Dollar General can be convenient when you need a few things without making a bigger shopping trip. The low sticker prices can also make it easy to assume nearly everything in the store is a bargain.

But a low price and a good value aren’t always the same thing. Smaller packages can cost more per unit, inexpensive products may need replacing sooner, and some everyday items can simply be a better buy somewhere else.

Here are some Dollar General purchases worth thinking twice about if you want to save money.

Paper Products and Cleaning Supplies

Paper towels, toilet paper, detergent, sprays, and other cleaning supplies can look inexpensive until you compare the package size and unit price.

Smaller rolls, bottles, or packages may need replacing more frequently, so check how much you’re actually getting before assuming it’s a deal.

Cheap Adhesives and Tape

Packing tape, glue, and other adhesives aren’t much of a bargain if they don’t hold up when you need them. For repairs, shipping, and craft projects, paying a little more for something reliable can save you from redoing the job or buying another product.

Tiny “Value” Packages

Small packages are one of the easiest ways to mistake a low price for a good deal. Snacks, toiletries, cleaning products, and other basics may cost less upfront but cost more per ounce or item than a larger package elsewhere.

Food and Vitamins Close to Expiration

Check expiration and best-by dates before stocking up on food, vitamins, and other products you may not use immediately. Even a heavily discounted item is wasted money if it sits around until you’re no longer comfortable using it.

Kitchen Tools and Cookware

Cheap can openers, spatulas, peelers, pans, and other kitchen basics can be frustrating when they bend, crack, warp, or wear out quickly. If you cook regularly, spending more on a sturdy version you can use for years may offer better value.

Toys

Inexpensive toys can work for stocking stuffers, party favors, or an occasional treat, but durability can vary widely. A toy that cracks, loses pieces, or stops working after a few uses can quickly turn a small purchase into wasted money.

Batteries

The lowest-priced battery package isn’t necessarily the least expensive option if you’re replacing them often. For toys, flashlights, electronics, and other frequently used devices, compare battery type, quantity, and expected performance rather than only the package price.

Electronics and Electrical Accessories

Charging cables, earbuds, extension cords, and power strips are purchases where reliability matters more than getting the absolute lowest price. Electrical products should also be appropriately rated and certified for their intended use, so this is a category worth checking beyond the price tag.

Beauty and Personal-Care Products

Beauty products, skincare, and disposable razors can be tempting additions when they’re only a few dollars, but not every inexpensive option is a good value. Before buying, check the brand, ingredients, package size, expiration information (when applicable), and how quickly you’ll use or replace the product.

Brand-Name Items That Aren’t Actually Cheaper

A familiar brand sitting on a Dollar General shelf can automatically look like a bargain, but package sizes can make comparisons misleading. Check the unit price against grocery stores and other retailers because the larger package elsewhere may actually cost less per ounce or item.

Storage Containers, Laundry Baskets and Hampers

Storage bins, hampers, and laundry baskets take more abuse than you might expect, especially when you regularly fill, stack, or carry them.

Thin plastic and weak handles can crack with repeated use, so a sturdier option is often a better value for something you’ll use frequently.

Seasonal Decorations

Inexpensive holiday decorations can be fun when you only need them for one event, but think about whether you plan to reuse them year after year. Decorations that crack, fade, shed, or stop working after one season can become an annual expense rather than a bargain.