14 Overpriced Dollar Tree Items You Should Skip

Financial freedom doesn't just happen. You need to watch every penny in today's iffy economy. And that's why stores like Dollar Tree are gaining popularity.

While the discount retailer has plenty of budget-friendly deals starting at $1.25, when you factor in the quality and reviews, some of these buys aren't exactly a bargain. So, which items should you skip?

We scoured the store's aisles and rounded up the most overpriced products that just aren't worth the money. But don't worry — our handpicked list also includes a few savvy shopping tips to keep more cash in your wallet.

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

Price: $5

With only 3.4 stars, the quality of this dollar "plus" pick doesn't outweigh the added cost. One shopper cautioned other customers, "It gave up on me after less than two months."

Dollar Tree also lists this item as a collapsible tabletop USB fan, so you'll need a USB port or wall adapter to power it. 

And a fan that stops working in a couple of months can end up costing more than a sturdier model with a longer track record. If you just need a little breeze at your desk, compare a few options before you pay the higher price, and read recent reviews first. 

Keep your receipt, too, in case it quits early.

Price: $5

Magnetic-mount, remote-controlled motion-sensor lights make it easy to brighten the night and illuminate almost any space. But unlike other Dollar Tree deals, you can't snag this one for $1.25.

Not only does this "plus" product have a higher price tag than most of the retailer's stock, but it only has a 3.2-star rating. One reviewer wrote, "Poor…I bought three, opened one, and charged it. Worked once but loses charge too quickly."

The lights recharge with a USB cable, so you won't need to buy replacement batteries. An adhesive magnetic strip lets you stick them to shelves, cabinets, or walls, and the light pops off easily for charging. But if the battery doesn't hold a charge, that convenience doesn't help much.

Price: $5

Wireless Bluetooth headphones are an investment. And while this low-priced pair costs only $5, you get what you pay for.

One shopper raised a red flag, writing in the retailer's review section, "Don't buy these…I've bought several different earbud sets from DT to use for work, and these are by far the worst."

Dollar Tree carries several 2Boom true wireless models, so check which one you're grabbing before you buy. 

If you use earbuds every day for work or workouts, it's usually worth spending a bit more on a pair with strong reviews for sound quality, battery life, and a steady Bluetooth connection. Hang on to your receipt in case they don't hold up.

Price: $1.25

While $1.25 isn't exactly expensive for a single sponge, Dollar Tree's price is higher than what you could pay elsewhere. In comparison, Amazon sells a seven-pack with a travel container for $7.99.

That works out to about $1.14 per sponge on Amazon, plus you get a case to keep them clean in your makeup bag. 

Makeup sponges also need to be replaced regularly, since they can trap product and bacteria over time, so buying a multipack makes more sense than buying one at a time. 

To help yours last longer, wash it after each use with gentle soap and warm water, then let it air dry completely before storing it.

Price: $1.75

Dollar Tree's kitchen foil outprices name-brand buys. But that doesn't mean this product is worth the money. Even though you'll only pay $1.75 for 40-square-feet, the quality is questionable at best.

When one Redditor called this item "terrible," user Ok_Fun3933 replied, "Agreed. The cheaper foil basically rips coming off the roll."

Thin foil that tears easily can mean using two or three layers to do the job, which cancels out the savings. 

Dollar Tree also stocks a heavy-duty aluminum foil roll, which may hold up better for grilling, roasting, and covering heavy dishes. If you cook often, a sturdier roll could be the better value in the long run.

Price: $1.50

Don't waste your cash on products that won't hold up to heavy use. Shoppers complain that Dollar Tree's private-label paper towels aren't worth the money. Redditor OleEnglishD noted, "Too thin and easy to rip."

When paper towels tear or soak through quickly, you end up grabbing more sheets for every spill, which means buying replacement rolls more often. 

For everyday messes, compare the price per sheet on larger packs from warehouse clubs or grocery store brands before you stock up. 

You can also cut down on paper towel use altogether by keeping a stack of reusable microfiber cloths or cotton rags in your kitchen for wiping counters and cleaning up spills. Toss them in the wash, and they're ready to use again.

Price: $2

A four-pack of plastic dinner plates for $2 may seem like a value. And shoppers praise this product's quality and style. But you could still score a better deal at another store.

Five Below sells a 20-count for $5. In a price-per-plate showdown, Five Below wins at $0.25 versus $0.50.

If you host often, think about whether you'll reuse the plates. Reusable plastic plates are handy for picnics, parties, and outdoor meals, so a larger set saves you from buying disposable paper plates again and again.

