What To Buy And What To Avoid At The Dollar Store

Published on January 18, 2023
The Dollar Store is known for offering great bargains to everyone. You can get the same or similar products as big name supermarkets for a great and sometimes better price. In some instances, these prices might seem too good not to add to your shopping cart. However, not all of the items you find in the Dollar Store are worth buying. You should avoid a few products on these shelves. We have rounded up some of the best items you should invest in from the Dollar Store and others that you might consider buying elsewhere.

Buy Coffee Filters

A cup of coffee is a vital start to the day. Even though you get what you pay for when buying coffee, the same can’t be said for coffee filters. The type of filters you use doesn’t affect the taste, so stock up at the Dollar Store.

Buy Coffee Filters

Buy Coffee Filters

Buy Hair Accessories

Hair accessories don’t come with a long lifespan. This is especially the case for children. You either lose or break these accessories, so cheaper options are always the best. The Dollar Store has what you need and at an excellent price.

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Buy Hair Accessories

Buy Hair Accessories

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Buy Plastic Buckets

Plastic buckets are always useful to have. It doesn’t matter if you want to house some random objects, hold drinks during barbecues, or wash your car. A plastic bucket can go a long way, which makes these a hot item.

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Buy Plastic Buckets

Buy Plastic Buckets

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Buy Dish Towels

You can’t expect washcloths and dish towels to last very long. Before you know it, you’re stuck with a dirty rag that’s served its purpose. That’s why you need to replace these items frequently, and at an affordable price. The Dollar Store is the right place for this.

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Buy Dish Towels

Buy Dish Towels

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Buy Greeting Cards

A greeting card is an excellent add-on when you’re buying gifts for your friends and family. However, these additions can become costly, which is why the Dollar Store’s greeting cards are a great buy. What are you waiting for?

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Buy Greeting Cards

Buy Greeting Cards

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Buy Picture Frames

Picture frames offer a personal touch to any house and can make your property feel homier. However, buying multiple picture frames can quickly become costly, which is why the products from the Dollar Store are so well-liked.

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Buy Picture Frames

Buy Picture Frames

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Buy Socks

Everyone can relate to the feeling of only spotting one sock in the dryer. The other can’t be found anywhere. Instead of paying large sums for pairs of socks that only go missing, you can stock up for only $1.

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Buy Socks

Buy Socks

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Buy Party Supplies

Throwing a party can be a challenge, especially when you plan for decorations and party favors. These can set you back quite a bit, which is why you should shop at the Dollar Store. You can find a wide array of party supplies at an attractive price.

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Buy Party Supplies

Buy Party Supplies

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Buy Pregnancy Tests

The pregnancy tests you can find in pharmacies can cost as much as $15 or more. However, you can find the same products for only $1 at the Dollar Store that’s just as reliable as the brand-name products.

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Buy Pregnancy Tests

Buy Pregnancy Tests

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Buy Decorative Bowls

Glass vases and decorative bowls are great additions to your house. However, the items available from most home décor stores are expensive. Why shop there when you can get the same product at the Dollar Store for a fraction of the price?

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Buy Decorative Bowls

Buy Decorative Bowls

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Buy Plastic Food Containers

If you have a collection of plastic food containers, you know these items are pricey. Moreover, the lids can go missing in an instant. That’s why you want to avoid spending tons, which is why the Dollar Store is the place for you.

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Buy Plastic Food Containers

Buy Plastic Food Containers

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Buy Candy and Chocolate

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning for Halloween or stocking up on treats for your house. You can get the most affordable prices for name-brand candy that you can find in other shops at the Dollar Store.

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Buy Candy And Chocolate

Buy Candy And Chocolate

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Buy Notebooks

Why do you want to spend more than $5 on these writing pads when you can a wide array of patterned and colorful notepads from the Dollar Store? It’s no secret that your cash goes further when shopping here.

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Buy Notebooks

Buy Notebooks

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Buy Storage Containers

Storage bins and containers are some of the most popular items you can find at the Dollar Store. These items are typically seen as a godsend when attempting to organize your home or office, and you don’t need to pay a fortune.

