Dollar General Penny List 2026: Secrets to Finding Penny Deals

Dollar General Penny List 2026: Secrets to Finding Penny Deals

Imagine walking through the aisles of your local Dollar General and discovering that the system has secretly marked your favorite home essentials down to just one single penny—today, I’m showing you how to master the Dollar General penny list so you can find those hidden treasures for yourself

What You Need to Know:

“Penny items” at Dollar General are products that have reached the end of their clearance cycle (usually after 90% off) Instead of ringing up at full price, they drop to $0.01 in the system.These items are technically supposed to be removed from the shelves by employees, but if you find them first, the store policy generally states they must sell them to you!

1. The “Golden Rule” of Penny Shopping

What You Need to Know:

Never, ever ask an employee for the “Penny List” or ask them to help you find a penny item. Since these items are supposed to be pulled and sent back, asking about them alerts the staff to go clear the shelves before you can get your cart ready.

🔥 Hot Tip:

If an item doesn’t ring up for a penny, don’t argue! Just politely say, “Oh, I thought this was on sale; I’ll pass on it today.” Being the “kindest shopper in the store” is the best way to ensure the manager lets you keep your haul when you do find the pennies.

2. How to Work This Deal: The DG App

In 2026, the Dollar General App is your best friend.

• The Process: Open the app and use the built-in barcode scanner.
• The “Secret” Code: If an item is a penny, it will often show up as $0.00 or $0.01 on your screen.
• Pro Move: Make sure the app is set to the exact store location you are currently standing in, as penny status can vary by store!

3. What to Look For (The “Penny Vision”)

Penny items are rarely in the “Penny Aisle” (because there isn’t one!). You have to look where others don’t:

• The Clearance Section: The most obvious spot, but often picked over.
• The “Endcaps”: Look for seasonal items (Christmas, Back to School) that were moved to the ends of the aisles.
• The Bottom Shelf: Look behind “full price” items. Sometimes penny items get pushed back and forgotten. If you are feeling brave you can even lift up the bottom shelf to see what may have fallen under. 

4. January 2026 Penny Targets

Since we are currently in January, keep your eyes peeled for:

• Christmas/Holiday Decor & Stationery: These usually penny out 2–4 weeks after reaching 90% off.
• Seasonal Air Care: Holiday-scented candles or plug-ins.
• Gift Sets: Bath and beauty sets from the holidays that didn’t sell.

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Penny vs. Full Price Comparison

Item	Regular Price	Grounded Price	Your Savings
Holiday Bedding Set	$35.00	$0.01	$34.99
12pk Christmas Cards	$5.00	$0.01	$4.99
Bath & Body Gift Set	$12.00	$0.01	$11.99
Total Haul	$52.00	$0.03	$51.97

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🔥 Grounded Home Hot Tip: The “Inventory Reset”

Finding 50 boxes of penny tissues is great, but only if you have a place to put them! Being “Grounded” means only taking what your family (or your local shelter/food pantry) can actually use. If you find a massive haul, consider donating half to a local “Blessing Box.”

Final Thoughts: The “One-Shot” Rule

How to Work This Deal: When it comes to penny shopping, you usually only get one shot. If you bring a single penny item to the register, the employee is technically required to go back and pull every remaining piece from the shelf immediately. To make sure you get what you need—and to save the staff the extra labor of clearing the shelf themselves—it is actually encouraged to clear the shelf on your first pass.

🔥 Hot Tip: Think of yourself as a “volunteer shelf-clearer.” By taking the remaining penny stock, you’re helping the store get their inventory ready for the next season while saving those items from the dumpster. Just remember: if you find a massive haul, consider keeping what your family needs and sharing the rest with a local shelter or food pantry. It’s the ultimate way to stay Grounded while winning big!

Happy Hunting! Be sure and let us know what you find so we can give you a big Whoo Hoo!!

Looking to save a little more? Browse all of our Frugal & Free posts here

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