Want to see how far you can stretch a dollar? Every bargain hunter knows that Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Dollar General, and 99 Centers Only Stores are meccas for $1 deals. Everything from foods to household products are made affordable thanks to your local dollar stores. Below you'll find a helpful guide of 20 unexpected items that are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to saving more and spending less. Just be careful not to get so excited by the temptation of everything costing only one dollar. And always check the items for other prices as some dollar stores sell a few products for slightly more than $1:
1. Vases
Throwing a wedding? Or just need some new decor to liven up your space? You can buy beautiful vases by the case or individually to get your hands on the perfect centerpieces that are only $1 each.
2. Distilled White Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar usually costs 2 for $5 on sale, so $1 each is a steal. No kitchen is complete without this powerful disinfectant and deodorizer.
3. Canned Food
You can stock up on the necessities and fill your pantry with canned food favorites like beans, corn, and peas (all for just $1 each!). When you are filling up your cart, be sure to check the ingredients and expiration date to make sure the product is right for you.
4. Condiments
Condiments like ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, and hot sauce from major brands are all just $1 each when shopping at your local dollar stores.
5. Scissors and School Supplies
Scissors tend to dull over time, so why not replace yours for just $1? This is the perfect time to stock up on scissors, pencils, pens, notebooks, binders, organizers, and all other necessary school supplies.
6. Wrapping Paper
Getting wrapping paper and gift bags are pure wins when you shop at local dollar stores. They can cost upwards of $5 each when shopping at big-name retailers, so during this holiday season, be sure to swing by Dollar Tree for all of your gift wrapping needs.
7. Tape
Scotch tape goes quickly, especially when wrapping Christmas gifts and birthday presents. And with the holiday season quickly approaching, now is the perfect time to grab some giant rolls of tape.
8. Reading Glasses
Can you only find reading glasses ranging from $10-$20 at the drugstore? Surprise! The same ones are available at the dollar store for a single buck.
9. Greeting Cards
Greeting cards can cost upwards of $5, and this is especially true of the more decorative and musical cards. But, luckily, you can express the same sentiment with a card that only costs $1.
10. Light Bulbs
When visiting hardware stores, you will quickly notice just how expensive things can be, but not at the dollar store. Stock up with plenty of light bulbs and you'll never be left in the dark.
11. Phone Cases
Smartphone cases can add a lot of cost to an already-expensive phone purchase. But you can protect it for less thanks to phone cases that only cost $1.
12. Veggies
Yes, it's true! Vegetarians and health-nuts can find high-quality, organic produce for only $1.
13. Pregnancy Tests
You can find pregnancy tests at your local dollar store too - just be sure to check the expiration date and you're good to go.
14. Halloween Candy
Halloween is quickly approaching, and it's never too early to start stocking up on your favorite treats. Since you're going to give away this candy for free anyway, you might as well save a pretty penny.
15. Pet Toys
Grab a bone for Fido or a toy mouse for your kitten for just $1 at your local dollar store. You can even find food, treats, cages, and supplies for rarer pets for a steep discount.
16. Party Supplies
Party supplies like colorfully decorated table clothes, streamers, signs, paper plates, cups, and more can be yours for $1 each! At the end of the party, these items will just get thrown out anyway, so it's a great area for savings.
17. Sandwich Ingredients
Get yourself some cold cuts from the refrigerated section for $1, bread for a dollar more, and you've got yourself a sandwich on a budget.
18. Aluminum Foil
Aluminum foil is a kitchen essential that runs out fast. Never fear, dollar stores have got your back. Pick a roll with the most square-feet to get the best possible deal.
19. Sponges
Sponges should be replaced more often than you think. If you have a funky sponge, you can grab a value-pack of replacements for just one dollar.
20. Spices
Spices add value to every meal, but sometimes their cost keeps them out of reach for budding chefs. Simply head to a dollar store and you'll find a plethora of spices to add to your pantry without the usual cost associated with them.