Bargain Bonanza: 7 Amazing Household Buys at the Dollar Store

“I love paying more money,” said no one, ever. Let’s face it: Saving money is an American hobby—and shopping at dollar stores is an easy way to do it. We’ve already told you that you’re better off skipping the off-brand pet food and those dinged soup cans that cram the dollar store aisles. But you can find some truly excellent household bargains—as long as you know how to spot the right stuff.

In fact, you can feel downright good about patronizing dollar stores, as some chains have upped their game over the years, according to shopping expert Judy Woodward Bates, author of “The Gospel Truth About Money Management: Making Every Dollar Count.”

“It used to be that most labels said ‘Made in China,’ but Dollar Trees are carrying more items that are manufactured in the USA,” she says.

Ready to save big-time? Here are the top seven household and decor items you should be picking up at a dollar store today.

1. Cleaning supplies

“The cleaners you buy at the dollar store work just fine, so pick up generic bathroom and kitchen sprays on the cheap,” suggests money-saving expert Andrea Woroch, who cites information from the Good Housekeeping Institute.

This is especially true of bleach: “It’s a one-ingredient cleaner—a store brand can’t be made any differently from a name version,” she points out.

Other great buys in the cleaning category: sponges, dish soap, and microfiber cleaning cloths.

2. Paper goods and entertaining supplies

If you throw lots of parties, the dollar store can be the best place to cover all your random needs. Whether you’re planning a birthday feast, hosting a book club, or celebrating an event with a potluck, you can make good use of themed or colorful paper plates, cups, plastic silverware, and napkins galore.

These supplies all sell for less at dollar stores than at party retailers or even big-box chains such as Walmart or Target, notes Kendal Perez, a savings expert with CouponSherpa.

For example, a 16-pack of 9-inch-square red plates is $1 (or 6 cents a plate) at Dollar Tree, she says. At Walmart, a 20-pack of Hefty red plates is $1.98 (or 10 cents a plate).

Mylar balloons can garner the biggest savings, notes Carson Yarbrough, a consumer insights specialist at Offers.com. “These sell for five times (less at) dollar stores,” she says.

3. Seasonal decorations

The dollar store can be a gold mine for holiday and seasonal decor. When autumn arrives, grab a bag of those adorably tiny foam pumpkins for just a dollar. Or spend the same on a can of shiny silver balls to pile into a bowl at Christmas.

“Dollar stores always stock holiday decor for much lower prices than other places,” Yarbrough says.

Hit the aisles for bundles of candy canes, Santas galore, and yards of garland.

“Just be cautious with string lights, as they often have a low safety and quality rating,” Yarbrough warns.

If you’re a DIY-er, the dollar store can be your best friend during the holidays.

DIY blogger Jeanine Boiko, who’s also a real estate agent in Wantagh, NY, makes her own seasonal wreaths. “I [also] stock up on faux black crows for Halloween designs,” she says.

4. Aluminum and foil baking pans

For Thanksgiving, Perez recommends heading to your local dollar store for some baking and serving pans.

Foil roasters with plastic lids are $1 each, compared with Walmart’s two-pack of Hefty EZ Foil roasters with lids for $2.98, Perez says.

Prices can be 50% to 90% lower on similar kitchen products at dollar stores, Woroch adds. Stock up on these silvery wonders so you can bake (and freeze) ahead of the holidays.

5. Books by the yard

Got new bookshelves, or eager to use books as decor? (We won’t tell anybody you haven’t actually read them all.) Sometimes your personal collection doesn’t stretch to fill built-in shelves. Luckily, the dollar store is a good resource, especially if you enjoy finding tomes that have been signed by the author.

“I was rummaging through bins at my local (dollar) chain and came up with an autographed copy of a recent best-seller,” Bates recalls. “Since signed copies can’t be returned to the publisher, lots of novels end up here.”

6. Kitchen utensils, glasses, and plates

Dollar shops are your best bet if you need just a couple more serving spoons or a new potato masher.

“You’re unlikely to find a better price in a home goods store for one or two more red wineglasses or an extra set of plastic tongs,” Perez adds.

While the selection might be limited, what these stores do offer is usually timeless in style, Perez says. Check out the kitchen section for plain sets of plates, classic flatware, and coffee mugs, too.

“When it comes to these basics, almost everything is a good buy, with the exception of knives, which may be dull or flimsy,” Woroch notes.

7. Air fresheners and candles

If you have a pet, you’re well aware of the daily battle required to keep smells at bay. To make this task easier, hit up the dollar store.

“Why spend $5 to $6 for room sprays and plug-ins when you can pay much less?” Boiko asks. These home supplies are almost always in stock and are often the same name brands that you know well, she adds.

And when it comes to candles, simple white pillars and scented votives are smart buys.

“As colder weather approaches,” she says, “I grab cinnamon and apple ones, which smell like fresh-baked pie or cookies.”

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