Look For These Hidden Gems The Next Time You’re At The Dollar Store

If your shopping budget is tight, then the dollar store is the ideal place to save significant cash. You’ll be spoilt for choice by the number of common household items on offer! But that’s not all. In addition to standard products, the shelves contain some surprising hidden gems, too. And we’ll be taking a closer look at 30 of them right here.

30. Exfoliating bath gloves

Speaking to the website GOBankingRates, shopping guru Kristin McGrath flagged up a product to seek out. She noted, “A unique find you can pick up at stores like Dollar Tree is exfoliating bath gloves. A little different from your typical exfoliator, the April Bath & Shower Exfoliating Bath Gloves can help shoppers turn their bathroom into their own spa. [You] can get a case of 24 gloves for $30.”

29. Bobby pins

For those of us with long hair, bobby pins are an absolute must. There’s just one problem — due to their size, they’re very easy to misplace! But don’t fret: dollar stores can offer these items in bulk for incredible prices. Yes, as per Good Housekeeping magazine’s website, a box of 72 pins at Dollar Tree will set you back by just $1. 

28. Mailing supplies

You might’ve noticed that certain items at your local post office have been getting more expensive over time. From stamps to paper containers, the figures just keep going up. That’s not the case at dollar stores, though. To give you an example, Good Housekeeping revealed that $1 will get you 40 envelopes at Dollar General. 

27. Reusable bags

You can never have enough bags. These babies can be extremely useful throughout the day, helping you on trips to the gym or supermarket. Their versatility is unmatched! And according to the Money Talks News website, dollar stores can sell them for very friendly prices. But that isn’t guaranteed at every shop, so keep your eyes open for the best deals.

26. Shoe polish

When it comes to buying shoe polish, now might be the time to switch your focus to the local dollar store. As it turns out, you could save a chunk of change by picking up the products there. Dollar General has tins priced at just $3 on the shelves, while “Premium” items are a shade under $5.

25. Hula hoops

If you’ve got a young kid, Chloe Choe of website Off Hour Hustle has just the suggestion for you. As she told GOBankingRates, “You can get a ton of cheap plastic hula hoops at the dollar store to host the next birthday party for your child.” On top of that, places such as Dollar General also sell larger versions, so adults don’t have to feel left out.

24. Sandwich bags

While they might not be the most expensive item on your shopping list, sandwich bags can still eat away at your budget. So, why not turn to the dollar store? The prices are much lower compared to supermarkets. Oh, and you can pick up named brands there as well. For instance, Dollar Tree sells boxes of Glad for only $1.25.

23. Storage containers

Struggling to cope with household clutter? Well, now might be the time to invest in some storage boxes to hold all that stuff. And dollar stores will offer you great deals on them. For instance, a set of 24 “collapsible” cases comes to $30 at Dollar Tree. Breaking it down, that’s $1.25 for each individual unit. 

22. Sponges

Given their relatively short lifespan, no one likes paying ove the odds for packs of sponges at the supermarket. It doesn’t seem worth it. But these household essentials can be purchased at dollar stores for very reasonable prices. Good Housekeeping notes that you can pick up six for $1 at Dollar General. Buy a few of those, and you’ll be set for a while!

21. Plastic food containers

Shopping for plastic food containers can get a little tricky — especially if you’re scouring the supermarket shelves. After all, as TV show Money Talks News highlighted, individual boxes can cost in the region of $5 in some places. Oof! That’ll hit you in your wallet. Yet that’s not the case at dollar stores: for example, Dollar Tree offers sets in bulk that are much better value for money.

20. Toothbrushes

It’s always handy to have some spare toothbrushes sitting in your bathroom cabinet. Better safe than sorry, right? But at the same time, you won’t want to overspend on them. So, it might be an idea to visit your nearby dollar store to scope out the deals. Dollar Tree is known for selling name-brand dental products such as Colgate at excellent prices.

