Dollar Tree: Deal or No Deal

by Angela on March 12, 2010

I have been wanting to do a post on the Dollar Tree for quite some time now.  They have a wide variety of products, all for $1, but the question to be asked is:  Is it a deal or no deal?  Hopefully I’ll answer that and feel free to add your 100 cents as well!

UPDATED! You guys have great finds, I especially can’t believe I forgot about the pregnancy test!

DEAL!
Party Supplies:
helium balloons (same quality as party stores which are around $6-$7)
gift bags (huge bags for $1 versus $5-$7 at Target and the likes)
banners (Happy Birthday, Anniversary,etc.)
plastic tablecloths
Birthday candles
Streamers 2/$1 (wayyyyy better than any party supply store)

Kid Items:
colorbooks
sidewalk chalk
small chalkboard (great for travel)
window gel clings (hours of entertainment on airplane windows!)
balls
Glowsticks/necklaces
books
puzzles
jump ropes
girls tights
the list goes on…….

Decorating:
removable wall stickers
floral/greenery
baskets of all kinds
glass marbles (much cheaper than craft stores)

Seasonal:
Easter baskets
tissue paper
beachballs
arm floaties/other floaties

Sunday Paper (sadly, not in Oregon) check to make sure your inserts are inside!

Miscelaneous:
dustpan
foil pans 2/$1  (great for freezing/taking meals to people)
bath scubbies 2/$1
mesh totes 4/$1 (great for produce instead of using plastic)
greeting cards 2/$1 (why pay $3 for a card when you can pay $.50?)
invitations/thank you cards 8/pk (appr. $4-$5 at Wags, Target, etc.)
bagged/boxed candy
yarn
pregnancy tests (absolutely reliable, unless you read it wrong;))
shower curtain liner
teaching material
reading glasses
dog & cat collars/toys/treats

NO DEAL

Toiletries: Between Walgreens and Rite Aid there are very few toiletries that you should actually be spending money on, and those wouldn’t be found at Dollar Tree, I imagine.

School Supplies: pay a quarter as much during all the Back To School sales starting in July

Cleaning Supplies: Couponing should be able to yield you inexpensive cleaning supplies OR make you own!

Food: Okay, I didn’t check the price per ounce on everything, but I’m pretty sure that most everything would be overpriced.  Plus, you can’t use coupons at Dollar Tree (though I haven’t actually ever asked…)

Straws 180 Ct. (Ikea has 20o Ct. for $.99) ((Though definitely not worth the drive for an extra 20!))

What other things have you found for a Deal or No Deal?!