As we’ve already noted, Dollar Tree has slowly been shifting away from rock-bottom pricing, and new tariffs are giving them the perfect excuse to bump prices even more. With imports getting slapped with extra fees, especially from countries like China, dollar stores now have both a reason and the competitive cover to quietly charge more. But not everything is at risk, and if you know what to grab now (and what’s just hype), you can still beat the price hikes before they hit your cart.
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Tariff-Targeted Categories at Dollar Stores That Could See Price Increases
Cleaning Supplies and Household Goods
Think of things like mops, scrub brushes, brooms, and plastic storage bins. Many of these are imported from China, so if tariffs hit, prices on basic cleaning essentials could jump by 10% - 25%.
Dollar Tree already charges $5 for push brooms and mops, some of the priciest items in the store. Don’t be surprised if that creeps up to $6 or $7, or the $5 price point stays, but you see thinner bristles or flimsier handles to compensate.
Solution: Skip the disposable mop heads, sponge refills, and dollar store gloves. Instead, invest once in a washable microfiber mop, reusable scrub pads, and silicone gloves, all of which last months and cut out the need to constantly rebuy cheap, tariff-impacted imports.
Also look on Amazon for multipacks of reusable cloths and pads under private label brands (like Amazon Basics or Grove Co.) as these are often very competitively priced and domestically sourced. This means you’ll avoid tariff markups and buy in bulk, which means more savings over time.
Party Supplies and Decor
We’ve already seen helium balloons go up from $1.25 to $1.50 at Dollar Tree. Besides balloons, items like streamers, plastic tablecloths, and disposable dishware are almost entirely imported, so when tariffs go into effect, your next birthday bash could get pricier. If prices don’t go up, expect shrinkflation, like fewer napkins per pack, or stealth price hikes that make the "cheap" party aisle not so cheap.
Solution: Go reusable and hit the clearance racks. Instead of buying single-use tablecloths, banners, and napkins, grab neutral-colored reusable options (think white, silver, or gold). Target’s clearance section is a great place to start, especially right after big holidays. They can be reused for birthdays, graduations, baby showers, or pretty much any event that comes up.
Also, check out a restaurant supply store like Smart & Final in your area. Most sell bulk disposable goods (napkins, plates, utensils) for far less per item than Dollar Tree post-tariff.
Toys and Games
A huge chunk of dollar store toys, puzzles, dolls, and games are made in China. So when new tariffs roll in, prices could spike 10% - 35%, depending on the item. But here’s the catch: Stores like Dollar Tree, Walmart, and even Target might not raise prices outright. Instead, they'll downsize the packaging or cut corners on quality.
Solution: Hit up your local thrift store or scroll Facebook Marketplace, and you’ll find puzzles, board games, and even big-name toys for a fraction of the price.
And don’t sleep on off-season deals. After the holidays or during back-to-school clear-outs, stores start slashing prices on toys to make room for new stuff. Shop the Target Semi-Annual Toy Sale or Walmart toy clearance to grab the good brands before tariff price hikes kick in.
Seasonal Decor and Holiday Items
Most of those festive decorations for the Fourth of July, Halloween, Christmas, and Easter are made in China. So tariffs could lead to higher prices or smaller selections at dollar stores, especially for breakable items like ornaments, ceramic figurines, and LED lights which are more expensive to package and transport safely.
Solution: If you can plan ahead, grab seasonal clearance decor right after the holiday ends, when stores are desperate to clear shelves. You’ll often find items 50% - 90% off, even at dollar stores like Dollar General or Family Dollar. Stock up on basics like string lights, reusable bins, garlands, and neutral-colored pieces that can be used in multiple seasons.
Or get creative — DIY some holiday magic using thrifted finds, natural elements (pinecones, branches, oranges), or even last year’s gift wrap. You’ll dodge tariff markups and avoid the cheap-plastic clutter that ends up in the trash.
KCL TIP: Skip the trendy characters or this year’s popular color schemes. Those are the first to disappear or shoot up in price. Instead, go for staples you can use every year like white lights or ceramic pumpkins.
Kitchen Tools and Utensils
Items like peelers, ladles, measuring cups, and plastic containers come from overseas, namely China. If tariffs are added, expect Dollar Tree to swap in even more off-brand, low-durability versions or raise prices to $1.50 or more if the $1.25 price point no longer cuts it.
