10 Things You Should Always Buy at a Dollar Store

According to Consumer Reports, shopping at Dollar General, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, or 99¢ Only can save you an average of 29% over national brands. These savings help explain why Dollar General's fastest-growing group of new customers earn $70,000 or more. Everyone wants to save money. While it's true that dollar stores don't always offer the lowest prices, here are 10 purchases you can count on to save you money.

1. School (and office) supplies

Whether you're constantly buying school supplies for the kids or have a home office, you know how quickly you can burn through pens, pencils, crayons, notebook paper, tape, glue, and other similar supplies. Fortunately, many dollar stores have an entire aisle dedicated to all things school and office. You may even want to turn to a dollar store for larger items, like book bags and lunch boxes.

2. Cleaning supplies

It's possible to clean your home for a fraction of the price by purchasing cleaning supplies at one of the 22,000-plus discount dollar stores nationwide. Whether you're looking for toilet bowl cleaner, cleaning rags, or a mopping solution, dollar stores have you covered.

3. Candy

If you haven't been in a dollar store recently, you might not know that most stores have a shockingly large selection of candy. So next time you bribe the kids or indulge your sweet tooth, you can pay less by checking out a dollar store.

4. Greeting cards

If you're keeping an eye on your checking account and are shocked by the sky-high prices on today's greeting cards, you'll be glad to know that dollar stores offer a great selection. Instead of paying up to $10 for a single card, you can pick up a perfectly lovely card for $1.

5. Gift bags

If you pick up a 13" Hallmark gift bag at Kohl's, you'll pay $6. Fortunately, you can still find a great selection for $1 each at most dollar stores. Even at "dollar" stores that don't strictly stick with $1 price tags, you can still purchase gift bags for less than one-third the price you would pay elsewhere.

6. Party supplies

If you're throwing a party, you know that nearly everything you buy -- including crepe paper streamers, paper plates, paper cups, and candles -- will only be used once before they're tossed in a bin somewhere. Why pay more than necessary for one-time-use products, especially when you can purchase them at a dollar store?

7. Storage containers

Whether you've always been into organizing or are planning to give your entire home a makeover, you'll want to check out the prices on storage containers at a dollar store. For example, Dollar General sells woven plastic storage bins for $1, making it easy -- and inexpensive -- to organize small toys, under-sink kitchen supplies, or personal care items.

8. Vases and flower pots

While many of the best deals at dollar stores involve one-time-use products like wrapping paper and party supplies, more permanent products available at many dollar stores are vases and flower pots. Whether you're looking for a vase for your kitchen or flower pots for your patio, checking a dollar store first could pay off nicely.

9. Toiletries for guests

If you're one of those hosts who works hard to make guests feel comfortable, you can put an impressive basket of supplies together for a song at a dollar store. Pick up a wicker basket or small container on one aisle and fill it with a spare toothbrush, floss, small shampoo and conditioner, and other everyday items a guest to your home may forget to bring. It's an easy way to impress people without spending more than $10.

10. Deodorant

If you or a partner are into sports or you have teenagers at home, you know how much deodorant your household goes through in one year. Deodorant is another product most dollar stores stock at a deep discount. If you're going to pay more for something, it probably ought to be something fun. When was the last time you heard someone describe deodorant as fun?

Whether you're trying to put more money in savings or working hard to pay off debt, discounts are just one of the reasons to visit a dollar store. In most stores, there's a constant turnover of products, meaning you always have something new to look at. After all, you never know when you'll need a cute pair of reading glasses or a holiday-themed serving platter.