19. Coffee filter packs

While chatting to GOBankingRates, Majesty Coffee’s creator Nunzio Ross revealed, “Dollar Tree sells Fresh Cup Paper Coffee Filter packs containing 150 pieces. Many people working from home prepare and brew their coffee, and it doesn’t have to be expensive. These filters are a perfect size and stay upright when you brew your coffee, holding grounds as effectively as brand-name ones.”

18. Vases

As any flower-lover will tell you, vases aren’t always cheap at the shops. In fact, the glass containers can be sold for some dizzying prices in certain places. At dollar stores, though? Nope! Going back to Dollar Tree, there’s a large selection on offer that only cost $1.25 each. 

17. Beach toys

Heading off to the beach this summer with your family? If so, here’s an idea to consider. Prior to leaving, take a trip down to your local dollar shop. When you arrive, you’ll quickly spot a number of toys suited to the sandy conditions with low price-tags slapped on them. So don’t hesitate to pick up those spades and buckets.

16. Plastic buckets

It’s easy to forget just how versatile plastic buckets can be around the house. Yes, from scrubbing the kitchen floor to washing your vehicle outside, they’ve got you covered! And best of all? You don’t have to spend a fortune to buy one. Dollar shops sell these items for great prices.

15. Spices

We can probably guess what you’re thinking: “Dollar stores sell spices?” You bet. Not only that, but the prices are much friendlier compared to supermarkets. For instance, Dollar General sells jars of “Seasoned Salt” for just $1.75, while Dollar Tree’s selection of condiments are marked at $1.25 each. For those numbers, you could easily grab a handful of items without damaging your budget.

14. Dish towels

No kitchen would be complete without a dish towel or two: they’re perfect for soaking up the soap suds from your plates after giving them a wash. But the material doesn’t stay clean forever. With that in mind, it’s never a bad idea to keep spares in your cabinets. You can pick them up at the dollar store relatively cheaply.

13. Wrapping paper

When shopping for wrapping paper, do you pay extra for rolls that are thicker and of better quality? Or should you choose the cut-price option? Well, considering that the recipient’s just going to tear it up anyway, the latter could be a better choice. Dollar stores have excellent selections on the shelves for not much cash.

12. Dinnerware

During a chat with GOBankingRates, shopping expert Julie Ramhold made this observation. She asked, “Do you ever see those gorgeous place settings online and wonder how you can do something similar? Shop at dollar stores, that’s how. You can find full collections with great patterns, pretty colors, and more. At $1.25 for each piece, it’s easy to get as little or as much as you want or need.”

11. Cleaning supplies

The next time you plan to stock up on your cleaning supplies, don’t head to the supermarket. Instead, make a trip to the nearby dollar store. You see, name-brand items are available there, such as Clorox and Tide. And they’ll only set you back by $1. To say that’s quite a drop from the standard price is a major understatement!

10. Mugs

Why splash out on mugs with fancy patterns when you can just buy some blank cups at the dollar store? That way, you can get your creative juices flowing and draw up a few DIY designs of your own for a fraction of the cost. Think of the fun you and your family could have glamming them up at home!

9. Picture frames

Speaking to GOBankingRates, Price Match Guarantee’s creator Laura Ritterman revealed, “Most dollar stores have a wide range of really great-looking picture frames. Although you would never think to look there for this item, many of them are good quality that mimic the look of high-quality frames you can find elsewhere.”

8. Cotton swabs

Named-brand cotton swabs can make a real dent in your shopping budget at the supermarket. To give you an example, a 500-pack sporting the Swisspers logo at Walmart costs in excess of $8. But over at Dollar Tree, an off-brand box of 200 will set you back by only $1.25. So, you could pick up 600 swabs that way for a lot less money.

7. Socks

Clothes shopping at dollar stores can be a pretty difficult task. In plenty of cases, the outfits on offer leave a lot to be desired. Yet that’s not the case with socks. Money Talks News reported that the footwear on the shelves can actually measure up to the items in pricier shops. Spandex and acrylic are said to be the materials to choose.

6. Character kites

Thinking of the children again, McGrath told GOBankingRates, “Character kites are something shoppers might not expect to find at Dollar Tree stores. They make for a perfect summer activity with your kids, and come with your children’s favorite movie characters on them. Shoppers can score a case of 24 kites to last for many summers to come for $30.”

