Top 10 Best Things You Can Buy at the Dollar Store

Sometimes, it doesn’t have to be fancy. Toddlers are generally looking for something colorful that will give them at a couple of minutes of entertainment (and parents - those precious moments of rest). Under a certain age, kids really don’t care where their favourite toy comes from – heck, usually their favourite toy is the last thing you would have expected! Here, you can find coloring books, an array of materials for arts and crafts, and small plastic or wooden toys. Whether for a long car ride or just a rainy day, the dollar store has got you covered.

Why spend a lot of money on something you’re just going to throw away anyway? Yes, we know, we should all be trying to LIMIT how many disposable items we use, favoring real items that can be washed and reused in order to diminish our ecological footprint. But we all know there are some occasions where some additional plates, cups, napkins, utensils, are needed to supplement what you already own. These also come in lots of different colors and designs, so that’s an added bonus for anyone concerned with decor coordination. This is especially useful for kids’ birthday parties where you’re worried about things being broken.

Sometimes you just need something to get the job done. While some people might argue that certain types of pens provide a certain type of ink flow, for the most part writing utensils and accessories are just about created equal. Do you really care if the notes you’re scratching down in math class about factorials were not taken with a MONTBLANC Meisterstück Classique? Does your grocery list really need anything more than a coil flip book? For a buck, you can get pens, pencils, markers, paper and arts and crafts supplies.

Admittedly, there are some speciality shops out there that provide really beautiful gift wrapping options- and for a special occasion it might be nice to splurge. But like other entries on this list, the question must be asked: how much do you really want to pay for something that’s going to be ripped off and thrown away mere minutes after it’s used? Gift bags and tissue paper are reusable, but wrapping paper is generally single serving. You can even find nice greeting cards. For the savvy shopper on a budget, you can’t really go wrong here.

Hair elastics and bobby-pins are ALWAYS getting lost, am I right, ladies (and long-haired gentlemen)? Where do they go?! We’re guessing that they’re hanging out with all the single socks and lost keys of the world. Replacing them is an inevitable part of life. The good news is that, these days, you can often find the exact same brands that you would find at the drugstore anyway – just being sold for half the price. Dollar stores will often also have colorful barrettes, little extensions, and scrunchies too, if you want to add a little more to your ‘do.

It’s nice to get into the spirit, but prepping for the holidays tends to come with a hefty price tag. However, if you are just looking to decorate your dorm, you are just throwing a party, or you have a little Christmas tree that needs a few more decorations, the dollar store can be a great option. Come Halloween, you can find candy, candy bowls, scary music soundtracks, an assortment of decorations and even costumes. During the winter holiday season, you can get everything from festive table-runners to candles to ornaments to garland.

Whether it is for one of the aforementioned holidays, or if you just want to indulge your sweet tooth, there are generally whole aisles dedicated to getting you your fix of Vitamin S (sugar, that is). Gummies, hard candies, chocolate, cookies: it’s all there. You’ll find name brand treats for a fraction of what they cost at grocery stores and drug stores. Maybe you just need a stash around your house, maybe you’re a school teacher who needs something to hand out as rewards, or maybe you’ve got a kid to spoil. You don’t have to justify your sugar rush when it comes with such a small price tag.

Remember how we said little kids don’t really care about where their toys come from? Know who cares even less? If you’ve got a pet, be it a cat, fish, bird, or rodent, you can usually find dishes and accessories for the little guys. For larger animals like dogs, you can find leashes, collars and things to keep them entertained. Who’s a good boy? The pooch who doesn’t care that his favorite chewy toy only cost you the change in your pocket, that’s who!

We all have to take care of the places we live in, but you don’t have to spend a fortune doing it. And for the most part, the detergents, paper towels, and soaps are EXACTLY the same as the ones you’d buy elsewhere – but for much lower prices. Also, personal cleaning supplies, like soap and shampoo can be had for UNDER a dollar each. They even have cleaning accessories like sponges, brooms, pans and mops. Being low on funds is excusable, but because of the dollar store it’s no excuse to live in a dirty home.



Before we unveil our most frugal pick, here are some honorable mentions:



Reading Glasses



Mugs / Glassware



Washcloths & Dish Towels

This is especially useful for students or people decking out a new apartment. The assortment of kitchen and baking ware available at the dollar store is actually astounding. These days, you can find utensils, scrub brushes, dish racks, cutting boards, mixing bowls, measuring cups, cookie and muffin pans –it’s literally everything but the kitchen sink! That’s before we even get to the plastic wraps, sandwich bags, and aluminum foil. The quality is surprisingly durable, and you can even fine some brand-name kitchen items. So, next time you’re in a pinch for a pie pan, or need toothpicks in a hurry, know that this place has you covered.