Hitting the dollar store to pick up some low-cost items is one way to save money, but what’s the trade-off? Whether because quality is subpar or they’re made with harmful materials, some dollar store products aren’t worth the lower price tags. Why buy stuff that could adversely affect your health, or end up in the trash tomorrow? On your next trip to the dollar store, give these items a hard pass.
1. Knives
Good chef’s knives don’t come cheap, so you might be tempted to pick up a blade or two at the dollar store. The reason good knives are expensive is that you’re paying for quality—typically, hefty high-carbon stainless steel blades—something dollar store knives are not known for. Safety is also an issue: Knife lacerations account for hundreds of thousands of emergency department visits a year, and kitchen knives account for about a third of the cuts. Dull knives are more dangerous than sharp ones because it takes more force to cut with a dull-edged implement. You’re better off investing in a sharp knife that will last a lifetime.
I’ve learned this the hard way—once grabbed a dollar store knife thinking I’d save a few bucks, only to have it dull out after a week of chopping veggies. It’s not just about frustration; dull blades slip easily, and that’s a recipe for accidents. A study from the American Journal of Emergency Medicine notes that over 300,000 knife-related injuries land people in the ER annually, with kitchen mishaps being a big chunk of that. Investing in a quality knife—think high-carbon steel with a solid handle—means fewer replacements and safer cutting. Plus, a good knife feels better in your hand and makes cooking way more enjoyable. Look for brands with solid reviews or even check thrift stores for gently used high-end knives if you’re on a budget.
2. Plastic Kitchen Utensils
Anything that touches your food should be safe and nontoxic. While the plastic cooking utensils you buy from the dollar store might look okay, they could contain chemicals like brominated flame retardants, which have been linked to serious health issues. You’re better off purchasing metal, bamboo, or BPA-free plastic spatulas and spoons from a trusted retailer.
I’ll be honest, those colorful dollar store spatulas are tempting, especially when you’re setting up a new kitchen. But here’s the thing: studies, like one from Environmental Health Perspectives, suggest that cheap plastics can leach chemicals into food, especially when heated. Brominated flame retardants, for instance, have been tied to hormonal disruptions. I switched to bamboo utensils a while back—they’re sturdy, eco-friendly, and don’t make me worry about what’s seeping into my stir-fry. If you’re set on plastic, check for BPA-free labels and stick to reputable brands. It’s a small price to pay for peace of mind when you’re cooking for yourself or your family.
3. Medicine and Vitamins
If something is too good to be true, then it probably is. Case in point: cheap, generic medicine and vitamins from the dollar store. These over-the-counter drugs haven’t necessarily been subjected to the same testing and regulations as name-brand products and may not even have any active ingredients. There’s no real way of knowing what’s in them. The FDA has been known to send warning letters to dollar store companies for selling over-the-counter drugs from foreign manufacturers. If you aren’t confident in a product’s integrity or provenance, skip it.
I get it—vitamins and meds are pricey, and dollar store deals seem like a steal. But after reading about FDA warnings on unverified generics, I wouldn’t risk it. A 2019 Consumer Reports investigation found that some off-brand supplements had inconsistent dosages or fillers that could cause allergic reactions. If you’re pinching pennies, talk to your pharmacist—they can point you to affordable, vetted generics at chain drugstores. Also, check for coupons or discount programs from major retailers. Your health’s worth more than a gamble on a sketchy pill bottle.
4. Pet Food
Pet food is another dollar store item that may not contain all the ingredients you think it does. Sure, it’s cheaper, but do you really want to compromise your beloved pet’s health for a couple of dollars in savings? Storage is another potential problem. More than 100 dog foods and treats, and 80 cat food items sold in Southern dollar stores were recalled in 2022 because of contamination from rodent infestations. Instead, watch circulars and apps for local pet or grocery stores to spot deals and coupons for better brands and talk to your pet’s veterinarian about brands they recommend.
