101 Dollar-Store Prepping Items

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

When you think about where to shop for survival supplies, the dollar store might not be the first place that comes to mind. But you'd be surprised at the treasure trove of useful items you can find there! From tools to help you in an emergency to everyday items that can be repurposed, the dollar store offers a ton of affordable options.

In this post, we’ll explore 101 invaluable items you can pick up that could make a big difference in your survival strategy. These essentials aren't only cost-effective but also incredibly versatile.

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Note: Although it's not exactly the same, the list below was inspired by a video by Canadian Prepper.

1. Backpacks – Essential for creating portable emergency kits, allowing you to carry supplies hands-free.
2. Baking Soda – Useful for cleaning, deodorizing, and even fire extinguishing.
3. Baking Tins – Can be used to cook or bake over open fires or makeshift stoves.
4. Bandanas – Serve multiple purposes: from headgear to emergency bandages or water filters.
5. Barbecue Lighters – Reliable tool for starting fires safely, even in windy conditions.
6. Batteries – Power sources for flashlights, radios, and other essential gear.
7. Bleach – For water purification and disinfection, crucial in avoiding illness.
8. Body Cleansing Wipes – Helps maintain hygiene when water is scarce.
9. Boxcutter – Versatile cutting tool for everything from opening packages to emergency situations.
10. Bungee Cords – Great for securing gear or makeshift shelter components.
11. Can Opener – Crucial for accessing food in canned goods.
12. Candies – Quick energy sources and morale boosters.
13. Candles – Provide light and heat in power outages.
14. Canned Foods – Ready-to-eat meals that require no refrigeration.
15. Canning Jars – Ideal for storing food, water, or medical supplies safely.
16. Carabiners – Useful for attaching gear together or to a pack.
17. Cast Iron Pan – Durable cooking tool that can be used on various heat sources.
18. Cheese Cloth – Useful for straining liquids or making herbal extracts.
19. Clothes Pins – Not just for hanging clothes, but also for hanging items to dry or seal packages.
20. Coffee Filters – Can filter particulates from water or be used in improvised medical applications.
21. Compressed Towels – Compact and expand with water, useful for hygiene or as a compress.
22. Contractor Bags – Sturdy enough for waste disposal or as emergency rain gear.
23. Cooking Fuel – Essential for heating food when traditional power sources fail.
24. Cotton Balls – Useful for fire starting when soaked in petroleum jelly or for medical applications.
25. Cutting Board – Provides a clean surface for food preparation.
26. Disposable Plates – Minimize the need for water to wash dishes.
27. Disposable Silverware – Convenient when sanitation services are disrupted.
28. Drawing Board – Useful for mapping, planning, or as a hard writing surface.
29. Dried Food – Lightweight, nutritious, and long-lasting food options.
30. Duct Tape – Fixes practically anything, crucial for emergency repairs.
31. Dummy Security Cameras – Deterrent against potential looters or trespassers.
32. Fishing Line – Strong and versatile, fishing line can be used for its intended purpose or repurposed for other needs.
33. Flashlight – Essential for power outages and nighttime navigation.
34. Glow Sticks – Provide immediate, safe, waterproof light without batteries.
35. Hand Sanitizer – Prevents the spread of germs when soap and water are unavailable.
36. Hats – Protects against sun exposure or retains heat in cold weather.
37. Heat Packs – Useful for warmth in cold environments or for treating hypothermia.
38. High Visibility Vest – Increases your visibility to rescuers or in traffic during emergencies.
39. Inspection Mirror – Can be used to signal for help or inspect hard-to-see areas.
40. Instant Coffee – Provides a quick and comforting source of caffeine.
41. Insulated Soles – Keep feet warm in cold conditions.
42. Insulation – Can be used to keep warmth in shelters or clothing.
43. Jars – Secure storage for food, liquids, or medical supplies.
