Things to buy at the Dollar Store...and a few things to avoid I live way too close to The Dollar Store I end up spending a lot of time there Which means I also tend to spend a lot of money there too. I've bought a few things that have been worth a dollar. And I've bought a few things that are totally not worth a dollar. So stroll with me through the aisles and I will tell you all those things you should snag and all those things you should avoid. Tissue Paper-Snag it It's so much cheaper at The Dollar Store and works great in those recycled gift bags we all have laying around. Scotch Tape-Snag it Is it just me or does your house go through tape like it's going out of style? Thumb Tacks-Snag it You probably don't need these every day, but I did do a project recently and wish I knew they had them at The Dollar Store because I paid too much. Furniture Polish and Window Cleaner: Snag it Both things I use often, both things worth picking up Windex does not corner the market on window cleaner and Pledge doesn't either You can read about Anna's top secret cleaning tip (hint, it involves furniture polish) here. Estracell sponges-Pass While they may look like the scotch brite sponges, they are not the same. Don't waste your money Sun dishwashing liquid: Pass This stuff is so watered down that it's cheaper to buy the name brand Stor-it sandwich bags: Snag it We don't use a lot of these baggies (I use my reusable ones instead) but when I do need them, they do the job Potted Meat: Pass I'm pretty sure potted meat is never a good idea also, any "meat" at The Dollar Store-gross! Pretzels: Snag it These are great for lunches and so much cheaper than at the grocery store Kids Shampoo: Snag it If you have kids that wash themselves you know how much shampoo you go through. Shower Curtain: Snag it Now I'm not saying you should use just this shower curtain in your bathroom, but under your fancy shower curtain, this one for $1 is perfect. Washcloths and Towels: Pass So thin and so not worth it Extra Healing Lotion: Pass It may look like Vaseline's healing lotion, but it is not even close. Find a sale and buy the real deal Bobby pins: Pass Honestly didn't know anyone could screw up bobby pins but they did. Don't bother Cotton Swabs: Pass Stick with Q-tips These guys bend before you even stick 'em in your ear. It's like they are scared or something. Pregnancy Test: Snag it Who knew? Seriously, the best $1 deal in the store Compare them with other brands here Glue Pens-Snag it I always peruse the craft aisle you never know what you will find I know I've bought these at Michael's before for WAY more! Colored Pencils: Pass These are awful! They won't sharpen and they get dull in a nanosecond Crayons: Pass There is something to be said for Crayola. They have crayons figured out. These are just waxy and yuck Dough Pate: Pass It's called Pate...seriously...skip it. It's not play doh Bubbles: Snag it I buy these by the armful during the summer Cheap, big and full of fun