Think about the best things you’ve ever bought. Now think about the stores where you bought them. Were they dollar stores? Probably not.
There are stores to fit all your needs: Best Buy for electronics, Urban Outfitters for clothes and Publix for food. So when you think about going shopping, a dollar store may not be the first place that comes to mind. But their existence divides products into two categories: products you might be overpaying for and could get cheaper at a dollar store and items you definitely do not want to buy at a dollar store (like that brand of soda you’ve never heard of and is a color somewhere between maroon and fuchsia. Don’t drink that). Here’s a guide to what you should and shouldn’t take a trip to the dollar store to buy.
Good buys
Candy. Are you going to the movies? OK, don’t pretend you’ve never snuck candy, soft drinks and even pizza into a theater in someone’s purse. The question is how much did you pay for that contraband? If it was more than a dollar, you paid too much. Jujubeans, Mike & Ike’s, Reese’s Pieces, Sour Worms — whatever your heart desires — the right dollar store can provide. Just don’t get things you’ve never heard of or that look as if they’ve been on the shelves longer than you’ve been alive or have warning labels on them.
Cleaning products. Are you looking for cheap products to clean your dorm room? No need to worry. Chemicals and cleaning liquids will no longer cost you an arm and a leg. So maybe it’s not Windex, but it’s still magical blue stuff that will allow you to see your pretty reflection on all your glassware and windows. While these products may not be quite as potent as the brand name stuff, they’ll still do the trick. And the extra money could come in handy when hosting a party in your affordably-clean pad.
Party items. If you haven’t gone completely green and still use paper goods, there is no better place to get them than your neighborhood dollar store. Gift wrap is a good example. All you do with it is wrap presents that people are going to rip through as if there are gold bullions hidden inside them. Why spend $5 or $6 on this stuff? Go to the dollar store, get a roll for 50 cents and wrap presents to your heart’s desire. Another example is cutlery. You can stop doing dishes because you can just start using plastic plates, cups and cutlery that you bought at the dollar store. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving.
Also go to a dollar store for plastic containers, baskets, scrapbooking materials, school supplies, kitchen gadgets and tools.
Do not buy
Batteries. Seriously, aside from the risk factor, have you ever heard anyone say, “These batteries last forever! Guess where I got them? Dollar store, baby!”
Toothpaste. There are some things you should be willing to risk quality for the sake of price, but the well-being of your teeth and gums should not be one of them. Let’s throw mouthwash in with toothpaste as well.
Christmas lights. I know the idea of 1,000 lights for $1 sounds appealing, but your home going up in flames will not brighten your holiday décor the way you want it to.
Vitamins. Please, please, stay away from vitamins at the dollar store. All I can say is, counteractive.
OK, frugal shoppers. Now you know how to navigate around the interesting world of dollar stores. Just make sure that whenever you go, you go with childlike enthusiasm and wonder and always keep your eyes peeled for what deals may be lurking beneath the bright lights of the dollar store.
