30 Things You Should Never Buy From the Drugstore

According to the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, toilet paper is always cheaper to buy in bulk. They also point out that buying generic brands may not be so wise, either. "Though some people may think it's cheaper to buy a store brand toilet paper, most drug store-branded toilet paper was actually more expensive than other brands available in bulk sizes in our recent test," explains Senior Textiles Analyst Lexie Sachs. Try shopping at Costco or on Amazon instead.

Because you can never have too many, it's worth it to buy diapers in bulk as well. Plus, with an Amazon Prime membership you can set up a subscription so a new package comes just as you're running out.

If you've ever been rushing to get a last-minute birthday card, you know that you can end up shelling out $5 or more at popular drugstores for a simple "happy birthday." Sachs swears by stocking up at places like TJ Maxx in advance, where she pays around $1.99 each for high-end cards. The Dollar Tree is also known for their 2-for-$1 cards, in a pinch.

You'll save nearly twice as much by ordering bundles of shampoo and conditioner on Amazon instead of buying from one-stop pharmacies. Plus, if you're an Amazon Prime member, some items are eligible for free same-day delivery, which makes it even easier than going to the store.

You wouldn't think it based on their name, but drugstore vitamin prices are through the roof. A 200-count bottle of women's multivitamins can cost double the price.

For pain relievers like ibuprofen, your best bet is stocking up on Amazon.

Most pharmacies charge up to 23 cents a pop for their photo printing services. It may not seem like much, but the cost can quickly add up when you're hoping to develop a big batch. Instead, try using online services like snapfish.com, which cost just nine cents per print.

"Technically all toys sold in the US should meet the necessary safety standards, but drugstores may not be as diligent about ensuring such," explains Rachel Rothman, Chief Technologist in the Good Housekeeping Institute. Plus, they tend to be more expensive. Try shopping from a more trusted retailer instead.

When it comes to seasonal items, like beach chairs, you could find yourself paying almost double the price for an item of lesser quality due to convenience. Instead, try to remember to buy seasonal items of higher quality beforehand, and they'll last you for years and years.

When barbecue season rolls around, drugstores tend to stock smaller bags of charcoal at seasonally high prices, which can add up fast. Instead, buy in bulk at the start of the season from a large store like Sam’s Club.

It’s a different season, but the same thing. Drugstores and bodegas stock up on small, yet expensive, bundles of firewood to sell during the winter months. But you'll end up saving a lot more money by buying a large amount at once.

While it might seem like a normal deal to pay $20 for a $20 gift card, other retailers offer discounted prices. For example, Costco sells a bundle of five $20 gift cards to Peet's Coffee (a value of $100) for $79.99.

While you can find brand name cleaning products in the drugstore aisle, often the selection is limited and the prices are high. Big retail stores, like Walmart or Target, have a wider selection, so you can purchase precisely what you're looking for — and usually at a lower price.

At drugstores, you'll likely end up paying more for batteries than at big batch retailers, like Walmart, Sam’s Club, Amazon, Costco and Best Buy. Pro tip: Buy them in bulk.

Magazines are strategically placed at the checkout area to catch your eye, but you'll save more if you sign up for a subscription to your favorite magazine instead.

Yes, it's important to change your toothbrush periodically, but your wallet will thank you for avoiding the dental aisle at the drugstore and buying in bulk instead. And don’t forget to stock up on free samples at the dentist!

If you're in a celebratory pinch, the drugstore is not the place to go. The bakery at retailers like Walmart or Costco have decorated sheet cakes that are bigger (so more likely to feed your whole crowd) and save you money.

While the day after Halloween sales at CVS or Walgreens are hard to beat, those affordable prices aren't there when you're buying for trick-or-treaters. We suggest avoiding the last-minute dash and purchasing sweets in advance from retailers like Amazon.

From Band-Aids to antiseptic, it's important to keep your first-aid kit well-stocked, but doing so by running to the drugstore every time you use an item will add up fast.

Drugstores hike up the price of a single can of pet food for last-minute shoppers. Instead, check out online retailers, like Chewy, that specialize in pet products and offer discounts and subscription plans.