Fabulous Finds at Family Dollar

Photo: Mish Bradley

Growing up, I’d never heard of this set of chain stores. In fact, the first time I saw one was in Arizona when we moved back to the States from Italy. Now that I have access to one in the extreme Northeastern United States, I’m figuring Family Dollar has definitely “gone national”. Is it the most comprehensive discount store around? I’d lose all credibility if I said yes. They do however offer some great year round and seasonal bargains that I think stateside shoppers should at least be aware of.

1. Bath products. Whether you are going for a spa bathroom at home,  needing a gift for under five bucks, or just don’t feel like making your own beauty products, there are some seriously cheap options here year round. My favorites include the mango body butter, the almond lotion, and the dollar for each peppermint scrub, foot lotion and body spray. Around Christmas time, the gift pack selections of Family Dollar’s bath products get even better. Full spa and bath gift packs of brands like Healing Garden for eight bucks and under abound. Another great multi-pack I’ve seen there? For around five USD, there is this clear package of seven different scents of shower gel (medium sized, not travel miniatures) with lather builders in matching colors. Great thing to buy and break down for stocking stuffer pairs or to include in a batch of gift baskets. Numerous other bath packs are available in the 3-5 dollar range as well.
2. Mouth wash. They have an icy blue store brand mint one that is strong enough to seriously wake up your mouth and add a reasonable amount of tingle to your morning. Bonus? It’s under two bucks for a 1.25 liter jug.
3. Shaving foam. My husband has gone down to soap when things were extremely tight, and even tried the mug / brush / shaving bar combo I got him one year as a gift. In the end though, he’s really a foam kind of guy at heart. Family Dollar carries large cans of Barbasol for a buck. Extra bonus? Barbasol has started making a raspberry scented chick version (who knew?) that also sells for a buck at Family Dollar. I’d basically given it up, but when I found this I figured I could finally splurge to at least have it on hand for an occasional spa day at home.
4. Dish soap. They sell some giant sized bottles for reasonably cheap (2-4 bucks depending on the brand). If you enjoyed Linsey’s article on original uses for original Dawn, you might try picking some up while you are there.
5. Seasonal candies. Whether you want a cheap source of candy canes for the kids to make reindeer ornaments, or a place to snag those one dollar boxes of chocolate covered cherries for a last minute hostess gift, this place always has it going on for year round holiday goodies.
6. Photo frames. Need a thrifty option to frame a quick pic or poem for a family member? Pick one up here when you are there shopping for other cheap staples.
7. Shower liners. Even the discount department stores have started jacking the prices up on these things lately. Family dollar still carries them for around two bucks.
8. Snack crackers. The prices on these things are on the rise in the regular grocery stores. Some of the ones I’ve seen at this chain store for a buck a box? Honey grahams and vanilla wafers (both of which are great for grinding up and using in holiday recipes), round generic style hostess crackers, Cheese Nip knock-offs to include with family snack mixes and several more. So snack on, Family Dollar shoppers.
9. DIY items. Obviously, nobody could consider this a full blown substitute for your friendly neighborhood hardware store. But here are a few cheapies we’ve picked up there over the years: motor oil, shoe polish, light wall spackle, painter’s tape and other simple painting supplies, twine, Super Glue and more.
10. Greeting cards. I don’t buy very many of these myself, but at two for a buck and a general selection of occasion options, it’s not a bad place to check out if you just need something generic.
11. Pet presents. Chew toys, wavy bacon snacks and tennis balls are all pet hack items I’ve seen regularly sell for under two dollars at this dime – saving den of opportunity.

Other bargains are there I’m sure. These are just a few exceptional ones I’ve noticed over the years, making Family Dollar one of the “go – to” stops on my regular shopping circuit. Please sound off with any other frugal Family Dollar finds you know about. With the rising cost of gas, heating fuel, wheat and more, we can all use suggestions on how to squeeze an extra buck out of the budget.