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8 Overpriced Walmart Items You Should Skip

Keep some cash in your pocket by skipping a stop at Walmart for these products.

Walmart store south San Francisco bay area
Updated April 24, 2025
Fact checked

Walmart can be a great option if you're looking for a variety of products, making it a convenient one-stop shopping trip.

But it doesn't always have the best prices, and you could save money on essentials, groceries, and other items shopping elsewhere. So, consider skipping these items the next time you're at Walmart.

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Party supplies

Rawf8/Adobe party supplies on white background

Parties can get expensive, but you may be able to save some cash by skipping Walmart for dollar stores.

Dollar Tree, for example, has a graphic set of 18 party plates for $1.25 compared to Walmart's graphic plates, which cost $1.17 for only 10 plates.

Name-brand cosmetics

billtster/Adobe Walmart retail store interior

Cosmetics can be pricey, but Walmart offers deals for extra beauty savings.

It's a good idea to also check dollar stores for cosmetics. The stores may not have specific colors or items, but you can find some good deals on name brands if you are flexible and willing to dig through the dollar-store options.

Produce

Happy Hues/Adobe Woman picking fresh onion

Walmart has a good selection of groceries, but produce isn't its strong suit in some cases when it comes to quality or price.

You may find better and cheaper options at your local grocery store. For example, a banana at Walmart costs 28 cents compared to 17 cents at Aldi.

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Wrapping paper

Nona Liuter/Adobe A girl in a red sweater

It's always good to have some wrapping paper on hand during seasonal holidays or for a birthday party.

Walmart's rolls are typically around $4, and you can usually get wrapping paper at Dollar Tree for $1.25. 

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

imtmphoto/Adobe woman with shopping bags at mall

April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.

Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:

  • Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
  • Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
  • Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
  • Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
  • Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
  • Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
  • For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.

Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds and save money at your favorite retailers.

Television

billtster/Adobe Walmart store interior

A new television can be expensive, so shop around before buying one from Walmart.

You may be surprised by the price difference compared to a members-only club like Costco. A 65-inch Samsung DU6900D Series television costs $469.99 at Walmart compared to the members-only price of $349.99 at Costco.

Books

Jammy Jean/Adobe Fiction books by Christopher Paolini

Walmart has a wide selection of new books you can choose from to add to your home library or take with you on the road.

However, there are more affordable options that can save you money, such as used books, or consider taking advantage of your local library and checking out your next novel or non-fiction book for free.

Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill

Arnell Koegelenberg/peopleimages.com/Adobe woman using smartphone at grocery store

Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are some of our favorite tips for reducing food expenses that we personally put to use:

  • Plan your meals around what's already in your pantry, then create a shopping list to prevent impulse purchases.
  • Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
  • Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
  • Stock up on staples when on sale, but don’t ever buy just because something comes in bulk.
  • Shop the marked-down section for near-expiration bargains
  • Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.

Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task to handle every week, the savings can really add up. Double check in case your store also offers perks like gas rewards or any other discounts you might be able to take advantage of outside the grocery store.

Seasonal decorations

anoushkatoronto/Adobe Holiday festive decoration

Decorations can be a great way to spruce up your home for the holidays, but some prices could cause some sticker shock. 

Dollar General often offers similar holiday products to Walmart, but at a lower price. 

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Toilet paper

Happy Hues/Adobe Woman picking bathroom tissue

Stock up on toilet paper at other stores or spend more at Walmart.

You can find options at Dollar General that are cheaper than those at Walmart on a per-roll basis. For example, Smart and Simple Bath Tissue is available for $1 at Dollar General for six rolls, compared to Great Value's pack of six rolls, which costs $6.98. 

Bottom line

Refrina/Adobe walmart store exterior

Walmart may not be as cheap as you think when it comes to some items, so consider finding ways to save money by shopping elsewhere.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.