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Buy Storage Containers

Buy Storage Containers

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Buy Glasses and Mugs

The Dollar Store is home to come excellent quality and low-cost mugs and glasses. You can find mugs and glasses like the ones at expensive home furnishing stores for a fraction of the price.

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Buy Glasses And Mugs

Buy Glasses And Mugs

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Buy Seasonal Décor

You can easily get into the festive spirit by hanging seasonal décor in your home. However, these decorations can come at a hefty price. These items aren’t only pricey, but you only use these decorations once a year. That’s why finding cheap décor is always the best idea.

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Buy Seasonal Décor

Buy Seasonal Décor

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Buy Dish-Ware

If you don’t want to spend tins of cash on your home’s dish-ware, but you want a good selection, the Dollar Store is the right place for you. You have a wide range of options at cheap prices that are bound to make you smile.

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Buy Dishware

Buy Dishware

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Buy Tote Bags

We all know that plastic is damaging the world. Reusable bags are becoming more well-liked, but these items are more expensive. Luckily, the Dollar Store has got you covered with a massive selection of inexpensive tote bags to choose from.

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Buy Tote Bags

Buy Tote Bags

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Buy Reading Glasses

A pair of reading glasses don’t come cheap. However, you can find affordable options at the Dollar Store. The prescription is excellent for a basic pair of reading glasses, and you don’t need to spend tons.

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Buy Reading Glasses

Buy Reading Glasses

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Buy Gift-Wrapping Items

Why would you want to throw money away on something that’s going to end up in the trash after the initial gift is opened? The Dollar Store makes buying gift-wrapping more sensible, as you don’t need to break the bank.

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Buy Gift Wrapping Items

Buy Gift Wrapping Items

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Buy School Supplies

Even though the school supplies found at the Dollar Store might not be the highest quality, these are suitable for students and come at an attractive price. Even better, you can pick from a wide array of options that even the pickiest children would like.

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Buy School Supplies

Buy School Supplies

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Buy Double-Sided Tape

It can easily cost up to $5 from a supply store when buying double-sided tape. Yet, you can purchase the same item from the Dollar Store for only $1. However, the amount of tape you can is a little less and the name-brand version.

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Buy Double Sided Tape

Buy Double Sided Tape

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Buy Cotton Swabs

There isn’t a massive jump in quality when purchasing various cotton swabs, which is why it isn’t necessary to buy a name-brand product. Unlike at stores like CVS, you can easily get a box of cotton swabs for only $1.

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Buy Cotton Swabs

Buy Cotton Swabs

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Buy Paper Clips

Paper clips can be categorized the same as hair accessories and socks. These items go missing in an instant. That’s why you want to find the cheapest options, which is where the Dollar Store comes in to save the day.

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Buy Paper Clips

Buy Paper Clips

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Buy Clay Flower Pots

Gardening is one of those hobbies that offer relaxation. Additionally, you can spend more time outdoors. However, these flower pots can be costly, which is why ones from the Dollar Store shouldn’t be missed.

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Buy Clay Flower Pots

Buy Clay Flower Pots

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Buy Holiday Food Decorations

Festive sprinkles, candy canes, and frosting are all items that offer a fun flair to your cooking and holiday desserts. However, these products can be expensive. Luckily, the Dollar Store has what you’re looking for and at a good price.

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Buy Holiday Food Decorations

Buy Holiday Food Decorations

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Buy Mailing Labels

You may be unaware of this but you can buy personalized return labels at the Dollar Store. These are an excellent buy for the holiday season, as you’re likely sending more mail. This is because you don’t need to spend a fortune.

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Buy Mailing Labels

Buy Mailing Labels

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Buy Shaving Cream

You aren’t required to purchase a name brand to gain assured quality when buying shaving cream. In most pharmacies, this shaving cream can cost as much as $3, but you can get the same thing at the Dollar Store for a fraction of the price.

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Buy Shaving Cream

Buy Shaving Cream

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Buy Advil

It can become relatively costly to purchase over-the-counter medication from pharmacies. If you’re looking for a quick solution for a headache, the Dollar Store has got you covered. Grab two packs of Advil for only $1.

