Today is the day our featured column is in the Tampa Bay Times! You will find it in today, Wednesday's, 5/28 Tampa Bay Times Newspaper inside the front cover of the Taste Section. Today's topic is all about staple items that are Dollar Store ONLY purchases.
While Dollar Stores are cheap, interestingly, some items are more expensive than if you were to purchase them at Walmart or your local grocery store. However, there are 8 items you will want to purchase ONLY at the Dollar Store!
Glow Sticks ~ I’m letting you in on my number #1 “Cool Mommy Trick”, stocking up on Dollar Store Glow Sticks, then whipping them out when we have friends over and the kids play outside at night, or we go to the Drive-In Theater, or we attend ANY Amusement Park (you know…where you get stuck paying $10 for a glow in the dark toy that dies before you ever get home?!) You’re Welcome.
Party Supplies ~ Plastic tablecloths, silverware, balloons, and disposable decorations are great items to buy here. While you are only saving about $.50 a piece, that adds up pretty quickly when buying for a party! I also buy these items from here to use when we go camping. My local Dollar Tree has a great selection of Mylar Balloons you can get helium inflated! At only $1 that is about 1/3rd cheaper than a party store!
Reading Glasses ~ If you don't need a prescription, this is the best place for standard eyeglasses! My Mom stocks up here and then she can afford to leave them on every table top throughout the house.
Double Sided Tape ~ Have you seen the price of Double Sided Tape lately? It’s around $4 per roll! When you break the price down by inch…the Dollar Store wins every time. And so far, I haven’t noticed any difference in quality.
Pregnancy Tests ~ Surprising, I know, but Consumer Reports tested the tests and found them to be just as accurate as the name brand ones which can cost between $7-$15 (after coupons!)
Cleaning Supplies ~ Just to hold you over until they go on sale at the grocery store.
Greeting Cards ~ While the card selection might not be super, greeting cards in the mainstream stores can get pretty pricey…they are usually priced TWO for $1 at the Dollar Store.
Basket Wrap ~ Do you make gift baskets for friends & family? Then you HAVE TO purchase these gift wrap bags that “Shrink Wrap” to your basket and give it the perfect finishing touch! They are no less than $3 at the craft stores.
WARNING!!! It’s so easy to throw something into your cart that you otherwise would not have purchased because “it’s only a dollar.” If you went in to get poster board, put your blinders on, get the poster board, and get out. Pay attention so that you don't lose money trying to save money!
~Happy Reading!
