I am lucky enough to live in Astoria where 99 cent stores are aplenty. But I have learned over the years what works and what doesn’t. Just because it’s $1 doesn’t mean it’s always good. And just because it’s cheap doesn’t mean it’s bad.
DOLLAR STORE DO’S:
- Office Supplies (paper clips, mailing envelopes, crazy glue)
- Hardware supplies (nails, tacks, screws, rope, craft wire)
- Gardening supplies (watering cans, plastic flower pots/bins, trowels & mini shovels)
- Paper products (notepads, toilet paper, paper towels, tissues, napkins)
- Toiletries (cotton swabs, cotton pads, toothpaste, disposable razors)
- First Aid (hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, antibiotic ointment)
- Party needs (paper decorations, greeting cards, balloons, plates, napkins, cups, plastic silverware)
- House maintenance (brooms, dust pans, trash bags, dish rags, sponges)
- Aluminum (foil, cooking pans, grilling utensils)
DOLLAR STORE DON’TS
- Toiletries (Hand/body soap, shampoo, conditioner=watered down)
- Cleaning products (glass, wood, toilet cleaners=watered down)
- Batteries (short lived)
- Tape (duct/wrapping=not sticky enough or have breakable dispensers)
- Welcome mats (frey at edges)
- Sewing kits (scissors or spools break)
- Foods (sometimes expired shelf life)
- Pots & pans (handles rust or fall off)
- Baking needs (several cupcake liners are missing from package count)
- Medicine (Some have passed their expiration date)
So take it from me, not every $1 or 99 cent store is the same. Deal$ happens to be a favorite of mine that carries a vast seasonal collection of goods from holiday decorations, back-to-school needs, summer gardening utensils, flower/garden seeds to snow shovels/salt, tasty snacks, popsicles, comfy slippers, organizing bins and pet toys. You never know what you might find and it won’t break the bank. Being thrifty is pretty nifty 🙂
The $uper $avvy $aver 