Not worth it at the dollar store: batteries

Dollar stores are great places to find bargains on any number of household needs but you can't always assume that, just because it's only $1, you're automatically getting the most bang for your buck. Prices and quantities may vary according to stores in your town, but going by my shopping list, here are 10 things you might want to go elsewhere for:

Batteries
Dollar stores sell good quality AA or AAA batteries from Panasonic and Sunbeam for $1 a package of four. That's 25 cents per battery. Wal-Mart sells Maxell batteries in the same sizes in bulk.

So, for $9.88 you can have a supply of 48 batteries for only 21 cents each. With that many batteries on hand there'll be no more rooting around in the junk drawer looking for something to put the spin back in your Spin Brush.

Marlene Alexander is a freelance writer and dollar store diva. She writes tips and ideas on decorating using only items from the dollar store.