Most people connect penny shopping with Dollar General. But Dollar Tree has penny items too, and 2026 brought a change that made them a lot more interesting for shoppers.
Why items drop to a penny
Like other chains, Dollar Tree uses an internal penny price. When corporate wants a product gone, it marks it down to $0.01. That price is a signal for stores to remove the item, then donate or discard it. Items that staff miss can stay on the shelf, and that’s what penny shoppers look for.
What changed in 2026
According to The Krazy Coupon Lady, Dollar Tree updated its policy starting in January 2026 so customers can buy items that ring up at $0.01. The site cites a leaked memo telling employees to complete those sales. Before that, many shoppers reported being turned away.
Two notes of caution. First, not every cashier knows about the change yet. Second, the policy is new and could change again. Treat it as good news, not a guarantee.
How to tell an item is a penny
This is where Dollar Tree is different. According to The Krazy Coupon Lady, the Dollar Tree app’s scanner shows “Product Not Found” for penny items. To confirm, use an in-store price scanner. If it shows $0.01, you’ve found one. Our price checking guide explains both tools.
A useful clue
Items marked down to $0.25 are often at their last markdown before a penny. If you see a quarter price on something, it’s worth checking again later.
Where to look
Penny items show up mostly in places where clearance gathers:
- Clearance bins and carts
- Front and back endcaps
- Craft aisles
- Beauty sections
- Home decor
Some items also get restocked onto regular shelves, so a stray product in its normal spot can be a penny too.
Buying them
Collect everything you want before you check out. Once you buy penny items, employees usually pull whatever is left. If a cashier isn’t sure, you can politely ask them to check with a manager. If the answer is still no, let it go.
Are there weekly lists?
Some sites post Dollar Tree penny lists, often monthly rather than weekly. They aren’t complete, and stock differs by store, so treat any list as a starting point and check in person.
Bottom line
Dollar Tree penny items are real and, for now, easier to buy than they used to be. Use the in-store scanner, look where clearance collects and stay polite. Curious how this compares to the other big chain? Read Dollar Tree vs Dollar General for penny shopping.