Grocery stores make it easy to pick up almost anything you need in one trip. You’re already there for milk, vegetables, and dinner ingredients, so grabbing a few household extras can seem like a time-saver.
The problem is that some of those convenient purchases can cost quite a bit more than they would somewhere else. A quick comparison at a dollar store, warehouse club, big-box retailer, or online shop may reveal a much better deal.
If you’re trying to get more from your grocery budget, these are some of the purchases worth skipping at the supermarket.
Kitchenware
Pots, pans, utensils, and small kitchen gadgets sold in grocery stores can be tempting, especially if you need something right away. But the selection is often limited, and the prices don’t always reflect the quality.
Before grabbing a skillet or gadget from the grocery aisle, check prices at a big-box store, warehouse club, or online retailer. You may find a better-made product for the same amount or less.
Gift Wrap and Gift Bags
Wrapping paper and gift bags are easy to toss into your cart when you’re already shopping for a birthday cake or party food. They can also be surprisingly expensive for something that may be used once.
Dollar stores frequently carry wrapping paper, tissue paper, bows, and gift bags for much less. Buying a few packages ahead of time can save you from making a last-minute purchase at the grocery store.
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Pre-Cut Fruits and Vegetables
Pre-cut produce is convenient, especially on busy days, but you’re paying for that convenience. A container of sliced fruit or chopped vegetables can cost considerably more than buying the whole item and preparing it yourself.
If you have a few extra minutes at home, washing and cutting your own produce is usually the better deal. Whole fruits and vegetables also tend to give you more flexibility for different meals.
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Cleaning Supplies
Grocery stores carry plenty of laundry detergent, dish soap, paper towels, cleaning sprays, and disinfecting products, but they aren’t always the cheapest place to buy them.
Check warehouse clubs, discount stores, and larger retailers before buying these household staples. Comparing the price per ounce or load can make it easier to see where the better deal is.
School Supplies
Need a notebook or a pack of pens in the middle of the school year? Buying them at the grocery store may be convenient, but convenience can cost you.
Big-box stores, office supply stores, and dollar stores often have larger selections and lower prices. Back-to-school sales can be especially useful if you know you’ll need supplies later in the year.
Pet Toys
The small pet section at a grocery store can be handy in a pinch, but it usually doesn’t offer much variety. Some toys may also carry a higher price than similar products at pet supply stores or online retailers.
If your pet goes through toys quickly, buying multipacks or watching for sales can help lower the cost.
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Greeting Cards
A grocery store greeting card may seem like an inexpensive add-on, but some individual cards can cost several dollars.
Dollar stores often sell cards for much less, and boxed sets can bring the per-card cost down even further. Keeping a small supply of birthday, thank-you, and holiday cards at home also means you won’t have to buy one during a rushed grocery trip.
Magazines
Picking up a magazine at the checkout or newsstand can become an expensive habit if you buy individual issues regularly.
If there’s a publication you read every month, compare the cost of individual copies with an annual subscription. Digital subscriptions may also cost less than buying a physical issue each time.
Diapers
Diapers are a major expense for families with young children, so price differences can really add up. Grocery stores may carry the brands you need, but they aren’t always the least expensive option.
Warehouse clubs, subscription programs, online retailers, and store-brand diapers can offer lower prices. Compare the cost per diaper rather than just the package price since package sizes vary.
Party Supplies
Need balloons, paper plates, napkins, decorations, or tablecloths for a party? The grocery store may have everything in one place, but you could pay more for that convenience.
Dollar stores and party supply shops often have a much wider selection at lower prices. Shopping ahead also gives you time to compare prices instead of grabbing whatever is available on the day of the event.
Toilet Paper
Toilet paper takes up plenty of space, so grocery stores may be convenient if you need a package right away. For regular purchases, though, warehouse clubs and larger multipacks can offer a lower cost per roll.
Don’t judge the deal by the package price alone. Check the number of sheets per roll and the total sheet count to get a more accurate comparison.
Gift Cards
Buying a gift card at a grocery store isn’t necessarily a bad deal since you’re usually paying the card’s face value. The missed opportunity is that some other retailers may offer discounts on certain gift cards.
Warehouse clubs sometimes sell restaurant, entertainment, and other gift cards for less than their face value. If you’re already planning to give or use one, buying it at a discount can stretch your money a little further.
Grocery stores are great for many everyday purchases, but they don’t have to be your default source for everything. Before adding a non-food item to your cart, take a second to think about whether another store offers a better price.
Those few extra comparisons can make a noticeable difference over the course of a year.
