If the thought of stepping into a big box store is not convenient, you might stop by your local drug store to grab a few items. Often that quick trip may save time but not necessarily money. Good Housekeeping shares five items you shouldn’t buy at drugstores.
Toilet Paper
According to the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, toilet paper is always cheaper when buying in bulk. They also point out that buying generic brands may not be the right choice, either. “Though some people may think it’s cheaper to buy a store brand toilet paper, most drug store-branded toilet paper was actually more expensive than other brands available in bulk sizes in our recent test.” explains Senior Textiles Analyst Lexie Sachs. Try shopping at Costco or on Amazon instead.
Diapers
Because you always seem to run out at the worse times. However, Good Housekeeping says it’s also better to buy in bulk.
Greeting Cards
If you’ve ever been rushing to get a last-minute birthday card, you know that you can end up shelling out $5 or more at popular drugstores for a simple “happy birthday.” Sachs swears by stocking up at places like TJ Maxx in advance, where she pays around $1.99 each for high-end cards. The Dollar Tree is also known for their 2-for-$1 cards as well.
Certain Shampoo & Conditioner Bundles
You’ll save nearly twice as much by ordering bundles of shampoo and conditioner on Amazon instead of buying from one-stop pharmacies. Plus, if you’re an Amazon Prime member, some items are eligible for free same-day delivery, which makes it even easier than going to the store.
Vitamins
You wouldn’t think it based on their name, but drugstore vitamin prices are through the roof. A 200-count bottle women’s multivitamins can cost double the price from Jet.
