17 Walmart Items You Shouldn’t Waste Your Money On

Do you shop at Walmart regularly? If so, it’s a good idea to know what to skip to save your money. While Walmart does offer a good variety of products at competitive prices, some items can be found cheaper (or better) elsewhere. This article explores 17 products you should never waste your money on at this popular store.

Gift Cards

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Walmart sells a variety of gift cards, but it’s not the best place to get them. Retailers like Costco often sell gift cards at a discount, for example, and sites like GiftCardGranny offer discounted cards and cashback deals. Walmart sells gift cards at face value, meaning you miss out on potential savings.

Table Settings

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Got a dinner party coming up? We recommend you skip the table settings at Walmart and head to a dollar store where you’ll be able to find similar quality products at a lower price point. If you’re willing to splurge but want the best quality, you can also find better options outside of Walmart.

Kitchen Appliances

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According to Today’s Homeowner, “As of 2020, the average household spent around $135 per year on small household appliances.” If you’re one of the many looking for some new appliances, we don’t recommend Walmart. Their appliances aren’t always of the highest quality, and there are other, more durable brands out there.

Tires

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There’s no point in going to Walmart for tires when you can get better deals and free services like tire rotation from Costco or a local mechanic. Walmart, on the other hand, charges for additional tire services, and the quality and service at Walmart don’t always match those at dedicated tire stores.

Gift Wrap

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Once again, Costco bests Walmart—this time with gift wrap. Costco offers larger, more durable rolls at better prices, and the quality of wrap from Walmart may not meet the needs of heavy users. There are alternatives at dollar stores or other retailers that offer better value, too.

Electronics

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You find the odd good deal on electronics at Walmart, but in general, lower prices often mean lower quality at the store. Brands like Sceptre offered by Walmart may also not be as reliable as more established brands. If you’re after durable electronics, we suggest you visit a dedicated retailer.

Produce

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If you’re in a hurry or Walmart is your closest store, then by all means get your produce here. If you’ve got options, though, we suggest shopping elsewhere. The produce at Walmart often lacks freshness compared to local supermarkets or farmers’ markets, and the price savings can be minimal, making fresher alternatives preferable.

Jewelry

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In the words of Warren Buffett, “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get.” When it comes to Walmart jewelry, unfortunately, this quote rings true. The low-cost options often mean lower quality and durability. Better quality and value can typically be found at specialized jewelers.

Furniture

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With options like IKEA or specialty furniture stores widely available, why go to Walmart for furniture? Trust us, it’s not worth it. You may find the odd good piece of furniture, but it doesn’t tend to hold up too well under regular use. Consider investing in higher-quality pieces elsewhere for better longevity.

Batteries

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Walmart does have some cheap battery brands, but we suggest you save your money and shop for them elsewhere. This is because the batteries here might offer less value due to poor longevity. Investing in reputable brands from other stores might be more cost-effective, as they’ll last longer.

Bedding

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The low thread count and poor material quality of Walmart bedding mean it’s not typically worth a purchase. You’d be better off going to a specialized retailer for comfort and durability at competitive prices. Let’s not forget—investing in higher-quality bedding can improve sleep quality.

Tools

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If you take on a lot of DIY projects, you’re going to want a good, reliable set of tools. However, many of the tools sold by Walmart fail under strenuous use. The initial savings you make by shopping here might be offset by the need for early replacements. Higher-quality tools from hardware stores, on the other hand, offer better reliability.

Pet Food

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As shared by PetMD, “Animals need a certain combination of protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water every day in order to function normally.” Unfortunately, some Walmart pet food brands have low nutritional values. We recommend a visit to specialist pet stores that offer higher-quality options.

Shoes

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Not only does Walmart not offer the most stylish shoes out there, but many pairs also lack proper support and durability. As you likely know, there is better-constructed footwear available at shoe stores or online for similar prices. Don’t waste your money at Walmart!

Cleaning Supplies

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Did you know that some brands of cleaning products at Walmart are diluted or less effective than well-known brands? With this in mind, you may want to consider shopping elsewhere. Buying in bulk from warehouse clubs or online, for example, can offer better savings and efficacy.

Sunscreen

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“Wearing sunscreen is one of the best — and easiest — ways to protect your skin’s appearance and health at any age,” as per Johns Hopkins. It’s said, however, that some Walmart sunscreen brands have lower SPF ratings than advertised. Pharmacy chains often offer promotions on better quality sunscreens.

Canned Goods

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Walmart does offer a wide selection of canned goods; however, the quality and prices aren’t always as good as in regular grocery stores. You may find that frequent sales at supermarkets offer better savings on canned goods, or you may be able to buy in bulk at stores like Costco for better value.

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