Dollar stores have horrible reputations for being cheap but I can assure you that while there are definite "bad" things in Dollar Stores, there are an equal number of fantastic deals. Here are some things you should and shouldn’t buy at a dollar store:

WHAT TO BUY

1) Shampoos - If you read the ingredients on the cheap and expensive shampoos and conditioners, you’ll see the often contain the exact same stuff, including similar fragrances. Dollar stores often get big lot buyouts of expensive shampoos, as well, which can save you money on the better brands.

2) Kitchen tools – Need a pizza cutter? Skip out on the 5 dollar version at the grocery store and get one for a buck. Typically you don’t expect them to last long, anyway, so a cheaper can opener or pizza cutter will do you just fine. This goes for wine openers, gloves, spatulas, peelers, even dinner knives.

3) Spices – Many dollar stores will have a spice rack with many choices of dried spices that will save you lots of money. Spices can run anywhere from $3 - $12 dollars in a grocery store, but are usually a dollar or less in the dollar discount store.

4) Balloons, gift wrapping, party stuff, tape, etc. – Anything birthday or holiday related can be much cheaper at a dollar store. Most of this stuff is temporary, anyway, and paying full price is going to cost you dearly. Save the cash and purchase it at the dollar store.

WHAT NOT TO BUY

1) Pills, vitamins, toothpastes – There’s no oversight on vitamins, pills, or toothpastes like there should be. Since in the U.S. they're sold as supplements and not sold as "drugs" (which is regulated under the FDA in the United States), they can contain a number of harmful or useless ingredients that won't benefit your health. In addition, certain off brand toothpastes can contain less-than-healthy chemicals. Toothpaste can be rationed and last a long time anyway, so splurge a bit and get a decent brand.

2) Batteries – Stick with the Duracells and Energizers; cheap batteries are made with sub-par ingredients that won’t last long at all and are more prone to leaking, so overall they’re a waste.

3) Cheap toys – I’d avoid anything painted, or toys from China. With all of the concerns with lead poisoning and who knows what else, these probably aren’t the best buys. Stick with brands you know and trust – if it looks dirt cheap, it probably is, and most of us don’t have time or energy to inspect these things for lead before we stick them in our mouths.

Clothing
Shop at discount outlets instead of malls and high-end retailers. Shop online, especially Ebay, for good deals on children’s clothing. Don’t be in a hurry, for every 10 items you grab of a shelf to try on, only purchase 1 or 2. This way you’re only getting what you ABSOLUTELY want to wear and not purchasing for the sake of buying something. Don’t purchase shoes if you already have 10 pair. Same goes with belts, socks, panties, and swimsuits.

Electronics
I recommend Buy.com and TigerDirect.com all day – you will get the best bang for your buck and most things will ship almost immediately. Trust me, most things you think you need you can easily wait a day. Don’t rush into a purchase only to spend 3x as much. And hold out for a good price – it’s well worth it. New models are always coming out and consumer electronics immediately drop in price after you purchase them.

Appliances and Furniture
Always shop in discount retailers. In the case of larger appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, ovens, etc. search classified ads online first on Craigslist.org or a local classifieds Website. You can often grab up great deals and negotiate the price if you offer quick cash and don’t waste the seller’s time, just make sure you check it out and make sure it’s working first. As for furniture, always check it out visually and if it’s upholstered do a smell test as well to see if it’s been taken care of or not.

What to absolutely never, ever do
Never, EVER, purchase something from a Rent To Own store or lease consumer items such as furniture, appliances, computers, or other electronics. Why anyone would be talked into doing this is beyond me - you will pay top dollar along with interest on items you probably don’t need and you’ll be paying monthly premiums for things that lose their value every day you own them. If you’re this addicted to shopping, it’s really about time to change your habits.

In addition, don't purchase things you don't need! This sounds ridiculous to say, but in a world of easy, cheap consumer credit we often over-spend with the swipe of a piece of plastic on things we really don't need. If you want something, discipline yourself to wait a few days and discipline yourself to save for the things you want. Spending a premium on Credit Card Interest on the things you want is no way to get ahead of the curve.