Are You Dollar Store Saavy ?

Do You Shop at the Dollar Store ?

Most smart consumers these days have discovered the joy of Dollar Store splurging.  You can find some great items;  as well as some dangerous and crappy items in the Dollar Stores.

Some of us don’t follow the best advice when Dollar Store shopping; so we wanted to give you a few reminders that may help you get more out of Your Dollar.

certain items are good buys at the dollar store if you stick to the rules

• name brand cleaning products
• name brand toiletries and cosmetics
• name brand nail polish and nail care implements
• greeting cards,  wrapping paper and party goods
• packing supplies such as tape and padded envelopes
• name brand school supplies ink pens, pencils and markers
• well made hair accessories – be careful with the elastic bands which have been linked to reused condoms
• small household tools like screwdrivers are a great buy
• storage supplies like plastic shoe boxes and clothing bags
• dry erase boards, cork boards and push pins
• Bingo Markers and Small Purses for the winnings
• Small Craft and Scrap booking Items
• plastic waste baskets and dish pans
• reusable plastic drinking cups and storage containers
• small kitchen tools like silicon spatulas, pot holders and bag clips
• basic health and beauty essentials like cotton balls and swabs
• first aid items such as alcohol, peroxide, bandages, tape and cold/heat compress packages, joint supporters, ace bandages
• Name brand toothbrushes like GUM and Colgate
• Name Brand Mouthwash like Lavoris – if it’s made IN the US
• Vehicle Cleaning Supplies are a good bargain as they usually carry many of the same brands found at auto parts stores
• Well Packaged Rice and Pasta; not the flavored varieties but the basics which are used fast and don’t contain extra ingredients
• well packaged dried nuts and fruit – Packed In The US
• Canned Vegetables and Bottled Sauces if they are major brands
• name brand snacks for snack time – be sure it’s Made In the US

We also think that certain other items should be left there – as they may be poorly manufactured or contain certain chemicals or compounds that could be potentially dangerous to you;  and the environment.

• Toothpaste – the USDA has found that most toothpaste manufactured outside the US does not adhere to USDA Safety Standards; and possibly may contain dangerous toxins
• Batteries and Electrical Cords – not a good buy because they are not made of  longer lasting and or safer components and have been shown to actually be dangerous – by causing fires or exploding
• Children’s Toys - NEVER Buy Kids TOYS as they may contain Lead Based Paints or Melamine.  both Lead and Melamine are recently linked to toys being imported from china.  Even the dolls were shown to have dangerous smaller parts which could be a potential choking hazard to your child
• Inspect All Food Items Carefully for Date and Quality of Packaging. some may be packaged for foreign markets – and possibly contain ingredients that are not listed on the package.  such as milk or nuts
• MILK or Coffee Products are a NO – as we know that China has been linked to tainted milk, and milk bearing products that were exported worldwide. these products may contain melamine which is a poison and has been shown to be in many of the dollar store coffees, and drink products like chocolate milk mix; hot chocolate and cappuccino mixes. they were supposedly recalled but it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Candy from China – avoid it if possible. Candy has also been linked to many cases of poisoning by melamine worldwide – including China. most of it comes as  small hard candy or suckers for kids.
• Cooking Oils – Do Not Buy these oils as they are the lowest quality and sometimes rancid before opened.  The .5% olive oil is mixed with  95% Cottonseed oil;  which is an industrial lubricant not intended for human consumption. the remainder is flavoring – not a good buy
• Pregnancy Test Kits – These have been tested and have failed consistently.  they are usually repackaged units that did not fit the original manufacturers specifications and are being sold as seconds. they are not reliable and most gave a false reading
• Condoms - Do Not Buy Condoms at the Dollar Store unless they are American Made, Tested and FDA Certified Safe – shown on the box. Otherwise you may be getting a product that is inferior and in fact offers no protection against std’s
• Kids Jewelry – Most of the metal items when tested contained Lead

We hope you enjoy this video. it contains some really good advice on Dollar Store Shopping to reinforce the rules we’ve shared with you.  make a copy of this list and share it with a friend.  remember to keep it handy when you go to the dollar store and see if it helps you make better purchasing decisions.

Do You have a Dollar Store Shopping Tip or Strategy  ?  Please  Leave us a Comment and Share it With our Readers. Everyone enjoys a Great Money Smart Tip.

Have a Great Green Shopping Week,

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