Dollar Tree’s cheap, obviously, but if you know what you’re doing, you can actually make it way better. Learn to grab seasonal stuff early before it’s picked over, and learn what’s actually worth buying and what’s just garbage. I threw together 20 tips that’ll help you not waste money and not walk out with a bunch of crap you don’t need.

1. Stock Up on Essentials

Dollar Tree’s clutch for stocking up on the boring everyday stuff you hate spending real money on.

Cleaning supplies, paper towels, canned food — all the basics are way cheaper here than anywhere else.

If you’re smart about it, you can load up on stuff like dish soap, sponges, snacks, and pantry staples without wrecking your budget. It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done — and your wallet won’t hate you afterward.

PRO TIP: DON’T IGNORE THIS CLEANER

One of the most popular all-purpose cleaners ANYWHERE is sold at Dollar Tree and is called LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner.

For only $1.25, you get 20 ounces of this cleaner that is raved about from reputable sources like The Kitchn and even Cleaning Talk.com. Give it a try at your house and save yourself a bunch of money.

2. Buy in Bulk

One thing a lotta people miss at Dollar Tree — they’ve got multi-packs of stuff now.

Snacks, canned goods, toiletries — you can scoop up a few in a pack instead of buying one at a time.

It’s a solid way to stock up without feeling like you’re spending a ton.

Just make sure to do the quick math and check the per-unit price, ‘cause not every multi-pack is a deal… some are sneaky like that.

See Also: How to Maximize the Dollar Tree Return Policy

3. Utilize Coupons

Dollar Tree accepts manufacturer coupons, which can be combined with their low prices for even greater savings.

Keep an eye out for coupons in newspapers, online, and coupon apps. My friends over at The Krazy Coupon Lady have a Dollar Tree page that they keep updated with the newest offers.

Combining these with in-store deals can significantly reduce your total bill.

PRO TIP: AWESOME BOOK DEALS

Don’t forget about books. On several occasions I’ve bought my Dad really cool non-fiction history books about World War 2 for only $1.25.

He’s loved them. You might not find bestsellers but you can typically find a good read or two.

4. Shop Seasonal Items Early

Look, if you’re trying to get seasonal stuff at Dollar Tree, you better go early. Like, way early.

Because if you show up late, all that’s left is the busted leftovers nobody wanted — weird melted candles, one sad notebook, some broken ornaments.

And then you end up paying double somewhere else because you waited too long.

Just grab it early, stash it, and thank yourself later when everybody else is panic-shopping and getting ripped off.

PRO TIP: CHECK OUT CRAFTY GIRL

My daughter is obsessed with the Crafty Girl channel on YouTube.

Crafty Girl puts out Dollar Tree “Haul” videos which are great around holidays as she shows you what seasonal items Dollar Tree has and gives you some great gift ideas as well as home decoration tips.

5. DIY Projects

If you’re even a little crafty, Dollar Tree’s basically a goldmine.

They’ve got all kinds of stuff — paint, ribbon, fake flowers, glass jars — and you can make way cooler stuff than what you’d pay 40 bucks for at Target.

Seriously, half of what you see on Pinterest started with Dollar Tree junk and a hot glue gun.

Hit up YouTube or TikTok for some ideas and you’ll end up making your own decor, gifts, party stuff — all for like, $10 total if you play it right.

6. Check Expiration Dates

If you’re grabbing food at Dollar Tree, do yourself a favor and check the expiration dates.

Most of it’s fine, but every now and then you’ll find something that’s… let’s just say it’s been sitting there a little too long.

It only takes two seconds to flip it over and make sure you’re not buying stale crackers or sketchy canned soup. Better safe than stuck throwing it out later.

7. Compare Sizes

Not all items at Dollar Tree are the best deal per unit.

Be sure to compare the sizes and quantities of items with those at other stores.

Sometimes, larger packages elsewhere can be more cost-effective. Use a calculator if needed to determine the best buy.

Dollar Tree will NEVER tell you that sometimes buying in bulk at a discount grocery store (ALDI or Grocery Outlet Bargain Market) or Costco would be better in terms of cost per unit.

See Also: Dollar Tree is Raising Prices: Smart Tips to Fight Back

PRO TIP: PREGNANCY TESTS

Apparently the pregnancy tests at Dollar Tree get pretty good reviews.

They pass FDA standards and have the same accuracy numbers as more expensive tests. The worst part about Dollar Tree pregnancy tests is actually finding them as they tend to get bought up quickly when they are in stock.

8. Avoid Impulse Buys

Dollar Tree’s a trap if you’re not careful — you walk in for paper towels and somehow end up with 27 random things you didn’t even know you needed.

Stick to your list. Seriously.

Those $1.25 “just for fun” buys add up fast and next thing you know, you’ve spent $40 and forgot the one thing you actually came for.

Plan ahead, stay focused, and try not to get hypnotized by the seasonal aisle.

9. Visit Weekly

New stock arrives frequently at Dollar Tree, so regular visits can help you discover great deals before they’re gone.

Weekly trips ensure you’re up-to-date with the latest products and markdowns, giving you a better chance to snag the best items.

Check out their online weekly ad to help you figure what might be coming in next.

10. Check for Markdowns

Always check the clearance sections and markdown bins for extra savings.

These areas often contain overstocked or seasonal items at significantly reduced prices.

