These Are the Top 4 Items Americans Are Buying at Five Below

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Five Below is one of those places where you can get a lot with a small budget. Nearly everything in the store catalog costs $5 or less, and you can get a real bargain if you know what to look for. Even the quality can be pretty good. Just don’t expect to find many national brands or higher-end goods on the shelves.

Besides affordability, where Five Below shines is in its selection for the kids — particularly pre-teens and teenagers.

“Unlike other stores that produce solely products based on trends, Five Below produces quality, in-demand products that effectively appeal to teens on a budget,” said Destiny Chatman, consumer expert at TopCashback. “Five Below is a middle schooler’s dream!”

But what exactly are Americans buying from Five Below? GOBankingRates conducted a survey of 999 Americans aged 18 and up to find out. These are the results, as well as some current deals — which may vary by location — and some shopping tips to save even more at the store.

Household Essentials

The most common thing Americans said they purchase from Five Below is household essentials, with over 37% of respondents calling this a “must buy” category. This includes things like kitchen and bathroom items, storage bins, rugs, furniture and even party supplies.

Here are just a few items in the bath category at Five Below:

• Exfoliating glove for $1
• Shower tote storage caddy for $5.55
• My Beauty Spot body scrub for $4
• Five washcloths for $5.55

Here are some kitchen deals right now:

• 42-piece food storage set with lids for $5.55
• On-the-go food storage container for $3.25
• Folding step stool for $5.55
• Liquid soap dispenser with sponge holder for $3

Other household essentials include:

• Two collapsible storage bins for $5.55
• Five arts and crafts storage bins for $5
• Handwoven chindi rug for $5.55
• Dice-shaped accent rug for $5.55
• Inflatable chair for $5.55
• Flower-shaped mini table for $5.55
• Pink tissue paper tassel banner for $4
• Multicolor streamer garland for $1
• 10 metallic latex balloons for $1.50

Candy and Snacks

The next most popular category was candy and snacks at just under 32%. These are a particular must-buy amongst those ages 18 to 34. And as you can expect, prices range from $1 to $5 on most items.

For example, you can get:

• Toxic Waste sour liquid candy for $3
• Peelerz gummy candies for $1.50
• Nerds gummy clusters for $1.50
• Sow Good freeze dried ice cream for $5
• Fuego Takis for $4
• Oreo minis for $3.25
• Original Cheez-Its for $3.50

Clothes

Five Below is also a budget-friendly place to buy some basic apparel. And like Chatman said, it’s a dream for middle schoolers and teens alike. So, it’s no surprise that more than 26% of GOBankingRates’ survey respondents said this is their must-buy at the retailer.

Here are just a few examples of what you can get there:

• Ribbed flare pants for $5
• Workout shorts for $5
• Retro graphic sweatshirt for $5.55
• Tube top for $5
• Corset tank top for $5
• Double buckle sandals for $2.50

Shoppers can also find socks, t-shirts, pajamas, other active wear, accessories and more in stores and online.

Bedroom Essentials

Another top item — picked by over 24% of respondents — is bedroom essentials, which includes bedding, blankets, pillows, decorative accents and the like. You might have to spend a little more than $5 for some items, but the price is still generally much lower than what you’d get elsewhere.

Here are a few examples:

• Three-piece twin XL printed sheet set for $8
• Four-piece queen size sheet set for $12
• Dice throw pillow for $5.55
• Embroidered floral throw pillow for $5.55
• Sherpa throw blanket for $5.55
• Wavy mirror for $5.55
• Round faux fur accent rug for $5.55
• Over-the-door hanging rack for $5.55
• Butterfly LED wall light for $5.55
• Stackable three-drawer mini organizer for $5

Other

Around 9% of survey respondents picked none of the above categories as their Five Below must-buy, but they still have plenty to choose from. Five Below also has an assortment of tech gadgets, beauty supplies, toys, games, pet supplies, books and sporting goods.

“They have everything from back-to-school supplies to beauty and fashion items, all reflecting the latest TikTok trends,” said Chatman.

If you’re feeling like spending a little more money — but still less than what you’d likely spend at other retailers — there’s also the “Five Beyond” section.

“While most products are priced at $5 or less, you can shop for slightly more expensive items in their ‘Five Beyond’ section,” said Chatman. “For instance, their Wireless Bluetooth Speaker Side Table retails at $25 — a steal in comparison to Amazon’s $95 TooCust Smart End Table.”

Not Everyone Shops at Five Below

GOBankingRates’ survey found that nearly 40% of people don’t shop at Five Below. Sorted by age range, here’s the percentage of American consumers surveyed who don’t shop at Five Below:

• 17.35% of those ages 18 to 24
• 23.27% of those ages 25 to 34
• 30.27% of those ages 35 to 44
• 32.74% of those ages 45 to 54
• 50.80% of those ages 55 to 64
• 66.34% of those ages 65 and older

Based on the results, it also seems that older individuals are less likely to shop there than younger ones — which makes sense considering the selection is mostly geared toward younger consumers.

Shopping Strategies To Save Money at Five Below

“When trying to save money, shopping at Five Below can be a double-edged sword,” said Chatman. “The combination of low prices and trendy products can lead to impulse buys. To stay on budget, it’s smart to make a list of what you need before entering the store.”

Besides that, here are more shopping tips to maximize your savings:

• Do a price comparison online before buying anything.
• Shop the clearance section.
• Shop for seasonal items.
• Use cash-back sites if you’re shopping online.
• Get on Five Below’s email newsletter for exclusive promotions, coupon codes and discounts.
• Shop online and pick up your goods in person to resist in-store temptation.

Survey methodology: GOBankingRates surveyed 999 Americans aged 18 and older from across the country between July 23 and July 29, 2024, asking fourteen different questions: (1) How much savings do you feel a single person needs to retire rich?; (2) How much savings do you feel a couple needs to retire rich?; (3) How confident are you about retirement?; (4) How much money will you be able to pass down to your children/family?; (5) How would you rate your level of financial stress?; (6) Have you considered withdrawing from your retirement funds early due to financial struggles?; (7) How much money do you have in emergency savings?; (8) How much do you pay for housing every month, either for a mortgage or rent?; (9) Have you had to move in the past year due to the rising cost of living?; (10) What causes you the most financial stress?; (11) If you shop at Five Below, what are your must buys? (Select all that apply); (12) If you shop at Big Lots, what are your must buys? (Select all that apply); (13) Do you think Five Below has better deals than Dollar Tree?; and (14) Did you start shopping at any of these stores to save money in 2024? (Select all that apply). GOBankingRates used PureSpectrum’s survey platform to conduct the poll.

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