10 Things Not to Buy at Dollar Tree & Where to Buy Them Instead

Simplify
by Simplify

Since the price increase at Dollar Tree, people have been wondering what items not to buy at Dollar Tree. The Deal Guy shares 10 things not to buy at Dollar Tree and explains why.


All the items discussed are $1.25 at Dollar Tree, but at alternative stores, like Aldi, Walmart, Target, or Dollar General, you can find them for a lower price.

1. Baking goods. Cake mix is cheaper at Aldi and even at Walmart. Gelatin and flour are also not worth buying at Dollar Tree.


2. Cleaning products. The Totally Awesome brand is indeed totally awesome, but their products are only $1 at Dollar General. Other cleaning supplies are cheaper there as well. The candle lighters are also under $1 at Walmart.


3. School supplies. Notebooks are the cheapest at Target during the back-to-school rush, and markers and glue are best purchased at Walmart.


4. Pasta. What food should you not buy at Dollar Tree? Pasta, for one. You can find it for $0.92 at Walmart, or get authentic Italian pasta for just $0.99 at Trader Joe’s. Mac and cheese is also now a better buy in other places.


5. Canned products. Canned fruit and vegetables are more budget-friendly at Walmart or Aldi, and pouched tuna is overpriced here, too.

Canned food

6. Hygiene products. Soap, shampoo, cotton swabs, loofahs, toothpaste - all not worth it at Dollar Tree.


7. Spices. At Aldi, spices are cheaper, and reportedly more high-end.


8. Balloons. Preinflated and helium balloons are still great at Dollar Tree, but for non-inflated balloons better go to Dollar General.


9. Storage bags. Instead of 5 bags for $1.25, get 20 for $2.78 at Walmart.


10. Paper products. Tissues and napkins are cheaper elsewhere, with the same quality.


10 Things not to buy at Dollar Tree

For a bonus point, The Deal Guy notes that candy boxes are still $1 at Target and Walmart, and hotdogs are $0.99 at Aldi. Now we all know what not to buy at Dollar Tree. Thanks, The Deal Guy!


For more budget shopping tips, discover this list of things to no longer buy or these $1 kitchen organization items from Dollar Tree.


To see more videos, check out The Deal Guy YouTube channel.

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  • Johanne Johanne on Dec 06, 2022

    YES.. Certain things are cheaper then the dollar tree store but at the price the gas is are you going to go at Walmarts to buy cleaning products, paper, notebooks, etc then go to Targets to get 2-3 other things because cheaper there and then go to Aldi to get other things because they cost less at Aldi’s then at the dollar store at the end of all your buying here and there and the dollar store included, all you bought comes to about the same price of the dollar store with the gas it took you to go here and there, THINK ABOUT IT…!!!

    • Jacque Jacque on Dec 06, 2022

      In our area, Dollar Trees is sometimes right in the same shopping centers as Walmart. So you can plan your trips. I find that Dollar Generals tend to be located where there is a desert of shopping so it is convenient for some people that have less access to shopping or don't want to waste gas. Group your shopping trips to maximize your gas. Also you can also look on line and see what the prices and compare price per oz to the smaller size you may get at the Dollar Tree and decide

  • Wanda Wanda on Dec 06, 2022

    Yes of course you wouldn’t make special trips all over, but I appreciate knowing what I should buy elsewhere when I happen to be there.

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