The dollar store is my go-to for certain items. You can’t beat the price, and you can find one in almost every town.

When you go to the dollar store take a list so that you are not tempted to buy something just because it’s cheap.

Due to quality issues there are some items I never buy there, light bulbs, batteries, makeup and medications but you can get other items for a fraction of the price you would pay at a big-box store.

Party Supplies

If you go to one of the major retailers you are going to pay a lot for basic party supplies but not at the dollar store. You can get everything you need for just about any type of party there. Balloons, plates, napkins, plastic silverware, party decorations, invitations, tissue paper, wrapping paper and gift bags, ribbons and bows, party hats, tablecloths, party favors, candy, snacks and drinks.

Craft Supplies
If you’re a crafter stop by the dollar store, you can find supplies like popsicle sticks, ribbon, beads, twine, yarn, scrapbook supplies, pompoms, pipe cleaners, construction paper, glue, tape, paints, paint brushes, canvas and more.

Coloring Books & Puzzle Books

Look for coloring books and crayons, puzzle books and puzzles, board games, decks of cards, markers and stickers.

Holiday Items

Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, 4th of July and other holiday items can be found at the dollar store. You can fill an Easter basket with just dollar store items. Halloween candy and décor, Christmas decorations and ornaments, holiday tableware and more. Most dollar stores sell holiday glasses and dinner plates while not the best quality they work great for holiday gatherings.

Greeting Cards

The dollar store is the best place to buy greeting cards, most have deals like two or three for a dollar and they have a wide selection to choose from.

Office & School Supplies

You really can’t beat the dollar store for office and school supplies. Almost everything you need for your home office can be found at the dollar store, paper, pens, markers, envelopes, note cards, sticky notes, glue, tape, paper clips, organizational containers and so on. You should be able to find almost everything on child’s school supply list there as well.

Mailing Supplies

Mailing supplies can be expensive if you buy them at the Post Office or office supply store, always check the dollar store first for poly mailers, envelopes, boxes, packing tape, bubble wrap and other packing material.

Cleaning Supplies

Why pay big box store prices for cleaning supplies? All the basics including window cleaner, disinfectants, bleach, bathroom cleaner, dish soap, kitchen sponges and other supplies can be found at the dollar store and many offer name brand supplies.

Personal Care Products

Bar soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, razors, baby wipes, cotton swabs, bandages, gauze, antibiotic ointment, rubbing alcohol, headbands, hair clips, ponytail holders and other personal care products are must less expensive at the dollar store. If you are traveling you can get most of your travel size items there as well.

Kitchen Supplies

Most dollar stores offer a wide variety of kitchen supplies like reusable containers, kitchen utensils, oven mitts, kitchen towels, microfiber cloths, disposable baking pans, reusable zipper bags, aluminum foil, plastic wrap, paper towels and napkins, bag clips, organizers, dinnerware and glassware, silverware, kitchen timers and other supplies.

Snack Foods

If you are looking for snack foods and candy, it’s the place to go. You can find some foods there as well like canned tuna, soup, canned fruit and vegetables, condiments, pasta, sauces and breads just read the labels as you would at the grocery store. Some items are health, some are not.

I like to check the dollar store first for all these items, most of the time I find what I need there.