5 Worst Stocking Stuffers To Purchase From Dollar Tree This Season
Written by
Dawn Allcot
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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Dollar Tree is one of the best stores to find last-minute stocking stuffers for everyone in your family. From candy and gum to Play-Doh and Hot Wheels cars, you’ll find plenty of national brands at value prices to fill a stocking for less.
But, as with any discount store, there are certain purchases you should avoid at Dollar Tree. Based on consumer reviews, feedback on Reddit threads, and decades of shopping experience on a budget, here are some items you’ll want to skip at Dollar Tree.
If you still want to drop by the popular retailer, here are some stocking stuffers under $10 you can pick up at Dollar Tree.
E-Circuit Heavy Duty Batteries
Batteries to power toys and electronics make a great stocking stuffer. Since so many holiday gifts need batteries, you might as well toss them in a stocking to have on hand Christmas morning.
However, CBC News in Canada tested a few brands of dollar store carbon zinc batteries designed for low-drain devices and found they weren’t worth the money.
Specifically, Dollar Tree’s E-Circuit Super Heavy Duty batteries lasted less than seven hours. The alkaline version lasted more than 22 hours, but that still didn’t stack up to leading brands like Duracell and Energizer Max.
Nail Polish
Today’s teens love bright, fun nail polish colors. But there’s nothing worse than nail polish that doesn’t go on smoothly or last for more than a few days. Redditors agreed that Color Vibe nail polish isn’t even worth the $1.25 cost.
“The polish is trash,” said Redditor cugrad16. “Brushes on janky, then chips off a day later like wearing child polish.”
Instead, splurge on brands like Essie, OPI or Orly — even if you just buy one bottle in a classic color. It will last longer and look better.
Poseable Fashion Dolls
Dollar Tree’s 11.5-inch poseable fashion dolls, designed to be compatible with Barbie clothing, playsets and accessories, might be a tempting purchase. One doll will take up substantial real estate in a stocking.
But get ready for tears by Boxing Day when the doll’s head inevitably falls off, or it’s hard to dress because the limbs don’t bend as well as they should. Instead, look for sales on a licensed, high-quality Barbie doll and put it under the tree.
Turbo Wheels Die Cast Racer Cars
Likewise, Dollar Tree’s Turbo Wheels Die Cast Racer Cars may come two in a package for just $1.25, but they aren’t the great value that you may think.
If your child collects diecast cars, choose Hot Wheels or Matchbox cars for $1.25 at Dollar Tree. You may not find the most popular styles, but you’ll save a bit of money and give your child a toy they really love that is compatible with their existing tracks.
Toy Box Pony Set
If your child likes My Little Pony, you might think this three-box set of plastic ponies complete with hair accessories is a great deal for $3.
But you’re better off grabbing a licensed My Little Pony jumbo coloring book, with 96 pages of ponies your child will recognize from their favorite show.
Editor’s note: Prices are accurate as of Dec. 20, 2024. Prices and availability may vary by location.
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