The trash bags and plastic storage bags at the chain have not impressed me much.
I'd rather spend a little more to get higher-quality tools, kitchen gadgets, and candles.
As a mom of two teenagers, I try to stress to my kids that it's never a bad idea to save money where you can.
One way I've done so is by shopping at the discount chain Dollar Tree for the past two decades. It's been my favorite place to grab household essentials at low prices.
I've been happy with spices, batteries, face masks, and other basics I've purchased there for $1.25 or $1.50 — way less than I've paid at other big-box stores.
However, there are a few Dollar Tree items I've found to be not worth my time or money. As a frequent shopper, here are a few things I don't buy from the discount chain.
I'd rather get my candles elsewhere.
Terri Peters
I enjoy burning scented candles in my home, but I've found that the ones sold at Dollar Tree are just OK.
In my experience, Dollar Tree's candles smell great in the store but don't seem to emit much fragrance when lit at home. They can also burn very quickly.
I'd rather spend a few more dollars to get a better-quality candle from somewhere else, like Target or Aldi.
Although I skip the chain's plastic toys, Dollar Tree has some great activity options for kids.
Terri Peters
My kids may be teenagers now, but I remember all too well when they were small, and they'd ask to get a toy on our Dollar Tree shopping trips.
My answer was no if they were looking at the toy section filled with flimsy plastic items that didn't seem designed to last more than a few weeks.
Instead, I'd direct my kids to pick out something else from the discount chain, like craft supplies, sidewalk chalk, modeling clay, or coloring books.
Dollar Tree has a great selection of these items, which encourage kids to use their creativity and are less likely to end up in the donation bin after a week.
In my experience, tools are worth investing in.
Terri Peters
Over the years, I've purchased screwdrivers, pliers, and other tools at Dollar Tree that broke after a few uses or in the middle of a DIY project.
Although the prices here are tempting upfront, I'd rather invest in more expensive, built-to-last tools I can use for years to come.
Still, some of the chain's hardware section is worth checking out. I've been happy with the nails, screws, and stick-on wall hooks I've bought at Dollar Tree.
The garbage bags have not impressed me.
Terri Peters
With a house full of teenagers and pets, I need durable garbage bags that'll make it from our kitchen to our outdoor trash area without making a mess.
Sadly, the trash bags I've purchased at Dollar Tree have not held up as well as pricier ones from more recognizable brands. I'd rather spend a few more dollars on trash bags so I can worry less about potential rips and holes.
The disposable plastic storage bags aren't for me, either.
Terri Peters
Whether we're packing snacks for a trip or storing dinner leftovers, our family needs our plastic bags to be sturdy and really reliable. So, I skip the ones at Dollar Tree.
Despite the tempting price, I find they can rip quite easily, and, if they have seals, they don't hold very well.
I'll skip most of the kitchen gadgets and utensils.
Terri Peters
I've stopped buying knives, flatware, and kitchen tools at Dollar Tree. Many of the ones I've tried have been more flimsy than I'd prefer, and some have bent or broken during use.
That said, these budget-friendly options can be great if you're looking for somewhat disposable kitchen items that can be tossed after a few uses — maybe basics for an outdoor cooking area or to keep by the grill.
The food-storage containers haven't lived up to my expectations.
Terri Peters
I'm a big fan of buying food storage containers that are inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to replace if they get lost. After all, I have two teens and a husband who use these to take meals out into the world almost daily.
Unfortunately, the ones I've tried from Dollar Tree haven't met my expectations. In my opinion, they crack pretty easily and just don't feel as high-quality as low-cost options I've bought at stores like Target or Walmart.
I'd rather purchase my paper goods elsewhere.
Terri Peters
Paper goods are essential in any household, from sturdy paper towels to clean up kitchen messes to soft tissues for cold and flu season.
Dollar Tree has many options, but offerings I've tried from the chain have let me down so far, from too-thin toilet paper to tissues that feel scratchy on the nose.
I prefer to purchase my paper goods elsewhere and stick with my family's tried-and-true labels. By buying in bulk or looking for sales, I can often find paper towels and other basics at comparable prices anyway.