It’s a great way to find bargains on items you may need or want.

PRO TIP: READING GLASSES ARE A STEAL

For only $1.50, you can get a pretty decent pair of reading glasses in various magnifications from Dollar Tree.

And before you ask, they get pretty strong grades from AARP. Many drugstores like CVS and Rite-Aid sell reading glasses in the $7 – $10 range for basically the same glasses you can get from the Dollar Tree for only $1.50.

11. Purchase Party Supplies

Dollar Tree is a treasure trove for party supplies.

From balloons and streamers to plates and napkins, you can find everything you need to throw a great party without spending a fortune.

The wide selection allows you to coordinate themes and colors easily.

See Also: The 22 Best Buys You’ll Find at Dollar General

12. Save on Greeting Cards and Gift Wrap

Don’t even bother buying greeting cards or gift bags anywhere but Dollar Tree.

Seriously — why pay $6 for a card when you can get one for $1.25 and it says basically the same thing?

They’ve got cards, gift wrap, bags, tissue paper — all of it — for every birthday, holiday, whatever.

Stock up while you’re there so you’re not stuck panic-buying some $8 glitter bomb card last minute.

PRO TIP: CHANGE YOUR MINDSET

If your budget for a gift is $30, and you buy gift wrap and a card at Dollar Tree, you free up close to $10 to buy a more expensive gift for someone.

Afterall, gift wrap is suppose to be ripped and the card will get thrown away, so why spend big bucks on these things.

13. Use Reusable Bags

Bring your own bags to Dollar Tree — saves you a little money, saves the planet, saves you from juggling ten loose cans of soup in the parking lot.

Some places even give you a tiny discount for using your own bags (tiny, but hey, it adds up).

Plus, you’ll feel like you’ve got your life together when you’re not asking for five plastic bags for twelve items.

See Also: The Best Fast Food Dupes for Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and Five Guys

14. Purchase Generic Brands

Don’t sleep on Dollar Tree’s off-brand stuff — a lot of it’s just as good as the big-name stuff without the big-name price.

Cleaning supplies, snacks, shampoo — you can find solid basics under random labels you’ve never heard of, and honestly, most of the time you won’t even notice a difference.

Save your cash for stuff that actually matters, not paying extra just because the bottle looks fancier.

PRO TIP: TOILET BOWL CLEANER

Sure you can buy Lysol toilet bowl cleaner for $11.89 on Amazon, or opt for the Dollar Tree variety called The Works Basic that works just as well, if not better.

15. Buy Storage Solutions

Getting your house organized doesn’t have to cost a fortune — hit up Dollar Tree for all the bins, baskets, and random containers you could ever need.

They’ve got stuff for closets, pantries, bathrooms — whatever area’s driving you nuts.

Grab a few bucks’ worth and you’ll feel like you’ve got your life together without blowing half your paycheck at Target.

Cheap, easy, and honestly, everything looks way better when it’s just shoved into a matching bin.

16. Look for Educational Supplies

If you’re a teacher or a parent trying to stock up on learning stuff without going broke, Dollar Tree’s a goldmine.

They’ve got workbooks, flashcards, art supplies, classroom decorations — all the stuff kids burn through fast.

My wife teaches kindergarten and she basically lives at our local Dollar Tree — she’s there every week grabbing cheap craft supplies so her kids can glue glitter to literally everything without her blowing her whole paycheck. If you know, you know.

See Also: 50+ Places Where Teachers Get a Sweet Discount

17. Buy Health and Beauty Aids

Basic stuff like shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant — way cheaper at Dollar Tree than pretty much anywhere else.

It’s not fancy, but it works, and you’re not dropping $6 every time you need a new bottle of shampoo.

Grab a few extras while you’re there so your bathroom’s always stocked and you’re not running out and paying double somewhere else when you’re desperate.

PRO TIP: TOOTHPASTE HACK

I have a good friend who swears by the “sensitive teeth” toothpaste at Dollar Tree.

She skips the $10 tube of Sensodyne and is very happy with the Dollar Tree alternative, both in terms of taste and effectiveness.

18. Check the Dollar Tree App

If you’re serious about saving even more at Dollar Tree, just go ahead and download their app.

It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done — you’ll see deals, coupons, and what new stuff’s hitting the shelves before it’s all picked over.

Sometimes they even sneak in app-only discounts, so it’s totally worth having if you’re already shopping there anyway. One less excuse to miss a good deal.

19. Shop Online

If you don’t feel like fighting people in the store or you need a ton of stuff at once, hit up Dollar Tree’s website.

You can buy in bulk, which is awesome for party supplies, seasonal junk, or getting your life semi-organized without spending a fortune.

They even have some deals online you won’t always find in the store, which is wild.

Just heads up — sometimes you have to buy a whole case of something, so unless you really need 24 glow sticks, plan accordingly.

20. Seasonal Clearance

The best time to hit Dollar Tree for deals? Right after a holiday.

They slash prices on all the leftover stuff — decorations, party supplies, random gifts — and you can scoop it up for next to nothing.

Yeah, it feels kinda weird buying Christmas crap in January, but when December rolls around again and you’re already stocked, you’ll feel like a genius.

Grab it cheap, stash it somewhere, and future you will be very, very happy.

Ask the Reader: What tips for saving money at Dollar Tree do you want to add? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)