15 Dollar Tree Items That Beat Target’s Versions for Quality and Price

Most shoppers assume that a lower price means lower quality, and when it comes to Target vs. Dollar Tree, Target usually wins. But we've reviewed household staples, snacks, and even beauty finds from both stores, and we can tell you that assumption doesn't always hold up.

Several Dollar Tree items not only rival Target's versions, but are better for helping you keep more cash in your wallet. You might be shocked at what your $1.25 can buy. Here are 15 Dollar Tree finds that beat Target on both price and quality.

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

Price: $1.25

People have been raving about the Royal Norfolk knives from Dollar Tree. "These steak knives were absolutely perfect for serving a bunch of hungry firemen a steak dinner," one shopper commented.

Given that Target's Gibson Home Seward knives are $29.98, on sale from $48.99, for three knives, you can't beat the two-pack from Dollar Tree.

Price: $1.50

Royal Norfolk's glazed white stoneware plates and bowls are just $1.50 each. This Dollar Tree exclusive brand is known for its dinnerware that "looks like it's high-end." Target has similar plates from the Gibson brand, but they can't compete at $4.87 per plate.

Dollar Tree often goes viral for its quality stoneware. Grab these bowls (in several patterns) before they're gone. People are buying the turquoise swirl design by the dozen.

Price: $1.25

The price of fruit has risen, but Dollar Tree has remained firm at its $1.25 price for a pack of freeze-dried fruit. On Dollar Tree's site, 92% of reviewers recommend this product, praising the flavor and texture of this mix. Some head to their nearest store just for this item.

Target's own brand is $4.99 for an ounce of freeze-dried fruit. While Dollar Tree's portion is only 0.6 oz., it still offers greater value.

Price: $1.25

Dollar Tree offers five-star-rated body washes in various scents, such as coconut vanilla, for just $1.25. Shoppers call it a "Great dupe for Native Body Wash," which is nearly $13 at Walmart.

Even when looking for a bargain, the cheapest body wash available at Target is $1.99, and the reviews aren't as good, suggesting Target shoppers may be paying slightly more for a product that's somewhat lower quality.

Price: $1.25

Dollar Tree sells a 60-pack of Grin Smooth Flossers for just $1.25, compared to $2.97 for a 75-pack at Walmart. While you can buy a 150-count pack for $4.99 at Target, the value is still better at Dollar Tree ($0.02 each vs $0.03).

These flossers are featured on TikTok and Amazon Live, with one reviewer saying these are "the best she's ever used."

Price: $1.25

Dollar Tree has various nail polishes, such as LA Colors Color Vibe Nail Polish with Hardeners. One review points out, "it's just as good as the expensive brands."

Target nail polish starts at $2.99, and only goes up from there. The reviews for the cheapest are similar to Dollar Tree, hovering between four and five stars.

Price: $1.25

Not only does Dollar Tree have great body wash, but it has highly rated shampoo, too. Reviews say this VO5 works well to clean hair, and "the smell is divine." Shoppers appreciate the value of this product, saying, "It's very effective at cleaning and moisturizing your hair. And it's affordable as well."

The cheapest strawberry-scented shampoo is $9.99 at Target, even though the star rating hovers around a four.

Price: $1.25

Hosley Aromatherapy Incense Sticks are a great value at Dollar Tree, priced at $1.25 for a box of 50. That works out to just $0.02 per stick.

Target's Room Essentials brand has a similar offering, but the cheapest price available is $5 for 15 sticks and a holder. With similar reviews for both products, the cheaper one should be a no-brainer.

Price: $1.50

Dollar Tree's coffee mugs are hitting the mark with most consumers, who are saying they look like high-end mugs. They're just $1.50 at Dollar Tree, and Target's supposedly higher-end mugs are $5 each.

One reviewer commented that they thought they'd break easily, but five years after purchasing, that's not the case.

Price: $1.50

LA's Totally Awesome Window Cleaner is just $1.25 for 40 ounces at Dollar Tree, making it a steal compared to buying something like Windex at Target (which is $3.99 for 26 ounces).

Comments on social media like Reddit rave about the cheaper version. Reviewers appreciate that they don't struggle with the spray bottle, like other comparable products. Plus, it works.

Price: $1.25

This large 2.7L bottle of lemon-lime soda is a steal at just $1.25. Compare this party favorite to Sprite, which costs $2.79 for 2L at Target. You get more than twice the amount.

Not only that, but Stars & Stripes lemon-lime soda is lower in sugar than most major brands. In eight ounces of this Dollar Tree soda, you'll consume 13 grams of sugar, compared to 26 grams in the same serving of Sprite.

Price: $1.25

You can't beat getting a full pound of cookies for just $1.25 at Dollar Tree. This brand has a long history, offering many a taste of nostalgia. Another fan favorite is the ginger snaps made by the same cookie brand. One shopper said, "They're double or more the price anywhere else."

Comparable options at Target, like Keebler's Vienna Fingers, cost over $2 more for four ounces less.

Price: $1.25

If you need a quick hydration boost, $1.25 for 16.9 ounces of electrolytes is a good deal. Five-star reviews claim this drink tastes great.

Similar brands at Target, such as Electrolit, cost $2.69 at the cheapest, and while you get a little more liquid at around 21 ounces, it's still not enough to beat Dollar Tree's value.

Price: Varies

Dollar Tree boasts a variety of small plastic tubs and storage options.

Small storage tubs and bins at Dollar Tree (ranging from $1.25 to $3) offer similar function and utility to Target's Room Essentials organizers at a fraction of the price. If you're organizing on a budget, Dollar Tree gives you more bang for your buck.

Price: $1.25

Get a two-pack of clear condiment squeeze bottles for a fraction of the cost, compared to Target's six 24-ounce bottles for $29.99 when not on sale.

While Dollar Tree's are rated a little lower, Target's don't boast a five-star rating either. Chances are, you'll have to replace them after a while, either way, but replacing two for $1.25 beats Target's alternative, working out to $4.99 per bottle.

If you've never taken a wander into your local Dollar Tree and always beeline for Target instead, let this be the nudge you need to give the budget-friendly aisle a shot so you can save more money shopping.

You might just uncover a new go-to product that outshines Target's version. Plus, there's a thrill in the treasure hunt (seasonal finds, limited-time gems, and surprisingly solid quality for just $1.25). You never know what you'll walk out with, but chances are, you'll wonder why you didn't shop there sooner.