Why Frugal Shoppers Are Choosing Dollar Tree Over Target for These 5 Items
Diehard Target shoppers can get into the habit of buying everything in one trip, even when it's not the best deal. While Target is known for its wide selection and trendy appeal, savvy shoppers know that convenience can quietly drain your wallet.
Dollar Tree has become a surprisingly solid destination for everyday essentials and seasonal finds with most items priced between just $1.25 and $2. That means the savings compared to Target can be dramatic, sometimes reaching 50% to 75% off for nearly identical products. For budget-minded households, those differences add up quickly.
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Frugal Target shoppers know that some items are better left out of their carts and picked up at Dollar Tree instead. Check out these Target items that may be "nice" to have but are often "good enough" from Dollar Tree for a much lower price.
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Gift Bags
Gift bags often cost more than they’re worth. The recipient might notice the bag for a few seconds, but it’s what’s inside that matters. So, spending more than needed is a waste.
A gift bag with designs at Target costs between $4 and $6 per bag. At Dollar Tree, gift bags with designs are $1.25 to $1.50 each, and some medium-size printed gift bags are $1.50 for two.
Greeting Cards
Greeting cards are another item at Target that often cost more than you want to spend. Most cards at Target are $4.99, but you can find some for $2.99. However, at Dollar Tree, all cards are much less. You can find Expressions by Hallmark cards for $1.50 each or Heartline cards, which are also made by Hallmark, at two for $1.
Scrub Brushes
Whether you need a basic scrub brush for pots and pans or one that dispenses soap, you’ll pay at least $3 to $4 for each at Target. Frugal shoppers know to head to Dollar Tree where they’ll find both types of brushes, as well as other options, for $1.50 each. At that price, shoppers can buy two brushes for the price they’d pay for one at Target.
Arts and Crafts Supplies
Frugal shoppers can load up on arts and crafts supplies at Dollar Tree for a fraction of the price of similar items at Target. Most items, including colored craft sticks, googly eyes and rolls of printed craft fabric are just $1.25 each at the discount store. At Target, the cheapest arts and crafts supplies are $2 to $5 each.
To compare, a bag of 100 natural craft sticks is $1.25 at Dollar Tree, while a 150-count bag of craft sticks sold by Target is over double the price at $3 for just 50 more sticks.
Holiday Decor
Holiday decor adds a nice touch to a home or yard, but the cost can outweigh its usefulness if you shop at Target. After all, you only use it for a short while and then store it until next year.
A quick search of Fourth of July decor on the Target website yielded a framed burlap American flag for $20, a silver foil fringe backdrop for $6 and party paper plates starting at $3. The selection of Independence Day items on Target is limited when compared to Dollar Tree.
On the Dollar Tree website, available July Fourth decor yielded a variety of items priced from $1.50 to $2, including patriotic-themed metal or wooden decor like these patriotic yard stakes. Other holiday items were patriotic banners, artificial potted flowers and foil balloons.
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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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