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It seems that just about every magazine does a “40 under 40″ or “50 under 50″ article at least once a year, highlighting the Young Turks in any particular industry. Well, those are all nice and inspirational, but these days not as important to me and you — we need to save some money before we can get famous! So, here for the first time, the I LOVE a Good Bargain’s Guide to 100 things you can buy at the 99 cent store that are just as good as buying anywhere else.  And a few that are not.

1. Balloons — filled with helium, and for another buck you can get a coordinating weight.
2. Socks — for the whole family.
3. Body Scrubbies — though sometimes not as fluffy as the drugstore store brands — squeeze first.
4. Reading Glasses — not for reading War and Peace, but perfect for leaving around the house.
5. Painting Supplies — avoid the brushes if you’re a perfectionist, but trays, mixers, tapes, etc are fine.
6. Room Fresheners — smell as good as the others.
7. Paper Party Goods — for general and theme specific events
8. Fake Flowers — if you’re going to go fake, please don’t spend a lot on them.
9. Candles — scented and un, different shapes and colors, light ‘em up. 
10. Scrubby Sponges — The sink doesn’t care where they came from.
11. Storage  Bins — I especially like the shoebox sized ones.
12. Carpet Cleaners — sprays and powders, really work!
13. Plastic Pitchers — clear ones are also good for making tea in the sun.
14. Bubbles — I can’t believe I once paid more in a party store.
15. Plain Glass Vases — keep the design simple and no one will ever know.
16. Scotch Tape — as long as it’s brand name and strong.
17. Furniture Polish — just spray and dust.
18. Correcting Fluid — who really needs it anymore anyway? 
19. Straws — just make sure they’re not too skinny to get a good gulp.
20. Wind Toys — spinners and more.
21. Toothpaste — I really can’t tell the difference.
22. Plain White Envelopes –some even have that stuff to hide what’s inside.
23. Dryer Sheets — millions of uses.
24. Manicure Implements — but go for the separate ones, not the whole set for a buck.
25. Petroleum Jelly — as greasy as the name brand.
26. Lunch Baggies — also good when flying.  Double bag for safety.
27. Batteries — someone should do a study to see if the long-lasting ones are really longer-lasting.
28. Presentation Boards — work for most projects.
29. Water — if you’ve got to buy bottled, at least buy it here.
30. Bathroom Cleaner – a Scrubbing Bubble by any other name….
31. Name Brand Candy — at least you know where it came from.
32. Laundry Detergent — many types to choose from.
33. Rain Ponchos — two for a buck here, or $15 each at a theme park; you decide. 
34. Gift Wrapping — tubes or sheets, plus a bag o’ bows.
35. Super Glue — great for fixing nails too.
36. Stickers — of all kinds.  And sticker books to put them in.
37. Glue Sticks — sticks as well as the others. 
38. Pencils — plain and fancy.
39. Deodorant — but only the ones with names you recognize.
40. Dish Scrubbers — all shapes for your particular needs.
41. 3-ring binders — to hold the budget paper.
42. Rocks — for floral or fish-bowl design.
43. Candlesticks and Holders — just keep them simple style-wise.
44. Dental Floss — I personally have never had to buy this, but if you must…
45. Freezer Bags — have many many uses.
46. Beach Pails and Shovels — they’re going to break or get lost anyway.
47. Shmushy Ball Toys — only for kids who are old enough to know not to eat them.
48. Mirrored Small Plates — add a glittery touch under candles.
49. Hanging Baskets — but don’t put anything too heavy in them.
50. Measuring Spoons — very cute, actually.
51. Coloring Books — for children of all ages.
52. Antibiotic Ointment — be careful though with cortisone. 
53. Scouring Powder — the large sizes usually cost more at the market.
54. Sharpies felt-tip pens — should never cost more than a buck.
55. Tissue Paper — for wrapping and stuffing, in white or colors.
56. Floss Picks — one should never be out of the house without one.
57. Baby’s First Books — they’re fun and bright, just keep them out of baby’s mouth. 
58. Puzzle Books — you’re going to throw them out when you’re done anyway.
59. Santaria Candles — We need all the help we can get.
60. Shelf Liner — paper or plastic, the same as anywhere else.
61. Packing Tape — clear, brown or …
62. Duck Tape  – the man’s man’s tape of choice.
63. Baby Oil — mineral oil in a pink bottle.  Grab it while it’s still a buck.
64. Baby Powder — oh, so soothing.
65. Wedding Accessories — too cute.
66. Bottle Grippers — for opening the tight ones.
67. Desk Accessories — a neat desk is a thing of beauty.
68. Cough Drops — you can find both branded and not.  Pick your favorite flavor.
69. Toilet Bowl Brush — how much more do you really want to spend on your toilet anyway?
70. Fabric Rose Petals — for weddings, costumes or a romantic evening.
71. Photo Frames — no plastic, no scratches please.
72. Calculator — another thing that’s usually free, but if you do need one…
73. BandAids — Get the fun ones here, with characters and colors, but check the glue first.
74. Hand Cleaners — and refills, a dollar each.
75. Dishes — plan and fancy, can really dress a table nicely.
76. Plastic Food Storage Containers  – all sizes.
77. Hair Accessories — many styles and colors, just as tight on the head as the expensive ones.
78. Gift Bags — combine with tissue papers for a custom look.
79. Index Cards– in white and colors
80. “Green” reusable shopping bags — an easy way to help save the environment 
81. Writing Pads — plain, decorated, big, small, even legal!
82. Plastic Cups — perfect for parties and for dishwasher-free homes.
83. Umbrellas — extras, not primaries.
84. Plastic Kitchen Utensils — just beware of too-soft spatulas.
85. Gardening Supplies — from soil to pots to stepping stones.
86. Nail Polish Remover — with acetone or not.
87. Little Mushy Stuffed Toys –nothing says I Love You like a mushy little toy.
88. Colored Chalk — great for sidewalk artists.
89. Rubbing Alcohol — please do not drink.
90. Peroxide — for cleaning, not your hair. 
91. Bleach — ditto. 
92. Moth Balls — for that fresh-out-of-storage scent.
93. Hula Skirts — for a kid or a table. Complement with …
94. Leis — for that tropical feeling
95. Greeting Cards — when you care enough to send the very cheapest.
96. Silly Trendy serving pieces — like glasses with trees as stems.  Disposable.
97. Swimming Pool Noodles — as good as the $2 ones.
98. Outdoor Plastic glasses and stuff — Bright colors, fun designs, hard to break.
99. Holiday Decorations — this stuff is great! And at these prices, you can do it again next year.
100. Costumes — buy ready made or make it your own; I love my $1 purple wig!

 

 

And,  10 things we would NOT buy there:

 

1. Pregnancy Test
2. Tampons
3. Internal Cleansers
4. Q-Tips
5. Razors
6. Photo Paper
7. Clothespins
8. Baby Toys
9. Hair Color
10. Any perishable food.

 

Enjoy your Shopping!

Photos: DollarTree.com and my cellphone

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