10 Things You Should Always Buy at the Dollar Store

When I first found that my boyfriend had previously worked at the dollar store one summer in his teenage years, I was completely intrigued. As an avid dollar store enthusiast, I had a million questions about the quality of the products available. He confirmed my suspicions that nearly everything available was just as good as their more expensive cousins.Here are ten things that I will always search my local dollar store for first, before heading elsewhere.

First Aid Supplies - It's hard to mess up things like peroxide and rubbing alcohol, which I usually find large bottles of. I also often hit the store up for a good deal on band-aids and tape, which can run me upwards of three dollars at my local drug store.

Cleaning Products - Most of what you will find here is not exactly eco-friendly. However if you don't have the money to spend on fancy enviro-safe products, you don't have enough money for brand name items from the store either. I have found dish detergent, laundry soap, scouring powder, drain cleaner, and multi-surface spray cleaner all for a buck. I also find a plethora of sponges cloths and spray bottle to work with.

Shampoo - Brands like Suave and White Rain work just as well as those expensive bottles. I have also found great brand soaps and lotions.

Nail Polish - If you're spending some time with a young girl, want to look classy for a wedding or interview, or just want something to do, nail polish for a dollar is the right way to go. I personally have never been able to understand why anyone would spend upwards of five or ten dollars for a bottle of goop, however I am a tomboy.

Condiments - The idea of dollar store food may gross out some, but I have ventured into this arena and have not been left wanting. I always seem to find mustard, ketchup, hot sauce, barbecue sauce, and other tasty add-ons. Very rarely do I have a problem with taste or quality.

Holiday Items - You stand a good chance of losing this stuff before next year anyway, why invest a ton? I also use the little gifts and nicknack's to make gift baskets if necessary.

Clothes Hangers - Why spend money on clothes hangers? Are you Joan Crawford?

Party Supplies - Paper plates, plastic cups, foil disposable pans, plastic silverware and other barbecue and pot luck worthy items are up for grabs. If you are having a nice affair, they often have inexpensive wine glasses and votive candles for centerpieces. If you are having a kegger, as long as you put the chips and pretzels in a big bowl everyone will be too drunk to notice they weren't from the grocery store.

Gift Wrap - There is a whole host of boxes, bags, papers and ribbons for sale at any dollar store at any given time.

Candy Bars - Drug store: $.65, Dollar Store: 2 for $1. And we're talking the name brand stuff here. I also often find 160z sodas for a buck to quench my thirst.This are just a few of the whole host of things you can get your hands on. My roommate picks up prizes for her students, I once bought a hot glue gun that has worked for a year so far, and I also knew a young man who did all his grocery shopping at there without once contracting any food born illness from it (though it did seem a bit unhealthy since everything was either frozen or canned.) The point is if you use good judgement just like you would at any other store, you can find things that will work for you. Just be careful, all those dollar bargains in one place can make you a little loopy...