I Compared Five Below and Dollar Tree — 5 Budget Buys That Surprised Me
Like me, you probably assumed Dollar Tree rock-bottom price always beat Five Below's charming offerings.
Not so fast.
I compared Five Below and Dollar Tree to see which store actually offers the better deal on everyday items, and a few of the results were pretty surprising.
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1. Toilet Paper
Dollar Tree's Strong and Soft two-ply toilet paper comes in four rolls and sells for just $1.50. Though that seems like a good deal, the quality can be questionable. There were some positive reviews, but a couple of customers complained that the paper felt rough.
"It most definitely is not soft — it feels more like sandpaper," one reviewer said.
At Five Below, you can actually find multi-roll packs for even cheaper. For example, this Cai Super Soft two-ply toilet paper costs just $1. Though there aren't any reviews about the product on the website, the lower price point makes it a better option if your main goal is to spend as little as possible upfront.
2. Scented Candles
If you're looking for budget-friendly scented candles that last a long time, the ones at Dollar Tree are definitely worth checking out. The store has a wide range of scents and each typically costs around $1.25.
That said, if you're open to spending a little more, Five Below stands out for its more fun and creative options at around $5. For example, the cinnamon rolls-scented candle actually looks like a cinnamon roll and will make your home smell just like a bakery. The iced matcha-scented ones are also super unique and great for gifting.
3. Dish Soap
Dollar Tree sells smaller bottles of dish soap, like Ajax, for around $1.50, but they tend to be less concentrated and run out quickly. At Five Below, you can find larger bottles like this Dawn dish soap for a twice the price, but it lasts longer and arguably cleans better.
4. Planters
If you need new planters for your garden, Dollar Tree offers a variety of planters, including rectangular and hanging wire planters, all priced between $1.50 and $3. For example, these portable wave planters are only $1.50 and come in many different colors. They're definitely worth it, since they're durable and affordable.
The planters at Five Below are slightly more expensive at around $5, but they have many more unique and cute pieces. For example, this mushroom planter.
If you just need generic planters that do the job, go with Dollar Tree. But if you prioritize aesthetics more than function, Five Below may be the winner here.
5. Party Tableware
This is another category where Five Below stands out. If you're hosting a party for your kids, Five Below has a wide selection of fun party tableware you can choose from. Including designs like Spiderman, Hello Kitty, Stitch and Bluey. The price is typically around $3 for an eight-count pack.
Dollar Tree also sells party tableware, but they don't have as many designs and colors to choose from. If that's okay by you, it's almost all $1.25 to host a small party.
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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