Everyone loves a bargain and most people are willing to shop around, even going to several different stores to find the products they need at affordable prices. Some people prefer to shop at discount stores.

Big Lots is a liquidation store. That means they buy bulk products from stores that are going out of business or have too much inventory. Many of these products are brand name items while others may be defective. Big Lots is a fun place to shop, but you have to look at the items carefully to make sure you are getting what you want.

You may buy a sweater only to find that it has a hole in it when you put it on. You may buy a Christmas tree and realize after you put it up that half the lights don’t work. On the other hand, you may find an expensive sofa for a fraction of the cost of the same one in a furniture store.

If you plan on shopping at Big Lots or any discount store for that matter, you need to know how to navigate those shelves. There are certain things you should buy and some you shouldn’t. Here are some suggestions.

Buy It

1. Rug Pads

If you have rugs in your home, you want to put rug pads under them. They not only stop your rugs from sliding around on the floor, but they also make them a little softer. Your feet will thank you and your wallet will too. You can get these rug pads for a great price at Big Lots.

2. Cotton Sheets

Cotton sheets can be expensive at some stores, but Big Lots usually has them dirt cheap. You might just get the best night’s sleep of your life, and love that you didn’t spend a fortune on these sheets. You can save money on these at Big Lots, especially if you buy them in bulk. Cotton sheets can even be useful for things other than sleeping.

Discount Bedding Co.
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Discount Bedding Co.

3. Curtains

Big Lots has a huge selection of curtains, and they are all reasonably priced. You can find some big name and designer brands. You can afford to buy curtains for every window in your home. You don’t need fancy curtains for them to serve the purpose at home – you can even get creative and decorate them in a special way.

4. Glassware

Can you ever have enough glasses? If you need to stock up on some, Big Lots it the place to go. You can find individual glasses or boxes of them. They are perfect for holidays and special occasions. You can get a set of ‘cheaper glasses’ here, so that when you host a lot of people (or a lot of people who aren’t very careful) you can use these, instead of a nicer set that you spent more money on.

Modern Pineapple
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Modern Pineapple

5. Gel Mattress Topper

Is your mattress getting a little too hard and a little too hot? Put a gel mattress topper on it, and you will sleep much better. It will keep you cool and give you a little extra comfort. Big Lots has them at a low price too. For gel mattress toppers, you don’t need to break the bank to get one that works. So check out Big Lots to get a bargain one that will make you sleep so much better.

6. Hanging Jewelry Racks

Big Lots has a lot of different accessories, and they almost always have a good selection of hanging jewelry racks. You can store various types of jewelry on them, and they don’t take up much space. They are great for tight spaces and dorm rooms. You can get this for your child if they are going to college (or moving into their own apartment soon). It’s a necessity for every girl!

Collections ETC
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Collections ETC

7. Pillow Cases

Sometimes the right pillowcase can help you sleep better. They can also add a little décor to your bedroom. Big Lots has a large selection of pillowcases, and they are all affordable. If you’re like me, I’m always cycling through new pillow cases – it’s helpful to change these pretty often (every couple of days) and it is very good for your skin to do so, as we usually sweat on pillow cases.

Linen and Linen
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Linen and Linen

8. Shower Accessories

If you are looking for a way to add a little more space to your shower, a shower caddie or some other shower accessories can help. You can find them in a variety of shapes, sizes, and patterns. They are all priced pretty low too. Shower organization accessories can make your bathroom look so much more put together. Give it a try!

9. Slow Cookers

If you don’t already have a slow cooker, you are missing out on the easiest way to cook dinner. Big Lots carries many different types of brands and sizes. Pick up one and make your life a little easier. You can get these at Big Lots at a lower rate than you can at other retailers – so check it out soon!

10. Wool Pouf

Pouf seating is stylish and fun. The poufs can go for high prices at some store, but Big Lots sells them for a very reasonable price. Add one to your home for extra style and seating. You can get this for your living room or family room to add a bit of flare. Check out the ones that Big Lots sell!

11. Storage

Big Lots has a lot of storage solutions, and they are much more affordable than at other stores. You can find storage for the closet, garage, or even under the bed. You can even find storage solutions in colors and patterns that match your home décor.

The Basket Company
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The Basket Company

12. Blinds

Home improvement stores have blinds that are outrageously priced. Big Lots has them at a fraction of the price. They even carry some big name brands.

dreamwindowsbenny.com
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dreamwindowsbenny.com

13. Small Appliances

Whether you need a new toaster, a hand mixer, or a microwave, always check Big Lots before you go anywhere else. They have a lot of different types of small appliances, and their prices are much more reasonable than other stores. They even carry top brands.

