What $20 at Dollar Tree Really Gets You Today
Strictly speaking, with the majority of Dollar Tree items priced at $1.25, you should be able to get around 16 things for about $20 on your next visit. Generally speaking, $20 doesn’t get you as much as it once did.
Back in 2024, the variety store giant announced plans to increase the prices on over 300 items from between $1.50 and $7 across 3,000 of its 9,000 stores it operates in 48 states. For core customers who counted on bargains and price consistency, the news came as a surprise.
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You can blame rising inflation for prices fluctuating at “the Tree” the past few years, but the move in 2024 was purposely done to attract a wider spectrum of shoppers, namely, higher-income Americans who wanted to save money.
Thankfully, those on a tight budget can still get plenty of bang for their 20 bucks. Here’s some things you should always buy at Dollar Tree and what a typical $20 spend there could look like today.
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Cleaning Products
There is no better place to buy cleaning products than at dollar stores. At Dollar Tree, off-brand general-purpose cleaners, toilet sanitizers, storage bins, dish soaps and scrubbers are rarely priced above $1.50. Real Simple recommends buying common cleaners like distilled vinegar, toothpaste, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice and bleach at Dollar Tree. And the beauty with discount purchases is, if they didn’t make the grade, you didn’t overpay.
Greeting Cards, Craft Supplies and Seasonal Deals
Another absolute “never-buy-anywhere-else” group of products, greeting cards, gift bags and tissue paper, stationary, ribbon, fabric and yarn, party supplies, wedding favors, and seasonal and holiday fare are often cited as the best things to look for at Dollar Tree. If you only go there once a year, it should be for stocking stuffers.
Kitchen Staples
Dollar Tree can quickly transform your spice rack from flimsy to fearless. A huge variety of staples and lesser-known surprises awaits you in the kitchen aisle. The company’s private-label Supreme Tradition brand for herbs and spices is very popular, and according to Allrecipes, the spice blends are interesting and always worth trying for the price.
Additionally, you really shouldn’t be buying things like garbage bags and aluminum trays anywhere else. It’s even a great place for utensils and glassware.
Snacks and Sundries
When Dollar Tree decided to raise prices on several product lines, loyal customers were dismayed to see favorites in the already “pricier” sections like travel and convenience, clothing, office supplies, and hardware and tools more expensive. You might need to dive deeper, but these departments often have the most reliable treasures.
The food aisle bears the brunt of company policy too, but there will always be deals on snacks and candy because they’re such popular sellers.
“When my kids have friends come over for a sleepover/movie night, I always go to Dollar Tree and load up on a variety of snacks,” said Reddit user CBus-Eagle. “I’m not sure what everyone likes, but for $1.25 each, I can spend $20 and get a little of everything. Their friends always get excited when they see the basket full of candy.”
A Value-Packed $20 Trip to Dollar Tree
Here’s a random shopping spree you can pull off at Dollar Tree for less than $20:
Nissin Top Ramen Chicken- or Beef-Flavored Noodle Soup, 5-count pack ($1.50)
TJ Farms Stir Fry Blend Veggies ($1.25)
U.S. Salt Iodized Salt (79 cents)
Kool Pops Original Freezer Pops, 20-count box ($1.25)
Sure Fresh Fold Lock Plastic Sandwich Bags, 150-count ($1.50)
Driver's Choice Summer Blend Windshield Washer Fluid ($1.50)
LED Rubber Grip Flashlight ($1.50)
Hallmark “heartline” Greeting Cards (2 for $1)
Juncture Polyester Crossbody Bag ($1.50)
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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