Whenever I see inexpensive products for my home or lifestyle, I’m curious to try them out and cut my losses if they don’t hold up over time.
Recently, I spent around $20 on seven products at Dollar Tree, the popular discount store where most items are $1.25, $3 or $5, with $7 items expected to be added at some point as well.
I was pleasantly surprised when several products I bought turned out to be handy and durable additions to my home. On the other hand, I also purchased a couple of items that didn’t last long or disappointed in some other way.
To save you from learning the hard way which Dollar Tree products are worth the super-low price and which may not measure up, here’s my experience with the items I bought in recent months.
Nonslip hangers
The product: The C.O.S. Black Velvet Non-Slip Clothing Hangers, come in packs of 15.
The price: $5
My experience: These velvet-covered hangers worked well for hanging a variety of clothing items, including shirts, pants and coats. They’re sleek and stylish and keep clothing items in place. They’re also pretty sturdy for the low price, with large hooks that fit well over the closet rod.
My take: These hangers are a great deal at a per-hanger price of only 33 cents — lower than many similar velvet hangers listed at Amazon. I’ll buy this product again.
Stackable storage bins
The product: Dollar Tree’s stackable deep storage bins measure 13.78 x 10.63 x 8.78 inches and come in multiple colors.
The price: $3
My experience: I used two of these stackable storage bins in a corner of my kitchen counter. I put my dogs’ treats and supplements on the bottom level and filled the top level with my own snacks and a package of bagels. The bins stayed together nicely — and look like they cost more than just $3.
My take: I’ll buy more of these stackable bins because they’re a sturdy and stylish space saver for the kitchen, closet or other areas with vertical storage space, while offering a more organized look.
Memory foam travel pillows
The product: Dollar Tree’s memory foam travel pillows come in multiple solid colors and print patterns.
The price: $5
My experience: I tested this neck pillow out several times when reclining against a cushion on my sofa while watching TV. The pillow propped my head up nicely and kept my neck aligned so I wouldn’t experience neck or shoulder pain. I also put the pillow behind my neck while I napped in a recliner and had a restful, comfortable experience. I haven’t tried it out on an airplane yet, though.
My take: This travel pillow is a great value at only $5, especially since similar memory foam neck pillows range from $10 to $20 and up on Amazon.
Stainless steel pet bowls
The product: The Greenbrier Kennel Club Stainless Steel Pet Bowl has a 26.37-ounce capacity and comes in a variety of prints and solid colors.
The price: $1.25
My experience: I used these as additional small water bowls for my two dogs. I placed one on my screened porch where I like to sit with my dogs on summer evenings, which they appreciate, since we live in a hot, humid region where it’s easy to work up a thirst quickly, even at night.
My take: I love these bowls and would buy them again. They’re a fantastic deal, especially for people with multiple dogs or cats, since similarly sized stainless steel pet bowls can sell for considerably more on Amazon.
Locker bins with handles
The product: Dollar Tree’s plastic locker bins with handles come in multiple colors and sizes.
The price: $1.25
My experience: I bought these storage containers in three different sizes to organize my home office closet. While the rim of one of the containers cracked easily when I was putting framed photos in it, I still found these locker bins helped me organize photos, greeting cards, office supplies and more for a tidy closet space.
My take: Even though these bins may crack easily when you’re moving or filling them, I still recommend them for organizing a closet, holding crafts and cleaning supplies, and other uses. Just be careful when moving them.
Dollar Tree flops
Following are the Dollar Tree products that I put to the test but won’t buy again and can’t say I’d recommend. Buyer beware!
Batteries
The product: The E-Circuit Super Heavy-Duty batteries are available in multiple sized, including AA and AAA.
The price: $1.25
My experience: After reading a report from CBC Marketplace on E-Circuit batteries outlasting several name-brand batteries when tested, I gave the AA batteries a try. I put one in my disposable toothbrush to see if it would outlast other batteries that usually drained after about three weeks. However, I was disappointed when these batteries drained in less than a week. I went through an entire eight-pack in two months.
My take: Sometimes you get what you pay for. The batteries I purchased didn’t last long, even in a low-energy toothbrush. I can only imagine how fast they might drain in devices that get more use.
Dollar Tree also sells a four-pack of Panasonic Super Heavy Duty Power AA batteries for $1.25, which is still a good deal considering that the same product can sell for a few times more on Amazon. Next time I’ll try out a package of those batteries instead.
Time-marked water bottle
The product: Dollar Tree’s Time-Marked Water Bottle with Carrying Strap has a 34-ounce capacity.
The price: $1.25
My experience: I bought this 34-ounce water bottle to take to the gym instead of the 24-ounce insulated water bottle I’d been using. I liked that it holds more water than my insulated bottle. But I didn’t like the beads of condensation that formed on the exterior when I put ice in the water. And without the ice, the water got warm quickly.
My take: I wouldn’t buy this water bottle again because I like my water to stay cold and don’t like wiping condensation off the bottle.
However, it’s still a decent water bottle for the price, especially if you have trouble drinking enough water and want to keep track of you daily water intake — and don’t mind condensation.
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