Taking a trip to the dollar store can net you a bunch of deals. On the other hand, you need to be careful of certain items. Check out the information below for items you should definitely look for at the dollar store and some that you should avoid.

Best products to buy from the dollar store

The dollar store is a great place to pick up a lot of the products that you love, often for way less than you’ll find them elsewhere. For some of the best products to buy from a dollar store, check out the list below.

1. Air Fresheners

If you have a stinky car, then you know how effective an air freshener can be. And while air fresheners can be quite expensive at the pharmacy or grocery store, the dollar store has them for way less.

2. Plastic flowers

Flowers are pretty, even fake, plastic flowers. The dollar store sells fake flowers for cheap, allowing you to beautify your space without all of the cost.

3. Wrapping paper

A necessity for birthdays, Christmas, and other special occasions, wrapping paper can be quite expensive. Fortunately, you can find a variety of different wrapping paper at your local dollar store for less.

4. Gift Cards

Gift cards are another hot item that you can find at the dollar store. Best of all, the cards you find at the dollar store are way cheaper than what you’ll find at your local supermarket.

5. Sharpies

Sharpies come in handy in a variety of situations, whether at work, home, or school. Best of all, you can find Sharpies at the dollar store for a fraction of the cost.

6. Sunglasses and reading glasses

The dollar store is notorious for having cheap glasses. You have a wide selection to choose from, including sunglasses, reading glasses, and clear frames for when you want to look smart.

7. Decorations

Another item you can save on at the dollar store is holiday decorations. Normally, decorations can get pretty expensive, but at the dollar store, they are way more affordable.

8. Stocking stuffers/party favors

If you like to place small gifts in your kid’s stockings or giving gift bags at parties, then chances are you can find small toys, candy, and other treats at the dollar store. Plus, you won’t break the bank when buying them.

9. Socks

One thing that people need is socks. Luckily, the dollar store offers them for pretty cheap. This is great news for anyone who tends to wear their socks out quickly.

10. Party Supplies

One thing that dollar stores are known for is their cheap party supplies. Whether you need streamers, banners, or balloons, your local dollar store probably has you covered.

Worst products to buy from the dollar store

While there are a lot of great products and deals to be found at the dollar store, there are also certain items you should avoid. Here is a list of some of the items you should avoid buying at the dollar store and get elsewhere.

1. Electronics

Cheap electronics are not worth what you pay for them. Half the time they only work for a short time and the other half they can cause dangerous electrical issues. You’re better off buying your electronics somewhere else.

2. Batteries

Batteries are another item at the dollar store that you are better off buying from another store. While they are cheap, dollar store batteries are not exactly known for their quality and tend not to last long.

3. Tools

Buying tools from a dollar store is also a big no-no. Tools are one item where you should invest a little money, especially if you plan on using them a lot.

4. Pet Food

While many dollar stores carry pet food, it is not of the best quality. Your best bet is to buy your pet food in bulk from a wholesale store. This allows you to get the quality food you want for your pet while still saving you money.

5. Spray Bottles

The dollar store does sell spray bottles. The problem with them is that they don’t last long and you’ll just have to replace them. In many cases, they become clogged or start to leak pretty quickly.

6. Candles

Depending on where you get them, candles, especially scented ones, can be quite expensive. Unfortunately, while cheaper, the candles at the dollar store are of low quality.

7. Canned Goods

Canned goods are a product that is cheap no matter where you get them. So, opt for the name brands sold at your local grocery store as opposed to the ones sold at the dollar store.

8. Meat

There are two words you should keep in mind when buying meat at the dollar store, don’t. Honestly, who wants to buy cheap meat from anywhere. Plus, you need to ask yourself where does the store even get cheap meat?

9. Hair/Skin Products

The problem with buying hair and skin products at the dollar store is not all of them have been allergy tested and cou8ld even contain cancer-causing substances. This is another item where you should probably spend a little more for safe and trusted products.

10. School Supplies

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While you can find a great deal on some school supplies, such as Sharpies, for the most part, the school supplies at the dollar store aren’t much cheaper than those you will find at other stores. Most importantly, the quality of the school supplies sold at the dollar store isn’t the best.

H/T: MoneyTalksNews, The Happier Homemaker, Hip2Save, Saving Whiz, Kiplinger