Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
You’ve driven by your local Dollar Tree countless times, but have you gone inside? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. In a recent survey, GOBankingRates learned that 18% of participants don’t shop there.
However, continuing to ignore the discount retailer may be a mistake.
Athena Valentine Lent, author of “Budgeting For Dummies,” said, “Shopping at Dollar Tree is a great way to beat inflation on everyday items. You can buy so much there for everyday use, and I think it’s an underrated resource when it comes to saving money on household items.”
Plus, you can purchase many affordable seasonal items to enhance your summer on a budget.
Here are five reasons you should try Dollar Tree this summer.
You Can Decorate Like a Pro (Without Spending Like One)
“Dollar Tree is a great way to save money and make a memorable impression during summer festivities from barbecues, graduations, Father’s Day and Fourth of July,” said Adrienne Taylor, accredited financial counselor at Tailored WealthSaver. “When counseling clients who mention gatherings or spending too much on decor, I mention Dollar Tree. Although many items are now $1.25, it’s a worthwhile store [to visit].”
Valentine Lent added, “Dollar Tree has a great selection right now of luau decorations, which is a popular summer theme for parties.”
In addition, you can find festive yard signs, party banners, faux flowers, table coverings and solar lanterns to dress up your party space.
Your Weekend BBQ Will Be the Best on the Block
Grillmasters, rejoice! Dollar Tree offers inexpensive sauce bottles, skewers, basting brushes, condiments and spices, so you can delight your guests with your culinary prowess without overspending. (You can also keep them happy while waiting for the main course with a selection of name-brand snacks.)
Plus, Taylor said, “You can get plastic wear or inexpensive dishes to carry food over in, and if you leave the plate or dish, who cares? Because it was less than $2.”
Don’t forget about other affordable items new to the store this year, like colorful food storage containers. That way, partygoers can take home some of your famous brisket.
Your Day at the Beach Will Be Cheap
No summer would be complete without at least one trip to the beach. Dollar Tree offers a ton of budget-conscious sand and surf-worthy toys, such as beach balls, pail and shovel sets, water squirters, pool noodles and floaties.
On the more practical side, you can buy tote bags to carry your gear and reusable water bottles to stay hydrated.
“There are also health and beauty items such as sunscreen and after-sun care products to help take care of your skin,” Valentine Lent said.
You Can Keep Your Kids Busy (and Keep More Cash in Your Wallet)
At some point this summer, your children are sure to say, “I’m bored.” You can keep them active and entertained by stocking up on kid-approved, wallet-preferred supplies, like sidewalk chalk, bubbles, water balloons or a plastic ball and bat set.
You’ll Pay Less for Essentials (and Have More Money for Fun)
Frugal people shop at Dollar Tree for everyday essentials because they know they’re getting good deals. If you start purchasing more goods there instead of at pricier retailers, you’ll have much more money to make memories this summer.
Valentine Lent said the best everyday items at the store include:
- Household cleaning products. “I buy Comet, bleach, counter spray, dish sponges and air fresheners from here for a fraction of the cost of what it retails at Target,” she said.
- Party supplies, such as greeting cards, gift bags, decorations, and party favors.
- Hair ties and clips, shower sponges, washing cloths, hand soap, body wash, body lotion, toothpaste, toothbrushes and dental floss. “They also sell name-brand items like Maybelline and Covergirl now,” Valentine Lent said.
- Cooking utensils, cups, plates and storage containers.
- Craft items. Valentine Lent said, “There are entire Facebook groups dedicated to making crafts from everyday craft items at Dollar Tree.”
“Dollar Tree has really stepped up their game with everyday products and a lot of good dupes for more expensive lines,” Valentine Lent said. “While not everything is the best quality, I’m 100% certain the average shopper is sleeping on them.”
More From GOBankingRates
- In Less Than a Decade, You Won't Be Able To Afford Homes in These 20 Arizona ZIP Codes
- These 10 Used Cars Will Last Longer Than an Average New Vehicle
- Trying to Build Your Savings? Make Sure Your Account Does These 6 Things
- 5 Myths About Debt That Nobody Should Believe in 2024
