11 Things You Really Shouldn’t Buy at Dollar Stores in New England

"You get what you pay for" is a saying you know and have (for the most part) experienced. Sometimes you don't care, other times it's a waste of money not to drop extra bucks on something.

We live in one of the priciest places in the country, surrounded by hundreds of various dollar-type stores around New England, so saving money is a lifestyle when it's worth it.

However, even the budget-friendly, money-saving excitement from dollar stores filled with goodies and deals can end up costing you more.

According to numerous sources like Reader's Digest, The Thrifty Apartment, USA Today, and home specialist Bob Vila, these are items you shouldn't buy at dollar stores.

Hair and Beauty Products

Cosmetics and hair care product claims aren't regulated. They do expire, and use harsh chemicals and alcohol that make them cheaper to make. Is your skin and hair worth it? This includes sunscreen, which can include harmful "forever” chemicals and toxins.

Pet Food

The unhealthy or missing ingredients are why it's cheap. Or the name brand may be expired or close to it. Is your pet's health worth the risk?  Storage is another potential problem at dollar stores, because turnover isn't there, and rodent contamination has been an issue.

Medicine and Vitamins

If something is too good to be true, then it probably is. The FDA has been known to send warning letters to dollar store companies for selling over-the-counter drugs from foreign manufacturers. Also, over-the-counter drugs like ibuprofen and generic vitamins haven’t necessarily been subjected to the same testing and regulations, and may even be missing active ingredients (or expired).

Feminine Products

Tampons, pads, panty liners, and other feminine hygiene products possibly filled with toxins in your body? No thanks.

Plastic Cookware, Utensils, Plates

From plastic cooking utensils to those plastic forks and spoons that grace our barbecues, these are questionable at best from dollar stores. Because they're so cheap, they could easily contain those "forever" chemicals that aren't flame retardant, or release toxins when you add heat.

Oven Mitts 

They have one job: to protect you from getting burned. However, dollar store mitts are often thin, cheaply made, and may not be flame retardant.

Toys, Baby Products, and School Supplies

Cheap toys are made with cheap materials that may not be toxin-free, and that includes plastic school supplies, too.  From health and safety issues to chemicals and toxins, it's best to stay away. Obviously, this goes for baby products like bottles.

Batteries

Dollar store batteries are more than likely old or generic, made from carbon zinc, and not lithium. They're also more likely to leak and damage your electronics and gadgets.

Powerstrips 

Whether they are poorly made or have thinner wires that can't handle power loads, there's a very real safety issue with fire.

Phone Chargers and Accessories

It's simple. They're junk, cheaply made, and can damage your phone or computer. Plus, they break easily and don't last long at all. I mean, why even go there?

Knives

Do you really want to use cheaply made, dull knives when the entire point of quality is safety? Quality matters here, and they're often forever dull, which is incredibly dangerous.

Also, always check expiration dates, especially with laundry detergent and fresh food.