Dollar Tree now sells higher-end items, upscale cookware, on-trend interior decor, and more at prices shoppers could actually afford, but there's a catch. Instead of $1.25, you'll have to pay extra for the discount store's "dollar plus" products.
Not sure which finds make it easy to keep more cash in your wallet? We scoured the aisles and handpicked the 11 best bargains over $1.50.
Don't worry about wasting money on overpriced "plus" picks. Our list also includes a few so-called deals to avoid.
Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.
1. Worth it: Liberty Baking Dish
Price: $5
Pass on budget-breaking bakeware. This 13.6-by-9.3-by-1.8-inch glass dish looks like it came from a fancy home goods store.
Even though it's well above Dollar Tree's iconic $1.25 price, $5 is a steal compared to what you could pay elsewhere. We spotted a similar selection from Pyrex at Crate & Barrel for $15.99.
2. Worth it: BakerEze Non-Stick Pizza Pan
Price: $7
Dollar Tree just upgraded the store's cookware stock. And this 15.9-inch non-stick pizza pan is one of our favorite "dollar plus" finds right now.
If $7 seems steep, compare the cost to what other retailers charge. Williams-Sonoma's Goldtouch Pro Non-stick Pizza Pan sells for $37.95, Macy's sells a similar selection from OXO for $39, and Crate & Barrel's version costs $24.95.
3. Worth it: Home Decor Pillar Candle Holders
Price: $5
Elevate your home's interior with this elegant accent. The classic design (available in white or black) has a traditional, timeless aesthetic that only looks expensive.
While the $5 price may not seem like a dollar store deal, it's actually a budget-friendly bargain. For reference, Pottery Barn's Kadence Turned Wood Candle Holder retails for $24.50.
4. Worth it: Water Bottle
Price: $5
Hydrate all day long. If remembering to take a sip is last on your to-do list, this $5 bottle could help.
Instead of ounces and other measurements, the side is marked with "drink times" and encouraging reminders. And bonus, a flip-top handle makes this cute container easy to carry to the gym, the park, or around town.
5. Worth it: Storage Essentials Collapsible Basket
Price: $6
Don't waste space on bulky storage solutions. We found this collapsible crate at Dollar Tree for $6.
The 18.5-by-13.78-by-9.5-inch plastic basket folds down to 2.1 inches tall, making it easy to stash under your bed, in a closet, or just about anywhere else.
6. Worth it: 3M Command Hooks
Price: $3
Forget about fussy installation steps. Peel and stick these adhesive hooks on a wall, a shelf, or your kitchen cabinets. Each mini could hold up to 0.5 pounds, making this pick perfect for hanging keys, kitchen utensils, or jewelry.
Score savings on this Dollar Tree brand-name "plus" buy. Ace Hardware sells the same item for $4.99.
7. Worth it: Faux Flowers
Price: $1.75
Enjoy these artificial blooms year-round. Why waste money on fresh-cut flowers that wither in weeks when you could nab this sprig for $1.75? With the cash you'll save on these forever florals, you could pick up a vase or two.
8. Worth it: Above the Rim Men's Socks
Price: $4
Score five pairs of men's no-show athletic socks for one low price.
Four dollars for this "plus" product is a deal you won't find at other stores. In comparison, a six-pack from Adidas costs $28 at Dick's Sporting Goods.
9. Worth it: Glass Vase
Price: $3
Give your home a glam glow-up for less. The textured glass surface adds a special touch, making this "plus" pick worth the extra few dollars.
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10. Worth it: Special Moments Oval Photo Frame
Price: $3
Savvy shoppers know that Dollar Tree is the place to go for $1.25 photo frames. But recently the store started stocking slightly higher-priced options.
We found this elegant white-and-gold-toned oval, five-by-seven-inch design for $3. And while you would pay more for the interior accent, this sophisticated, stylish selection is still a steal. Pottery Barn sells an almost identical option (the Maeve Thin Round Metal Frame) for $39.50.
11. Worth it: Coconut Coast Scented Candle
Price: $5
Take a sensory vacation with this 14-ounce Coconut Coast candle and fill your home with tropical fragrances.
Unlike brand-name buys, this $5 Dollar Store "plus" deal won't break the bank. Bath & Body Works sells the brand's Sunny Coconut scent for $24.95.
1. Skip: Plastic Vase
Price: $1.75
Inexpensive and cheap aren't synonymous. And this $1.75 interior accent is a prime example.
The pastel plastic product doesn't have the quality you would expect from Dollar Tree's usual decor. Skip this pick and splurge on the retailer's $3 glass vase instead.
2. Skip: Tool Bench Rechargeable Cordless Screwdriver
Price: $7
Shoppers complain this tool lacks power, making it a waste of cash. But poor performance isn't the only reason to skip this item. It used to cost $5 before jumping to $7 in some stores.
3. Skip: Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid
Price: $5
Brand names aren't always bargains at discount stores. Dollar Tree sells the 24-ounce bottle of this top-rated dishwashing liquid for $5, while Walmart charges $4.94 for the larger 26.8-ounce size.
Bottom line
Even though the higher price point may throw some shoppers for a loop, many of Dollar Tree's "plus" items are well worth the extra cash, especially compared to what you could pay for almost identical items at specialty and department stores. That makes it easy to withstand economic downturns without sacrificing quality for cost.
Dollar Tree's classic $1.25 and slightly pricier "plus" stock constantly changes. Avoid an unnecessary drive and check availability on the retailer's website before you head out to the store.
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FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment.
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