I’ll be honest, I usually avoid these kinds of dollar stores or in this case 5 Below. It’s not because I think I am above them by any means, but I always think they won’t have what I’m looking for or will have to sacrifice brands or quality that I want. On the other side of it, I just imagine stores full of super cheap kids clothes or candies, things that I’m not looking for.
Over the weekend, I decided to wander around 5 Below and was surprised by a lot of what I found. There was a wider variety of products and while some may not be as high of quality, I didn’t really feel like anything I was looking at would break the moment I walked out the door, if I chose to purchase it. Since I am working on a budget right now, this was a really good wakeup call to explore all of my options and not limit myself.
There were some items that I was super shocked to find and I thought I would share those with you today, you might just be as surprised!
eos lipbalm
Guys! I love eos lip balms and yeah, they are ‘under $5,’ I still never expected to see these there! Future note to self.
Workout equipment
There were so many different workout options, between lighter weights (I don’t think I saw any over 10 lbs), resistance bands, yoga mats, rubber flooring.
Phone Cases
I’ll be honest, it was my hope that I would find a phone case here as I needed to make a last minute upgrade to my phone last week. It was fading quickly and I wanted to upgrade while I could still get some money back for it, instead of waiting for it to totally crap out on me and get nothing. Since a new phone is a pretty hefty purchase, I really didn’t want to spend a ton on a new case so I was excited to find a whole wall of case options for $5!
Cards
Okay, you may think I’m crazy for not thinking about there being cards at 5 Below, but I really didn’t think about it and when I saw the whole wall, I got really excited and picked one up for my nephew’s birthday.
[ctt title=”Who knew you could get these things at 5 below?!” tweet=”Who knew you could get these things at 5 below?! via @iamkatiearnold http://ctt.ec/D3CjR+” coverup=”D3CjR”]
I’m excited to open my doors to new possibilities that will keep me on my budget for a wide variety of possible purchases. (No, this was not a sponsored post.)
Are you a fan of dollar stores or 5 Below kind of stores?
What are your favorite products to pick up at these stores?

I agree that when I think of dollar store type places I think of cheap trinkets that wont last more than a month. I have, though, found some great organizing things for the house there!
Ashley @ Whiskers and Weights recently posted…Thoughts for Thursday
Girl, I love 5 Below! It has much better stuff than your typical dollar store, and it’s fun to walk around looking at all the stuff. I bought a ton of wrapping paper and bows there around Christmas time, and even some gifts for my siblings. Such a fun store!
Rebecca Hicks recently posted…Shredded Chicken Burrito | Taco Bell Copycat Recipe
Seriously! It was really fun (though also semi dangerous)! 😉
We don’t have one near us, but there is one near my parents and I’ve been impressed with their selection!
Just another excuse to see them more often! 😉
I had no idea about their card section! That’s awesome because we have one right near my work, so if I ever need one in a pinch, there’s no problem! Thank you for sharing!
We have shops similar this and I am often surprised at some of the stuff they have. We have one called Dollar King and their party supplies are actually really lovely with heaps of colour themes to choose from. Good to see you were surprised!
We don’t have a five below but I love the dollar store!
Crazy shenanigans recently posted…San Diego Comic Con 2016
Workout equipment under five?! SIGN ME UP!!
Chelsea recently posted…Don’t Miss Out on Life Because You’re Too Busy Being Busy
Neat!! I’ve never been in five below before but have heard about it. When I worked in NYC, there was a dollar store called Jack’s and if you got lucky, you could score pretty expensive items (like Peanut Butter & Co peanut butter) for $1. It was amazing 🙂
I’m always surprised at what I can find at 5 below! I’ve also found some great science toys and experiments for my boys there!
Christy recently posted…Engineering with RC Cars
I love that you can get workout equipment I really want some more weights. Also EOS yes!
I was shocked when I saw the EOS lipbalms at checkout, too! So convenient!
I was pleasantly surprised when I found all that workout stuff there last year! My $5 workout ball works just as well as a more expensive one. 🙂
alexandra @ my urban family recently posted…The Science of Making Adult Friends
oooo…. I didn’t know they had workout equipment. 🙂
Jessica Bradshaw recently posted…Greece Travel Series: What to do in Mykonos
You found some awesome things! I think things at dollar stores (or $5 Below stores) can be so hit or miss but sometimes you definitely find treasures! <3
Susannah recently posted…Splash Pad Fun Time
I could get lost in CARDS forever! I really miss the lost “art” of writing and sending cards!
GiGi Eats recently posted…This ICE Is Nuts
At the Dollar Tree semi-close to where I live, you can buy spices for $1!!!!!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…August Goals & Intentions
I just went to a 5 Below store and was really surprised with what they have too! I’ve gotten a couple workout items from there.
Jackie recently posted…First Trimester
I’m loving that you found weights and yoga mats! I am super surprised! Thanks for sharing- I will have to pass this around too! -Wendie
I only heard of this place last year. Thanks for giving me a tour of what to expect there!
Theresa recently posted…Visiting Nashville Part 2
I love 5Below and the Dollar Store! I usually shop there for outdoor toys for my daughter and then party supplies although Walmart’s party stuff is just as cheap now.
Sabrina Horton recently posted…Strength Training For Runners: Quick Core Workout