11 Things Never to Buy from the Dollar Store

Anything that touches your food should be safe and nontoxic. While the plastic cooking utensils you buy from the dollar store may look harmless, they could contain questionable chemicals like brominated flame retardants, which have been linked to serious health issues. Instead, purchase metal, bamboo, or BPA-free plastic spatulas and spoons from a trusted retail brand.

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Pet food is another dollar store item that may not contain all the ingredients you think it does. Sure, it's cheaper, but do you really want to compromise your beloved pet's nutrition for a couple of dollars in savings? Instead, watch the circulars at the local pet or grocery stores to spot deals and coupons for better brands.

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As with a number of the items on this list, there’s something mysterious about what's actually in beauty products. Many makeup brands list the ingredients on the back, but be aware that even if a generic beauty product uses the same ingredients as a similar brand-name item, it may be using a cheaper version to keep prices low. While that may not pose a problem for everyone, those with sensitive skin should probably stay away from these products and stick to reputable brands.

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Cheap toys are made with cheap materials. Some budget toys may not be guaranteed to be toxin-free, and others may simply break with normal wear and tear, making them a safety hazard for young children who might then pop these harmful objects in their mouths.

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Batteries from the dollar store aren’t as effective for a couple of reasons. First of all, dollar store batteries are often older than the ones you'll find in other retail stores. Secondly, generic batteries are typically made from carbon zinc, which doesn’t last as long as lithium, the preferred ingredient. Plus, cheap batteries are more likely to leak, which can damage your gadget. You’re better off spending a few dollars more on good batteries rather than hoping for the best with generics.

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Oven mitts have one job—to protect your hands from intense heat. Unfortunately, many dollar store varieties are made of thin, cheap material that can't protect your fingers from hot cookware. If you can't resist picking up a cute seasonal pair of oven mitts, consider using them as decorative items in the kitchen rather than your go-to kitchen helpers.

Related: 10 Things Always to Keep Near Your Kitchen Sink

Tools should be sturdy and durable enough to stand up to tough work. A high-quality tool kit often comes with a warranty, so even if something breaks on the job, you can rest easy knowing you can replace it at little or no cost. Tools from the dollar store, on the other hand, are poorly made and won't last long. In fact, they could even lead to injury if they break at a particularly inopportune moment or while you're doing major construction. 

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