7 Dollar Tree Items You Should Buy in Spring To Maximize Savings

Your next visit to Dollar Tree could mean saving more money on spring essentials than you realize — if you know which items to shop for strategically.

GOBankingRates carefully price matched seven items for sale at Dollar Tree this spring to compare the savings at the discount retailer to big-box stores. From active play to outdoor must-haves, here’s what made our list for maximum spring savings.

• Price: $1.25

We’ve previously remarked that Garden Collection’s foam kneeling pads are one of Dollar Tree’s best spring buys this year thanks to the pads’ overall versatility and affordable price. 

Similar garden kneelers, like those from the Room Essentials brand at Target, retail at $5 apiece. For that price, you could buy four Dollar Tree kneeling pads!

• Price: $3

As the weather warms up outside, investing in a citronella candle is a must to keep mosquitos and other insects away. 

Many citronella candles GOBankingRates spotted for sale online start at $5 to $6 apiece, which is close or nearly double the price at Dollar Tree.

• Price: $1.25

Be prepared to pay upwards to $10 or possibly more if you’re shopping for a name-brand metal thermometer at a big-box retailer.

Shoppers that are less picky about brands stand to save a lot of money adding Garden Collection’s outdoor metal thermometer to their shopping cart. As a bonus, these thermometers come in four pretty designs to complement outdoor patios and decks.

• Price: $5

If you’re planning to add a twinkly touch to your backyard this spring, Garden Collection’s bulb light set is a must-buy. Currently, these bulbs have a five-star rating on the Dollar Tree website and are $5 for a pack of 15 lights. 

The Better Homes & Gardens brand of string lights for sale at Walmart might come with 20 lights, but it also costs $13.78. For that price, it’s more cost-effective to buy two Garden Collection light sets instead. 

• Price: $5

As with most sports, getting into pickleball isn’t cheap. Many paddle and ball sets retail online for $20 or more, especially if you’re shopping for name-brands like Franklin. 

That said, Dollar Tree offers competitively priced deals on pickleball paddle sets. For just $5, shoppers receive a set of two paddles and balls in their choice of green or blue.

• Price: $1.25

If you’re signing the kiddos up for swim lessons this spring, shop the kids’ swim goggles at Dollar Tree to give your wallet a break in expenses. Similar child-sized swim goggles for sale on the Target and Walmart websites can retail for anywhere from $5 to $8 per pair. 

• Price: $1.25

With graduations, baby showers and wedding showers on the horizon this spring, your money really goes the distance shopping Dollar Tree’s “Congrats” foil balloon garlands. 

The cheapest similar offering we could find online were the Spritz collection balloon garlands at Target for $7. You don’t even get assorted designs like you would at Dollar Tree, where shoppers can choose from gold or silver balloons.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are accurate as of March 10, 2025, and are subject to change.