I used to work at Dollar Tree. There are 9 things I still buy there all of the time.

Cleaning an air-fryer basket can be a real hassle, so these Surefresh liners feel like a necessity in my kitchen.

They help catch pesky crumbs that might otherwise fall deep into the appliance and burn.

A pack of 20 liners only costs me $1.25.

I love starting my mornings with iced coffee, but after a long day at work, I dislike cleaning reusable cups that have been sitting out for hours.

So, I pay a little extra to put my drinks in disposable 20-ounce plastic cups that come with lids designed for sipping with or without a straw.

I used to spend $25 on 100-packs of similar cups elsewhere until I realized Dollar Tree's bag of six for $1.25 was a better value. The price per cup is a few cents lower, and I don't need to worry about storing so many cups at once in my home.

I've seen drugstores and stationery stores charge $5 or more for greeting cards. Dollar Tree offers a wide variety of them that are two for $1.

There are options for virtually every occasion, from birthdays to graduations, and lots of them are from Hallmark. The selection is also updated seasonally.

All in all, I like saving money on a card so I have more to spend on a gift.

Dollar Tree is my go-to destination for affordable party supplies, especially when I need serving plates, platters, and bowls.

I've used these for chips, dips, finger foods, and appetizers — and I love not having to wash a huge pile of dishes once the party's over.

The chain also sells disposable utensils, such as forks, spoons, ladles, and tongs, to make serving even easier.

Everyone loves a nice-smelling car, and I appreciate that my local Dollar Tree has so many scents and styles of fresheners available for $1.25 a pop.

I've seen hanging tree-shaped fresheners, vent clips, and even scented diffusers that fit in cupholders, in scents ranging from fruity to clean to musky.

It's easy for me to switch up my car's scent whenever I want without spending a fortune.

Dollar Tree carries a wide variety of dog-waste bags in different designs, colors, and sizes.

These compact rolls are perfect for stashing in your bag, pocket, or car. Each pack typically has four rolls of 15 bags, plenty to last dozens of walks.

Plus, Dollar Tree usually also sells bag carriers and holders that clip onto backpacks or leashes. That way, you'll never forget to bring bags on your walk.

I use cotton swabs, balls, and pads for a wide range of purposes, like removing makeup, treating minor cuts, and cleaning small surfaces.

For me, grabbing a pack of each at Dollar Tree whenever I run out feels like a no-brainer. The quality has impressed me, and the prices are generally lower than those I've seen at nearby drugstores.

To me, it feels wasteful to spend too much on gift bags — they're usually used once and then tossed.

Fortunately, Dollar Tree stocks $1.25 bags in various sizes and designs for just about every occasion. Some of the smaller bags come in value packs of two or three, making them even more cost-effective.

For many households, including my own, bleach is a cleaning essential. It's just $1.25 a gallon here — a few bucks cheaper than what I've seen at other stores.

If you can find it and use it frequently, definitely grab a few bottles. It used to fly off the shelves when I worked at Dollar Tree.

Dollar Tree was not involved in the sourcing or writing of this story. The views contained within represent the author's personal views.

This story was originally published on June 12, 2025, and most recently updated on July 2, 2026.