What Not to Buy at the Dollar Store

The Dollar Store Angel Figurine

Cheap is cheap and I love a great bargain as much as any broke person. I’ve realized that in my area there are more dollar stores and types of dollar store than there are good places to eat. (I know I focus way too much on food).

So as a broke person and a single mother, I consider myself a professional dollar store shopper and feel qualified in noting 5 things that should not be purchased from dollar stores.

1. Adult Clothing

Sure it’s cheap and you’ll probably get your money’s worth if you happen to need a tank top with a pirate on it or a sleeveless flannel shirt, but there are other places to purchase cheap adult clothing and better quality. Most of the clothing is not a great deal, people just think it is because it’s in a dollar store.

2. Christmas Presents

If given the chance to make up my own law, I would make it illegal to buy anyone a Christmas present from the dollar store. No one needs a case of orange votive candles or anymore angel ornaments, random plastic figurines, and generic fruit scented body lotions that all smell the same. There’s something better and more meaningful, even if your budget only allows you to spend two bucks on that person.

3. Running Shoes

Just because you can buy 6 pairs of running shoes for the price of one pair of Nikes does not mean this is a good deal. Pretty sure those things are bad for your health and aren’t your feet worth more than that? Actually lets say no kind of shoe should be purchased from the dollar store. This includes those plastic jellies, flip flops, sandals and boots. I’m on the fence with slippers though…

4. Perishable Foods

Foods like bread, meat (obviously), seafood, or fresh fruit and vegetables are generally not good buys at dollar stores unless you plan on using all of it as soon as you get home. There’s a good chance that it was old before it reached the dollar store and who knows how long it’s been sitting there on those dusty shelves.

5. Vitamins and Medication

Although some of the medication at dollar stores is okay to purchase, like aspirin for instance, the vitamins are definitely a don’t buy. Just look at the containers and you’ll realize that who knows what are in those “Just like Omega 3 but Not” vitamins and who knows where they came from. People also assume that since it’s sold in a store it must be safe. There’s a reason you haven’t seen that brand anywhere but the dollar store.

An important thing to keep in mind when shopping at the dollar store is to check expiration dates and the condition of the products. A dollar for anything isn’t a good deal if it’s been on the shelves since the dollar store opened.

Next up: Dollar Store Deals

Photo by: flickr.com/heartlover1717