4 Dollar Tree Deals Retirees Should Avoid, Plus the 10 Best Items To Own on Social Security

Retirees on Social Security often lean heavily on Dollar Tree to stock up on inexpensive essentials. However, while the vast majority of their offerings are priced cheaply, not every purchase helps save money.

We rounded up several items retirees on fixed incomes should avoid at Dollar Tree and what’s worth buying instead. Also, check out J.Crew buys seniors should stock up on this winter.

According to one-star reviews, Home Collection’s bath towels are poorly stitched and fall apart quickly after a few washes. Retirees may consider shopping for bath towels sold at Walmart instead. Towels in the Mainstays collection retail for $3.24 apiece — less than a quarter more than Dollar Tree’s prices.

Batteries tend to miss more than hit at Dollar Tree. There’s a wide selection of types like AAA and lithium coin batteries, but reviews are mixed as to how well they work in the short and long run.

The consensus among shoppers is that it’s better to spend a little more money at a reputable retailer to ensure you’re getting long-lasting batteries to operate your favorite devices.

At $7, the Tool Bench electric screwdriver may seem like a good deal, especially when compared to prices at Home Depot and Lowe’s for similar tools. But according to reviews, it can’t accomplish the simplest home improvement tasks.

“It has zero torque and can barely push a screw into a pre-drilled hole,” wrote JB73 in a one-star review. “It stalls constantly or just shuts off. The contacts in the battery compartment are loose. I had to physically push them back into place. I bought this today, and it’s going straight in the garbage can.”

As cheap as the Thermoplastic toilet plungers may be ($1.50), most reviews agree it’s better to spend a little more money on a high-quality plunger. One-star reviews cited the plunger’s head as being too thin and scrawny to unclog toilets.

Retirees can save several dollars easily buying Dawn dish soap from Dollar Tree instead of a supermarket or drugstore. A variety of scents are available — including original, apple blossom and lemon — for just $1.50 each.

Gardening in retirement is a win-win for many reasons. Not only is it a therapeutic, meditative hobby, but retirees can grow fruits, vegetables and herbs to further reduce grocery bills and enjoy their own fresh produce.

No matter what you’re growing, it’s worth investing in Dollar Tree’s planters. The self-watering plant pots from Garden Collection are a steal for $5. Praise has poured in for how sturdy and well-sized these planters are. The one chief complaint? You can never have enough of them.

You might not think to buy pens on a fixed income, but consider these Inc Forma ballpoint pens. Each five-count set is available for $1.25, or a quarter each.

They’re also one of Dollar Tree’s most highly recommended products with 21 five-star reviews. Praise comes for how smooth the pens write and the easy grip to avoid hands aching or cramping up.

Storage bins and baskets are a popular Dollar Tree buy if you’re on Social Security, thanks to their inexpensive prices and ability to hold a lot of materials. Many baskets, like the Birch and Vine weaving straw basket, retail for $1.25 and provide plenty of uses. Organize paperwork or small trinkets inside, display on a coffee table or use as a base for crafting purposes.

When’s the last time you checked out Dollar Tree’s eyewear? The selection can’t be beat for their price (most readers cost $1.50) or diopter strength. There are even blue light blocking readers available for retirees that spend a lot of time using devices like Kindles or iPads.

Make affordable treats to share with family and friends with Dollar Tree’s selection of cake, cookie and muffin mixes. Options include name brands like Pillsbury and Betty Crocker for a few dollars less than what you’d pay at a traditional supermarket. As a bonus, Dollar Tree regularly gets new arrivals added into its inventory, so it’s worth checking in seasonally to see what’s available.

Dollar Tree has cornered the market with its selection of cheap spices. Most of these spices, including staples like chives and black pepper, have glowing reviews. If the low cost wasn’t enough of a draw, several spices are solid alternatives for retirees with dietary restrictions.

JeffB2, who identified as age 65+, left a positive review for Colonna salt-free garlic and herb seasoning, citing the seasoning as one they could enjoy after having a triple bypass. The reviewer encouraged other retiree shoppers to take the time to read the labels so they can find spices that meet their health needs at low prices.

If you love to sew, knit and crochet, there’s an abundance of low-cost crafting materials to add to your shopping cart. The popular Crafters Square crochet hooks ($1.25) come with ergonomically-friendly handles and rave reviews comparing the hooks as affordable dupes to the Clover Amour brand.

Need yarn? Take your pick of a wide variety of Premier Just Chenille yarn. Each spool comes with 65 yards of yarn for $1.25. (This yarn is available in-store only, so check with your local Dollar Tree to see what’s in stock.)

Financial experts often recommend buying generic OTC medication instead of name-brands. Not only does it cost a lot less, but generic medication must be regulated by the FDA, which means it’s safe to take.

Check out the health and wellness section the next time you’re at Dollar Tree. Retirees can save a bundle shopping for Assured ibuprofen (among other pain relievers and cold and flu products). Each bottle comes with 40 caplets for the unbeatable price of $1.25.

Cards should always be on a retiree’s shopping list at Dollar Tree. Shoppers can find celebratory cards for sale from the Expressions From Hallmark line for $1.25 each, or Hallmark’s Heartline collection at two for $1. Stock up ahead of life’s major moments — like upcoming birthdays, graduations, weddings and holidays — without worrying you’ll break the bank.

Disclaimer: Prices and availability accurate as of Dec. 31, 2025 and subject to change. All imagery sourced from DollarTree.com.