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Don’t discount dollar stores for things that eventually will get thrown out or replaced. Why spend your money to buy detergent, shampoo, cleaners or a can of Draino, just to pour it down the drain? Did the phrase “don’t go pouring your money down the drain” have anything to do with this?
Pet owners should check out the dollar stores before going to Petsmart because they have a huge selection of toys for your pet there, ranging from a rubber mouse to a dried up pigs ear. Instead of paying big dollars for these items, pay just a buck or two. Golfers should also check out what they have at the dollar store. If you want to clean the grass off your golf shoes, try a three-pack of brushes for a dollar. Use the steel brush for steel spikes, otherwise you will probably damage the soft spikes with a metal brush. Some dollar stores carry used golf balls too for a buck each. In the towel section, pick up a few hand towels and use them to clean to clubs or the ball before putting.If you’re going on a trip, be sure to check out these items at the dollar store. Luggage tags, luggage locks, belts and for international travel, pick up an adapter plug that works in the country that you’re flying or cruising into. I’ve seen these plugs sold at Samsonite luggage stores for at least five dollars. Here you can get them for a buck. And here’s a tip from my friend Betty, who buys a handful of souvenirs. She likes giving them out to children who she sees on her travels. Others give money but I think anything that puts a smile on a child’s face is best.
Other travel items that you can find at a dollar store include zipper bags, storage containers, duct tape, flashlights, batteries and bicycle supplies. Zipper bags come in handy for a variety of reasons and having a few in your luggage is the thing to do. I saw an older gentlemen on my last trip put his keys, cellphone and loose coins in a zipper bag before security. That’s a good idea, keeping loose items in a see-thru bag so they don’t go missing after the security gate. Duct tape always comes in handy, especially when your bags rip on transit. Flashlights, especially the ones that uses no batteries are great to have. At select dollar stores, they are selling the ones that uses LED’s that give off a nice white light with little consumption. If you plan to do some walking or jogging, pick up some reflective tape in the bicycle supply section. Stick some of this tape on the back of your legs or your jacket when you’re out at night. In Europe especially, streets are dark and cars are fast.
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