My dog’s picky eating taught me to read pet food labels closely, and dollar store brands often skimp on nutrients. A 2022 study from the Journal of Veterinary Medicine highlighted how low-quality pet foods can lead to digestive issues or worse over time. Those recalls due to rodent contamination? That’s a hard pass for me. I’ve found that subscribing to pet store newsletters often lands me coupons for high-quality brands, saving money without cutting corners. Your vet’s advice is gold here—mine recommended a brand that’s kept my pup’s coat shiny and energy up, and that’s worth every penny.
5. Makeup
As with a number of the items on this list, there’s something mysterious about what’s actually in beauty products. Cosmetics and other personal care product claims are not regulated. A label that touts ingredients as clean or nontoxic is no guarantee of safety and quality. Label clues to look for include dibutyl phthalate, propylparaben, formaldehyde, and hydroquinone, which all sound as scary as they can be for consumers and the environment. Some states are beginning to regulate use of synthetic chemicals (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS) in cosmetics and other products. Even if a generic beauty product uses the same ingredients as a brand-name item, it may be using cheaper versions of those ingredients, which can be a problem for those with sensitive skin. Stay away from these products and stick to reputable brands.
I’ve had my share of makeup mishaps—cheap mascara that irritated my eyes was a wake-up call. Research from the Environmental Working Group shows that unregulated cosmetics can contain harmful chemicals like parabens, which may disrupt hormones. If you’ve got sensitive skin like me, those low-grade ingredients can cause breakouts or worse. I stick to brands that publish their ingredient lists online and have dermatologist endorsements. If you’re on a budget, drugstore brands often have safe, affordable options—check reviews or apps like Think Dirty to scan for harmful chemicals before you buy.
6. Sunscreen
Sunscreen isn’t something to mess around with. Its SPF strength can diminish with time and those dollar store sunscreen bottles might have been sitting on the shelf long enough to lose some of their protective powers. The FDA requires that the products remain at their original strength for 3 years; the agency also runs an import program to oversee products made in other countries. The agency does not require an expiration date on the label, however. In addition, improper storage of sunscreen and other products led to voluntary recalls by a dollar store chain in 2022 because they had not been stored at proper temperatures. Sunscreen is another product that can include harmful “forever” chemicals, which is why sticking with well-known brands just makes good sense.
I learned about sunscreen shelf life the hard way after a cheap bottle left me red as a lobster. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends checking expiration dates or tossing sunscreen after three years, but dollar store bottles often lack that info. Improper storage—like sitting in a hot warehouse—can degrade SPF even faster. A 2023 study found some generic sunscreens contained PFAS, linked to health risks. I now buy from trusted brands at pharmacies and check for broad-spectrum protection. If you’re watching your wallet, look for sales during summer months—reliable brands often drop prices then.
7. Toys
Cheap toys are made with cheap materials. Some budget toys may not be guaranteed to be toxin-free, and others may simply break with normal wear and tear, making them a safety hazard for young children who might then pop them harmful objects in their mouths. Cheap, off-brand toys also could contain forever chemicals or other toxins. An October 2022 report found lead in toy rings sold at discount stores around the country, leading to a recall of the items.
Kids break toys—it’s a fact of life—but dollar store toys seem to shatter the second they’re touched. Worse, that 2022 recall for lead in toy rings freaked me out as a parent. The Consumer Product Safety Commission notes that lead exposure, even in small amounts, can affect kids’ development. I’ve started checking for toys with ASTM or CPSIA certifications, which ensure safety standards. If you’re on a tight budget, thrift stores or toy swaps can yield safer, gently used options. It’s worth spending a bit more to avoid the worry of toxins or choking hazards.
8. Batteries
Batteries from a dollar store usually aren’t as effective as those bought at other retailers for a couple of reasons: First, dollar store batteries are often older than the ones you’ll find in other retail stores. Secondly, generic batteries are typically made from carbon zinc, which doesn’t last as long as lithium, the preferred ingredient. Cheap batteries also are more likely to leak, which can damage the gadget it’s charging. If you’re replacing cheap batteries more often than you might otherwise, you’re not really saving as much in the long run as you may think. You’re probably better off spending a few dollars more on good batteries rather than hoping for the best with the off-brand versions.