Solution: You can find high-quality kitchen brands like OXO, KitchenAid, and Cuisinart at discount stores like Ross, Marshalls, and TJ Maxx for 50% - 60% off the retail price. Sure, you’ll spend more upfront, but you’re getting a quality product that’s going to last. Plus, in most cases you’re buying last year’s model, with an original MSRP that wasn't affected by the current tariffs, so you know you’re scoring a solid deal.
Storage and Organization Bins
Imported cheap plastic storage baskets and drawer organizers are dollar store staples. But tariffs are going to squeeze the profit margins on these items, and if you don’t see a price increase, you’ll see thinner plastic or a drop in size and durability to compensate.
Solution: Hit the dollar store kitchen aisle instead. I’ve grabbed stackable food storage containers and even deep mixing bowls to corral everything from craft supplies to phone chargers. The plastic’s thicker, the lids actually work, and they hold up way better than those wobbly baskets. It’s a sneaky little upgrade. The prices are the same, just built to last a little longer.
Also, check out the cleaning aisle. I’ve found solid plastic tubs meant for dishwashing that double perfectly as under-sink organizers or toy catch-alls. They're thicker, tougher, and the edges with the handles hold up. Same $1.25 price, but they don’t crumble the second you fill them with anything slightly heavy.
Items Safe From Tariff-Fueled Price Hikes
Canned and Shelf-Stable Food
Think green beans, tuna, spaghetti sauce, ramen, boxed mac and cheese — you know, the dollar store classics. These are often sourced from domestic producers or countries not hit by current tariff waves.
Plus, big U.S. brands like Del Monte, Chef Boyardee, and Campbell’s dominate this space and have long-standing supply chains that don't rely heavily on China. So if you’re looking to stock your pantry without sweating inflation, this is still your low-cost safe zone, at least until freight or fuel prices spike.
Greeting Cards
Surprisingly, Dollar Tree greeting cards are one of the last remaining great deals and most are made right here in the U.S., thanks to a partnership with Hallmark. You'll get cards from the Hallmark Heartline and Expressions line and only pay two for $1 at most locations. While fancier cards elsewhere may climb past $6 each, these should stay cheap.
KCL TIP: Buy birthday, graduation, and sympathy cards in bulk and stash them so you’re not panic-buying $5 at Walgreens the night before.
Over-the-Counter Meds
Dollar Tree and Dollar General sell medicines like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, allergy meds, and cold and flu tablets under private label names. Specifically, Rexall at Dollar General and Assured at Dollar Tree.
These are made in an FDA-regulated U.S. facility. The active ingredients may be globally sourced, but the pills themselves are assembled, tested, and packaged in the U.S., making them fairly safe from tariffs.
Heads-Up: The dosage per tablet or number of pills per bottle is often smaller than name-brand bottles, but the cost per pill still beats most big-box stores for your basic meds.
Basic Paper Goods
TP, tissues, napkins, and paper towels are bulky to ship which makes it cost-prohibitive to import them from far-off countries. As a result, most dollar stores source these from North American suppliers. Many store-brand paper goods are made by the same few manufacturers you’d recognize, just in-less plush, fewer-ply versions.
KCL TIP: Remember, check the price per square foot for paper towels and toilet paper, not just the total price.
Baking Ingredients and Spices
Items like sugar, salt, flour, baking soda, and cornstarch are all largely made in the U.S. and likely to stay unaffected. Even spices, though they may include imported ingredients, are processed and packaged domestically.
Brands like Supreme Tradition (at Dollar Tree) or Clover Valley (at Dollar General) may not be gourmet, but they get the job done for $1.25.
KCL TIP: Dollar Tree spices are small, but that’s not always a bad thing if you're buying spices that you don't use a lot, so they don't go stale.
Should you stock up now?
When trying to figure out what dollar stores items you should stock up on, here’s some useful guidelines to consider:
Buy It Now:
You already use it regularly, and you know exactly how fast you go through it.
You’ve seen the price creeping up or you’ve read about tariffs coming for it.
It lasts a long time without going bad. Think toothpaste, dish soap, foil, or freezer bags.
You’ve got a spot to stash extras.
Skip the Panic-Buy:
The only reason you're grabbing it is because the sign says, “limited stock.”
You wouldn’t have considered buying it before seeing it in the clearance bin.
It’s a seasonal or novelty item you’ll forget exists two days later.
You’re stockpiling like you’re opening a general store out of your pantry, and you’ve already lost track of what’s there.
Buying it means skipping essentials.
KCL TIP: Dollar stores rotate inventory fast, so if you genuinely love and use something, grab a few. But don’t let FOMO turn your pantry or closet into a graveyard of regret buys.
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