I’m a Dollar Tree Superfan: 6 Things I’d Rather Spend More on at Walmart

Dollar Tree seems like a treasure trove of bargains. Almost everything is just a dollar (and change), right? But sometimes that rock-bottom price comes at a cost. Quality often suffers. Durability takes a hit. And in the long run, you might end up spending more to replace items that just don’t last.

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Sometimes spending more upfront can save you money and hassle down the line. And Walmart is a great place to do that. Not everything at Walmart is a better deal, but below are some products where it makes sense to skip the dollar store and head to Walmart instead. You might be surprised at how much more value you can get for just a few extra bucks.

Here’s what one Dollar Tree superfan would rather buy at Walmart .

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Gift Bags

A gift bag from Dollar Tree might look fine at first glance. But the paper feels flimsy, and the handles can start to tear as soon as you put the gift inside. It might not even make it to the party in one piece.

Heather Kaley, a self-professed “dollar store shopping guru” and mother of three from Winter Garden, Florida, said, “Walmart gift bags are sturdier and stronger. Dollar store ones tend to fall apart.”

Walmart’s gift bags are a whole different story. They come in a variety of sizes and designs. You can actually reuse these bags for multiple gifts. Plus, they often come in multipacks. This means you’re getting more bang for your buck in the long run.

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Fragrance Sprays

Dollar Tree air fresheners might smell OK, but they don’t last, Kaley said, who buys the Glade automatic spray refills “because Walmart ones last longer — close to 60 days, rather than at dollar stores where they last like 10 days.”

At Walmart, you’ll find a wider selection of fragrance sprays. The scents are more nuanced and they last longer too. Brands like Febreze and Glade offer concentrated formulas. This means you need fewer sprays to freshen a room. Some even have odor-eliminating properties. They don’t just mask smells — they actually get rid of them.

Napkins

Napkins seem like a no-brainer for buying cheap. But Dollar Tree napkins can be a letdown. They’re often thin and fall apart easily, so you end up using more of them to get the job done.

“Napkins from Dollar Tree are paper thin and shred easily,” Kaley said. “It would be an embarrassment to use them with company.”

Walmart offers napkins that are softer and more absorbent. They come in larger packs too. This means you’re getting more napkins for your money. Look for options made from recycled materials if you’re environmentally conscious. Some brands even offer decorative designs. These are perfect for parties or holiday dinners.

Dish Towels

A good dish towel should be absorbent and durable. Dollar Tree towels often miss the mark on both counts. They might look OK on the shelf. But after a few washes, they start to fall apart. And they don’t even absorb water well, making drying a load of dishes more trouble than it needs to be.

“Fabric dish towels that you can use in the kitchen to dry dinner items,” Kaley said. “Shop for them at Walmart because the ones at dollar stores, the material is flimsy, not absorbent and cannot survive several trips in the laundry.”

Walmart’s selection of dish towels is much more impressive. You’ll find options made from high-quality cotton or microfiber. These materials are super absorbent. They stand up to repeated washings without losing their shape or effectiveness. Some even come with hanging loops for easy storage. They cost more upfront, they’ll last much longer than the dollar store versions.

Picture Frames

Picture frames are meant to showcase your memories. But Dollar Tree frames can cheapen the look of your photos. They feel flimsy, and the backing might not even hold your picture securely.

“Picture frames are poor quality at the dollar store,” Kaley said. “They tend to break easily, especially in the back where you need to remove the cardboard to insert the picture behind the glass. The little tabs often fall apart or break off rendering the frame useless.”

At Walmart, you’ll find a much wider range of picture frame options. There are wooden frames, metal frames and even ornate designs for special occasions. Your photos are more secure. You’ll pay a little more than a dollar, but these frames will enhance your photos rather than detract from them.

Hair Detangling Spray

Anyone with long or curly hair knows the importance of a good detangling spray. Dollar Tree versions might seem like a bargain, but they might not even do much to actually detangle your locks, Kaley said.

“I always purchase hair detangling spray at Walmart,” she said. “Dollar store brands are watered down and do not smell as nice. Moreover, it does not take the knots out as well as the Equate brand at Walmart.”

Your hair will thank you for spending a little extra on a quality product.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I’m a Dollar Tree Superfan: 6 Things I’d Rather Spend More on at Walmart