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Buy Advil

Buy Advil

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Buy Balloons

Balloons are great decorations, but these items can easily become obsolete after a few hours. Hence, you don’t want to spend fortunes on this decorative item when you can get the same thing for only a fraction of the price from the Dollar Store.

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Buy Balloons

Buy Balloons

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Buy Band-Aids

Band-aids are essential for any first-aid kit. Nonetheless, you shouldn’t spend tons on name-brand options when you can get these band-aids for far cheaper at the Dollar Store. What are you waiting for?

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Buy Band Aids

Buy Band Aids

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Buy Wedding Décor

It’s no secret that things don’t come cheap when it comes to planning a wedding. However, you can find many DIY wedding décor ideas that include items found at the Dollar Store. You can find a few ideas and save big.

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Buy Wedding Décor

Buy Wedding Décor

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Buy Permanent Markers

Permanent markers are always a necessity in any household. Sharpie is known for being the best marker available, and you can find a pack of three Sharpies at the Dollar Store at a great price.

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Buy Permanent Markers

Buy Permanent Markers

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Buy Flip Flops

If you notice that you’re constantly buying and losing flip-flops, then you might want to stock up at the Dollar Store. At only $1, you can accidentally leave these flips behind somewhere without feeling guilty.

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Buy Flip Flops

Buy Flip Flops

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Buy Mini Flashlights

Mini flashlights are an excellent investment. You never know when you might need one, but these products are certainly handy at the right moment. The Dollar Store stocks these flashlights and at an affordable price.

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Buy Mini Flashlights

Buy Mini Flashlights

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Buy Index Cards

You can buy 12 packs of index cards from the Dollar Store for super cheap. This is a fantastic bargain for parents of students who require these index cards for study purposes. Index cards are also a great idea for taking notes.

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Buy Index Cards

Buy Index Cards

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Buy Cookie Sheets

Many baking bloggers swear by the cookie sheets found at the Dollar Store. If you wish to maintain the condition of these cookie trays, we strongly recommend wrapping these sheets in aluminum foil.

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Buy Cookie Sheets

Buy Cookie Sheets

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Buy Cleaning Supplies

Not only do you have access to brand-name cleaning items like Clorox and Windex, but you also have fair more attractive price tags at the Dollar Store than other shops stocking these items. What more could you ask for?

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Buy Cleaning Supplies

Buy Cleaning Supplies

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Buy Bread

Bread is a necessity in most households, but this essential can easily become costlier than it should be. Luckily, the Dollar Store stocks the same bread that you can find in other stores for a fraction of the price.

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Buy Bread

Buy Bread

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Buy Bobby Pins

Everyone using bobby pins understands how annoying it is when you lose these items after only two weeks. That’s why you should always look for the cheapest option. The Dollar Store has what you need, as you can get a pack of 72 bobby pins for only $1.

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Buy Bobby Pins

Buy Bobby Pins

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Buy Board Games

If you love spending quality time with your family and friends by playing board games, you should certainly look to the Dollar Store. Here, you can find many board games at an affordable price.

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Buy Board Games

Buy Board Games

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Buy Pint Glasses

Looking for some pint glasses? If so, you should certainly look at investing in a set from the Dollar Store. These glasses offer fantastic quality and are a great addition to any collection you might have at home.

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Buy Pint Glasses

Buy Pint Glasses

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Avoid Deodorant

Although there’s nothing wrong with the deodorant you can find at the Dollar Store, these products don’t offer the best value. These deodorant sticks are typically smaller, so you don’t save much cash.

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Avoid Deodorant

Avoid Deodorant

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Avoid Toys

The Dollar Store can be a great place to stock up on toys to add to goodie bags. However, you shouldn’t expect these toys to come with a long lifespan. These items are quite flimsy, which is why you should look for better quality products.

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Avoid Toys

Avoid Toys

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Avoid Tools

It’s best to look elsewhere and invest in higher-quality tools if you want to add to your collection. However, if you’re in a desperate situation, tools from the Dollar Store might do the trick.

