There are just some things that dollar stores offer at such good deals, that it would be silly to purchase elsewhere if you are one of those on a tight budget.
Tape – Regular clear tape for gift wrapping, sealing envelopes, or whatever else you use it for, can be purchased at a dollar store where you get 6 rolls for $1.00. The tape is standard 3/4 inch wide and just as durable and sticky as name brand tape. Just 1 pack of 6 for $1.00 can last you many months. You can also buy tape dispensers that come with a few rolls of tape for $1.00 as well.
Meals for Lunch – Certain dollar stores that offer a freezer section will give you even more of a variety of food items to choose from, however all dollar stores have dry food sections as well. If you are on a tight budget, you can get lunches for pennies on the dollar such as soups, microwavable meals, noodles, and more. Before you think of spending $6-7 on fast food on your lunch break, consider the great food the dollar stores have to offer to keep some extra money in your pocket.
Kitchen Storage Bags – Zip lock bags can store anything and are also great for snacks that don’t have resealable packaging. Not only are zip lock bags at the dollar store a great deal, they are just as durable and keep food just as fresh as name brands. Zip lock bags will also save you from throwing out and wasting food which will save you money. Dollar stores offer different varieties of snack bags and you get anywhere from 20-40 bags or more for only $1.00.
Puzzle Books – Activity books, word searches, crosswords, and more can all be found at dollar stores. The puzzles are just as challenging but for a lower price. Sometimes the dollar stores even sell puzzle books with a higher suggested retail price, but for only $1.00. So why pay more anywhere else? Also, dollar stores rotate their stock every once in a while in their book section, so you can always be sure new and fresh puzzle books will be available. This also applies to children’s activity books. These are great and inexpensive gift ideas that will keep children entertained just as long as the more expensive activity books would!
Candy Bars – From M&M’s to Reece’s Pieces, you can find regular size candy bars at dollar stores for as low as $.69. Most regular size candy bars in pharmacies or convenient stores can be $1.25 or more depending on your location. Dollar stores are always able to give you a great deal on your candy bars since the stores purchase in bulk around $.50 per piece. King size bars are also available for $1.00 each whereas other retailers charge anywhere from $1.50 – over $2.00 for a single king size candy bar!
Pens & Pencils – Dollar stores offer huge packs of pens and pencils for only $1.00, and most of them write just as good or even better than the name brands. They offer a variety of points and ink including gel pens and lead pencils. If you are known to make a lot of mistakes, then erasers are another good buy since for only $1.00 you can get a large count of different style erasers guaranteed to get you through many months of work.
Of course there are many other dollar store items that are great bargains for anyone on a budget. Be sure to do some comparison shopping on items you buy regularly and you’ll be surprised on what great money saving deals dollar stores can offer you.
