The Ultimate Five Below Review: Everything You Need to Know Before You Shop

Hey there, savvy shoppers! If you‘re like me, you‘re always on the hunt for a great deal. And when it comes to stretching your dollar, it doesn‘t get much better than Five Below. This popular chain has made a name for itself by offering an ever-changing selection of fun, trendy products for $5 or less. But is it really worth the hype? I‘m here to give you the inside scoop.

In this ultimate Five Below review, we‘ll cover:

• What Is Five Below & Why Is It So Popular?
• A Closer Look at Five Below‘s Product Selection
• Hands-On Reviews of Top Five Below Finds
• The Pros and Cons of Shopping at Five Below
• Tips for Making the Most of Your Five Below Shopping Trip
• Frequently Asked Questions About Five Below

I‘ve scoured the shelves, tested out the products, and read hundreds of customer reviews to bring you the most comprehensive Five Below guide around. So whether you‘re a die-hard fan or a curious first-timer, read on to discover if Five Below is worth your $5!

What Is Five Below Anyway?

First off, let‘s cover the basics. Five Below is a discount store chain that sells a wide variety of products, all priced at $5 or less. The company was founded in 2002 and has since grown to over 1,000 locations across 39 states.

Five Below‘s target demographic is tweens, teens, and young adults, but the store has a little something for everyone. You‘ll find everything from toys and games to beauty products, electronics, books, snacks, and seasonal decor. The store is known for its bright, colorful atmosphere and constantly rotating inventory.

One of the biggest draws of Five Below is the thrill of the treasure hunt. You never know what fun, unique items you‘ll find on any given visit. And since everything is so affordable, it‘s easy to justify picking up a few extra treats.

Five Below has developed a cult-like following, with over 3.6 million Facebook fans and 569K Instagram followers. The store‘s popularity has even caught the attention of celebrities like Ariana Grande, who partnered with Five Below to launch her own exclusive product line.

So why is Five Below so popular? In addition to its low prices and fun factor, the store offers a sense of community. Fans love sharing their favorite Five Below finds on social media and bonding over the experience of snagging an amazing deal.

A Closer Look at Five Below‘s Product Selection

Now that you know the basics, let‘s dive into the good stuff: the products! Five Below‘s inventory is vast and varied, but here‘s a quick overview of some of the main categories you‘ll find in stores:

• Toys & Games: This is one of Five Below‘s largest categories, featuring everything from action figures and dolls to board games, puzzles, and outdoor toys. You‘ll find popular brands like Lego, Nerf, and Play-Doh alongside lesser-known gems.

• Tech: Five Below may not be the first place you think of for electronics, but don‘t sleep on their tech section! You‘ll find affordable headphones, phone cases, charging cables, speakers, and even drones.

• Beauty: From makeup and nail polish to skincare and hair accessories, Five Below‘s beauty department has you covered. They carry a mix of brand names like E.l.f. and Wet n Wild as well as their own private label products.

• Style: Five Below‘s style section includes jewelry, sunglasses, hats, bags, and assorted accessories. You‘ll also find fun graphic tees, socks, and other apparel basics.

• Room: This category encompasses all things decor, including wall art, lights, storage solutions, pillows, and more. It‘s a great place to pick up cute, affordable accessories to personalize your space.

• Sports: Five Below carries all the essentials for an active lifestyle, from yoga mats and resistance bands to basketballs and soccer balls. You‘ll also find sports-themed apparel and accessories.

• Candy & Snacks: Last but certainly not least, Five Below‘s candy and snack section is a sugar lover‘s paradise. You‘ll find classic candies, gourmet chocolates, gummy bears in every flavor imaginable, and even international snacks.

One thing to keep in mind is that Five Below‘s inventory is constantly changing. They‘re always introducing new, on-trend products and cycling out older items. This keeps things exciting, but it also means that if you see something you like, you should snag it ASAP – it may not be there next time!

