I Grew Up Poor: Here Are 6 Things I Still Buy at the Dollar Tree

Some old habits die hard — and for good reason. If you grew up without a lot of money , you probably learned early which stores had the best deals. For a lot of people, one of those stores was Dollar Tree.

Find Out: The Best $20 You Can Spend at Dollar Tree This Summer

Learn More: How To Get $340 Per Year Cash Back on Gas and Other Things You Already Buy

“Growing up, money was tight for my family so I learned from an early age to be resourceful and strategic with my shopping,” said Michael Robert an expert in consumer trends, and a senior technical contributor at GTA Boom . “Dollar stores like Dollar Tree were a godsend. They allowed me to decorate for holidays or host friends without breaking the bank. Being strategic was so important growing up, and Dollar Tree allows you to get creative while still being mindful of your wallet. Even today, it’s one of my favorite places to shop when I need certain items.”

Robert is not alone. Lots of people who grew up in an environment where money was tight, then came into more money as they got older, agreed that Dollar Tree still has great deals. Here is what they said they still buy at Dollar Tree even though they can afford other stores.

Seasonal Decorations

As Robert said, he appreciates that Dollar Tree sells decorations at a reasonable price so he can be festive for the holidays.

“It’s so fun to transform your space for each holiday, but between Halloween bats, Easter eggs and Christmas trees, it can add up fast if you’re not careful. Dollar Tree lets you get really creative and festive without spending a fortune. [Its] selection is huge too, so you’re sure to find exactly the right pieces to match your vision.”

For example, if you’re looking to get balloons for your 4th of July party, Dollar Tree is selling star balloons for $1.50 each. Star balloons that look pretty much the same are going for $3.99 each at Michaels. There is no reason to spend more money on something for a party that you’re just going to end up throwing away eventually.

Explore More: I’m a Sam’s Club Superfan: These Are the 5 Highest-Quality Member’s Mark Food Items

Decorative Elements

Dollar Tree isn’t just good for seasonal decorations. Robert goes to Dollar Tree to pick up pieces that can help spruce up his living space for guests all year long.

“Specialty items that you may only use once in a while, like nice vases for a dinner party centerpiece, are perfect for Dollar Tree too. Instead of forking over more money somewhere else for something you likely won’t reuse that often, Dollar Tree lets you put together a beautiful table for guests without wasting your funds.”

Take a vase for example. It’ll cost you $1.25 for a 7-inch glass vase at Dollar Tree. An 8-inch vase at Walmart is almost twice the price at $2.97.

Greeting Cards and Gift Wrap

Cindy Ngo is the founder of The Money Dreamer and said her parents were strict about how they spent money growing up because they didn’t have a lot to lose.

“I would go to Dollar Tree a lot since the prices there were better than the other stores around me.”

To this day, Ngo still buys greeting cards at Dollar Tree.

“The cards at Dollar Tree are nice and cost only $1. Sometimes, I can buy two cards for just $1.”

Ngo added that gift wrap is also a good buy at Dollar Tree.

“Whenever I get invited to special events like birthday parties, I buy gift bags there to put my presents in. I also buy gift wrap there since they are small and the perfect size for me to wrap everyone’s gifts.”

Robert agreed, saying he still prefers to buy cards for occasions at Dollar Tree.

“As anyone with a large social circle knows, keeping up with all those birthday wishes, thank you notes and more can burn through cash in no time if you’re not buying in bulk. Dollar Tree has the most amazing variety of cards for any occasion, all for just $1.25 each. It makes it really easy to express gratitude or celebrate milestones without breaking the bank.”

For reference, a birthday card at Walmart can cost more than $9. It’s more about what you write inside anyway, so why waste the money on what’s on the front?

Cleaning Supplies

Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, the CEO of Online Games , said when he was growing up, money was not abundant.

“Having been raised in a household where every penny counted, I naturally became quite aware of the significance of economical spending.”

He said cleaning supplies are what he still stocks up on to this day at Dollar Tree.

“The range of all-purpose cleaners, sponges, and brushes are not only cost-effective but also rival the performance of higher-priced alternatives in terms of quality.”

Robert agreed: “Their cleaning supplies are also a godsend. Rags, paper towels, cleaners — everything you need to tidy your home on a budget.”

At Walmart, a toilet bowl brush can cost you $4.98, and that’s on sale. You can pick up one at Dollar Tree for just $1.25.

Kitchen Items

“My kitchen is equipped with essentials from the store too,” Cristian-Ovidiu said of Dollar Tree. “The storage solutions and utensils they offer are both sturdy and functional, [which is] quite ideal for someone who enjoys cooking as much as I do if I do say so myself.”

Walmart sells five meal prep food containers for $3.97. At Dollar Tree, you can get four for just $1.25.

Bathroom Staples

Cristian-Ovidiu also said he prefers to buy his bathroom essentials at Dollar Tree now.

“I find these items extremely reliable and considerably more affordable than what you’d find at other outlets.”

For example, if you buy a 6-ounce tube of Colgate toothpaste at Walmart, you can spend $4.97. At Dollar Tree, you can pick up a 6-ounce tube of Ultra Brite toothpaste for just $1.25. You can stock up on toothpaste for months for the price you’ll pay for name brand one tube at Walmart.

Prices and availability are accurate as of June 24, 2024, and are subject to change.

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com : I Grew Up Poor: Here Are 6 Things I Still Buy at the Dollar Tree