Continuing on my series on what 99 Cent Store products have saved my budget, I want to focus on household supplies this post. While many items I purchase to maintain my household are only every now and again purchases, they can cost a pretty penny. Others I use far more frequently and I would just as soon spend as little as possible…especially since I have a 10th grader who is already taking Advanced Placement tests, is in sports and looking at the cost of his academic and athletic extras for next year, I definitely need to save every penny I can or I could so go broke! Just kidding but seriously we do need to save money where we can.

Household Deals and Steals

Paper Goods

Plates – While I prefer to use real plates for the stability and the lack of impact on the environment, my son and husband are the kings of paper plates. So I take comfort in the fact that I can get 60 good paper plates for$0.99 a pack. At least my budget is being looked after.

Napkins – As long as you are getting the 2 ply and the highest count, I have found these work pretty well. Plus you can save about $2 per package.

Paper Towels – Considering how many my family uses, I love that I can get them at the 99 Cent Store. If you are a brand lover, then you will be happy to know they regularly carry Bounty.

Plastic Wrap, Aluminum Foil, Wax Paper, and Parchment Paper

For the most part, I have been very pleased with the quality and amount per roll on all of these. Occasionally they do carry name brands but their generic is just as good. The only exception is heavy duty aluminum foil that I personally use to line pans when roasting meat, like turkey, pork loins, etc.

Snack, Sandwich, Quart, and Gallon Zipper Seal Bags

Considering that Ziplock and similar, even grocery store brand are about $2.50 a box, I count these as a great steal. They work they same, are the same size and have about the same amount. For example, the generic sandwich ziplock bags have a count of 50 for $1.00. Good deal to me.

Hand Soaps

They sell SoftSoap individual sink sized bottles. Not only are they cute and can be matched to any décor. Plus their generic hand soap refills are also a good deal too.

Batteries

Need AA, AAA, C, D, singles or multi packs? Duracell? Energizer? or are you okay with generic? I so count this a steal at a $1 a pack.

Hangers

Not only do they have the good old plastic standard hangers that have worked so well for years, but they also carry 3-packs of the “no slip” fuzzy black hangers. These are a little more flexible than the standard version. However, I see this as a plus. I have had several of the standards break because they had no flex.

Basic Sewing Supplies

So not something that the avid seamstress would want. But if you just need some basic supplies to be able to sew on a button, mend a hem, or fix a tear, then this would a be an awesome steal for you. Needles, threads, no sew seam glue and even safety pins all there for you.

Plants and Seeds

I was pretty shocked the other day when I walked into the 99 Cent Store and saw live plants, actual living plants! I was thrilled as we are trying to get some life and color to our backyard. Plus, I always wanted to create a mini garden and grow my own veggies. At a $1.00 a packet of seeds, if my thumb is brown, then I haven’t wasted too much money.

Mise en Place Bowls aka Custard Cups

So I am a big fan of prep bowls and lots of them when it comes to cooking. The more the merrier but I would prefer not to spend a fortune. I’ve seen one set of 10 that was about $20 so getting a set of 4 for $1.00 was awesome! Definitely a steal and at that price you can get tons.

Household Stay Aways

Frames

Granted they are a dollar a piece but the frames are made of plastic. Over the years, every time I have thought well technology has gotten better so let’s give it a try, I regret it…majorly! I have yet to have a single frame that didn’t break. Sadly they are flimsy. I’d rather spend the extra $3-$5 for a frame at TJMaxx or Ross and get one that is not only stylish but will last. In my opinion a definite stay away.

Toilet Paper

Considering most of the toilet paper brands that I have seen there are only one-ply, you are going to use double to get the same…ah shall we say results…as two ply. The time I did try it, I felt like I had used sand paper and not plush toilet paper. To each his own, but I’m saying pass.

Trash Bags

So not really a stay away but not really a deal either. They have been kind of a hit or miss in my experience. Even when using the same brand, I find that their consistency of quality is questionable.  But for $1 for 15 count of 13 gallon drawstring bags, I can handle the uncertainty. If you can’t and would prefer the quality that comes with Hefty or Glad, then I would pass.

Glassware, Dinnerware, Etc.

While there is absolutely nothing wrong with their glassware, it may not be the most cost effective and they may not have enough of a single item to get a complete set. Plus, if you go to Bed, Bath and Beyond and look for the Libby entertainment-ware, you can usually get a set of 12 for $10. Add a 20% off coupon and you can save even more. So in my book, I would say pass.

Next post, I’ll look at everything else that I would say definite buy or definite pass to. I hope you are enjoying the series and I would love to hear about your finds too!

*Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with 99 Cent Store in anyway. I am only a patron who has found that shopping there has aided my budget and I am passing on my experiences and opinion. The statements above are my opinion and my opinion only and is based on my experiences and/or those directly related to me by others. You may find different results or find you do not agree with my opinions.