Save money by shopping at the dollar store

Everything here is only one dollar! For most items in stock, that is an unbeatable bargain. Have you ever thought to forgo your trip to the supermarket, drug store or general store and try restocking on essentials at a dollar store? Don't turn a blind eye to this bargain store! Stop by and you will see that they carry everything from cleaning supplies, to pet toys.

Things to buy at the dollar store

• Food- A lot of people skip this section, assuming that they only have inferior products. Ditch that mentality and you will realize they have a good selection, and many products are just fine. Avoid meat, dairy, and anything questionable that could go bad. Instead, stock up on canned non-perishables and dried goods like rice, and pasta, spices, oils, condiments and cereals.
• Bath and body products- The items they carry are usually overstock, and you can find shampoo, razors, soaps, and body lotions.  Brand names too!
• Cleaning products- Again, lots of overstock or discontinued items.  Prefer brand names if they have them, although off brands tend to be fine for things like window cleaner.
• Puzzle games and magazines- Love crossword? Sudoku? Check their selection out.
• Holiday decor- Decking the halls? Dollar stores go crazy around major (and sometimes minor) holidays. Take advantage and stock up on seasonal candles, placemats, table clothes, dishes, snowglobes and things you didn't even know existed. Perfect for parties
• Home decor- They usually have strange finds as far as this goes, some very cute and unique and others just downright bizzare. Take a stroll through this aisle though... Oh, and you really can't go wrong with decorative candles!
• Birthday party supplies- Save money here rather than going to an overpriced party supply place. Get disposable cups and silverware, as well as party decorations like balloons, placemats and games. You can also assemble cheap "goody bags" here. Oh, and like we already mentioned, if its a seasonal or holiday party check out that aisle..
• Plastic storage bins- Avoid storage bins for food, but go ahead and pay $1.00 per bin for the attic, garage or storing clothing under the bed.
• Dishes and silverware- No fine china here folks, but they carry durable items for the kitchen. Make sure to wash them before using!
• School supplies- Notebooks, pens, pencils, construction paper, glue. The list goes on.
• Gifts- Try getting a basket and filling it up with something appropriate for the receiver of the gift (i.e. lotions and candles for a woman, or toys and games for a child) You can also get the card and giftwrap here.
• Cosmetics and haircare- While the makeup may not be of the best quality, everything serves a purpose. The concealers are just fine, and if your only going to wear red lipstick for one night, why pay $7.00 for a tube? They also tend to carry Goody brand hair ties and brushes.

Things to avoid at the dollar store

• Batteries- They are not name brand and run out so quickly. In the long run, you save money getting quality batteries at a chain store.  ( Tip: Try the store-brand alkalines at a place like Walgreens...cheap, but good )
• Plastic lunch containers- They could have unsafe amounts of lead in the decorations. Play it safe, and pay full price for a brand name.
• Women's hygienic products- Come on ladies, this is one area where its best to just splurge a little..unless it's a brand you recognize and trust.
• Vitamins- When Consumer Reports tested a bunch of vitamins found at a dollar store, some of them were missing parts of all of one or more of the advertised vitamins or minerals on the packaging.
• Electric products- The manufacturers of these had low price, not safety in mind when making these. Always look for the "UL" ( Underwriter's Laboratories) logo on these products. This means they underwent some type of safety testing.

A few extra tips

• Think outside the box - Since its all a dollar, its good to think of things beyond their traditional use.Okay, so the shirts here may not be the most durable, or fashionable, but would be a great value as kitchen rags. Kids love to play kitchen? Get them a set of real dishes for cheaper than the mini-version from the toystore
• Is it really a value? Some items they carry may be worth less than one dollar at a traditional store.  Example in case cans of vegetables may be $0.69 or 2 for $1.00 at Wal-Mart.  Don't forget to compare just because it's a dollar store.
• Set a limit- Know how much you are willing to spend prior to entering the store. Better yet, remember to make a list. Sometimes, people get stuck in that "It's just a dollar" mentality and let themselves go a little crazy, but the dollars do add up my friends.