Not worth it at the dollar store: sandwich bags

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:

Sandwich bags

The dollar store sells Hefty zipper seal sandwich bags in a package of 13 for $1 or about 8 cents per bag but, again, it pays to buy in bulk. Costco sells Ziploc sandwich bags, four packages of 150 bags each, for $12.58. That means each sandwich bag costs only 2 cents each. And, if you pack lunches on a regular basis, you won't soon run out with 600 bags on hand.

Plastic containers, however, are a better deal and certainly a lot easier on the environment. You can buy sturdy sandwich keepers for $1 each at dollar stores. Just make sure the family returns them to you at the end of the school/work day and you'll save a bundle over sandwich bags.