20 Things To Buy at Dollar Tree This Fall If You Live on Social Security

Looking to save money this fall at Dollar Tree if you’re on a fixed income? You’ve come to the right place. 

After reviewing items for sale across various Dollar Tree departments, GOBankingRates pulled our top autumn recommendations for retirees on Social Security. We were careful to ensure every item mentioned costs $1.75 or less and is seasonally appropriate.

The only thing we can’t guarantee is that these essentials won’t sell out. Take a look at 20 things to shop for this fall if you’re on Social Security at Dollar Tree.

Fall means cooler weather and more excuses to enjoy delicious comfort foods. And if supermarket costs are (literally) out of pocket, retirees can find plenty of pantry staples for sale at Dollar Tree. 

Pick up a box of Hungry Jack pancake mix ($1.25) to whip up tasty pancakes for breakfast. Stock up the pantry with Campbell’s tomato soup ($1.25) for easy lunches and Idahoan original mashed potatoes ($1.50) to serve as a supper side dish. 

Bringing in some treats for a bake sale or want to surprise a friend or neighbor with a sweet tooth? Dollar Tree carries name brands like Martha White banana nut muffin mix and Betty Crocker peanut butter cookie mix priced at $1.25 apiece.

Keep your wellness top of mind without overspending on over-the-counter (OTC) meds or treatments. For your nightstand, stock up on Scotties facial tissues ($1.50 for an 150-count box) and invest in CareAll chest rub ($1.25) as the cheaper, highly effective alternative to name brands like Vicks.

Don’t be afraid to shop for generic medication, especially since this medication is required to meet certain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines before it can be sold. ValuHealth’s ibuprofen caplets are $1.25 for a 40-count box which comes out to spending three cents per aspirin. Retirees can soothe throats and curb coughs with Freegells cough drops. These come in a 30-count bag for $1.25 and are citrus-flavored and packed with Vitamin C.

We only have one item to highlight in this section, but it’s definitely worth every penny. 

Dollar Tree’s harvest-themed candles are just $1.25 each and look much more expensive than what they cost. Each comes in a frosted jar with a wood lid and with four fragrant scents to choose from. 

Will you pick pumpkin ginger ale or crimson cranberry? How about harvest apple or toasted hazelnut latte? At this low price, you might splurge and buy a few of your favorites!

If you’re a longtime Dollar Tree crafter, you know firsthand just how cheap their craft supplies are and just how much there is to explore in their inventory. 

We recommend checking in with your nearest location to see what’s in stock, but here are a few fall crafting supplies worth adding to your cart. Keep your eyes peeled for pumpkin-shaped wreath forms ($1.75) if you’re putting together wreaths and harvest floral picks ($1.75) to fashion into the wreaths or use for an autumn-themed centerpiece. Don’t forget fall-themed ribbon ($1.50 for 9 feet) to style bows. 

For a rustic yet modern touch, pick from glitter maple bush ($1.75) or decorative velvet pumpkins ($1.50 each) to make your final product stand out.

The three indoor and outdoor décor items we picked cost $1.50 apiece. 

Add a scarecrow stake to your garden and pick from four festive designs while supplies last. Keep a maple leaf dish on your entryway table or on your bedside table to house important items, like car keys or house keys, in a vibrant style. And these high-quality, plush pumpkins from Seasonal Collection will be the talk of all your houseguests when they find out how inexpensive they are.

Planning to knit hats, sweaters and scarves this fall? Pick up your knitting supplies at Dollar Tree and save. 

Whether you’re new to knitting or a seasoned pro, you’ll find aluminum crochet hooks with ergonomic handles available to shop in three different sizes for $1.25 each. 

There’s also an endless selection of Premier yarn available in a wide variety of colors like crimson, lavender, cocoa brown and more for $1.25. Please note this yarn is typically available for in-store purchase only so check to see if your location carries it.

Editor’s note: Prices and availability are accurate as of Aug. 25, 2025, and are subject to change.