What Not to Buy at the Dollar Store – Our Top Five

They're cheap and since the old adage, "You get what you pay for" is almost always true, the toy will usually break and you'll just end up having to buy another toy. You also have to worry about what's in the paint. The one toy exception is coloring books. Those are usually about half as expensive as they are at discount retailers and toy stores.

Generic batteries are made with carbon zinc and not lithium. That's why they're always wearing down. Generic dollar store batteries are also more prone to leakage which can get on your skin and clothing and also damage electronics.

Consumer Reports found that dollar store multi-vitamins don't always have as many nutrients in them as the label says they do. You should buy shampoo and cleaning products at the dollar store. It has the same ingredients and costs $2 to $3 less than the national brands. The cleaning products may be slightly diluted and you probably need to use more, but since it's $1 why not? Sponges are usually OK, too.

Costco sells three 100 foot rolls of foil for $10. Dollar stores usually sell 25 foot rolls for $1, so to get the same 300 feet of foil you'd have to spend $12 at the dollar store. Plus, generic tin foil and plastic wrap is never as good as the name brand stuff. Spices like cinnamon, parsley and pepper are a lot cheaper than they are at the grocery store. The dollar store probably won't have as good of a selection, but if you can save money on the basics, why not? Just make sure you check the expiration dates.

Stay away from the dollar store for these. They're made with very flimsy plastic and they can damage your electronics and lights. Same thing goes for computer wires and USB cables. Speaking of Christmas; greeting cards, Christmas decorations and gift wrap can cost 30 to 70 percent less at the dollar store. The paper quality may not be as good, but gift wrap just goes in the fireplace and it all burns the same regardless of how much you spent.