What NOT to buy at $.99 stores

I'm really loving this new mag, ShopSmart, from the renown testers at Consumer Reports. It's not a style advisor like Lucky or Vogue, but is similar to Real Simple, sans the touchy-feely stories on relationships. ShopSmart doesn't rely on ad dollars (unlike RS) so testers aren't afraid bash a certain product or store if it really stinks. It gives the mag a truly informed tone.

One story in the Aug/Sept issue focuses on 5 things NOT to buy at dollar stores:

1- Vitamins, unless they are brand names and have a label that says the product is verified by the US Pharmacopeia or NSF International. Generic vitamins they tested didn't have some of the ingredients listed and didn't dissolve quickly enough for your system to absorb them.

2-Toys for tots under 3, because toys imported or made in China may not be tested for sharp edges or small parts that like to get stuck in your kids' throat. Buy big toys instead, and remember this rule: If any parts fit into a toilet paper roll, it's too small for that under-3 babe.

3-Xmas lights, extension cords, and fans (i.e. electrical products). These items may have fake labels vouching for their safety.

4-Lookalike brands. Dinacell? Louis Vitton? They are close to the real thing (Duracell and Vuitton) but don't pass mustard. I mean muster.

5-Soft Vinyl lunch boxes. Several of the soft lunch totes have tested positive for lead. Not good for little ones. At all. Instead look for boxes lined with nylon, not vinyl or PVC.