For over a decade now, my favorite store has been… Dollar Tree! Whether it was field trips, vacations, road trips, or last-minute gifts this was my go-to store! Contrary to popular opinion, inexpensive doesn’t always equate to bad quality. Countless items in their store are of great quality. And for the ones that aren’t, it lasts as long as you need. For instance, birthday decorations typically are only needed for a day. Instead of spending $100 on items you’ll never use again, you can spend $10 and decorate an entire house. I know from experience!
Additionally, I’ve always considered Dollar Tree the superior Dollar store. Because unlike others everything was a dollar. You enter thinking you’ll only buy a few items and you exit with a bunch. But it is worth it! However, this store delivered devastating news a few years ago. They went from a dollar to $1.25 and up. To some, they might think this isn’t a big deal. As for me, the fun of this store was knowing each thing is the same price. Which made it easier to avoid overspending. Now I’m always thrown off by the total.
I hope that they at least went up on their employee’s salaries as well. It seems like every location only has one or two people at the cash register. And when the store is full and lines are packed, these workers look so defeated. Maybe Dollar Tree compensates them well?
(I genuinely don’t know anything about the company.)
What I do know is they have great products that keep me coming back every week! And if I’ve learned anything about shopping here: if you find something great, buy it ASAP. Because you may never see it again. Believe me, I’m not exaggerating they have on their shelves, “get it before it’s gone.” Trust me, this isn’t some sales tactic. Some items they sell are from big brands that didn’t sell out.
(Between you and I, they were selling a “controversial” item in 2023. If you are in Gen Z, you may know about it. All I’ll say is… that was the best condiment I have ever tasted! My lord, I wish I could find something like it. I was so blessed to find/buy six or seven bottles before the item was discontinued. If I had the money, I would’ve bought many more bottles. Oh well, at least I got to try it.
So, without further ado, I present to you,
Dollar Tree: Five Must Finds
Number 5: Light Bulb
I’ve had this lamp for over five years, and the light bulb I installed back then, lasted just as long. Although, at some point last year one went out, and there were no replacement bulbs in the closet. So, I went to Dollar Tree and picked up one of the fewest bulbs they sold. I got home around nightfall, so it was the perfect time to try it out. Oh my gosh, I was blown away at how elegant it looked. It made this cheap $20 lamp look like it was $200. Immediately I went back to the store and purchased a second one. The only downside is that it may not be as energy-efficient as the original bulbs I purchased. However, it’s perfect for my lamp because I only occasionally use it. Nevertheless, it makes me feel happy when I look at it. Quite astonishing how something so small, made a drastic difference.
Number 4: Oil 
As someone who has combination skin (oily and dry), I typically avoid oil because it’s typically too heavy. Well, last year I was dealing with some intense spiritual warfare but God led me to make anointed oil. When walking down the aisle, I noticed the Vitamin E body oil, I purchased it and anointed it and the product itself worked perfectly. It’s lightweight, has little fragrance, little glimmer, and has never clogged my pores. And I’ve been using it for months!
About a week ago, I bought the Coconut Body Oil, and it is the complete opposite. It’s heavier, has a beautiful strong scent, strong glimmer, but after my first use, it did clog a pore. However, because of the other perks, I will continue to use it in areas where my pores never clog. Overall, these are oils I recommend. At one location they sell out very fast, I guess it’s more popular than I know.
Number 3: White-out Tape 
Normally, it’s hard to find these in the store, each location usually has one or the other but rarely both. Both of them are a blessing to me whenever I write, I prefer these offer their inferior liquid form. The only downside is that you must firmly press down when applying to paper, or else it will scrap up when you write.
Number 2: Gel Pens 
I’ve been creative writing for over seven years. And I refuse to do so, without a 0.7mm Gel Pen. These pour out ink magnificently, it glides across the page and never causes my hands to cramp up, no matter how long I write. So, I always buy a new pack, once the ink runs out. The only downside is that these may not always be in stock. There was a lengthy season when Dollar Tree stopped selling them, and I dreaded using a ballpoint when writing my stories. I don’t even like to type them the majority of the time because it feels more personal and intimate when it’s just me and my creativity. Fortunately, they made a return and I always buy all three packs just to have some on standby, if they ever stop selling them again.
Number 1: Cleanser 
I have been struggling with acne for since my teen year, and I have tried nearly every famous product you’ve heard. But when money was running short, I thought I’d give this item a try. When I looked at the label I was impressed by what contained and didn’t contain. And as someone who has done extensive research on the subject, I know great ingredients when I see them.
Tea Tre oil
Salicylic Acid
AHA & BHA with Hyaluronic acid
Silicone free
Fragrance free
Paraben free
Phthalates free
Sulfate free
I am amazed that I haven’t needed any additional products for my skin. No, toner, moisturizer, spot cream etc. However, this is solely good at keeping my skin from having severe breakouts. To get scars or dot spots removed, I will certainly need to use stronger products. But for now, this does the (9 to 5) job!
Alright, this concludes my Dollar Tree Five Must Find’s list. Truth be told, I could share many more products. I know the store very well. When I went out of ten last year, all gas stations had marked-up snacks. Oh, but when I found a nearby Dollar Tree — I rejoiced! I went in and found all the snacks I needed and wanted.
If you’ve never shopped at Dollar Tree, just know the upkeep varies by location. For instance, in my area, two are barely stocked and things are disorganized. But the other two are neat and everything looks presentable. So I would encourage you to visit at least three locations because some stores get different items than others.
And as I stated earlier, Dollar Tree items come and go. As a matter of fact, it’s time for me to do the same.
Bye! Until next time!