When it comes to shopping smart, variety stores often hold hidden gems that go far beyond what you’d expect. While most people think of them for party supplies or snacks, savvy shoppers know there are standout products that consistently deliver quality, function, and value—if you know where to look. Here are ten surprising items that are worth tossing into your basket the next time you walk through the doors of your favorite variety retailer.
- Picture Frames
Big-box stores can charge $10–$20 or more per frame, but variety stores often stock well-made picture frames for a fraction of the price. Whether you’re updating a gallery wall or gifting framed art, this is an underrated win. - Reading Glasses
If you misplace reading glasses often or just want a backup pair for your bag or car, variety stores carry them in multiple strengths for far less than drugstores. - Storage Bins and Drawer Organizers
From small desk trays to stackable closet bins, the organization section is often loaded with budget-friendly finds. These same bins can cost double or triple at retailers like Target or The Container Store. - Greeting Cards
Rather than paying $4–$7 at chain stores, most variety retailers sell greeting cards for under a dollar. Many are just as beautifully designed and include thoughtful messages. - Name-Brand Snacks
It’s not uncommon to spot recognizable snack brands at deep discounts. Keep an eye on expiration dates, but you can often snag great deals on chips, granola bars, and more. - Notebooks and Journals
Variety stores are ideal for stocking up on notebooks, whether you need one for school, work, or personal journaling. Pair with pens or sticky notes and you’ve got a complete office bundle for under $5. - Kitchen Utensils and Gadgets
You’ll find everything from spatulas to mini graters—many of which perform just as well as their higher-priced counterparts. Ideal for dorms, first apartments, or backups. - Seasonal Decor
Whether it’s Halloween pumpkins or spring garlands, seasonal decor at variety stores offers a festive update for less. DIY fans can also repurpose many of these items into custom crafts. - Phone Accessories
While you shouldn’t expect Apple-quality, you can find decent charging cables, stands, or screen protectors for everyday use. These are perfect for travel or as spares. - Travel-Size Toiletries and Essentials
From toothpaste to hair ties to mini sewing kits, variety stores often have everything you need to stock a toiletry bag or emergency travel kit—without spending more at airport shops or pharmacies.
Where to get cashback on variety store finds
If you’re stocking up on essentials like snacks, home goods, or health items, there are a few ways to stretch your savings even further. Apps like Rakuten, Ibotta, and Fluz make it easy to earn rewards or cashback when you shop.
For instance, you can earn cashback with a CVS gift card when grabbing toiletries or health items, or get rewards with a Walmart gift card on bins, frames, and other home essentials. These platforms reward you for buying things you’d purchase anyway—making the savings stack up fast.
Cashback rewards aren’t just limited to physical stores either. If you’re ordering online, many of these apps apply automatically at checkout or let you purchase discounted gift cards on demand.
Pro tip: When using Fluz, you can generate a gift card on the spot, down to the exact amount you owe, which makes it easy to earn cashback at the register or online without any waste.
