10 Dollar Store Items That Aren’t Even Worth the Buck

Sometimes the dollar store is the best place to shop if you are looking for a bargain. great place to snag deals. Even if they are only $1, you may be tempted just to get them.

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You might want to reconsider before you buy certain items. Since the mid-2010s, dollar stores have come under scrutiny. Studies have been done to question the quality and safety of the items sold. Campaign for Healthier Solutions has released a report in 2021 that shows that although some house-label items have seen improvements in quality, others still contain “chemicals to concern.”

If you don’t understand what you are getting into, dollar store deals can be terrible. It is possible to compromise on safety or quality, so even $1 may not be the best price for what you get. Read on to see which dollar store items you’re better off without.

Dollar Store Electronics

Consumer savings expert says it’s best not to shop in electronics at a dollar store. Andrea Woroch.

She said that “most electronics that plug into are junk and don’t last long, particularly HDMI cords or power strips.” For cheaper prices, it is best to buy electronics from an authorized electronic retailer or online store such as Amazon.com.

In a previous safety report on dollar stores, extension cords and USB cables were found to have high levels of chlorine. This was done by the Ecology Center and Campaign for Healthier Solutions. This indicated that the cords were made from polyvinyl chloride plastic (or PVC). The research also suggested that this chemical could be cancer-causing.

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Dollar Store Hand Sanitizer

According to the Food and Drug Administration, some hand sanitizers sold at dollar stores contain methanol (alternatively known as wood alcohol). This can lead to dangerous side effects such as cancer. The effects of prolonged exposure to methanol include blurred vision, headaches, seizures, permanent blindness and even death.

Plastic Cooking Utensils from Dollar Store

If you are looking for a place to host a summer block party, or a barbeque, the dollar store is your best bet. Before you run to the aisle of plastic cooking utensils, pause.

Bromine can be found in plastic cooking utensils purchased at dollar stores, such as spatulas, slotted spoons, and the like. These BFRs have been linked with cancer, obesity, and diabetes according to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Save your money by purchasing stainless steel cooking tools of higher quality.

Dollar Store Toys

To keep your children happy, it might seem tempting to get a few dollars worth of toys. A doll or action figure can be purchased for a dollar at a dollar shop, but the toys have a short life span.

Woroch stated that many toys sold in dollar stores are made in China. They are not tested by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. For children younger than 3, pieces can break easily and become swallowed. It’s not worth the cost of a trip to the ER if you can save a few bucks.

Dollar Store Tools

A $1 hammer may sound great, but you won’t keep it in your toolbox long.

Bob Vila, home-repair expert and author of The Home Repair Guru recommends that you avoid tools purchased at the dollar store due to poor manufacturing quality and the risk of them breaking, causing injury. The website suggests buying a kit of higher quality that comes with a warranty.

Dollar Store Knives

You’ll need a knife that can do the job when you’re cooking in the kitchen. Woroch says that a knife purchased at the dollar store might not perform as well as it should.

Some items, such as food storage containers, can be a good purchase in the kitchen section. She said that knives are a no-no as these will not be sharp and can prove to be dangerous. A knife bought at a dollar store may not be a smart investment.

Dollar Store Batteries

Batteries are one thing we all need, but don’t want to spend too much on. Woroch says that it’s better to spend the money on batteries at another retailer than at a dollar shop. They are often duds.

She stated that cheap batteries can leak and damage your gadgets. These batteries can be purchased at the warehouse for the best price or you can use a coupon.

Dollar Store Back-to-School Supplies

When it is time for the kids to go back to school, parents rejoice. The laundry lists of school supplies that parents need to purchase are something they may not be thrilled about.

While a dollar store may seem like a good choice, it is possible to beat the $1 price by waiting for back–to-school sales at large-box stores and shopping at specials at office supplies stores like Office Max or Staples. For comparable items, you’ll likely receive a better bulk price and quality.

Dollar Store Pet Food and Treats

Avoid buying pet food from dollar stores when you have four-legged relatives. Woroch stated that many people have discovered that feeding a dog cheap food or chewables can lead to a severely ill pet.

Pay attention to expiration dates for dollar store pet food as well as the ingredients list. This is just like any other food product. If your pet has special dietary requirements, it is a good idea to stick with name-brand pet food. You may also discover that big-box stores offer more value for money.

Dollar Store Makeup, Toiletries, and Medicines

Sometimes, it’s safer to be safe rather than sorry. You might not find any problems with these products, but you may want to be cautious.

Trae Bodge, a shopping expert, stated that “I would not recommend these products.” “You won’t be able to recognize the brands. And if you do, the products may have been there for a long time.”

Even makeup that is past its expiration date can lose effectiveness.

The FDA sent a warning to a dollar-store chain in November 2019 that highlighted “multiple violations” of current food manufacturing practice at places where certain cosmetics and drugs were manufactured.

More Information from GOBankingRates

Jami Farkas This article was contributed by the authors.

This article was originally published on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Dollar Store Items That Aren’t Even Worth the Buck