With the increase of prices in groceries and many other goods and the prediction that prices are going to go up again going to the dollar store helps you stretch your pennies.
I admit that when I walk into my neighborhood dollar store, there always seems to be a surplus of candy sugar, and cookies and chips.
Do you want a soda to get you through the day just stop by the refrigerator section or the soda aisle and pick up plenty of choices.
But how does that help you stay healthy? Well we all know it doesn’t.
So one day I just took an informal inventory and started looking for healthy and even natural items I could purchase at the dollar store and save money at some of the larger discount stores.
And no, I did not find them on the candy and cookie aisle, but I realized there were a lot more healthy choices than I initially thought.
Read these categories and the choices you can find at your local dollar store (but do you remember availability always depends on supply and demand).
I used Dollar Tree as my example, where most items cost $1.25.
Paraben-free 
While any of us could have no plastics or chemicals in our home, that is impossible in today’s world to completely avoid them.
However, even if you just want to get started on parabin-free items, walk the aisles and see if you can find these items below.
- Plastic drinking cups
- Plastic food containers
- Glass food containers
- Drinking classes
- A variety of ceramic plates and bowls
- Parabin-free lotion
- Parabin-free sun lotion
- Parabin-free lip balm 
- Parabin-free shampoo and conditioner 
- Check the baby section for more items.
If you are budget conscious, you already know it is those little things we need that add up when you walk into larger discount stores. One item becomes $50 for the 5-6 items you walk out with.
Food items
Most dollar stores do have refrigeratored foods of some sort. You might find fresh milk, eggs, and or cheese.
Or further, you may find ice cream or fresh frozen produce in the freezer section.
- Sea salt
- Fresh herbs and spices
- Salt-free seasonings
- Chopped fresh garlic
- Natural ketchup, without, you guessed it, High Fructose Corn Syrup
- Green and black teas
- Canned vegetables and fruits
-  dry uncooked rice 
- Coconut oil
- Individual tuna, and or chicken pouches
- Olive oil or olive oil cooking spray
- Fresh bread
- Small bags of flour
- Dried beans
- Frozen fresh vegetables and fruits
- Quick oats
- Dried cereal
- Fresh shelfstable milk
Health items
Health items, such as cold and flu medications or even allergy medications do not have to come at an exorbitant price.
You will find everything you need from Band-Aids to ointments to nose spray.
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Witch hazel
- Rubbing alcohol 
- Vitamins and minerals
- Allergy medications
- Cold and flu medications
- Saline spray
- Cotton balls
- Makeup cotton squares
- Q-tips
- Antibacterial soap bars
- Liquid soap
- Charcoal toothpaste 
- Antibacterial ointment
- Antifungal ointment
- Band-Aids, and other bandages
- Wash cloths and soap scrubbers 
Household items
If you thought keeping your house clean, had to be costly look at your dollar store.
You may need to buy high-quality items in smaller quantities, but they are much more likely to fit your budget for the days that you go shopping.
- Dish towels
- Vegetable seeds and potting soil
- Various cooking utensils for home-cooked meals
- Natural cleaning supplies
- Jugs of bleach
- Various other cleaning supplies for those on a budget
- Sponges
- Dish scrubbers
- Dish soap
- Even dishwasher soap
- Laundry soap
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Kleenex 
In Conclusion
Of course, this list is not inclusive, but it sure saves money!
Walking into the dollar store allows you to buy your family most everything you need, instead of going without. 