Just check whether the plates are dishwasher safe before you buy. Stack them in a cabinet, and you'll always have a set ready for last-minute guests.

Price: $5

Are you a DIYer who needs a new set of tools? With a one-star rating, this isn't the best deal in Dollar Tree's hardware aisle.

Instead of splurging on the $5 33-foot item, swap this pick for a less expensive alternative. We spotted a slightly shorter 25-foot tape measure for $1.50.

An auto-lock tape measure stays extended until you press the button to retract it, which is handy when you're measuring on your own. 

But for most household jobs, like measuring furniture, windows, or wall art, a 25-foot tape is plenty long. Keep one in a kitchen drawer or your car so it's always nearby when you need it.

Price: $5

We think $5 for a piece of polyester fabric is too much. And so do some shoppers. One Dollar Tree reviewer only gave this auto item three stars, "Not worth the price…Stretches out very quickly. When the cost was $1.25, I didn't really mind."

Before you buy any steering wheel cover, measure the diameter of your wheel, since most covers are designed for a specific size range and a loose fit can slip while you drive. 

A snug cover can make the wheel more comfortable to grip on hot or cold days. If you want one that lasts, look for a model with a reinforced inner ring or a material that holds its shape.

Price: $5

A stud finder is crucial for some home improvement projects. But this one doesn't live up to the hype. In a recent review, one Dollar Tree customer wrote, "This is actually a gimmick, it doesn't actually find studs…I put it on my leg, and it beeped saying it found a stud."

Why waste money on something you could get for free? Here's a budget-friendly tip: Instead of buying a new tool, download a stud-finding app for free.

These apps use your phone's built-in magnetometer to detect the metal screws and nails that hold drywall to the studs. 

You can also try a low-tech trick: Knock on the wall and listen for a solid sound instead of a hollow one. Once you find one stud, the next is often about 16 inches away.

Price: $1.50

Cost and quality don't always go hand in hand. And while this $1.50 grocery item may not seem overpriced, shoppers aren't sure it's worth the money.

Take it from this Dollar Tree customer, "I would never think you can mess up the taste of syrup. Well, I was most definitely wrong." Another reviewer added, "Compared against Walmart's Great Value. The price point was fantastic, but the taste didn't measure up."

The 24-ounce bottle may be tempting for a big pancake breakfast, but if the taste isn't right, you could end up tossing it. For better flavor, compare store brands at your local grocery store or splurge on real maple syrup for special occasions.

Price: $3

Dollar store shopping makes it easy to save money on haircare. But this "plus" pick isn't the best deal in the beauty aisle. Instead of overspending on the $3 bottle, snap up VO5's Extra Body Conditioner with Collagen for $1.25.

The Parabella conditioner comes in a 28-ounce bottle, while the VO5 conditioner is 12.5 ounces. That makes the price per ounce nearly identical, at about 11 cents for Parabella versus 10 cents for VO5. 

If you're trying a new brand, the smaller VO5 bottle is a lower-risk way to test it before you commit to a big bottle.

Price: $5

Storage solutions shouldn't break the bank. Dollar Tree has plenty of other options that cost less than this tote. For $1.50, you could snag a clear plastic box with a clip-lock lid, a plastic storage box with a split-hinged lid, a slotted basket, or a colorful heavyweight tote.

Before you buy, measure the shelf, closet, or under-bed space where you plan to store it so you get the right size. Clear bins make it easy to see what's inside without opening every lid, while lidded boxes stack neatly and keep dust out. 

Labeling each container can also save time when you're hunting for holiday decor or seasonal clothes.

Price: $7

This 24-ounce flip straw bottle is one of the most expensive containers of its kind. Dollar Tree has a sizable stock of other options that all cost less. The store's 25-ounce hourglass-shaped water bottle (also with a flip-up straw) is only $1.25.

That means you could buy five of the cheaper bottles for less than the price of one $7 bottle. If you're after a bottle that keeps drinks cold for hours, an insulated stainless steel option may be worth a higher price. 

But for a basic bottle to toss in your gym bag or car, the lower-cost pick does the job. Before you buy any water bottle, check whether it's dishwasher safe and whether the lid is leakproof.

A little knowledge goes a long way — especially when it comes to smart shopping. Don't let this store's name trick you into thinking everything costs one dollar. Even though Dollar Tree has low-cost bargains galore, some of the retailer's products are pricier picks that aren't worth the extra cash.

Before you head to the checkout, compare the price per unit and read a few recent reviews.

How can you make the most of your next Dollar Tree haul? While choosing the right items is one savvy strategy, we have another tip: Use the best cash back credit cards on eligible purchases to earn as you shop.