A trip to Target or Walmart can get expensive quickly when your cart fills up with little everyday basics. Toothbrushes, hair accessories, greeting cards, cleaning products, and personal-care items may not cost much individually, but together they can add up quickly.
That’s why some shoppers are changing where they buy these things. In a recent discussion about products people no longer buy at larger retailers, Dollar Tree came up as the place many now check first for everyday items, from bathroom basics to gift supplies.
Here are some of the things people have stopped paying more for at Target, Walmart, and other larger retailers.
Toothbrushes and Dental Basics
Toothbrushes, floss picks and other basic dental-care supplies came up repeatedly as products people now pick up at Dollar Tree. Once a toothbrush or other basic product works well, there’s little reason to pay several dollars more for another option elsewhere.
Hair Clips, Scrunchies and Hair Accessories
Claw clips, scrunchies, hair ties, bobby pins, brushes, combs and headbands are among the hair accessories people have stopped paying higher prices for.
Greeting Cards
Greeting cards were one of the clearest examples of something people no longer want to pay more for elsewhere. Dollar Tree carries cards for birthdays, graduations, Mother’s Day and other occasions, making it possible to keep several on hand without spending much.
Gift Bags, Tissue Paper and Wrapping Supplies
Gift bags, tissue paper, tape and other wrapping supplies were repeatedly mentioned as things people now buy at Dollar Tree instead. Since most of these supplies are used once and thrown away, paying more for them at Target or Walmart can be hard to justify.
Razors and Shaving Supplies
Razors, shaving cream and shaving oil have also become Dollar Tree purchases for people who previously bought them elsewhere. Several razor options were mentioned, including multi-blade versions that have replaced more expensive choices.
Cleaning Supplies
Disinfectant spray, toilet bowl cleaner, cleaning gloves, sponges, brushes and cleaning vinegar were among the household products people now pick up at Dollar Tree.
Tissues
Tissues are another basic household product that can cost considerably more at the grocery store or a big-box retailer. Triple-aloe tissues were specifically mentioned as a Dollar Tree alternative to more expensive boxes, particularly for households that go through them quickly.
Related: Surprising Facts About Toilet Paper Most People Never Learn
Shampoo, Conditioner and Hair Care
Shampoo, conditioner, hair masks, hairspray and leave-in conditioner all appeared among the products people now buy at Dollar Tree. Hair products are more personal than something like gift wrap, but finding a formula that works can eliminate the need to keep paying more elsewhere.
Basic Personal-Care Supplies
Loofahs, washcloths, bar soap, cotton swabs, nail files, and nail clippers are inexpensive basics that people replace regularly. These were among the personal-care products people now check Dollar Tree for before buying them at Target or Walmart.
Nail Polish and Press-On Nails
Nail polish, press-on nails, nail polish remover and other manicure products were another category people have started buying for less. Hair and beauty products can vary considerably, but basic nail supplies were mentioned several times as Dollar Tree purchases worth making.
Related: 12 Little-Known Ways a Bottle of Nail Polish Can Fix Annoying Problems Around Your House
Notebooks and Basic Stationery
Notebooks, sticky notes, envelopes and other basic stationery can add up when purchased individually at larger retailers. Dollar Tree was mentioned for everything from small notebooks and writing supplies to envelopes and watercolor paper.
Pet Toys
Pet toys are another item some people have stopped automatically buying at pet stores or larger retailers. Similar-looking toys can sometimes be found at Dollar Tree for less, which can help pets that quickly destroy or lose them.
Party Supplies
Balloons, decorations, disposable tableware and other party supplies can turn into a surprisingly expensive part of planning a celebration. Dollar Tree has become a first stop for these items, saving shoppers from paying more for things they may use for only a few hours.
Seasonal Decorations
Small signs, figures, window clings and other seasonal decorations were also mentioned as products people prefer buying at Dollar Tree. The lower price is especially useful for temporary decorations that only come out for a short period each year.
Reading Glasses
Reading glasses are another everyday item people mentioned buying at Dollar Tree instead of paying more elsewhere. Inexpensive pairs also make it easier to keep extras in different rooms, bags or other places where they’re regularly needed.
