What Can You Buy for a Dollar These Days? Plenty!
70I Could Not Believe What I Found at the Dollar Store!
As I kid I remember going to the dime store and you could buy plenty with just a dime! Now people are asking "What can I even buy with a dollar these days?" to which I answer "PLENTY"! Have you ever visited a dollar store?
My first venture into a dollar store (or 99 cent store as some are called) , was about 5 or 6 years ago. At first I was a little hesitant, I mean really, just what in the heck could you buy for a dollar nowadays? It was reminiscent to me of those five and dime stores of years ago, and I really didn't think I would find anything worthwhile.
WRONG.
Although I wouldn't say that you will find anything of truly great value at a dollar store, what I can say with absolute certainty is that if you shop faithfully at the dollar store YOU WILL SAVE LOTS OF MONEY!! (Probably hundreds of dollars a year!)
Nowadays I am absolutely hooked on the dollar store, and with the withering economy I have even more reason to make those trips to the dollar store to save lots of money on stuff I actually NEED and USE.
Dollar Store Shopping
My Favorite 99 Cent Store
My favorite store that I found a couple years ago is about 4 miles from my house. In it I can buy food, plants, household goods, pet food and toys, automotive things, gifts, seasonal decorations, party-ware and just about everything under the sun. Some of the better "finds" that I got there for just 99 cents are:
* My black flower sandals (which had a $6.99 price tag on them)
* My live lavender plants (which retail at the store for $3.99)
* My favorite little ceramic nightlight (which had been in a boutique earlier for $9.99)
* A car charger for my phone (which would have cost me $15.00 at the cell phone store)
At this particular store the stock changes - some things are overstocks, over-runs and discontinued items, so when I see the item I pick it up right then and there. Waiting and thinking about it will probably mean if I go back it's gone! Other items are usually there like the shampoos and such - except - when brand name shampoos come in they usually go fast!
A Baby Shower on a Budget
Throwing a Baby Shower With Dollar Store Items
The latest big savings that I had at the dollar store was at another little local dollar store I found. Although this one is smaller and doesn't have as much stuff, the stuff they do have is more specific for some things. I was thrilled when I found all the partyware and decorations for my daughter-in-laws baby shower that I was going to be giving her. I bought matching quality cups, plates, napkins, party favors, invitations, baby shower game gifts,streamers, balloons and even the door decorations and a cute little baby shower book. The total cost of my baby shower booty came to about $25.00 and I'm sure that I had gone to a a party store I would have easily sank about $75.00 into the same amount of partyware!
More On Saving Money
 | Amazon Price: $4.97 |
 | Amazon Price: $0.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.99 |
Who Doesn't Like To Save a Dollar?
I could go on and on all about the good things I get at the dollar store, but I would probably need to end up writing a book about it because the savings have been amazing. In these tough economic times, it has really paid for me to shop at the dollar store first before even entering either the grocery store or other retail stores as I invariably find something I need that I can save money on.
And in this day and age, who doesn't like to do that? So yes, what can you buy with a dollar nowadays? Plenty if you shop at the right stores!
(Dorsi Diaz is a freelance writer, publisher, photographer and artist. Please feel free to leave a comment and have fun shopping with those dollars!)
Have You Ever Shopped at a Dollar Store?
Have You Ever Shopped At A Dollar or 99 Cent Store?
See results without votingThis Weeks Hub Mob Writes About Saving Money!
CommentsLoading...
I do go to the Dollar Store sometimes. I buy note books, alarm clocks, envelopes and scarves. The stores are quite popular. When you compare the prices on the market, you will be surprised and I cannot understand how the stores can survive with their low prices. We find Dollar Stores even on Yonge Street. Toronto main street.
I Love dollar/.99 cent stores too! I used to sell stuff at flea markets and here's a little secret... a lot of stuff I sold were unique usefull items I found at dollar stores and just marked up for a cool profit. Many dollar store items are better prices & quality than I could get from buying through wholesellers.
Great hub, Dorsi. I think dollar stores are great! The dollar store where I live gets shipments of Sara Lee bread products at least twice a week. I can get loaves of bread, hamburger buns, hotdog buns, bagels, and more for only 1.00 per package. I'd never find those prices at the grocery store!
Good hub, Dorsi. I first learned about shopping at dollar stores from friends in CA who had a lot of money. I guess such wise spending habits is why they had so much money!
I do like the look for bargains at the dollar stores (and we have a lot of them in my area) whenever possible, but as you said above, if I'm concerned about the quality of what I'm looking for, I have to go elsewhere.
The local dollar store is a great place. I visit it regularly, in fact other than food it is almost the only place I shop.
I'm a little wary about buying food at the dollar store, but I love it for things like toothpaste and cleaning products, and of course as you mentioned, you can't beat 'em for party supplies! Great hub!
Great article :) Sheri
I love the Dollar Store. It's a great place to find a quick bargain.
Hello! Happy to find another Dollar Store Fan! I shop for FOOD at these stores!
The food and grocery buys at nearby Dollar stores keeps my family going.
