by Beth Schwartz

Created on: July 12, 2009   Last Updated: July 07, 2011

Love to shop? Want to avoid buyer's remorse? Try your local dollar store! It's amazing what types of items you can find.

While there are certain items I just wouldn't buy at the dollar store (anything electronic, odd brands of foods or drinks, etc.), there are so many items where the generic product is practically identical to the brand name. Here are the top ten product types to purchase at the dollar store.

1) Paper products

Napkins, toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels can all be found at the dollar store. Why waste money at the grocery store for paper that you're using to wipe food off your face?

2) Toys/games/activities

Coloring books, crayons, bubbles, jump ropes, jacks, puzzles, crossword puzzle books, children's books, and flashcards can all be found at the dollar store. These are great items to give away as favors at a child's birthday party.

3) Cleaning products

A wide array of cleaning products can be found at the dollar store. You can find sponges, rubber gloves, ammonia, window cleaner, dish washing liquid, toilet brushes, furniture polish, mops, scrub brushes, dust pans, brooms, fabric softener, and more.

4) Toiletries

This is an area where you can really save a lot of money. Go to your local dollar store to purchase deodorant, hand sanitizer, baby powder, petroleum jelly, baby oil, cotton balls, bath sponges, hand soap, bar soap, Chapstick, lotion, shaving cream, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, pain relievers, and pregnancy tests (just as effective as the brand name pregnancy tests out there.)

5) Kitchen products

Aluminum foil, brown paper bags, coffee filters, foil pans, freezer bags, sandwich bags, and plastic storage containers are great products to pick up at the dollar store.

6) Gift products

My personal favorite thing to get at the dollar store is gift bags. Gift bags can run approximately $5 at other stores. In addition to gift bags, you can get tissue paper, gift boxes, wrapping paper, and greeting cards.

7) Party supplies

You're throwing a party. It's expensive enough to feed all those people! Save some money on the supplies. Go to the dollar store to pick up paper plates, party cups, plastic utensils, napkins, straws, crepe paper, and balloons.

8) Storage products

The dollar store sells plastic storage boxes, baskets, crates, reusable shopping bags, and bins.

9) Candy

Many dollar stores have an entire aisle devoted to candy and gum. The dollar store that I frequent carries the type of candy found at the movie theater. Movie theaters charge an arm and a leg for candy, so stock up and stash some in your purse next time you go to see a movie!

10) Office supplies

Save a ton of money by purchasing paper, pens, markers, erasers, pencils, highlighters, rulers, spiral notebooks, envelopes, notepads, index cards, computer paper, glue, tape, scissors, poster board, and folders at the dollar store.

I can certainly understand that some products make people a little uncomfortable if they're not name brand. Check out the dollar store - you'll be surprised what brand name items you find there. Next time you feel the urge to shop, go to your local dollar store and shop away without the guilt!

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