Christmas Bargains at Dollar Stores

Don't bypass dollar stores when shopping for Christmas decorations and wrapping. I was looking for a tree topper star and the only ones I came across were $10-$30, but when browsing at a local 99c Only store I came across one for . . .  99c. I love bargains.

Home Decorating from the Dollar Store

Great ideas from Do It On a Dime

Don't Buy These Items from the Dollar Store

There are lots of bargains at the dollar stores but make sure you check prices by unit value and not container as many of the items are sold cheaper because the producer has changed the size of the container. What you definitely don't want to buy are:

Toothpaste - It has been found to have poisonous substances for some tested and not worth taking the chance.
Electrical Products - Wiring may be substandard. To be safe, don't buy anything with a plug.
Vitamins - The FDA doesn't regulate vitamins and dollar store vitamins may have missing vital ingredients.
Children's Toys and Jewelry - Some may contain lead.

Dollar Store Food

If you have shied away from purchasing food from a local dollar store, take another look. While in the past there have been some dubious looking products, the dollar store industry has greatly improved. Often they are selling items that are no longer produced in that size container. For example, when ketchup is produced in smaller containers the current inventory is sold to dollar stores or 99 Cent Only stores. (You have probably noticed that containers and sizes are getting smaller and smaller but sold at the same price).
Note: Some of the stores have fresh produce delivered on certain days. Check with your local stores as to when they have a delivery so that you can purchase low price produce when it is fresh.