Smart Cookies

The dollar store “ a gold mine, or  a junk trap? The dollar store can be a Smart Cookie approved shopping destination if you know how to spot a deal among the junk.  That’s why we love that The Budget Fahionista summed up ShopSmart Magazine’s must-read report, answering once and for all what should and shouldn™t be bought from your dollar store.

What to Buy at the Dollar Store
Based on the unit price, these items are steals at the dollar store.

* Heavy-duty Tin Foil: At 3 cents per square foot, the dollar store can’t be beat on price.
* Gift Wrap: Dollar stores had the cheapest price at 2 cents per square foot versus 17 cents at one grocery store. But, skip the tissue paper. It’s more expensive at dollar stores.
* Cotton Rounds: For something used everyday to remove makeup, the savings could really add up over time.
* Party Supplies: Gift bags, ribbon, greeting cards, decorations and balloons are all great buys.

Skip at the Dollar Store
These items tend to be similarly priced at the dollar store and other retail locations.

* Birthday Candles: Some dollar stores had the cheapest price while others had the highest.
* Brown Paper Bags: Dollar stores tied with most drug stores
* Composition Notebooks: Find these for 1 cent per page at dollar, discount and grocery stores.
* 16 Ounce Plastic Cups: Prices at dollar stores were among the cheapest at 5 cents per cup, but these cups could be found for a good price elsewhere.
* Napkins: At ½ cent per napkin, they are cheap at many stores.
* Security Envelopes: Most stores sold a box of 40 for 1 dollar.