Hands-On Reviews of Top Five Below Finds

Of course, the only way to really know if Five Below‘s products are worth the hype is to try them for yourself! I decided to put some popular items to the test. Here are my honest reviews:

Bluetooth Wireless Earbuds

These $5 wireless earbuds seriously impressed me. They paired easily with my phone and had surprisingly good sound quality. The bass was a little weak, but the overall clarity was solid. They also fit comfortably and stayed put during a workout. The only downside? The battery life isn‘t amazing – you‘ll get about 2-3 hours of playtime on a single charge. But for $5? I‘m not complaining.

Squishmallow Plush Toy

I fully understand the Squishmallow craze after squeezing this adorable plush avocado. The 8-inch size is perfect for cuddling, and the soft, squishy texture is seriously satisfying. I love how each Squishmallow has its own name and personality (meet Alejandra the Avocado!). And at only $5, they‘re an easy way to add to your collection.

Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Palette

I was skeptical about the quality of a $5 eyeshadow palette, but this Wet n Wild one exceeded my expectations. The 10-pan palette includes a good mix of shimmery and matte shades in neutral, everyday colors. The shadows were easy to blend and had decent pigmentation, especially when used with a primer. Are they the most long-wearing or pigmented eyeshadows I‘ve ever tried? No. But they‘re definitely workable, especially for beginners or anyone on a budget.

Wireless Charging Pad

This $5 wireless charging pad is a great deal for anyone with a Qi-enabled device. It worked perfectly with my iPhone, charging it from dead to 100% in about 2 hours. The 10W max output means it‘s not the fastest wireless charger out there, but it gets the job done. I also appreciate the sleek, compact design and non-slip surface.

Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans

As a coffee fiend, I had to try these chocolate covered espresso beans. And let me tell you, they are dangerously addictive! The dark chocolate coating is rich and not too sweet, with a satisfying crunch that gives way to the bold espresso flavor. My only complaint is that the 3.5 oz bag is too small – I could easily devour the whole thing in one sitting!

10 ft. Phone Charging Cable

If you‘re tired of short charging cables that limit your phone use, this 10-foot cable is a game-changer. It‘s long enough to reach from my bed to my nightstand, giving me plenty of slack to check my phone while it charges. The braided nylon cord feels durable and hasn‘t shown any signs of fraying or wear after a few months of use.

The Pros and Cons of Shopping at Five Below

So now that we‘ve covered the basics and reviewed some popular products, let‘s weigh the overall pros and cons of shopping at Five Below.

Pros

• Unbeatable prices: It‘s hard to find a better deal than $5 or less for such a wide range of products.
• Huge selection: With categories ranging from toys to tech to beauty and beyond, there‘s truly something for everyone.
• Constantly new items: The ever-changing inventory means there‘s always something new to discover.
• Fun atmosphere: Five Below‘s bright, colorful stores and treasure-hunt vibe make for an enjoyable shopping experience.
• Quality surprises: While not everything is top-of-the-line, there are plenty of hidden gems that offer great value for the price.

Cons

• Limited longevity: Due to the low prices, some products may not be built to last or may feel cheap.
• Hit-or-miss quality: The flip side of those great deals is that quality can be inconsistent, so it‘s important to read reviews and manage expectations.
• Impulse purchases: The temptation to throw a bunch of cheap, fun items in your cart can add up quickly.
• Limited availability: Popular or seasonal items tend to sell out quickly and may not be restocked.
• Lack of specific product info: Five Below‘s website doesn‘t always provide detailed specs or ingredients for products, so it can be hard to compare items or know exactly what you‘re getting.

Ultimately, I believe Five Below is absolutely worth shopping at, as long as you go in with the right mindset. It‘s not the place to buy high-end, investment pieces. But if you love a good deal and the thrill of discovering fun, trendy items, Five Below can‘t be beat.

