Dollar General is one of the most accessible retailers in the United States, with over 19,000 locations spread across 47 states. If you need bingo daubers and there is no big-box store nearby, there is a strong chance you have a Dollar General within a short drive. The good news is that Dollar General does sell bingo daubers, and they offer a convenient option for players, event organizers, and anyone who needs a quick dauber pickup.
This guide covers everything you need to know about buying bingo daubers at Dollar General, from pricing and aisle locations to color options and how they stack up against other stores. For a broader look at all the places you can buy daubers, visit our main guide on where to buy bingo daubers.
Does Dollar General Sell Bingo Daubers?
Yes, Dollar General sells bingo daubers at most of its locations. They are a regular inventory item in the games and activities category. While Dollar General is not a specialty bingo supply store, they carry standard bingo daubers that work well for regular play, community events, and craft projects.
Dollar General’s biggest advantage is accessibility. With more than 19,000 stores nationwide, including thousands in rural communities and small towns that may not have a Walmart, Target, or other large retailer, Dollar General is often the most convenient place to grab bingo supplies. Many of these locations are in areas where the nearest alternative might be 20 or 30 miles away, making Dollar General an important resource for bingo players and organizers in those communities.
How Much Do Bingo Daubers Cost at Dollar General?
Bingo daubers at Dollar General typically cost between $1.50 and $2.50 per dauber. The exact price depends on the brand and size of the dauber. Here is what you can generally expect:
- Single standard daubers: $1.50 to $2.00 each
- Larger or branded daubers: $2.00 to $2.50 each
- Multipacks (when available): $3.00 to $5.00 for a set of 2 to 3 daubers
These prices are slightly higher than what you will find at Dollar Tree, where individual daubers cost $1.25 each. However, Dollar General often carries a slightly better selection and the daubers may be from more recognizable brands. The small price difference is often worth it for the convenience, especially if Dollar General is your closest option.
What Aisle Are Bingo Daubers in at Dollar General?
Locating bingo daubers at Dollar General is usually straightforward once you know where to look. Here are the sections to check:
Games and Activities Aisle
The primary location for bingo daubers at Dollar General is the games and activities section. This aisle typically contains board games, card games, puzzles, and other entertainment products. Bingo daubers are usually hung on peg hooks or placed on a shelf near bingo cards and related game supplies. Look at eye level and below, as smaller items like daubers are sometimes placed on lower shelves.
Toys Section
In some Dollar General stores, particularly smaller locations, the games and toys sections are combined. If you do not see a separate games aisle, check the toy area. Bingo daubers may be mixed in with other activity-type products.
Arts and Crafts Area
A growing number of Dollar General stores stock bingo daubers in their craft supply section. This is partly because daubers have become increasingly popular as dot art markers for kids and adults. If you find them here, they may be positioned near markers, paint, and other art supplies.
Checkout Area and Endcaps
Occasionally, bingo daubers appear on endcap displays or near the checkout area, especially if the store is running a promotion or if bingo is popular in the local community. These displays change frequently, so they are not a reliable place to find daubers every time.
Dollar General stores are generally smaller than big-box retailers, which actually makes it easier to find items. If you cannot locate the daubers, simply ask a store associate for help. The smaller store format means they usually know exactly where everything is.
Colors and Selection at Dollar General
Dollar General carries bingo daubers in the most popular standard colors. The typical selection includes:
- Blue
- Red
- Green
- Purple
- Orange
- Yellow
- Pink (at some locations)
The color selection at any individual store depends on what has been shipped and what is currently in stock. You may not find all colors at every location. If you need a specific color or a wide variety, consider visiting a larger store or shopping online where the full range is available.
Dollar General does not typically carry specialty daubers such as those with glitter ink, jumbo tips, or novelty shapes. For standard bingo play, the available colors are perfectly adequate. If you want specialty options, Amazon or a dedicated bingo supply store will have a broader selection.
Dollar General vs. Dollar Tree: Price and Value Comparison
Since both Dollar General and Dollar Tree are popular budget shopping destinations, it helps to compare them side by side for bingo dauber purchases.
Price Comparison
Dollar Tree has the edge on price at $1.25 per dauber, compared to Dollar General’s $1.50 to $2.50 range. If you are buying multiple daubers and every penny counts, Dollar Tree will save you money. For a purchase of 10 daubers, you would pay $12.50 at Dollar Tree versus $15.00 to $25.00 at Dollar General.
