Dollar stores are ubiquitous. They also have their uses. At the same time, it can temping to head inside and start spending. Not everything you see there is a good idea. Stay away from these common items and avoid spending on things that aren’t a good bargain.
Batteries
Like other things, batteries have a shelf life. When you see batteries on the shelves of the dollar store, chances are these are batteries that were purchased a long time ago in another place where they sat around. Taking them home means you’ll probably get even less life out of them in the long term. The charges degrade. That makes it harder to power your favorite things. The last thing you want to be when you’re out and about is with something you need that just isn’t working. Walk past the batteries on the shelves and buy them somewhere else.
Oven mitts
Oven mitts are a crucial thing everyone needs at home. Even if you’re just pulling a hot dish from the microwave, you need to avoid hurting your fingers and hands. Burns are unpleasant at best. At worst, they pose a serious hazard. The kind of oven mitts you tend to find in a dollar store are usually made from cheap material. Over time, this material can develop holes and other issues with the fabric. That can literally put your hands in danger every single time you grasp a hot pot. Spend a little more money to protect yourself.
School supplies
A long list of school supplies can be daunting. Yet many teachers have a specific type of item they would like you to buy. You might see lots of similar items at your dollar store. Keep in mind these are likely to be of lesser quality and harder to use. It’s better to look to chain stores that specialize in such items.
Knives
Knives are a vitally important tool to have around your kitchen. But not all knives are created alike. The last thing you need is a knife that can’t get the job done. Dull knives will not cut well. Worse, they’ll put you in danger. You have to work harder to cut things making you more likely to be exposed to sharp edges. This is one area where it does not pay to skimp. Go for the better quality knife and making your meal prep a lot easier and safer.
Tools
Tools are a must in any household. You need tools around to do all sorts of repairs. The kind of tools you’ll find in a dollar store are typically of much lower quality than the tools you’ll see in a department store. This is the time to shop around. Look for things that will do the job a lot better. You don’t want a dull saw that is going to take a lot of time and effort just to cut wood. Quality tools last longer and make it a lot easier to get things done more safely.