Savvy shoppers know many of the best, cheapest winter essentials can be found at Dollar Tree. Tight budgets go the distance on everything from over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medication to cold-weather accessories so you end up saving more money.
We took a $20 budget and found 10 winter items worth buying. Best of all, our total spend came out to $18. See what we’re recommending and explore the top winter items retirees should buy at Dollar Tree.
Spasoap Antibacterial Liquid Hand Soap
- Price: $1.25
Depending where you shop and the name brand, a 16-ounce container of liquid antibacterial hand soap can cost as much as $3 or more. Pocket the extra savings by picking up the Spasoap brand at Dollar Tree to restock your bathroom and kitchen.
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XtraCare Active Hands Cream
- Price: $1.25
If you work in a role where you’re constantly washing your hands, consider this your sign to invest in XtraCare active hands cream. This inexpensive winter staple works to quickly moisturize and repair dry, cracked and chapped hands.
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Swiss Miss Hot Cocoa With Mini Marshmallows Mix
- Price: $1.25
Dollar Tree has cornered the market on cheap hot cocoa. The Swiss Miss brand is several dollars cheaper than at any other supermarket or big-box retailer. Grab a box or two to keep in the pantry for snow days or to unwind in comfort after a long day.
Hungry Jack Buttermilk Pancake and Waffle Mix
- Price: $1.25
Winter is all about enjoying comfort foods, like pancakes for breakfast. Whip up a stack for the household using Hungry Jack buttermilk pancake mix. Each 12-ounce box is just $1.25.
Freegells Menthol Cough Drops
- Price: $1.25
Relieve coughs and soothe sore throats with the help of Freegells menthol cough drops. Each 30-count bag is a steal for the price and also available in cherry and honey lemon flavors.
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ValuHealth Daytime and Nighttime Cold and Flu Soft Gels
- Price: $1.25
You won’t even need to dig into your flexible spending account (FSA) to buy ValuHealth brand cold and flu soft gels. Each box comes with 12 non-drowsy day and nighttime soft gels for relieving pain and reducing fevers. Plus, it compares to the active ingredients found in Vicks’ DayQuil and NyQuil LiquiCaps without the added expense.
Scotties Facial Tissues
- Price: $1.50
Catch sneezes before they’re airborne and wipe runny noses clean with Scotties facial tissues. Each box comes with 66 tissues made with three layers for added softness.
Knit Gloves for Kids
- Price: $1.50
Check in with your local Dollar Tree to see if they have knit gloves in stock! These kid-sized gloves are knitted for extra coziness and come personalized with a variety of fun decals like flowers and bows.
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Snugadoo Adult Soft Socks
- Price: $1.50
The Snugadoo soft socks are so well-made and affordably priced that it’s worth splurging to buy a few extra pairs. Choose from four pastel colors while supplies last.
Embossed Plush Throw Blankets
- Price: $6
One can never have enough plush throw blankets during winter. These blankets measure 50 by 60 inches and come in an assortment of aesthetically pleasing colors. Add a few to your cart for your car, bedroom, living area and for care packages to family and friends.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are accurate as of Dec. 16, 2025, and are subject to change.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 10 Dollar Tree Winter Items the Middle Class Needs To Buy for Under $20
