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Dollar Tree seems to be a treasure trove of bargains. Almost everything is just a dollar (and change), right? But sometimes that rock-bottom price comes at a price. Quality often suffers. Durability suffers. And in the long run, you may end up spending more to replace items that just don’t last.
Sometimes you can save money and hassle by spending more up front. And Walmart is a great place to do that. Not everything at Walmart is a better deal, but below are some products where it makes sense to avoid the dollar store and head to Walmart instead. You’ll be surprised at how much more you can get for just a few dollars more.
Here’s what a huge Dollar Tree fan would rather buy at Walmart.
Gift bags
A gift bag from Dollar Tree may look good at first glance. But the paper feels thin and the handles can tear as soon as you put the gift inside. It may not even make it to the party in one piece.
Heather Kaley, a self-professed “dollar store shopping guru” and mother of three from Winter Garden, Florida, said, “Walmart gift bags are sturdier and stronger. The ones from the dollar store tend to fall apart.”
Walmart’s gift bags are a different story. They come in a variety of sizes and styles. You can actually reuse these bags for multiple gifts. Plus, they often come in multi-packs, meaning you get more for your money in the long run.
Fragrance sprays
Dollar Tree’s air fresheners may smell good, but they don’t last very long, says Kaley, who buys Glade’s automatic spray refills “because Walmart’s last longer — almost 60 days. At dollar stores, they only last about 10 days.”
You’ll find a wider selection of air fresheners at Walmart. The scents are more nuanced and last longer, too. Brands like Febreze and Glade offer concentrated formulas, meaning you’ll need fewer sprays to freshen a room. Some even have odor-eliminating properties. They don’t just mask odors—they actually eliminate them.
Napkins
Napkins seem like a no-brainer if you want to buy them cheap. But napkins from Dollar Tree can be a disappointment. They’re often flimsy and fall apart easily, so you end up needing more of them to get the job done.
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“Dollar Tree napkins are paper thin and tear easily,” Kaley said. “It would be embarrassing to use them in public.”
Walmart offers napkins that are softer and more absorbent. They also come in larger packs, meaning you get more napkins for your money. If you’re environmentally conscious, look for options made from recycled material. Some brands even offer decorative designs. These are perfect for parties or holiday dinners.
Tea towels
A good dish towel should be absorbent and durable. Dollar Tree towels often don’t meet these requirements. They may look fine on the shelf. But after a few washes, they start to fall apart. And they don’t even absorb water well, making drying a load of dishes an unnecessarily tedious task.
“Cloth dish towels that you can use in the kitchen to dry dishes,” Kaley said. “Buy them at Walmart because the ones from the dollar stores are made of thin material, are not absorbent and won’t last through multiple washes.”
Walmart’s selection of dish towels is much more impressive. You’ll find options made from high-quality cotton or microfiber. These materials are super absorbent. They can withstand repeated washing without losing their shape or effectiveness. Some even have hanging loops for easy storage. While they cost more, they last much longer than dollar store versions.
Picture frames
Picture frames are meant to showcase your memories. But Dollar Tree frames can cheapen the look of your photos. They feel flimsy, and the backing may not even hold your picture securely.
“Dollar store picture frames are poor quality,” Kaley said. “They tend to break easily, especially on the back where you have to remove the cardboard to slide the picture behind the glass. The little tabs often fall apart or break off, rendering the frame unusable.”
You’ll find a much wider selection of picture frames at Walmart. There are wooden frames, metal frames, and even ornate designs for special occasions. Your photos will be safer. You’ll pay a little more than a dollar, but these frames will enhance your photos rather than detract from them.
Hair detangling spray
Anyone with long or curly hair knows the importance of a good detangling spray. Dollar Tree’s versions may seem like a bargain, but they may not even actually help detangle your locks, Kaley said.
“I always buy hair detangler spray at Walmart,” she said. “The dollar store brands are watered down and don’t smell as good. Plus, it doesn’t get the tangles out as well as the Equate brand at Walmart.”
Your hair will thank you if you spend a little more on a quality product.
