5 Things You’ll Regret Buying from the Dollar Store, According to Pro Organizers

One of my greatest pastimes is roaming the aisles of the dollar store, looking for deep discounts on everything from organizational items to party decor (usually for parties I haven’t even planned yet), and even snacks! The problem? Looks can be deceiving, and that cheap price tag can cloud my judgment. Sure, it’s a steal to buy a lazy Susan, colorful serving bowls, and a box of my daughter’s favorite fruit snacks for under $5. But when they easily break, aren’t dishwasher-safe, or expire quickly, I have to ask myself — is this where I should really be scrimping and saving?

I turned to the professionals to find out what I should skip adding to my cart when shopping at discount stores like Dollar Tree — and why. Meaghan Kessman of Meaghan Kessman Home Organization, a full-service organizing firm based in Los Angeles, emphasizes that when outfitting your home — especially in the kitchen — quality really matters.” Investing in higher-quality items ensures durability, safety, and better performance, saving you money in the long run,” she says. Here are five items that Kessman stresses you should avoid purchasing at the dollar store. 

While nonstick cookware is a necessary addition to any kitchen, high-quality sets can be pricey — so it’s easy to understand the allure of buying cheaper pieces at dollar and discount stores. The issue is that the nonstick coating is usually of lower quality. “As these coatings degrade, they can release harmful chemicals into your food, posing serious health risks,” says Kessman.

Instead: Kessman notes it’s best to invest in nonstick cookware from trusted brands at department stores or specialty kitchen shops.

Any chef will tell you that a good set of knives is essential for any home cook. But like nonstick cookware, a good set of knives can cost a good chunk of cash. The bargains you find at the dollar store are typically made from low-grade metals that dull quickly and are difficult to sharpen. “These knives often have poor construction, which can lead to handles breaking or blades chipping, making them unsafe for regular use,” says Kessman.

Instead: If you’re not ready to splurge on trusted brands like Wüsthof or Zwilling, Kessman says there are mid-range options, like Victorinox, that offer reliable knives.

It almost seems counterintuitive to discourage you from buying plastic food storage containers at the dollar store — it’s usually one of the main things I find myself stocking up on there. But because these plastic containers are so cheap, they may contain harmful chemicals like BPA, which “can leach into your food, especially when heated,” explains Kessman. “This poses significant health risks over time. These containers often lack the durability needed for regular use, leading to warping, cracking, and frequent replacements.” 

Instead: Opt for glass storage containers or BPA-free plastic containers from The Container Store, Target, or Amazon.

Small kitchen appliances (think: handheld mixers, blenders, choppers, etc.) from the dollar store often lack the durability and performance needed for everyday use. “They are prone to breaking down quickly and typically come with unreliable warranties, if any at all,” says Kessman. “This means you’ll likely end up spending more money in the long run on replacements and repairs.”

Instead: Invest in small appliances from well-known brands with warranties and positive customer reviews at stores like Best Buy, Williams Sonoma, or Amazon.

The cutting boards from dollar stores are usually made of flimsy plastic that can warp over time and harbor bacteria in its cuts and grooves, Kessman notes. “This not only compromises the cleanliness of your kitchen, but also poses a health risk due to cross-contamination,” says Kessman.

Instead: Choose cutting boards made from high-quality materials like bamboo, hardwood, or BPA-free plastic from Crate & Barrel, Sur La Table, Williams Sonoma, or Amazon.