I'll be the first to admit that Colorado's discount stores similar to Dollar General or Dollar Tree have come in handy for me more than once. I'm not a fan of running into a big box store for just 1 or 2 items, so the grab-and-go essentials found here can be pretty convenient.

That being said, there are a handful of items I know are better found elsewhere in Colorado. According to the personal finance folks at Kiplinger.com, there are 17 items you don't want to buy at a dollar store.

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Avoid Snacks and Perishable Food

The advisors at Kiplinger.com suggest that perishable foods and non-perishable foods may not be as fresh as you would like them to be at stores like this. They also can be more expensive when you compare the cost and volume of the product to ones at other stores.

Remember Your Colorado Pharmacy

Things like vitamins and wellness products are often found overpriced at discount stores. Vitamins and supplements are not regulated like other medications, so there is no telling how long they have been on the shelf. If you need to buy them here, look for a label from USP or NSF International for a safer, fresher product. Your local pharmacy or nutrition store may offer a better product and price.

Do This At Dollar Stores Instead

What about some things you can always buy at a dollar store? How about greeting cards, party supplies, gift bags, picnic supplies, tablecloths, plastic forks and knives, drinkware, or picture frames? What are some items you specifically get at discount dollar stores? Open our station app and let us know and we will pass on your suggestions to the audience.

Keep going to learn more about seventeen items you should never buy at a discount dollar store in Colorado.

17 Items You Should Never Buy at A Colorado Dollar Store

Dollar Stores or stores that sell things for just a couple of bucks are a quick and easy way to avoid a larger and overcrowded store or to pick up a quick item or two. Did you know there are several items that you are often better off buying elsewhere? Here are seventeen items to avoid buying at dollar stores.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

Yikes! 11 Items Not to Buy at Walmart Stores in Colorado

How many times per week do you visit your local Walmart store? It can be pretty convenient to run in for a gallon of milk, or to stop at the pharmacy, but when was the last time you did a little price checking at your local box store? Let's take a look at ten items recently listed by 247WallSt.com.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams

MORE: 12 Colorado Candy Shops Ready to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Colorado is full of great places for sweet treats. We're making sure you can satisfy your sweet tooth this summer with a gallery featuring some of the best candy shops the Centennial State has to offer.

Gallery Credit: Wesley Adams