5. Balloons

Ah, balloons: the ultimate party decorations! But where’s the best place to pick up a pack before the celebrations begin? Well, Good Housekeeping notes that dollar-store prices are tough to beat. Considering that they’ll be heading to the trash can a couple days after getting inflated, do you really want to pay over $1 for them?

4. Greetings cards

We don’t know about you, but our jaws always drop when we see some of the price-tags on greetings cards today. Certain choices can cost as much as $5! At dollar stores, though, the figures are significantly lower. We’re talking $1 and under here. The money saved on a card could go towards the accompanying gift.

3. Board games

Toy shops might look like the ideal place to grab a board game for your children, yet dollar stores sell them, too. The price-tags are often friendlier to your wallet, and you can find some interesting off-brand options on the shelves. Meanwhile, “licensed” games from companies such as Disney are also sometimes available at bargain prices, according to blogger Bargain Babe.

2. Best-selling books

If you’re an avid reader, then this is sure to pique your interest. Among all the other products on the shelves, dollar stores also offer bestseller books to customers. And the prices are certainly a lot lower than you’ll find at specialized book shops. Why not have a browse? There could be a few hidden gems tucked away.

1. Lego sets

Are you on the lookout for a birthday or Christmas present that doesn’t obliterate your budget? If so, take note of Ramhold’s words here. She told GOBankingRates, “Shopping at stores like Dollar General now means being able to [buy] branded toys like Lego sets for around $10 to $20.” Compared to the standard price of some of those boxes, that’s a real bargain!

Brighten up the bathroom with flower-filled soap dispensers

Dollar stores and bargains go hand in hand. But are budget items really worth it? The good news — cheap doesn’t have to mean tacky. With just a pinch of imagination, these basic items can be transformed into show-stopping pieces. See-through soap dispensers already make stylish bathroom accessories, but there is one more way to make them even more striking. How about adding false flowers, glass gems, or colorful soap? Get creative! So long as you can fit it in the top, the world is your dispenser.

Bargain mirrors become chic plant pots

These striking pots will set you back just five dollars, plus a little bit of time and patience with a hot glue gun. Once placed together, the mirrors can be used as a pretty planter. Can’t get your hands on many mirrors? Try using less for a table-top office organizer or makeup brush holder.

Transform basic mugs

These handmade mugs make great gifts, but you may struggle to give them away. To make them, fill a disposable casserole dish with warm water and add as much color as you want. Then, drizzle in nail polish. Swirl the mixture with a toothpick and then quickly dip the cups to create the cool marble effect.

Customise a vase with spray paint

A glass vase is a classic addition to any home, but why not give one a modern makeover with a spray of paint? Use tape to cover the parts you want to leave clear, then color in the remaining spots. Just let the paint dry thoroughly before removing the tape to avoid unwanted drips.

Harness the heat-resistant nature of the clothespin

Since you can get 100 clothespins for one dollar, it’s always good to find new things to do with them. One of the most innovative ideas on the internet is this trivet idea. Firstly, take about 24 wooden pins and paint or stain them however you please. Glue them into a circle, and voila! You’ve just saved your surfaces from hot skillets.

Bargain bookends

Bookends can be a pretty addition to any shelving unit, and now, you don't have to break the bank to get them. Take some plastic toys from your local dollar store and mount them on a block of wood. Spray paint the toys and wood any color you wish, and there you have it – DIY bookends.

Brighten up your yard with a simple pool noodle

Adding a touch of color to your outside spaces can keep them looking sunny all year round. And the good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on outdoor decorations. Dollar store pool noodles are bright and waterproof, making them perfect for a cute garden garland.

Make an impact with some compacts

If you’re hoping to add a show-stopping feature to your home, look no further than your local dollar store. A bunch of low-cost makeup compacts glued together makes a head-turning mirror that wouldn’t look out of place in any fancy interior design store.

