8 Surprising Bargains That Are Cheaper at Five Below Than Dollar Tree
Shoppers often believe Dollar Tree offers the best value on items like school supplies, children’s toys, storage containers and health and beauty products. However, as the discount retailer expanded its product lines to include $3 and $7 items while upping its regular price on most items to $1.25, Five Below may now offer better deals in some product categories.
After extensive research, we uncovered more than a handful of items that are a better deal at Five Below. (Pro tip: We also found that if you’re looking for candy, snacks or makeup, you’ll likely snag the best prices at Dollar Tree.)
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Check out which eight buys are a better bargain for your money at Five Below than even a dollar store below.
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1. Mead Composition Notebooks
Price: $0.50
If you’re getting set for back-to-school, you’ll also save at Five Below. Mead wide-ruled composition notebooks are $1, compared to Dollar Tree’s $1.25.
2. Jumbo Coloring Books
Price: $1.00
Though Five Below also offers many items that exceed their namesake $5 now, licensed character jumbo coloring and activity books remain at $1. Choose from styles like Hello Kitty and Friends, Moana 2, Bluey or Toy Story.
Dollar Tree raised the price on similar licensed coloring books to $1.50.
3. Crayola Crayons, 24-pack
Price: $1.00
Pair that coloring book with Crayola crayons and you’ll also save at Five Below. A 24-pack of crayons is still just $1, compared to $1.25 at Dollar Tree.
4. Elmer’s Glue (4 oz.)
Price: $1.00
Elmer’s Glue appears as a regular on elementary school supply lists. Save 25 cents on each 4 oz. bottle by shopping at Five Below instead of Dollar Tree. The savings can really add up if you’re shopping for multiple kids or buying extras to donate to the classroom.
5. Jigsaw Puzzles
Price: $1.00
Perfect for summer fun, back-to-school gifts or class parties, jigsaw puzzles promote mental stimulation and hand-eye coordination for kids. Dollar Tree has a selection of Puzzle Bug 100-piece puzzles for $1.75. However, kids may love Five Below’s viral Micro Puzzle tubes in eye-catching designs just as much — and for only $1. These are going fast, but a few styles are still in stock.
6. Rectangular Storage Boxes
Price: $1.00
Ideal for art, sewing supplies and other small items that may get lost, these rectangular storage boxes come in fun colors for your craft room, classroom, home office, playroom, bathroom or tween’s bedroom. A 10.5 x 8-inch art storage container sells for $1.25 at Dollar Tree. A similar art storage box sells for $1 at Five Below. With rounded edges and a sturdier design, it appears more durable than the Dollar Tree version, too. Stock up if you find them because they are only available in stores, not for shipping.
7. Makeup Blending Sponges and Puffs
Price: $5.00
Dollar Tree sells a single makeup blending sponge for $1.25 each. The dollar store has a wide variety, including colorful puffs in an individual case.
Of course, if you go through make-up applicators quickly and prefer a variety of sizes and styles, Five Below’s Smoke & Mirrors sponge and puff set in a plastic case with a wood-look lid and handle is a better value. It includes one medium sponge, two medium puffs, plus three each of the large sponges and puffs. That works out to about 56 cents per applicator, plus an adorable storage container that will look great on your bathroom vanity.
8. Food Storage Containers
Price: $5.55 for 42-piece set
If you go through plastic food storage containers like many families do and can never seem to find the right size container, the 42-piece storage container set from Five Below could solve your leftover food problems. The set includes 21 containers with matching lids. Best of all, they store neatly in the larger container. The price is roughly 26 cents per container and lid.
Dollar Tree also stocks a variety of plastic food storage containers. Most sell in packs of one, two or three for $1.50, making Five Below’s set the better deal. Plus, if you’re looking for different sizes at Dollar Tree, you’ll find them, but not in a matching, easy-to-store set.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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