Five Things You Should Buy at the Dollar Store

Given recent reports of contaminated toothpaste being sold at dollar stores, it seems like shopping at the dollar store is risky business. However, there are certainly good deals to be found at your local dollar store and many things are perfectly safe and OK to purchase there. Here are some things we often purchase at the dollar store in order to save money:

Holiday decorations

Snow globes, garlands, candles and other various ornaments and trinkets are often a good buy at the dollar store. Just keep in mind that they are typically not as well-made as their counterparts in more expensive stores, so be prepared to handle them with care. I like to shop for some seasonal decorations yearly, just because it is fun, and this is a way to do it without breaking the bank!

Sponges, toilet brushes and other cleaning utensils

You can usually get a pack of five sponges for $1, which is a great deal when compared to one or two sponges for $1.50 at the grocery store. You throw them out regularly anyway, so quality isn't too much of a concern when it comes to sponges. The same goes for toilet brushes, scouring pads and other cleaning utensils.

Wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper and tape

Usually, we re-use gift bags that are given to us, but when that is not an option, to the dollar store I go! Gift wrapping supplies are actually surprisingly expensive elsewhere, and this, like cleaning utensils, is another thing that is going to go in the trash anyway most likely. Much of the gift-wrapping supplies is actually pretty cute!

Toys for the car, restaurant, etc.

Going on a long car ride? Or maybe you're just looking for something to keep the kids occupied in the restaurant? This is the perfect place to pick up small cars, puzzles, coloring books and crayons and other fun toys. For very little money you can put together a great "fun bag" to take along with you on your excursions!

Toothbrushes, soap and other personal care items

I don't think I'd trust dollar store shampoo, but you can usually get brand name liquid hand soap at dollar store chains like The Dollar Tree for much cheaper than you would pay at the grocery store. I also buy toothbrushes there although the quality is typically not as good as you would find at a grocery store or drug store. This is another instance in which the disposable nature of the item makes me opt for the cheap version. Other things like loofahs can often be purchased at dollar stores for less than you would pay somewhere else.

Dollar stores can be a godsend when you are on a budget, but be aware that not everything you buy there is a good deal. Some things are just smaller packages of name brands and cost less because there is less of the product. Other things are possibly dangerous (I try to avoid anything that can be ingested as a general rule.) For some things, however, the dollar store can't be beat.