10 Dollar Tree Items You Should Always Buy (and 5 to Skip)

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy here.

Dollar Tree is one of those places where you can easily spend hours browsing the aisles—and end up spending more than you expected! With so many great finds priced at just $1.25, it’s hard to resist adding things to your cart.

But if you’re shopping on a tight budget, even $1.25 can add up fast. That’s why I’ve put together this list of 10 Dollar Tree Items You Should Always Buy (and 5 to Skip), so you can make sure you’re getting the best value for your money every time!

front of dollar tree store

What to Skip at Dollar Tree

Like with any good hero story, let’s begin with the villain- the items to skip buying at Dollar Tree.

If you are wondering why exactly I’d skip buying these items it’s simply because they are either poor quality or you can get them cheaper elsewhere.

Scrub Free Glass Cleaner

I really wanted to love getting a cheaper glass cleaner and I was hoping this Scrub Free brand was a cheaper dupe to the Sprayway Glass Cleaner brand (which I love) but I have to say, this brand was quite disappointing. This cleaner streaks and is just horrible quality. Save your money and avoid this glass cleaner.

glass cleaner at dollar tree

1.25 Liter Soda

I am not much of a soda drinker anyway but ever since the price of 1.25 liters of soda have gone up, I avoid buying them. I’d rather way for a stock up price on canned soda or on 2-liter soda since it is a much better deal than the $1.75 Dollar Tree now charges.

soda at dollar tree

Scent Happy Soaps

I really had high hopes for these soaps and wanted them to be Bath & Body Works dupes but they just aren’t. I don’t like the scents and honestly, I don’t feel they clean as well and don’t lather as well either. If I am buying hand soap from Dollar Tree, I prefer the actual Softsoap or Dial brand.

hand soap at dollar tree

Electronics

I think it’s safe to say that we all know we get what we pay for when it comes to electronics, right? Well, electronics is the one thing I stay far away from when it comes to Dollar Tree items. Not only are they cheaply made but I fear of the possibly fire risks those items can pose. I’d rather not take a chance.

electronics at dollar tree

Canned Items

When it comes to canned goods at Dollar Tree, unless you are just grabbing one item in a rush, it’s best to stick to regular grocery stores because you ultimately pay less overall per can. This is especially true for canned vegetables.

canned meat at dollar tree

What to Always Buy at Dollar Tree

Now that we have the list of things to avoid buying at Dollar Tree out of the way, we can officially begin the journey onto things you may always want to snag if you spot them at Dollar Tree.

Coffee Filters

I can’t explain this with science but these coffee filters are just the best. Seriously, so good and you get 100 for $1.25.

coffee filters at dollar tree

Air Fryer Parchment Paper Liners

The first time I found these at my local store I was so excited. I’ve found them in the larger and smaller size and you cannot beat that price of $1.25. Makes cleaning up your air fryer a breeze.

air fryer paper liners at dollar tree

Reusable Water Bottles

These reusable water bottles are a new item this year and yes, they are $1.25. They have gone viral and keep selling out but if you find them, get one. They have markers on them and tell you how much to drink by when. So cute and great quality for the price (I’ve found similar ones at TJMaxx for $10-$12).

water bottles at dollar tree

Pregnancy Tests

I know I may get some backlash for this but you don’t need to spend a fortune on pregnancy tests, the Dollar Tree ones work just as good. In fact, I used them with all 4 of my pregnancies and they were accurate.

pregnancy. tests at dollar tree

Face Masks

Self care does not have to expensive and Dollar Tree is a prime example of that. Look at all of the great options for face masks they have. You can get several different kinds without breaking the bank.

wall of face masks at dollar tree

Fun Socks

Want to wear some fun socks to work? Kids have crazy sock day at school? Dollar Tree has so many fun designs to choose from all at $1.25 a pair!

fun socks at dollar tree

Party Supplies

Dollar Tree is one of my favorite places to get budget-friendly party supplies. I love the quality of their tableclothes, cutlery, cups, and decor. Plus, they have something in every color.

party decor at dollar tree

Greeting Cards

Greeting cards can be so expensive and you will never see me over pay for one again. Dollar Tree sells Hallmark cards either 2 for $1 or $1.25 for higher quality cards. Such a great price for great cards.

hallmark cards at dollar tree

Aluminum Pans

Whether you are making dinner at home or baking for the holidays, aluminum pans make clean up easy and luckily, Dollar Tree has all sorts of shapes and sizes at a fraction of the cost of other stores.

aluminum pans at dollar tree

Snacks

Road trips? Heading to the movies? Got the munchies? Dollar Tree has some of the best snacks at such great prices. Everything from candy to cookies to chips to nuts and more. I love browsing their Snack Zone.

dollar tree snack zone

Hopefully this gives you an idea of things you can spend your money on at Dollar Tree (and things to avoid).

Want more Dollar Tree Ideas? Check out:

More You'll Love!