Dollar store stars - purchases that last and last
Filed under: Economizer
In my kitchen -
The four-sided metal cheese grater I own is one of the first items I ever bought in a dollar store and is at least four years old. The same day I bought it, I saw the exact same grater in a major department store for three times the price.
My dollar store supplies for the kitchen also include:
- silicone mixing spoons and spatulas
- metal egg turners and ladles with comfort-grip handles
- digital timers
- plastic storage containers
- wine glasses and tumblers
- mugs
- ceramic salt and pepper shakers
Gardening supplies
I have a set of sturdy hand-held metal trowels, cultivators and other garden tools that I've had almost from the beginning of my dollar-store shopping experience. They are dirty and the leather hangers have fallen off but, otherwise, they are in perfect condition. Other gardening things I use every summer that have stood the test of time are pruning shears and various-sized plastic patio planters.
Bathroom
Some of the dollar store items I have in my bathroom include a toilet bowel brush in a stand (I think I paid two bucks for that),
embroidered fingertip towels and attractive 8" square canvas-style artwork.
Office supplies
The stationary aisle at the dollar store has supplied a bunch of stuff for my home office including:
- folding file boxes
- file folders
- 1" binders
- retractable ball point pens
- scissors
- desk top tape dispenser
- mesh pencil cup
- mesh wastebasket
- calculators
- stapler
Among the items I've brought home from the dollar store craft section, here are just a few that are still functioning as intended:
- a metal Exacto-like knife with extra blades
- scrapbook paper storage folders
- decorative paper punches
- craft scissors (the ones that cut a pattern into the paper.)
You can see examples of some of the things I've mentioned above at your local Dollar Tree.
Now I want to hear from you. Tell me some of the things you've bought at the dollar store that met or even exceeded your expectations.
Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and dollar store diva. She writes tips and ideas for home decorating using only items from the dollar store.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
3-05-2010 @ 7:07PM
Jeannette Mulvaney said...
I can't remember when the dollar stores first arrived here in Wisconsin, but I found my first visit overwhelming; what a great opportunity to save money! There are dozens of items that I would not purchase anywhere else--one example being the beautiful gift bags they carry. With a few sheets of tissue paper, they take the place of struggling with wrapping paper, tape and ribbon. (Years ago I enjoyed doing that, but then the gift bags were not in use, and I did not have arthritis!)
I also purchase all of my faux-silk flowers here, and have been
able to create arrangements that would easily sell for $50 or more and cost me less than $5. I have also found many very interesting glassware items as well as bathroom staples such as bandages, Q-tips, cotton balls, etc.
Obviously these stores are able to operate only by high volume and still be able to make a profit. As they are probably run as franchises, I wish them all the best for continuing success. They have certainly enabled me to have many things for which I would not pay department (or even big-box) store prices. Thanks! I'll be back.
Reply
3-05-2010 @ 8:05PM
Nancy said...
I do a lot of shopping at the Dollar Tree. I get things from different areas, but you can't beat the greeting cards for 2 for $1.00 and you are right about the gift bags and tissue paper. I also purchase shampoo -White Rain is always on the shelves and a good product. The cleaning products are really good - if you decide you don't like something you haven't lost much. But The Works for soap scum works as good as Kaboom - I just put it in a spray bottle and go to town. The soap pads, liquid cleansers etc., are a great buy.
I buy a lot of sticker books and little gifts for 9 of my grandchildren...not much there for the 20 year old, but I did find a case for his IPhone...I like to put things away for a special treat when the kids aren't expecting something. A sticker book always brings a huge smile.
There are just so many little things. But most of all, if I'm having a "short" week and I have $10 to spend, I feel good coming out of there with a bag full of stuff...and making me feel good is worth it. I feel good when I get a bargain and shopping at Dollar Tree or any other dollar type stores really makes you feel like you did good. And you did!!!
Reply
3-06-2010 @ 12:17AM
Mariar said...
I luv to shop at the Dollars Store their are so many deals to buy,
Everything I need they have.
I can shop at Department store and I do, but yet I still come and shop at the Dollars Stores so much good stuff for any Holiday.
Reply
3-06-2010 @ 2:06AM
Mena said...
My ex-mother-in-law buys tons of stuff at the local dollar stores throughout the year that she later uses as stocking stuffers. I've received lots of useful things in my stockings that I can't believe were only a dollar. Also, my dad LOVES dollar stores and has found lots of things that I would have never thought dollar stores would carry and in some cases he's bought things that I use on almost a daily basis that can only be found in dollar stores.
Some of the useful things that I've received that have been purchased at dollar stores: LED booklights, various items including pens, plates, and glassware with the Dodgers logo (I'm a huge baseball fan!); dog collars/leashes, personal grooming and pet grooming supplies, toothbrushes (I just bought a Colgate toothbrush that the local Wal-Mart had on "sale" for $2.98), and a menthol based gel that I use for my back pain that works better than Aspercreme, Icy/Hot, or Ben-gay and costs $1.00 for a 16 ounce jar.
Before the recession, unemployment, and finding myself disabled due to a car accident and unable to work I was a bit of a "retail snob." I would shop for the best prices on things I wanted/needed but I refused to shop at dollar stores and other places that seemed low-rent to me. Due to my circumstances I've had to change my shopping habits and that has included shopping in dollar stores. To my surprise they weren't the dirty and dingy stores I remembered from my past experiences. Most dollar stores now look like mini-Wal-Marts and have great selections! You can't beat the deals and while they do still carry some questionable merchandise and there are still things I will never buy from there, I've found that when it comes to the basics they can't be beat!
Reply
3-06-2010 @ 6:48AM
F. Fargnoli said...
Dollar Stores Rock! I always buy wrapping paper and gift bags there. Cleaning supplies, toothpaste, disposable aluminum baking pans and dog treats too. But what excites me the most is all the little containers. I'm a beader and require storage for all sizes of beads and other jewelry making components. I find that the variety of containers helps me keep my things organized, and I can't do better quality or pricewise anywhere else. Oh, and tea light candles! I buy my scented tarts at Yankee candle, but I can't see spending what they ask for a box of 6 tea lights when I can get a bag of 50 for a buck!
Reply