(There are several dollar stores nearby-Bremerton,Belfair WA)
In a recent article on my blog, Washington Son, I told readers how I am coping with the high cost of food:
10 ways to beat the high cost of food:
http://washingtonson.blogspot.com
Some of my finds:
Fortune Cookies-30 calories-1$
whole black pepper and sea salt, in grinders
Large size clam chowder
chips
condiments
all 1$
If you know someone who is having a hard time with food, spend 20 dollars at the dollar store and drop it off to them! You'll be amazed at the amount of food
you can get and still stay in your budget!
I am placing a link to this Hub on Washington Son!
washingtonson.blogspot.com
I shop for Food at dollar stores here in WA. I enjoy the quality,variety and of course,the price!
I love the dollar store. I have about three withinn five miles of my home. Between the three - I can find almost anything I need there. Especially great around Christmas time - I can make lovely gift baskets for under $10.
I always jokingly say to my friends and family that it doesn't matter what kind of car you get into when you leave the store (Mercedes/Lexus/Etc.) - while I'm in there - I'm as rich as your are :-)
I swear by dollar stores (and the Family Dollar and thrift stores)!
I've bought the following at the 99 Cents: Expensive (originally) cologne for my boyfriend, 99 cent summer tank tops, two designer jackets, books, imported olive oil, sheet sets, blankets, bath and soap products, tools, a yoga mat, jewelry, kitchenware, wreaths, towels, sewing supplies, holiday items... You name it--the list goes on!
Well, they say the essence of creativity concerning finances is the ability to create a high standard of living for yourself with as little resources as possible.
Cool! Good to see a kindred spirit.
Excellent interpretation of the hubmob topic, Dorsi! Very, very timely advice (both with the economy being the way it is and the holidays coming up).
We are also dollar store converts. In addition to the items mentioned, I buy a lot of my greeting cards there -- why spend $3.99 when you can buy 4 cards for that amount? We buy candles there all the time, dish soap, room deodorizer... the list goes on.
I must admit I'm a bit leery about buying food from there. But my husband did score a true find. Whenever I wear it he says, "Hey, you've got your dollar store sweater on." I will admit to purchasing some gifts there also. For example, last year we made gift baskets for women at a drug recovery home that included a variety of bubble baths, soaps and other peronal items. They were a huge hit, and because of the price, we were able to give way more.
I love 'em, and am somewhat chagrined that I left them off my frugal gift-giving Hub!
I'd like to add this link to that Hub, and also on my blog. Hope that's OK.
Marian, I would love that! And everyone that stopped by, thanks, I LOVE shopping at the dollar stores. The first time I went into my favorite dollar store I spent $89.00. and my son said how in the heck do you spend 89 dollars at the dollar store mom??
I told him you buy 89 things, lol!!!!
My mother and I used to go to Dollar Stores all the time. I gave gifts at a wedding shower that came from there. They are great place to shop.
Dorsi ... done. Many thanks!
The deals are really there. And just think about the profits generated by the regular groceries and drug stores for the same items!
Yeah dollar store is a great place to save money. Being a working mom I don't really have time to go shopping. So I did some online research. I found a online retail store. Its called Big Saving Store. They have a lot of items for very low prices. I would highly suggest you check them out.
Http://www.bigsavingstore.com
Shopping at dollar stores has become a norm in our family. Not only do I shop dollar stores but many of my friends and family do also. The latest things I picked up were some adorable little dresses for my 4 month old grand daughter. The dresses looked like they were from a boutique!!
Can you buy Fizz Giz items in dollar stores?
Mike) I'm not sure. Check out your local dollar stores.Good luck.
I think Dollar stores are awesome! Really, I can't find an explanation why do people pay double prices for the same goods in other places?
@sender) I agree. I just bought some kids puzzles for Christmas gifts at our local dollar store. They were retailed at $8.95 on the box and I got them for 99 cents. And $3.00 fluffy women's socks for 99 cents a pair. I bought 3 pair for all the women in the family. What a deal!
I just bought some really cute garden art at the dollar store in our local town. It's true that you CAN still find good buys for a dollar nowadays!
Enjoyed this hub, Dorsi! I love the Dollar Stores... I don't know what I would do with out them. My favorite is the Dollar Tree.. they ROCK! Voting up and awesome :)
Thank you so much Jamie. Glad you enjoyed the hub about our favorite store lol!
Dorsi, one more thing- A few years back I had ran out of the best lipstick I ever used... it was Loreal Matte lipstick in Terra Cotta.. but when I went to buy more it had been DISCONTINUED!!! I was so upset... I looked everywhere for it.. even online thinking I could possibly find it somewhere. Fast forward about a couple years later, I am walking around in Dollar Tree one day and what in front of my eyes did appear? My beloved Loreal Matte lipstick in TERRA COTTA! Yup, the Dollar Tree Rocks!
@Jamie) Great story Jamie. I hope you stocked up on that lipstick!
Puss In Boots 3 years ago
There's a dollar store next to the grocery store that my boyfriend and i used to shop at and at first I was hesitant about getting anything there because things there looked so cheap, but then I discovered the snack food items they had. We bought these organic cheese puffs and I became absolutely hooked on them. Not to mention the strawberry banna taffy that i got hooked on and couldn't find anywhere else. I used to work in a party supply store and i know how expensive that stuff can be, and most of our overstock went to the same dollar store where I used to shop.