13 Useful Items You Had No Idea Came From Dollar Tree

The economy has everybody tightening their belts, pinching pennies, and looking for ways to save money on essentials, which is where Dollar Tree enters the picture.

The discount variety store can help you keep your home stocked with necessities while staying on a strict budget, and even if you splurge on some extras, it won't put a dent in your wallet.

See the surprisingly useful things for around the home you can get on the cheap from Dollar Tree.

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

Price: $1.50

If you're tired of eating the same handful of meals, try grabbing a cookbook of recipes from Dollar Tree. Traditional cookbooks from places like Target or even Williams Sonoma range from about $20 to $45, and online recipes have become polluted with nonsense filled with pop-up ads and pages of backstory for a recipe that doesn't even work when attempted in your own kitchen.

Price: $1.25

Brand-name food storage container sets like Rubbermaid are getting pricey, which feels like a slap as soon as the lids start skittering off to another dimension, never to be seen again. Save money and frustration by opting for affordable yet sturdy options from Dollar Tree instead.

Price: $1.50

We all love our animal companions, so it's no wonder the prices on pet toys keep going up. If you're flinching at the price and struggling to keep enrichment activities stocked for your furry friend, then you'll want to check out the Dollar Tree options. A simple rope ball, meant to be destroyed, is $5.99 at Petco.

Price: $1.50

You just need something to dry your hands, and it doesn't have to be a statement piece of decor. Even the most basic hand towels are $9 at Target, but you can get one that's 100% cotton for under $2 at Dollar Tree.

Price: $1.50

Grab some classic porcelain from Dollar Tree at just $1.50 per plate. Check for the Royal Norfolk stamp, and you'll have surprisingly durable dishes that will last for years longer than expected. They also have matching bowls, cups, and more to create a full set at a bargain price.

Price: $1.25

When you're feeling thirsty and want something refreshing, tasty, and bubbly, remember that Dollar Tree offers brand-name sodas at unbeatable prices. Walmart often touts itself as the cheapest option, but it charges $3.50 for a 2-liter of Canada Dry. 7-Eleven is even worse at $4.19 per bottle.

Price: $1.50

Those living check to check can hit a real snag if they run out of laundry detergent at the same time rent is due. Big containers can be cheaper in the long run, but if you're tight on cash, you can get a 10-ounce bottle of name-brand detergent from Dollar Tree that will get you through a few loads of laundry.

Price: $1.50

Just because they're reusable doesn't mean you won't go through quite a few pairs of gloves for cleaning. Picking up a pair from Target can cost $5, but as long as you don't have latex sensitivities, you can pick up dish gloves from Dollar Tree for a fraction of the price.

Price: $1.25

Remember when the price of rubbing alcohol skyrocketed during the pandemic due to supply chain disruption, but then somehow the prices never really came back down? You can still get a good deal on a 16-ounce bottle of 70% Isopropyl from Dollar Tree. The CVS equivalent is $3.59 for the same size.

Price: $1.25

It's hard to resist cute bandages in a fun little tin, but Welly brand costs $6.99 versus just over a dollar from Dollar Tree equivalents. These are great for stashing in your bathroom cabinet or in your car's glove box for emergencies.

Price: $1.50

It is an immutable fact that every beverage tastes better in a fancy glass. Dishwasher-safe glass goblets can make every dinner feel like an elevated experience. Places like Crate & Barrel sell them for about $10 per glass, and theirs aren't even dishwasher safe.

Price: $1.25

Eating utensils seem to disappear into the ether along with left socks and Tupperware lids. Instead of springing for expensive sets that are difficult to replace individual utensils, just keep it matching by creating your own set from Dollar Tree. 

It can be a fraction of the price and is easy to replace if the errant fork or spoon goes missing. They have matching forks, spoons, and knives made from durable stainless steel.

Price: $1.25

DIY crafters have been striking gold at Dollar Tree, but it can be an expensive hobby if you shop at professional artist stores. A 4-ounce bottle of Golden Fluid Acrylics is regularly priced at $23.49 from Blick (varies based on color). Dollar Tree's 6-ounce paint is likely to be of a lower quality, but that won't make much difference for most hobbyists.

Discount dollar deals can help families avoid wasting money on household essentials that are becoming increasingly expensive without providing the quality to match.

Make sure to check your local Dollar Tree for unexpected, useful items on your next shopping trip. And while you're at it, we recommend snagging kitchen supplies like aluminum foil and Ziplock bags to help you stay under budget.