14. Food Storage

Have you lost all the lids to your food storage containers? Don’t worry about because you can get new ones at Big Lots for next to nothing. You can find plastic, glass, and even metal containers with lids. They are great for packing lunches and meal prep.

15. Pillows

A lot of people like to get new pillows every couple of months but this can get expensive if you are paying full price for them. Big Lots has a great selection of affordably priced.

Down Factory Store
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Down Factory Store

16. Wall Décor

You never know what kind of wall décor you might find at Big Lots. Take a while to look around and see if you can find anything to inspire you. The best part is, it’s all super cheap.

17. Furniture

Big Lots is a great place to buy furniture. They carry a lot of popular brands and styles. They even offer financing on some pieces.

18. Speakers

If you want a speaker for your home or one to take to the gym, Big Lots is a great place to look. They carry top brand names and a big selection. You can’t beat the prices either.

19. Snacks

Big Lots has aisles and aisles of snacks. You can find all of your favorite treats at discounted prices. Sometimes they even have things you can’t find anywhere else.

20. Pet Supplies

You love your pet, and so does Big Lots. They offer many different pet products from shampoo to beds. You can even find pet food.

21. Greeting Cards

Although we often need to buy greeting cards for holidays and special occasions, we take for granted how expensive these cards can be when you buy them at a pharmacy or a grocery store. Fortunately, Big Lots can help you out in this department. While many cards would cost you in the neighborhood of five bucks a card elsewhere, they’re often as low as a dollar at Big Lots. Who knew?

columbiasc.citymomsblog.com
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columbiasc.citymomsblog.com

22. Coffee and K-Cups

There’s no doubt that Keurigs and other one-shot coffee machines are really convenient in the morning. Still, what they don’t tell you is that the cost of those cartridges can really add up quickly. If you have a machine and need to buy them, it’s best to buy them in bulk—and Big Lots often has them in stock (and sometimes even on sale). If you drink these every morning, we encourage you to get down there.

flickr.com/colmmcsky
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flickr.com/colmmcsky

24. Anything from Bob’s Red Mill

For those who don’t know, Bob’s Red Mill is a niche whole foods company that offers all kinds of different flours and mills—particularly for anyone with a special diet. If you’re gluten-free or a vegan or follow any other restrictive dietary guidelines, do yourself a favor and go to Big Lots to get all your alternative flours! Though these products are definitely good to have for those who need them, they tend to be a lot more expensive at other outlets (and very affordable at Big Lots).

25. Kitchen Carts

Have you ever seen one of those rolling kitchen carts that people use as extra counter space and to store wine bottles in? If you live in a small space, these can make your life quite a bit easier while making your kitchen look better in the process. If you’ve ever wanted to buy one, try doing so at Big Lots instead of a furniture store—you should be able to save at least $50!

flickr.com/lauren_hannah
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flickr.com/lauren_hannah

Don’t Buy It

1. Electrical Plugs

While products may be cheaper, they may also be defective. There is just no way of knowing if Big Lots received the items because another store was closing or if they were part of a faulty batch that was sold at discount. Do yourself a favor and be extra careful.

2. Makeup Products

If you aren’t careful, you can find yourself buying makeup products that expired. Big Lots usually buys them in bulk, and sometimes the employees don’t take the time to check the expiration dates before putting them on the shelves. You don’t want to wear expired makeup.

Peek and Ponder
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Peek and Ponder

3. Medication

Over-the-counter medicine may be cheaper at Big Lots, but it may also be expired. Things like vitamins and pain medication can go bad. It’s never a good idea to take any medicine that is outdated. Just buy these things at the pharmacy where you know they safe.

4. Toys

Big Lots usually has toys priced at very reasonable prices. The problem is, some of these toys are made below standards, missing pieces, or broken. This may not seem like a big deal, but the last thing you want to happen is for your child to be harmed while playing.

5. Tools

The tools are Big Lots are usually great. However, you may pay more for them than what you would for the same brand in a different store, and you don’t know about their quality. Just don’t waste your money on something that will break before you get the job done.

6. Jewelry

Big Lots usually has a good selection of jewelry, but make sure you know what you are buying. Some of it is made of materials that may not be safe to wear. Others are broken or missing stones.

7. Baby Supplies

You may be tempted to buy your baby wipes, diapers, and bottles at Big Lots because of the low prices, but try to avoid it. You never know where these products came from or what materials they contain. You don’t want to endanger your baby.

Mission to Save
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Mission to Save

8. Clothing

Big Lots doesn’t always have clothing, but when it does, it’s best to avoid buying it. The sizing is often off, and usually, the designs are flawed. In some cases, there may even be small holes and defects in the clothing pieces.