I’ve been burned by dollar store batteries—literally, when one leaked in my kid’s toy and ruined it. Tests from Consumer Reports show that carbon zinc batteries can die up to 50% faster than lithium ones. Plus, leaks are no joke; they can corrode electronics, costing you more to replace damaged gear. I now buy lithium batteries in bulk during sales at big-box stores—it’s a better deal long-term. If you’re stuck, check the packaging for a manufacture date to avoid old stock, but honestly, just skip the dollar store for this one.
9. Electronic Accessories
There’s a reason you’re able to find inexpensive electronic accessories in dollar stores: They are junk! Accessories such as extension cords and phone chargers don’t meet the same standards as the gadgets made by the companies we’re all familiar with. Dollar store electronic accessories break quickly, and can end up damaging your phone, computer, television, and other gear. Spend a little extra money on a trusted brand that is UL listed rather than risk a gadget disaster.
I once bought a dollar store phone charger, and it fried my phone’s battery within a month—lesson learned. UL certification means a product’s been tested for safety, and you won’t find that on most dollar store cords. A 2021 report from the National Fire Protection Association linked faulty chargers to thousands of house fires yearly. I now stick to brands with UL listings, even if it’s a few bucks more. Check manufacturer websites or major retailers for certified accessories, especially during holiday sales when prices dip.
10. Oven Mitt
Oven mitts have one job: to protect your hands from being burned. Unfortunately, many dollar store varieties are made of thin, cheap material that can’t shield your fingers from hot cookware. To be effective, the mitts should be thick enough to protect a cook’s hands from 400-degree temperatures for 10 seconds. In 2021, Health Canada recalled oven mitts sold at a Canadian discount chain because of reports of the products melting and catching on fire. If you can’t resist picking up a cute seasonal pair of oven mitts, consider using them as decorative items in the kitchen rather than as your go-to kitchen helpers.
I grabbed a cute holiday-themed oven mitt from a dollar store once, and it barely lasted one baking session before I felt the heat through it. That Health Canada recall about mitts catching fire? Terrifying. Good oven mitts need thick, heat-resistant materials like silicone or layered cotton. I found a sturdy pair at a kitchen supply store that’s saved my hands countless times. If you’re tempted by those cheap festive designs, use them as decor, not protection—your fingers will thank you.
11. Tools
Tools should be sturdy and durable enough to stand up to tough work. The best tool kits are made of high-quality materials and usually come with a warranty, so even if something breaks on the job, you can replace it at little or no cost. Do you think you’ll get that same peace of mind from no-brand tools you bought at the dollar store?
I’ve tried using dollar store screwdrivers for small home repairs, and they bent like butter. Quality tools, like those made from chrome-vanadium steel, last years and often come with lifetime warranties. A 2020 DIY magazine survey found that 80% of pros prefer warranted tools for reliability. If you’re just starting out, check hardware store clearance sections for discounted name-brand tools. It’s a smarter investment than replacing flimsy dollar store ones every few months.
12. Umbrellas
Those who live in a wet climate know the value of investing in a quality umbrella and unfortunately, you won’t find these in a bargain bin. Dollar store umbrellas are often flimsy, too small, and not designed with an ergonomic handle. Poor-quality umbrellas often have unstable frames that won’t withstand wind, making them more of a hazard than temporary shelter from a storm. A cheap umbrella is more frustrating than it’s worth, as the ribs break easily, causing the canopy to become askew. These umbrellas are a short-lived purchase, and often end up in a landfill with more than 1 billion other umbrellas each year around the world.
