This is a fine post which enlightened us about some more stuff available at $ stores that have questionable quality.We were not aware about the quality of the electrical items available at $ stores. Thanks to your link from Consumer Reports.

Though Mrs. Badger has switched to $ stores for soaps, we still have doubts about the quality of cosmetics and soaps sold at a $ store. Usually we stay away from them.

Thanks once again for this great post and a honorable mention to our post.

Cheers,

FIRE Finance

I've bought food at dollar stores with no ill effects. My dog gets green beans with his dinner everyday and $.50 a can is a good deal. He gets 2 tablespoons with each meal so the beans last a while. He also gets canned salmon with his meds. I wouldn't eat it but he loves it. I can't see spending high amounts in the regular grocery store for these items. Also, it's a great place for paper products. The  best one is The Dollar Tree because everything's a dollar or 2 items for $.50.

If the food is made in the US, it should be fine.  I've noticed with canned vegetables that there may be more stems and stuff in there, but, none of that will hurt you - sliced carrots may be smaller, etc. I have yet to be poisoned!  Cleaning products tend to be more watery.  Some foreign made goods, like toys from China, that were sold in retail stores contained lead and were recalled.  If they're not immune from shoddy goods, neither are the dollar stores.  Always check electical products for UL approval regardless of where they are purchased.

I was just at Dollar Tree today.  It's great for some household items, also dog treats, I usually stick with brands I recognize, such as Milk Bones.  A lot of their products are just discontinued.  And yes a lot of their store brand products are made in China, but so are most of the products at Target and especially Wal-Mart, so why spend 3 or 4 times as much for basically the same products.

I just spent a day cleaning out my parents storage room. If I had a dime for every dollar store product I had to throw away, I would be eating steak rather than mac'n cheese tonight. Yes it is great to buy a plastic tub for $1 or a basket for buck, but.....

Things are only a bargain if you need them.

Jo G., please be careful feeding your dog canned vegetables.  They usually contain a lot of sodium, which can cause kidney problems.  I use frozen string beans, nuke them in the microwave for about 30 sec., my dogs love them.  When my local grocery store does its 10 for 10 sale, I usually stock up.

Depends on the .99 store, in NYC I was able to get organic milk from a well known organic farmer for .99/liter. Customers have to remember that some of the products these stores sell are close-outs and also sometimes the trick is simply that you get less of the name-brand item for .99.

Other things from dollar stores that are worth it: gift wrap, paper and party goods.

Does anyone remember the old saying 'you get what you pay for?'

I use dollar stores for disposable things - rags, sponges, note pads, wrapping paper, tape, bathtub liners, shower curtain hooks (which make excellent CAT TOYS!), wooden spoons, paper napkins, etc. I also buy some foods, especially if they are the same brands as I find in bulk warehouse stores like EXPect or JobLots. But you must always check the food expiration dates because dollar stores often receive foodstuffs that will expire in a short time hence. They usually have not yet expired, but they might in six months.  If I want electricals or metal cooking utensils I go to a thrift shop run by a reputable organization, like GoodWill or Salvation Army, because items are usually examined for safety/cracks etc.

Other things from dollar stores that are worth it: gift wrap, paper and party goods ++

practicing books for kids, folders, yarn, placemats, shower gels, candle holders, garden supplies, kitchen towels, garbage bags,  etc., etc.

I do not buy food from dollar store. Not for us, not for pets. Period.