Repurpose salt and pepper shakers

Add a touch of rustic charm to your kitchen with these adorable salt and pepper shaker flower pots. Simply paint them your favorite color, add some ribbon, and fill them with seasonal blooms for a homely country kitchen aesthetic.

Go green with a DIY succulent planter

Plant lovers will already know that succulents grow better in dry soil, hence why they thrive in specially designed terrariums. But before you splurge on a store-bought one, how about making your own planter using bowls? Add a layer of gravel to the bottom container, then plant to your heart’s content!

Personalized message boards

While dry erase boards are pretty easy to pick up in office supply stores, they tend to look incredibly dull. But with a dollar store picture frame, a sheet of colorful paper, and some imagination, you can create your very own reminder board that’s actually a real treat to look at.

Towel rail space saver

If your kitchen is running low on space, towel rails could be the perfect solution. Try adding them to walls or the end of cabinets for a hassle-free storage solution. You can use the bars to hang pots, pans, and utensils, making them easier to find. Bonus: they also make for an eye-catching design feature.

Make your pantry perfect

An organized pantry can make meal times easier and optimize space for more goodies. The best way to declutter your cabinets is to harness different types of containers, many of which are available from dollar stores. That means all you have to do is label them and fill them with your favorite foods.

Get your accessories boxed off

Organizing small items like hair bands and clips can be a challenge. That’s why this dollar store hack is so exciting. Just use a craft organizer or a big pillbox to stash away accessories, and you’ll never have to worry about losing them again.

Keep chargers handy with binder clips

Sure, gadgets are great for organizing our modern lives and keeping us entertained, but the tangle of cables that come with them are an eyesore! Luckily, they don't have to be a tangled mess. Using simple binder clips attached to your desk, you can keep your chargers separate and close at hand. That really is neat! 

Wrap your own bargain baskets

Rope baskets are all the rage right now. The bad news? Buying into the trend can cost a pretty penny. Don’t fret, though, because these stylish space-saving accessories are surprisingly simple to make yourself. And not to mention cheap! All you need is some rope and a plastic basket. What are you waiting for?

Save space with hanging baskets

If you’re struggling for storage space in your bathroom, this could be the solution for you. Hanging wicker baskets on the walls saves vital floor space. It also adds stylish shelving solutions that are ideal for towels, toiletries or washcloths.

Keep your car shipshape

Anyone with children knows that keeping your car spic and span is a borderline impossible task — or so it seems. Just grab yourself an over-the-door organizer and hey-presto! When hung over the front seat of your vehicle, you can tidy up after every journey with ease.

Upgrade your laptop in an instant

Whether your laptop’s a bit bashed up or you simply want to protect it from scratches, look no further than dollar store contact paper. This chic wood-effect style is readily available and can be easily applied to devices for a quick-but-effective makeover.

Fairytale bird bath

This DIY bird bath looks fresh from the pages of Alice In Wonderland thanks to its tea party-inspired design. To recreate the look, pile up a variety of plates, teapots, and cups to create a stand worthy of the Mad Hatter himself.

Hide ugly routers in an empty book

You’d be hard stretched to find a house without a router nowadays. Who doesn’t love instant internet access at the tips of their fingers? Connectivity aside, though, routers aren't very pleasing to the eye. If you can’t bear to look at those unsightly flashing lights, try placing your router into a hollowed-out book. Just make sure your antenna is visible so your Wi-Fi signals keep flowing.

Mighty mouse pads

Working is hard enough without having to put up with a drab office environment. So why not spruce up your desk with a DIY mouse pad? All you’ll need is a round piece of cork (such as a placemat or a coaster), a funky printed fabric, and some glue. Now get to work!

Spin a hula-hoop into a statement chandelier

Chandeliers scream extravagance, but they don’t have to cost a fortune. In fact, all you need is a few dollars for your home's lighting to make an impact. By using a hula-hoop, lace, and a string of fairy lights, you can make your own stunning ceiling fixture for a steal.

Fuss-free entertainment

Making finger puppets is the perfect activity for rainy days, and it won’t break the bank, either! But before you go raiding the nearest craft store, stop by your local dollar store. A standard pair of rubber gloves and a few other supplies will keep kids busy for hours.