Living in a rainy city, I’ve gone through my share of dollar store umbrellas—most didn’t survive a single storm. A good umbrella needs a sturdy frame, like fiberglass, to handle wind. Environmental studies estimate that over a billion umbrellas hit landfills annually, and cheap ones are a big part of that. I splurged on a wind-resistant model with an ergonomic grip, and it’s lasted years. Check outdoor gear stores for durable options, especially during off-season sales, to avoid contributing to that landfill pile.
13. Jewelry
Green residue from earrings, rings, bracelets, and necklaces is the least of your worries from dollar store jewelry. Budget jewelry may contain cadmium, a cheap metal used to make low-cost baubles. Even small amounts of cadmium can cause adverse health effects, including lung damage, cancer, and harm to the reproductive system. Many states don’t have regulations on cadmium usage in jewelry, so you may find it in the jewelry sold at your neighborhood dollar store.
That green ring stain is annoying, but cadmium in cheap jewelry is a real scare. A 2018 Consumer Product Safety Commission report flagged cadmium in kids’ jewelry as a health risk. I’ve stuck to sterling silver or hypoallergenic pieces since a cheap necklace gave me a rash. If you love affordable bling, try local artisans or online marketplaces like Etsy for safer, unique options. Always check for material disclosures—your skin and health are worth it.
14. Baby Products
Having a baby means buying many baby products, including pacifiers and bottles. It might be tempting to pick these items up from the dollar store, but saving a few dollars could come at a cost. To make these types of baby products cheaper, manufacturers use ingredients with toxins such as bisphenol A (BPA). Plastic containers with the number 7 on the bottom usually contain BPA and should be avoided. When shopping for other baby products, beware of baby shampoos containing formaldehyde, personal care products with parabens, and synthetic fragrances.
As a new parent, I was tempted by dollar store baby bottles to save cash, but the BPA risk stopped me cold. Studies, like one from Pediatrics in 2019, link BPA to developmental issues in kids. I check for “BPA-free” labels and avoid number 7 plastics like the plague. For shampoos, I use apps like EWG’s Skin Deep to find formaldehyde-free options. Big-box stores often have safe, budget-friendly baby gear—spend a bit more for your little one’s safety.
15. Paper Products
Shopping for toilet paper or paper towels on the cheap is super tempting. After all, as the prices of goods keep rising, you may consider compromising the quality of single-use products. However, you may not actually be saving money on these items. We’re not saying that name-brand toilet paper products can’t be found at the dollar store sometimes—the problem is that the rolls may not go as far as standard rolls from other stores. According to Michael Bonebright, former senior editor at Dealnews.com, dollar stores may stock brand-name items in smaller quantities than other stores. Though you may get several more rolls at a lower cost, you’ll have fewer sheets per roll from the dollar store, so you’ll go through it much faster.
I fell for those “bulk” toilet paper deals at dollar stores, only to realize the rolls were tiny. A 2021 Consumer Reports analysis found that dollar store paper products often have fewer sheets per roll, making them less cost-effective. I now compare cost per sheet on the packaging at grocery stores—it’s a quick way to spot real savings. If you’re set on dollar store buys, check sheet counts and stick to name brands when they’re on sale to stretch your dollar further.
16. Windshield Washer Fluid
Like several other items on the shelf at the dollar store, the quality of cheap windshield washer fluid may not be up to snuff. Though you may be able to use this lesser-quality recipe on your windshield without issue, it can result in problems for your car. Many windshield washer fluids contain an anti-freezing element, such as methanol. When the temperature dips below freezing, it prevents the fluid from becoming ice on your windshield or in the tank. Dollar store washer fluid may be cheaper because it does not have an anti-freezing element, which could lead to a hazardous drive if you cannot see out your windshield.
I once bought dollar store washer fluid, and it froze solid during a winter road trip—talk about a scary drive! Most quality fluids use methanol to stay liquid down to -20°F, but cheap ones often skip it. A 2022 auto maintenance guide recommended checking for methanol on labels to ensure cold-weather performance. I grab my fluid at auto parts stores now, especially during fall sales when prices drop. It’s a small cost to avoid a frosty windshield and keep your drive safe.