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5 Things You Should NOT Buy at Dollar Tree

Gretchen’s $56 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

5 Things You Should NOT Buy at Dollar Tree

Since you all loved my list of what NOT to buy at Aldi, I thought it’d be fun to put together a list of what NOT to buy at Dollar Tree!

a photo of Dollar Tree

What You Shouldn’t Buy at Dollar Tree

Wondering what you shouldn’t buy at Dollar? Well, I’ve got you covered in this post!

Now, before you think I’m here to disparage Dollar Tree, let me be clear: Dollar Tree is one of my favorite places to shop at. And I’m thrilled that I passed that love on to my daughter!

I mean, what’s not to love about Dollar Tree? Everything in the store is a dollar or less.

If you’re wondering what I think you should buy at Dollar Tree, be sure to check out my HUGE list of the best things to buy at Dollar Tree.

I go to the Dollar Tree for Valentine’s Day gifts. We have a family Christmas tradition where we all go to Dollar Tree and buy each other stocking stuffers! I even think it’s a great place to save money on groceries!

But just like any other store, there are definitely some things I think you should not purchase at Dollar Tree because they aren’t great deals. I put together a list of my top five things below:

(Psst! Did you see my list of 5 Things You Should Not Buy at Aldi?)

canned vegetables at Dollar Tree

1. Canned Vegetables

Yes, you can get brand name canned vegetables for $1 at Dollar Tree. However, that’s actually not a good deal.

Aldi regularly has canned vegetables priced at less than $0.50. Kroger and other grocery stores often have canned vegetables on sale for $0.79 or less.

Skip the canned veggies at Dollar Tree because $1 just isn’t a great price.

2. Taco Seasoning Packets

Name brand taco seasoning packets for $1 isn’t a great price, either. These are often on sale for $0.79 or less at many stores.

Better yet, buy the taco seasoning spices for $1 per bottle at Aldi or Dollar Tree and make your Taco Seasoning!

mac and cheese at Dollar Tree

3. Mac & Cheese

I’ve told you that my kids are big fans of the boxed Mac & Cheese at Aldi — and it’s less than $0.50 per box! Also, there are often deals on Annie’s Mac & Cheese where you can get it for $1 per box or less!

Looking for a really delicious homemade mac & cheese recipe. I highly recommend this one.

baking soda at Dollar Tree

4. Baking Soda

You can often get baking soda regularly priced for $0.80 or less at many stores. So $1 per box is not a good deal.

towels at Dollar tree

5. Hand towels and wash cloths

I had to include these because of all the things you can buy at Dollar Tree these are one of the few things I think you should never buy. Why? Because they are basically scratchy, non-absorbent rags.

I mean, if you want to buy them for rags, be my guest. But I think you’d be better off using leaves off your backyard trees to clean up a mess than these “towels”. 🙂 Okay, that might be a little bit of an exaggeration, but still, just don’t buy these!

Wait until Kohl’s has a deal and a coupon code, and then spend $1-2 per hand towel and wash cloth to buy something that actually works!

Do you agree with my list? Is there anything you would add to it? I’d love to hear!

Gretchen’s $56 Grocery Shopping Trip and Menu Plan

Dillons

4 bags Taco Bell Shredded Cheese at $3.49 each – On Sale Buy One Get One Free, used one Buy One Get One Free coupon (I found a coupon dispenser by the cheese with this coupon!) – $0.87 each after coupon (I was so excited about this price! I wasn’t sure if the coupon would work, but the cashier said I could use it. I plan to go back and grab four more bags later today!)

2 bags Apples – Marked down to $0.99 each

3.23 lbs Bananas – $1.58

1 Green Leaf Lettuce – $1.69

1 pkg Hamburger Buns – $0.89

2 pkg Strawberries – $1.88 each (I was SO excited about this price! My kids love strawberries!)

1 Core Water – $1, used Free e-coupon (no longer available) – Free after coupon

1 can Kroger Refried Beans – $0.79

1 box Sunbelt Granola Bars – $2.29, used $1/1 printable – $1.29 after coupon

1 Clif Mojo Bar – $1.25, used Free e-coupon – Free after coupon

Total after coupons: $15.47

Aldi

2 bags Mini Cucumbers – $1.49 each

1 bag Frozen Chicken Breasts – $5.99

1 Half & Half – $1.59

2 pkg Frozen Broccoli – $0.95 each

2 bags Frozen Peas – $0.79 each

1 pkg MooTubes – $1.55

1 pkg Flour Tortillas – $1.19

1 pkg Snack Crackers – $1.49

1 pint Blueberries – $1.69

1 Grape Jelly – $1.65

1 pkg Sausage – $1.89

1 bag Avocados – $3.79

1 loaf Bread – $0.89

1 Unsweetened Applesauce – $1.95

1 bag Potatoes – $1.99

1 bag Spinach – $1.39

1 box Fruit Squeezies – $1.49

1 gallon Milk – $1.49

1 canister Oats – $2.59

1 dozen Eggs – $0.58

1 bag Roma Tomatoes – $1.29

Total: $40.95

Total for both stores: $56.42

Menu Plan for This Week

Breakfasts

Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, Toast, Fruit

Lunches

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, Tossed Salad Bar, Baked Potatoes, Cheese/Crackers/Fruit, Cheese Quesadillas, Leftovers

Dinners

Southwestern Roll-ups, Steamed Peas

Homemade Pizza, Breadsticks, Steamed Broccoli

Meat Potato Quiche, Fruit Salad

Memorial Day Grill Out (We are having our small group over and everyone is bringing their own meat to grill and a side dish. I’ll be doing hamburgers and cookies.)

Pancakes, Eggs, Sausage

Taco Salad Bar

Dinner at my parents house