Repurpose rubber mats

Rustic iron wall pieces can make a desirable addition to any home. Sadly, though, they tend to be on the pricey side. Luckily, one blogger found that painting up a rubber mat had much the same effect, and at a fraction of the price. Bargain! Just remember to use a sander to buff in that desirable vintage look. 

Pimp up candles with thumb tacks

Plain white candles are cheap to come by, but they can look rather uninspiring. That doesn’t have to be the case, though. Pressing just a few thumbtacks into the wax to create patterns can completely transform your old candles. There’s just one downside — you may find that you never want to burn them.

Put your own stamp on your favorite tee

Stand out from the crowd in your very own, homemade statement tee. Just use a dollar store stamp set and get creative with designs. You can even get the kids involved to make their own, because what’s cooler than personalizing your clothes?

Cookie-cutter candles

Give old candle ends a new lease of life with these cookie-cutter candles. Simply melt them down, add a crayon for the dye, then pour them into the molds with a new candlewick. Once the wax has dried, pop them out, and they’re good to go.

DIY Japanese lanterns

With their minimalist design, Japanese hanging lanterns make popular light fittings. And with a little bit of imagination, you can re-create your very own using Manila folders, wooden skewers, and tissue paper. You’ll also need some craft glue, along with a hot glue gun and glue sticks.

Make flying a breeze with a washcloth carry case

Flying with toiletries can be a drama. However, an easy way of keeping all your liquids together is to fashion a washcloth into a carry case. That way, you’ll save time at security and have something to wash your face with when you get to your destination.

Handmade skewer starburst mirror

Starburst mirrors can add a touch of retro glam to any space, and you can get your hands on one for just a few dollars. Simply glue spray-painted wooden skewers around a small mirror to create the sought-after look. And remember, gold or silver can add an expensive-looking finish.

DIY BBQ hack

Now everyone can get their barbeque on with this ingenious charcoal grill hack. Save on expensive outdoor cooking gadgets by taking a dollar cooling rack and placing it over a lasagne pan. Add charcoal and fire, and voila – time to get cooking!

Cupcake liner chandelier

A plain pendant shade can be transformed into something far fancier with little more than some paper cupcake liners. Just make sure it’s a round pendant style, and you're all set. Using a glue gun, stick the liners all around the sphere, then hang pride of place in your home. 

Get creative with the trash

Turn a dollar store wastebasket into a contemporary nightstand by spraying it and turning it upside down. People will never guess that it was once meant for garbage, let alone that it cost next to nothing.

Spice rack desk organiser

Keeping a tidy desk is no mean feat, so make life easier with this clever hack. Take an inexpensive spice rack and fill different pots with all your fiddly office supplies. Then, next time you need a paper clip or a thumbtack, you’ll know exactly where to find them.

Wooden stick feature walls

Create a standout wall design by arranging wooden craft sticks into a geometric pattern. Want a real pop? paint each hexagon a different color for a striking finish, or dilute the paint gradually with water to create a trendy ombré effect.

Update furnishings with contact paper

Not only can contact paper be used to give your devices a facelift, but it can also give furnishings a whole new lease on life. One Instagrammer used this marble-effect style to transform her nightstand from drab to fab.

Makeshift in-flight entertainment stand

Flying can be a long and boring ordeal, especially when there’s no in-flight entertainment. However, one woman discovered how a dollar store easel hung on the tray table makes for the perfect phone holder. So now you can binge-watch shows without cricking your neck!

Hidden utensils

If your guests weren’t already bowled over with your towel rail storage features, this space-saving storage solution will surely woo them. Try hanging utensils on the inside of your cabinet doors. That way, they’re neatly tucked away without taking up space in your drawers. Little adhesive hooks are perfect for this job and are available at most dollar stores.

Cups as modular storage

While these white plastic cups might not look like much separately, when bolted together, they make a modern, modular storage unit. Different sized cups can be used to store different items, but these are perfect for smaller stuff like hats, scarves, and gloves.