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Avoid Tools

Avoid Tools

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Avoid Batteries

Even though batteries from the Dollar Store might be cheaper, you generally need to sacrifice the product’s quality. These items aren’t long-lasting and might be prone to leaking. That’s why it’s best to buy brand-name products.

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Avoid Batteries

Avoid Batteries

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Avoid Knives

The Dollar Store is an excellent option if you need a knife for outdoor trips, like camping. However, you might want to look elsewhere if you want higher-quality items. The Dollar Store doesn’t stock knives that are worthwhile long-term investments.

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Avoid Knives

Avoid Knives

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Avoid Headphones

Not everyone can afford to pay $150 for a pair of headphones. However, you certainly want to spend more than $1 if you want a quality set. The Dollar Store can’t provide this and you should rather spend $10 to $20 on this product.

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Avoid Headphones

Avoid Headphones

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Avoid USB Chargers

The Dollar Store stocks USB chargers that are suitable if you’re in desperate need. However, you shouldn’t expect these products to last long. In some instances, these chargers can even compromise your device’s capabilities. That’s why investing in a quality alternative is worthwhile.

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Avoid USB Chargers

Avoid USB Chargers

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Avoid HDMI Cables

Most outlets charge too much for HDMI cables. You can easily find high-quality and affordable options elsewhere, but the Dollar Store isn’t the place. The quality isn’t good and you can end up causing damage to your appliances.

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Avoid HDMI Cables

Avoid HDMI Cables

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Avoid Plastic Cooking Utensils

This tip isn’t only for plastic cooking utensils that you can find at the Dollar Store. In most instances, it’s best to avoid any plastic cooking products from any shop. This is because these items have adverse health effects. Instead, you should use stainless steel cooking utensils.

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Avoid Plastic Cooking Utensils

Avoid Plastic Cooking Utensils

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Avoid Baking Soda

Baking soda is excellent for cleaning and baking. It’s also an amazing product to eliminate odors in the freezer and fridge. However, you don’t need to get this item from the Dollar Store, as it comes at an attractive price anywhere.

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Avoid Baking Soda

Avoid Baking Soda

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Avoid Baby Products

These are more items that should be avoided at all costs. You should rather purchase products from trusted brand names. This is because using off-brand items come with the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions.

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Avoid Baby Products

Avoid Baby Products

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Avoid Soda

Although the soda available at the Dollar Store is more affordable, it generally comes with a sacrifice in taste. Paying a little more from a name-brand soda is definitely a worthwhile purchase.

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Avoid Soda

Avoid Soda

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Avoid Windshield Washer Fluid

Even though you can get a gallon of windshield washer fluid for only $1, you should look elsewhere. Most off-brand options aren’t effective in winter, so it’s better to invest a little more and get a name-brand option.

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Avoid Windshield Washer Fluid

Avoid Windshield Washer Fluid

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Avoid Napkins and Paper Towels

You get what you pay for when purchasing napkins, toilet paper, and paper towels. Buying these products at the Dollar Store means you’re sacrificing quality. Hence, you typically end up using more to compensate for this terrible quality.

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Avoid Napkins And Paper Towels

Avoid Napkins And Paper Towels

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Avoid Pet Food

Even though pet food only costs $1 from the Dollar Store, you shouldn’t be tempted by this bargain. You’re sacrificing quality when you purchase these pet products, which is why you should stick to name-brand pet foods.

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Avoid Pet Food

Avoid Pet Food

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Avoid Supplements and Vitamins

Supplements and vitamins might be cheaper at the Dollar Store. However, you should rather consider buying these items at the pharmacy instead. Avoid any discount products when it comes to your health.

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Avoid Supplements And Vitamins

Avoid Supplements And Vitamins

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Avoid Beauty Products

Although there are many personal hygiene products that you can get from the Dollar Store, you should probably skip beauty products like makeup and hair color. As a general rule, always avoid unfamiliar makeup brands.

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Avoid Beauty Products

Avoid Beauty Products

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Avoid Extension Cords

It might seem like a great idea to buy extension cords from the Dollar Store, as these items come at an attractive price. However, these are typically flimsy and can become hazardous quite fast.

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Avoid Extension Cords

Avoid Extension Cords

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