Whether you have a tight budget or simply enjoy a great deal, it’s hard to overlook just how helpful a stop at Dollar General can be on a shopping run. The store is filled with all kinds of items, from toiletries and skincare to groceries and essentials—sometimes even for just a penny. But if you’re really trying to get the best bang for your buck, experts say there are a few highlights among the shelves that are worth focusing on. Read on for the best things to buy at Dollar General.
RELATED: Dollar Tree Is Selling the Same Exact Products as Amazon for $19 Cheaper.
1 | Name-brand candy
Shutterstock
Indulging your sweet tooth shouldn't break the bank. If you're a devoted fan of a particular type of candy brand, you might want to consider Dollar General for your next run, says Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst at DealNews.com
"Particularly the smaller single-serving packages of things like M&Ms, Peanut M&Ms, Laffy Taffy, Lemonheads, Skittles, and more," she tells Best Life. "These smaller packages go for about $1 each, and if you shop for these kinds of items elsewhere, then you'll likely pay notably more—even up to double."
2 | Ice cream cups
Shutterstock
Dollar Tree isn't only good for wrapped sweet treats. You can also find plenty of options in the freezer section.
While there's plenty to choose from, one of the better deals that stands out is 3.6-oz. cups of Haagen Dazs Caramel Cone ice cream, which sell for just $1.50 apiece. Meanwhile, the same product runs for $1.99 at Kroger.
3 | Travel essentials
ShutterstockThere's nothing worse than starting off a trip by losing your favorite products due to size restrictions at a TSA checkpoint in the airport. That's why it's essential to stock up on travel-friendly sized versions of your favorite products before you pack, as well as other odds and ends you might not have realized you needed.
"A few of my Dollar General favorites are their toothbrush cover and travel-sized bottle sets, all priced at $3 or less," says Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert at TrueTrae.com. "You can also find some great personal care items in the 'Value Valley' aisle for only a dollar, including Kleenex On the Go and Studio Selection Makeup Removing Towelettes."
RELATED: 8 Best Affordable Shampoos You Can Buy at Target, Hairstylist Recommends.
4 | Healthy snacks
ShutterstockThe grocery section at Dollar General can be full of hits and misses, but there’s certainly one area where it can come in handy: Your snack supply.
In a video posted to TikTok, registered dietician Olivia Clement took time to run down a variety of small bites you can find in the aisles at your local store that are both filling and relatively healthy. She pulls a combo of Core Power protein shake and a bag of Boom Chicka Pop popcorn; a bag of pistachios and Babybel cheese that she calls a “classic combo”; Belvita crackers she suggests keeping in your car for bites on the go; a combo of Pretzel Crisps and a pouch of StarKist tuna; and even a Turtles pecan bar as a sweet option.5 | Cleaning supplies
Shutterstock
Dollar General has earned a reputation as a great resource for household essentials, especially when it comes to cleaning. In fact, you can likely fill your entire supply bucket with items for less than you can with purchases from other stores.
For example, items like a 24-ounce bottle of classic Pine-sol surface floor cleaner go for just $3 at the budget store, while running as much as $4.28 at Walmart. And a 48-ounce bottle of Lysol multi-surface cleaner that goes for $7.55 at Walmart costs just $3.75 at Dollar General.RELATED: 8 Best Things to Buy at Hobby Lobby.
6 | Gift and party supplies
Shutterstock
When planning a celebration, Dollar General can be a reliable resource for the things you'll need to create a festive atmosphere.
"Items like decorative bags, tissue paper, wrapping paper, and balloons can be an excellent value at Dollar General," says Bodge.
The store can also be especially helpful for themed or milestone celebrations. "Check out their seasonal party items—including proms and graduations," she adds.
7 | Storage containers
Shutterstock
It's one thing to get your home clean by scrubbing, mopping, and sweeping. But if you really want to keep things organized, you'll likely need a system. Ramhold says that's where a trip to Dollar General can come in handy, thanks to their affordable selection of storage containers perfect for fridges, bathroom cabinets, craft collections, and everywhere in between.
Some of her favorite items include a narrow tray that can be used to keep drawers in order for just $3 and folding linen bins for $5.
"There are other storage options available too, so if you're looking to organize anything in your home, it's worth looking at Dollar General before defaulting to pricey options from places like The Container Store," she suggests.
