Nine Top Dollar Store Deals

Dollar stores have been around for some time now, but not as popular as they are today with the economy in the doldrums. Every family is looking for ways to save dollars and keep more of it to survive through today's tough times. Dollar stores provide one of the best ways to shave off the cost of brand name items.

Dollar stores are not just for the poor and destitute. If you haven't checked out what they sell, you might find some common products you are currently buying elsewhere for a lot less at the dollar store. Many items of comparable quality are less expensive. And many products are up to 70% less than comparable items sold at drugstores and supermarkets.

The deals you are likely to find are non-food items, though you will find chocolate bars, canned fruit and canned pasta. Even without food items you will find plenty of deals on your next visit to the dollar store.

Cleaning Products: Not only are they cheaper, but they often are as effective in cleaning your home. Some generic and off-brand products are made by large brand-name manufacturers, but at a dollar or two, they add up to considerable savings. Dish washing liquid, soaps, air fresheners and floor cleaners can help keep your home sparkling clean.

Food and Snacks: You'll find bread bread, chips, candy, gum and cookies that sell for 50% less than they sell elsewhere. Pasta, canned soups and stews at a buck cost less than at the supermarket. If you love going to the movies and snacking, buy your chips and chocolate at the dollar store first.

Personal Hygiene Products: Shampoo doesn't vary much in ingredients to what you find on the supermarket shelves. If you need quality, buy conditioners at the drug store as they tend to have better quality ingredients. Soaps, bath oils and beads, sponges, body lotions, tooth brushes and paste are cheaper at the dollar store.

Holiday Supplies: Gift bags, wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, threads< Halloween masks and Christmas candy are often one-purchase items and cheaper at the dollar store. You can find amusing Valentine's, Birthday and Christmas cards at a fraction of standard cards.

Children's Supplies: Crayons, coloring books, glues, binders and hobby crafts are cheaper. You can save yourself a good deal on reading books and picture books that cater to pre-schoolers and for different reading levels.

School Supplies: They include paper, pencils, markers, binders, notepads, staples and organizers for children and teenagers.

Containers: Both glass and plastic for storage don't require buying expensive items at Wal-Mart. Fabric lined and straw baskets and convenient food storage containers are usually priced around 70% less than at other stores.

Kitchen and Garden Supplies: Cutlery, spatulas, egg timers, measuring cups, graters and many other products used in the kitchen can be purchased at little cost. While gardening tolls are lower quality, they do help if you're not doing much garden work. Hand spades, seeds, gloves and other supplies can help you start growing your own food which will save much more money than the produce you buy at the grocer's.

Knick Knacks: Candle holders, salt and pepper shakers, garlands, reeds, picture frames and some art supplies are cheaper but do make good presents if your budget doesn't allow for a lot of spending.

Far from being stores that cater only to the poor, dollar stores provide a great way to trim excess expenditures from and help promote savings. You'll salt away more money, a great bonus in today's struggling economy.