The key is to see it as a treasure hunt. You may have to do some digging and take some chances on products, but that‘s part of the fun. And when you score an amazing find for just a few bucks, it‘s so satisfying!

That being said, I do recommend checking reviews before making a major purchase, especially for electronics or beauty products. And if you‘re shopping online, be aware that you may not get the full sensory experience of scoping out the products in person.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Five Below Shopping Trip

Ready to hit up your local Five Below? Here are my top tips for maximizing your haul and minimizing buyer‘s remorse:

• Make a list: It‘s easy to get carried away by all the colorful, cheap goodies. Having a rough idea of what you‘re looking for can help you stay focused.
• Read reviews: If you‘re eyeing a pricier item like a Bluetooth speaker or a skincare product, do a quick Google search to see what other customers have to say.
• Check the specs: For tech products, double-check compatibility with your devices and look for any specs like wattage, battery life, or connectivity type.
• Test it out: If you‘re buying beauty products, see if you can unbox and swatch them to get a sense of the color, consistency, and scent.
• Know the return policy: Five Below offers a generous 30-day return window for most items, but some categories like food and electronics are non-refundable. And you‘ll need a receipt or packing slip.
• Think outside your age group: Five Below may market to teens, but adults can find plenty of fun stuff too, from kitchen tools to workout gear.
• Stock up on gifts: Five Below is my go-to for stocking stuffers, secret Santa gifts, goodie bags, and other inexpensive gifting occasions.
• Check in often: Because the inventory changes so frequently, it pays to pop in whenever you‘re in the area – you never know what new treasures await!

Frequently Asked Questions About Five Below

Before we wrap up this Five Below review, let‘s address some common questions and concerns:

Is everything really $5 or below?

The vast majority of Five Below‘s inventory is indeed $5 or less. However, they recently introduced a small "Ten Below" section with select items priced up to $10. You‘ll also see some price increases around the holidays for seasonal items like advent calendars.

What brands does Five Below carry?

Five Below stocks a mix of name brands and private label products. Some popular brands you‘ll find include Lego, Disney, Marvel, Funko Pop, L‘Oreal, Wet n Wild, Crayola, and more.

Where does Five Below get its products?

Five Below sources its inventory from a variety of suppliers, including direct relationships with brands and manufacturers. They also work with importers and distributors to stock trending items at low prices.

Are Five Below products safe?

Five Below follows all relevant safety guidelines and regulations for its products, including testing for harmful substances. However, it‘s always a good idea to use caution and follow age recommendations, especially for toys and cosmetics.

Can I shop Five Below online?

Yes, Five Below has an e-commerce site where you can shop a selection of their products. They offer free shipping on orders over $35 (as of 2022). However, the online selection is more limited than what you‘ll find in stores.

What‘s the best time to shop at Five Below?

If you want first dibs on new products, the best time to shop is typically early in the week when stores are restocked. For the lowest prices, shop after major holidays like Christmas and Halloween, when seasonal items go on clearance. You‘ll also find great deals during Five Below‘s occasional $1 sales events.

Final Thoughts

Phew, that was a deep dive into the world of Five Below! I hope this review has given you a better sense of what this unique store has to offer and whether it‘s worth a trip for you.

In my book, Five Below is a fantastic option for anyone who loves a good bargain and the thrill of discovering new, fun products. Yes, you may have to sift through some duds and manage your expectations on quality. But overall, the store delivers a ton of value and variety for the price.

Whether you‘re shopping for yourself, your kids, or gifts for others, Five Below has a little something for everyone. The constantly rotating inventory and treasure-hunt vibe keep things fresh and exciting, even for repeat visitors.

So the next time you‘re in the mood for a little retail therapy that won‘t break the bank, I highly recommend stopping by your local Five Below. With these tips and insights in mind, you‘re sure to score some amazing deals and fun finds.

Happy shopping, bargain hunters! And if you have any Five Below tips or favorite products of your own, be sure to drop them in the comments.