Availability and Convenience
Dollar General wins on accessibility. With over 19,000 locations, many in rural and underserved areas, Dollar General reaches communities that Dollar Tree does not. Dollar Tree has approximately 16,000 locations, and they tend to be concentrated more in suburban and urban areas. If you live in a small town, Dollar General may be your only nearby option.
Quality and Brand Selection
Both stores carry basic, no-frills bingo daubers. Dollar General occasionally stocks slightly higher-quality or name-brand daubers, which accounts for the higher price point. For standard bingo play, the quality difference between the two stores is minimal.
Store Experience
Dollar General stores are typically smaller and easier to navigate than Dollar Tree locations, which can feel cluttered. Finding what you need at Dollar General is often a faster process, which matters if you are making a quick stop before a bingo game.
For a full comparison of all budget options, see our guide on where to buy cheap bingo daubers.
The Rural Advantage: Why Dollar General Matters for Bingo Players
Dollar General’s extensive presence in rural America deserves special attention. According to the company’s own data, approximately 75 percent of Dollar General stores are in communities with populations of 20,000 or fewer. Many of these communities are exactly the places where bingo is most popular, particularly at churches, VFW halls, fire stations, and community centers.
For bingo organizers in these areas, Dollar General may be the only local retail option for purchasing daubers without driving a significant distance. This makes Dollar General an important part of the bingo supply chain in rural America, even if their prices are not the absolute lowest available.
If you run a regular bingo event in a small town, consider building a relationship with your local Dollar General manager. They may be able to ensure daubers are kept in stock or even place a special order for your organization if you need a larger quantity.
Tips for Finding Bingo Daubers in Stock at Dollar General
Like most discount retailers, Dollar General can sometimes have inconsistent stock on specialty items like bingo daubers. Here are some tips to improve your chances:
- Call ahead: A quick phone call can save you a trip. Store associates can check inventory in seconds.
- Shop early in the week: Dollar General receives shipments throughout the week, but many stores get restocked early in the week. Shopping Monday through Wednesday often gives you the best selection.
- Check nearby stores: Dollar General locations are often clustered in the same general area. If one store is out, another a few miles away may have what you need.
- Ask about restocking: If the shelf is empty, ask when the next shipment is expected. Store employees can usually give you a general timeframe.
- Download the Dollar General app: The DG app can help you check product availability at nearby locations and may offer digital coupons that could save you extra money on your purchase.
Online Ordering at DollarGeneral.com
Dollar General offers online shopping through their website at dollargeneral.com. While the online selection of bingo daubers may be limited compared to Amazon or specialty retailers, it is worth checking for a few reasons:
- Home delivery: If you cannot get to a store, you can have daubers shipped to your home. Shipping costs and minimums apply.
- DG Pickup: Some locations offer a buy-online-pickup-in-store option, which lets you reserve items and pick them up without searching the aisles.
- Bulk options: Online inventory sometimes includes multipacks or bulk quantities that are not available on individual store shelves.
For the best online bulk pricing, Amazon and dedicated bingo supply websites will generally beat Dollar General. But for a quick, affordable purchase from a familiar retailer, Dollar General’s online store is a viable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Dollar General have bingo daubers?
Most Dollar General stores carry bingo daubers as a standard inventory item, but stock can vary by location. Stores in areas where bingo is popular tend to keep them in stock more consistently. Call your local store to confirm availability before making a special trip.
Are Dollar General bingo daubers good quality?
Dollar General bingo daubers are standard quality and work well for regular bingo games, events, and craft projects. They produce clear, visible marks on bingo cards and contain enough ink for multiple sessions. They are comparable in quality to daubers sold at other discount retailers.
Can I use Dollar General bingo daubers for dot art?
Yes, Dollar General bingo daubers work well for dot art and other craft projects. The standard colors available are suitable for most art activities. For a wider color palette or specialty inks, you might want to look at craft-specific dot markers from a store like Walmart or from online retailers.
Does Dollar General sell bingo cards too?
Many Dollar General locations sell bingo cards alongside their daubers. You can often find basic bingo card sets in the same aisle. For a complete bingo setup, you can usually get both cards and daubers in a single Dollar General visit.
Is Dollar General cheaper than Walmart for bingo daubers?
It depends on the specific products being compared. Dollar General individual daubers ($1.50 to $2.50) are sometimes priced similarly to Walmart’s individual daubers ($1.00 to $3.00). However, Walmart tends to have a wider selection including multipacks that can bring the per-unit cost down. For a single dauber purchase, the prices are competitive between the two stores. For a comparison of all the cheapest options, check out Dollar Tree as well.
