We're super frugal, and we love shopping at the dollar store to save money, but did you know there are some items you should never buy at the dollar store?

While everyday costs and expenses are steadily increasing, wages are not increasing enough for most families. However, there are some household items you definitely want to cut corners in purchasing.

Purchasing some of these items can even be dangerous to your house, health, and family!

Here are 5 things you should never purchase at the dollar store:

1. Extension cords and electrical cables
2. Plastic kitchen utensils
3. Canned foods from China
4. Batteries
5. Pet foods or treats

1. Extension cords and other electrical or electronic cables

Did you know purchasing dollar store cords and cables can be dangerous?

Products designed to protect your electrical circuits against overheating are often defective and cause irreparable damage to your electronic or electrical equipment.

They are also a fire hazard, so it's far better (and safer!) to get quality extensions. 

2. Plastic kitchen utensils

Plastic kitchenware from a dollar store - such as plastic spoons, spatulas and the like - could contain bromine, which is a component of brominated flame retardants (BFR).

BFRs are linked to cancer, birth defects, and brain development problems. This is why it's a good idea to invest in better quality stainless steel cookware.

3. Canned foods from China

You'll definitely want to avoid these!

Tomatoes, mushrooms, peaches, these are just some of the canned products from China that are sold in dollar stores. 

According to a report published by ToxicFoodCans.org and partner organizations, it is very likely that these foods contain traces of BPA in the liners. Also, it is more common to find bacteria and impurities in these canned foods.

Check the cans and labels to see where the product was manufactured. 

4. Batteries

You're better to look for batteries at a regular retailer rather than at a dollar store, as these are usually misfits and cheap batteries can leak. 

5. Pet foods or treats

Pet owners want to give their pets the best, which means it might be worth splurging on pet food at the grocery store or pet store.

You'll want to look closely at the expiry dates and the country of manufacture. Giving a pet cheap food often means having a sick animal more frequently and therefore a higher vet bill at the end of the year. You may even discover that you will get more for your money at big box stores. 

Do you have any other items that you will not recommend buying at dollar stores? Share your thoughts in the comments, please! Who knows, you could avoid big worries to someone else.