21 Things To Buy at Dollar Tree This Summer If You Live on Social Security

Dollar Tree is the ultimate one-stop shop for affordable summer essentials if you’re on a fixed income. From grilling supplies to name-brand groceries, budget-conscious retirees save more money at the discount retailer than they would shopping at big-box stores. There’s even autumn decor and crafting supplies available to start shopping for now!

See which top 21 recommendations are worth the money this summer if you live on Social Security. 

The summertime accessories sold at Dollar Tree are so popular, it’s not surprising to see these items sell out quickly. 

Shop smart and add items you’ll use year-round to your shopping cart, like the sunreader eyeglasses ($1.50) and the reusable printed tote bags ($1.25) in your favorite styles. 

Hosting a Fourth of July party or grilling dinner for friends and family? Look for grilling supplies at Dollar Tree before visiting a pricier specialty store. 

Retirees will find essentials like Cooking Concepts’ telescopic barbecue forks ($1.25) and Royal Norfolk two-count steak knives ($1.25) to help retrieve meats and veggies off the grill and slice them up for all to enjoy. Don’t forget to grab a 3-in-1 grill brush to scrub and clean off the grill after use.

Retirees not as familiar with Dollar Tree’s grocery inventory are in for a pleasant surprise. There are tons of pantry staples available to shop and all barbeque cookout approved. 

Grilling hot dogs? Pick up an eight-count package of hot dog buns ($1.50), Hunt’s ketchup ($1.25) and French’s yellow mustard ($1.25) for toppings. Kraft real mayo ($1.25) is a must if you’re making potato salad.

Elevate the taste of the steak, pork or chicken you’re grilling with A1 steak sauce ($1.25) and keep a bottle of Kraft hickory smoke barbecue sauce ($1.25) handy for extra flavor on ribs and burgers. 

Don’t you just love how cheap these essentials cost? If you bought every item we mentioned, you’d only end up spending $7.75!

The Fourth of July and Labor Day are coming up fast, which means now is the best time to shop for festive decorations. 

Hang up patriotic wall signs ($1.25) on your walls and entrance doors and add a pop of red, white and blue to the front yard or backyard with a variety of patriotic stake signs.

Stay fresh and clean all summer long without breaking the bank. Dollar Tree carries a wide range of deodorants, like the Speed Stick brand ($1.25) in generous sizes of 1.8-ounces or more. 

Full bottles of Delta Home hand soap ($1.25) are a must for the home and especially when company is present. If you’re out and about, keep a 40-count sleeve of Aquarelle antibacterial travel wipes ($1.25) in your car or handbag to freshen up your face and hands on-the-go.

Can you really start shopping for fall decorations and crafting supplies at Dollar Tree? The answer is yes, if you’re shopping online and depending on what your nearest Dollar Tree has in stock.

A few early decorations to buy now include Seasonal Collection’s harvest self sitters ($1.25) which can be displayed on mantles and shelves for a cozy look. We’re also fans of the rustic fall treats recipe signs ($1.25) for a homey touch in kitchens and as a quick reference guide for making delicious pumpkin pie, apple pie and apple cider.

In the crafting corner, stock up on some metal wreath hangers ($1.25) in fall colors if you decide to DIY this season’s wreaths. Don’t forget to weave in your favorite fall ribbons from Crafter’s Square ($1.25 per nine foot roll) and stock up on mini pumpkin decorations ($1.25 for five-count packs) for autumn crafting or decorating purposes.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability accurate as of Jul. 9, 2025 and subject to change.