The real deal costs $7.49 at Walgreens.

Cantu's sulfate-free shea butter shampoo is formulated without mineral oil, parabens, silicones, or phthalates, and is marketed toward wavy, curly, and coily hair types. 

At $3 versus $7.49, the Dollar Tree version costs less than half as much for a similar sulfate-free, shea butter-based cleanser. 

Shoppers on social media have generally described the B Pure formula as sulfate-free and shea butter-enriched as well, though scent and lather can vary from the name-brand original.

Price: $1.50

Score an adorable (and affordable) gift bag for $1.50. Choose from an assortment of fun, festive styles that are family- and budget-friendly. Hallmark sells similar selections for $5 or more.

At $1.50 versus $5 or more at Hallmark, the Dollar Tree bags cost roughly a third of the price or less for a similarly sized gift bag. 

Because the styles are described as an assortment, shoppers can typically mix and match designs for different occasions, such as birthdays, holidays, or baby showers, without needing to make a separate trip to a card and gift specialty store. 

Buying a few at a time also means always having one on hand for last-minute gifts.

Price: $6

While $6 for 15 slim, non-slip velvet hangers is a better price than what you'll find in some stores, it isn't the best deal. We found a 20-pack at Five Below for $7. In a price-per-piece comparison, Dollar Tree loses at $0.40 versus $0.35.

The per-hanger gap is small in raw dollars, just a nickel apiece, but it adds up over a full closet's worth of hangers. 

Buying five 20-packs from Five Below instead of the equivalent number of Dollar Tree hangers would save a few dollars overall. 

Velvet, non-slip hangers like these are generally prized for keeping slippery fabrics like silk or satin from sliding off compared with standard plastic or wire hangers.

Price: $5

Dollar Tree's $5 price for 60 of these 18-ounce Solo cup dupes may seem like a decent deal. And it is. But you could save more.

Costco sells a 240-count for $13.59. That means you would pay $20 at Dollar Tree to get the warehouse club's quantity.

Breaking the math down further, Dollar Tree's price works out to about 8.3 cents per cup, while Costco's 240-count comes to roughly 5.7 cents per cup, a meaningful gap for anyone buying cups regularly for parties or everyday use. 

For a one-off small gathering, the $5 Dollar Tree pack is still convenient, but stocking up in bulk at Costco is the better value for larger or more frequent events.

Price: $6

Skip this wrap if you don't have the extra cash. Instead of spending $6, save money and nab one of Dollar Tree's cotton bath towels for half the price.

At roughly double the cost of a standard cotton bath towel, the wrap doesn't offer enough added function to justify the price gap for most shoppers, since a regular towel accomplishes the same basic drying purpose. 

A bath wrap's main advantage is typically a secured closure, such as a Velcro strap or elastic band, that keeps it in place hands-free, but for anyone who doesn't specifically need that feature, the cheaper towel option is the more practical buy.

So there you have it. If you're not sure what "plus" section products to try, our handpicked list can get you started.

Of course, you can also avoid wasting money by choosing some of Dollar Tree's lower-priced products. The discount retailer still has plenty of everyday essentials, groceries, and seasonal styles for $1.25.

As the skip list above shows, a higher "plus" price tag doesn't automatically mean a better deal, since some items are still cheaper per unit elsewhere, even at a big-box or warehouse retailer. 

Comparing the price per piece or per ounce against a name-brand version, as with the velvet hangers and party cups here, is the most reliable way to tell whether a specific "Dollar Tree Plus" item is actually worth the extra dollar or two.