9. Personal Hygiene Products

If you look at all the personal hygiene products available at Big Lots, you may see some you know and some you don’t recognize. Be aware that some products are not safe to use. If you decide to buy personal hygiene products here, choose wisely.

10. Frozen Food

Some Big Lots stores have freezer food items for sale. Always check the expiration dates of these foods. Remember, they may have sat in trucks and thawed before being refrozen. Consider buying your frozen foods elsewhere.

11. Seeds

Big Lots usually offers seeds and bulbs for sale in the spring. Be aware that these are likely from the year before and many of them will not grow. Check the dates and consider shopping at your local garden center instead.

12. Holiday Decorations

The holiday decoration displays may look nice, but most of them don’t work. They are likely defective and from previous years. You also don’t want to take any chances with the electric cords attached to them.

13. Holiday Food Gifts

Holiday food gifts are a great idea, but buying them from Big Lots isn’t. They are often expired. Buy them elsewhere or make your own.

14. Office Supplies

Big Lots has a lot of office supplies, but if you look closely, most of it is low quality. You can buy many of the same products from other stories, and they will last longer. Things like crayons, staplers, and pens aren’t great from Big Lots.

15. Oven Mitts

Do you really have to be picky with oven mitts? Yes, you do. Big Lots carries many different types, but most of them have very little lining. That means you will likely burn your hand before you get the pan from the oven to the counter.

16. Glass Jars

If you need a box of glass jars, buy them from a different store. Big Lots jars are not as high quality as other brands. The boxes often get tossed around a lot from the truck to the floor. That means a lot of the jars are broken.

17. Paint

Some Big Lots stores have paint and stains. These products are often old, and some of them may even be returns. Avoid buying something that could ruin your walls or deck. Just get the brands you trust from other stores.

18. Paint Brushes

Big Lots paint brushes aren’t very good. They lose bristles during the first few uses, and they don’t hold much paint. They also show lines and aren’t comfortable to hold. They just aren’t worth the money.

19. Laundry Detergent

Big Lots may carry some high-quality laundry detergents, but they also carry brands that you may have never heard of before. Don’t take a chance with these cheaper brands. They could contain chemicals that are harmful to your body.

20. Drinks

Big Lots may seem like a good place to buy drinks. If you just want one from the cooler up front go for it. Anything else, be careful. Many of these are expired, and a lot of them just don’t taste good.

21. Spices

If you’re looking to upgrade your spice rack, a surplus store like Big Lots is probably not the place to do it. For one thing, the actual quality of the spices you’re getting matters—you don’t want to season your pasta sauce with ancient oregano, for example. To add to that, many of the spice containers are sold in larger bottles or containers, making them difficult to get through before they go bad. On some things, it’s best to spend a little more money.

flickr.com/stevendepolo
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flickr.com/stevendepolo

22. Sunscreen

Although sunscreen can get expensive at smaller stores, it’s still not something you want to skimp on. The FDA has expiration dates on sunscreen for a reason and warehouse stores often have sunscreen on their shelves that is aged or near its expiration. Similarly, if you don’t go in the sun all that often, you may be better off just paying more for a little bit than less for a lot.

flickr.com/jeepersmedia
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flickr.com/jeepersmedia

23. Books

Though you can usually get at least a few books at many different surplus stores, they’re unlikely to have a good collection and you probably won’t be saving much money on them. If you’re buying a hard cover book anywhere it won’t be a great deal—instead, why not try buying from a local used book store first? If you don’t want to do that, the cheapest option will almost always be Amazon.

24. Diapers and Baby Wipes

Though baby products of all stripes are definitely expensive, major surplus stores like Big Lots are not always the best place to get a good deal. Rather than buy these at Big Lots, try buying these products online and looking for a subscription deal that renews periodically. In general, you should be able to get a better deal this way.

25. Printer Ink

Last but not least is printer ink. As everyone knows, the most expensive part about having a printer is not the actual machine—it’s the ink. Although you can sometimes get deals at places like Big Lots, your better bet is to go to an actual office supply store that has a loyalty or subscription program for things like this. Though it may still be somewhat expensive, it’s likely to be cheaper than it is at Big Lots.

Although Big Lots definitely has plenty of great deals, you still have to be a little bit careful when you’re shopping there. If you have a set list of items that you know you’re going to use a lot of, it always makes sense to get them in bulk and to go to a store like this. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a higher quality product or something that has to be used in a limited time frame, it may be best to explore other options. If you read this list, do you have any other go-to items that you get at surplus stores? Do you have anything else that you avoid? Let us know in the comments and happy shopping!

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Sources: Buzzfeed, Columbia SC Moms Blog, MSN

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