44. Jute Twine – For tying down tarps, making repairs, or starting fires.
45. Knife – Essential for cutting tasks, food preparation, or self-defense.
46. Large Zipties – Ideal for makeshift repairs or as handcuffs in extreme situations.
47. Longer Matches – Ensures you can start a fire even in windy or wet conditions.
48. Magnifying Glass – Can start fires using sunlight and useful for small, detailed tasks.
49. Masks – Protects against dust, debris, or pathogens.
50. Mesh Netting – Useful for fishing, carrying supplies, or creating bug barriers.
51. Metal Strainer – Can filter debris from water or steam food.
52. Mirror – Essential for signaling in emergencies or personal hygiene.
53. Multi Vitamins – Supplements your nutrition when diet is limited.
54. Nails – Handy for building or repairing shelters.
55. Napkins – Basic hygiene and cleaning.
56. Oven Mitts – Protect hands when cooking over open fires.
57. Pencil Sharpener – Sharpens writing tools or can create fine tinder for fires.
58. Permanent Marker – For labeling gear or leaving messages for rescuers.
59. Petroleum Jelly – For minor wounds, fire starting, or preventing chafing.
60. Plastic Tarps – Multipurpose and waterproof, great for creating shelter, covering gear, or collecting rainwater.
61. Playing Cards – For entertainment and stress relief.
62. Pocket Tool – Compact multi-tool for various small repairs or tasks.
63. Pregnancy Test – Important for managing health and wellness in long-term survival situations.
64. Pry Bar – Useful for opening locked doors or containers.
65. Rain Ponchos – Lightweight, compact, and waterproof protection.
66. Razor Blades – For general cutting tasks or personal grooming.
67. Reflective Safety Tape – Makes items or clothing more visible at night.
68. Rubber Gloves – Protects hands from chemicals, dirt, and infection.
69. Rubbing Alcohol – For cleaning wounds or sterilizing equipment.
70. Safety Pins – Can repair clothing or equipment, or serve as improvised gear hooks.
71. Salt – Essential for flavor, preserving food, or as a health aid in electrolyte balance.
72. Scissors – For cutting fabric, bandages, or other materials.
73. Sewing Equipment – Repairs clothes or gear, essential for long-term sustainability.
74. Shammy Towels – Highly absorbent, quick drying, and space-saving for cleaning tasks.
75. Shaving Cream – For personal hygiene and comfort.
76. Short Matches – Backup fire-starting method.
77. Shower Curtain Liners – Use as a waterproof shelter or ground cover.
78. Silicone Mitts – Heat resistant and useful for handling hot materials.
79. Soap – Maintains hygiene, preventing disease and discomfort.
80. Socks – Keeps feet warm, dry, and protected.
81. Split Shot (for fishing) – Useful for makeshift fishing gear.
82. Sponges – For cleaning and hygiene purposes.
83. Steel Wool – Can be used with a battery to start fires or for cleaning tough messes.
84. Sun Reflector – Useful for signaling or maximizing sunlight for warmth.
85. Super Glue – For quick repairs on a variety of materials.
86. Tarp – Provides shelter, collects rainwater, or serves as a ground cover.
87. Thermal Blankets – These blankets reflect body heat back to you, making them essential for staying warm.
88. Tin Foil – Useful for cooking, signaling, or wrapping food.
89. Towels – General hygiene and cleaning tasks.
90. Tuna – Ready-to-eat protein source that requires no preparation.
91. Utility Knife – More robust cutting tool for heavier tasks.
92. Vinegar – For cleaning, food preservation, or medicinal uses.
93. Water Bladders – For portable water storage and transport.
94. Water Bucket – Essential for collecting and storing water.
95. WD-40 – For lubrication and moisture displacement, helps maintain gear.
96. Whistle – A loud whistle can be a lifesaver in emergency situations, especially if you're lost.
97. White Sugar – For energy, food preservation, or wound care.
98. Wires – For repairs, building electronic devices, or traps.
99. Working Gloves – Protects hands during manual work.
100. Yeast – For baking or fermenting foods.
101. Ziploc Bags – Perfect for waterproofing important documents, organizing small items, and keeping food fresh and protected from moisture and pests.

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