Thrifty Thursday: Dollar Store Deals & Finds

In a Thrifty Thursday post I did 2 weeks ago, I mentioned the funcheaporfree website I came across that I think has some great information.  One of the things it shares is about finding deals at dollar stores, hop on over there for more ideas on what to get/not get at dollar stores and on how to determine a good deal at a dollar store.

Below are some things that I think are good deals to be found at dollar stores.

Those foam swim noodles that are fun to have when swimming.  The dollar store sells what seems to be the same thing as other stores are selling for up to 5 times more.  These are seasonal, but almost every late spring into summer, I’ve found them at dollar stores.

Flip-flops.  Yes, they are cheaply made, but so are the more expensive ones at other stores.  I’m talking about the very basic flip-flop, nothing fancy here.  But what sells for a buck at a dollar store can be 2-5 times as much elsewhere.

Nature’s Own wheat bread.  Yes, the exact same 20 oz loaf that can be found in a regular grocery store for over $2 or $3, can be found at certain dollar stores (but usually need to shop in the morning to find it)

Mylar balloons.  Love these!  Again why pay more?  They have a big selection, from spiderman to smiley face to congrats grad, of course the selection varies from store to store and from time to time.

CD cases, the ones I like hold 24 CD’s.  These are nice to use for DVDs in the car or even at home.  True, they are cheaply made, but still worth it when compared to 5-10 times as much at other stores for basically the same thing.

Party/Halloween costume stuff:  like a knight helmet, shield and sword or cowboy hat & bandana or colorful boas and faux fur purses, pirate eye patches, etc.

Toothbrushes:  some even come in packages of 4 or 5.  They may not be name-brand but they still do the job they were meant for.

Kitchen gadgets/dishes--though I only get certain types at the dollar store.  If I need a quick decorative mug or plate, a dollar store is a good buy, but if I want heavy duty kitchen scissors, the ones at the dollar store don’t last as long as the more expensive variety--but they still do the job for normal every day jobs.

Decorative items:  baskets, metal buckets, etc.  Some of these are really cute to use for gifts or for growing things on the window sill.

Glow sticks.  These are nice for halloween.


I once found combination emergency  flasher/flashlight/glowstick/whistle, like these found at Emergency Essentials, at the local dollar store!  They have been a great addition to the 72 hour kit and kids like them too!  I’ve not found them since or ever seen them before the time I found them, so they are likely a once in a great while deal.  

Note:  Despite the higher than a dollar store price at Emergency Essentials (or elsewhere), I do thing they are worth the price when it comes to having something useful and fun for emergencies or nights when the kids just want the lights out and chase each other around the house with flashing lights and such. Since they aren't normal dollar store items, keep an eye out for sales on these types of items.

Beach toys--sometimes the price of a simply bucket and shovel at other stores is ridiculous, but getting them at the dollar store helps the wallet a little.

Bouncy balls--usually they have the same lifespan as balls sold at other stores.  Other dollar store toys usually break within a very short time (can you say "that didn't even last 10 minutes!").

Hair accesories--headbands, ties, and combs seem to me to have the same lifespan as comparable products at other stores.

As always, I think knowing the price at other stores is a good idea so you know if the buck you'd have to pay at the dollar store is worth it or not.  Some things that I have found are actually cheaper at Sams, Walmart or when on sale:  soap, shampoo/conditioner, those nifty plastic condiments holders & certain other kitchen items, toothpaste, wipes (diaper wipes or otherwise--the quality is better too when bought elsewhere than a dollar store)