I’ve tried A LOT of Kmart ‘must-buys’. These are the five items I recommend to everybody I know – and they’ll save you a fortune

It’s no secret…I’ve tried and written about many good AND bad Kmart products. So before you grab the pitchforks, hear me out.

The budget retailer has come a long way. What was once a ‘daggy’ spot for our moms and dads has become really cool in recent years – just ask the tens of thousands of shoppers who visit every week.

Not only has the chain stayed on top of the latest trends, from fashion to homewares, but the quality gets better every season.

And what’s not to like about the prices? They’re so affordable that customers can access great purchases – including ‘dupes’ – without breaking the bank.

With hundreds of items covering Home & Living, Fashion, Beauty, Sports & Outdoors, Tech and more, it can be extremely overwhelming to figure out what to buy.

To help you decide, these are five must-have items that I personally support.

Arched Floor Mirror – $59

When I tell you that my jaw dropped when I saw this new arched floor mirror for just $59, you’ll understand why. I have the exact same mirror in my hallway at home that I bought four years ago… for $549.

It’s a beautiful, timeless mirror, perfect for placing next to your front door for a quick fit check – or as a clever trick to make a room seem bigger and brighter.

Although the mirrors look the same and are both 170 cm high, there are important differences between the two.

The Kmart version has an iron frame and bracket, weighs 9.35kg and is narrower than the more expensive ones I own.

The more expensive mirror has a sturdy construction, made of stainless steel with corrosion-resistant mirror glass, weighs 21.5 kg and is 60 cm wide.

The quality between the two is vastly different, but for just $59 you can’t go wrong with Kmart’s mirror.

Blue 4-quart cast iron skillet – $25

I have a cast iron pot from Kmart, as well as a Le Creuset… While the quality doesn’t compare, I can guarantee the Kmart pot does a pretty good job.

I’ve cooked everything in the affordable casserole – including lamb ragu, homemade bread, Bolognese, soups and more – and I’m impressed with it.

I bought the pot over six years ago and I still have it. It is a great pan for cooking and super handy to have in the kitchen.

That said, I would like to point out that my Le Creuset still looks as good as the day I brought it home, while my Kmart meringue-colored pot has noticeable, stubborn stains from years of cooking that I have been unable to remove.

But if you’ve been hesitant to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-quality cast iron pot, you won’t be disappointed with Kmart’s. Bonus: the new pot has a nice pastel blue color.

Clear 2-Ply Turntable – $12

I have several two-level turntables at home, which I purchased from another retailer for over $20 each. They are so useful for organizing everything from herbs and spices to makeup and skin care products.

Not only does everything look neatly organized on your shelves or in your pantry, but you can also see everything in one place, so nothing gets forgotten or lost in the back of the cupboards.

They are a great storage solution that can greatly transform a cluttered closet, giving you plenty of extra space for other things.

Kmart just released these turntables and trust me, you’re going to need some.

Set of 3 Bag Organizers – $10

If your drawers are full of ziplock bags or you’re running out of space, these clear dispenser organizers are a game changer.

Shoppers can leave the ugly cardboard boxes behind and keep the kitchen tidy.

The great thing about these dispensers is that they come in three different sizes (small, medium and large) – perfect for sandwich zip lock bags, freezer bags and more.

They can be stored in a drawer or mounted on the wall if you have the space.

Riley Wave Floor Lamp – $49

I’ve been eyeing a similar fluted floor lamp for years but couldn’t justify paying $479 for it. Well, now Kmart has released a budget-friendly version for just $49.

The pleated lampshade with serpentine base adds a vintage-inspired look to any room and provides mood lighting – perfect when you don’t want to use the main light switch.

It will certainly be a crowd pleaser and I can already predict that many will add this floor lamp to their shopping cart this year.

So if you’re on a budget but want to update your home with a stylish piece, this floor lamp could be just what you’re looking for.