This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Full Disclosure Here.
Tax day is right around the corner and after agonizing over the tax preparation process, I have filed my return and don’t have to worry about it for another year. The bad news is that I had to make a donation to our government to cover the taxes due. The good news is that the government did not get a tax free loan from me this year.
Whatever the case, this is the time of year that I am reminded that having blank checks and credit cards is not the same as having extra cash. Do you know the feeling?
With that in mind, today I share some preparedness supplies that can be purchased for just a dollar. Let us start with the local Dollar Store and see where it takes us.
Are you ready to do some budget prepping?
60 Prepping Items You Can Buy for a Dollar
1. Bottled Water
2. Canned Meats
3. Canned Fruits and Vegetables
4. Canned Juice
5. Nuts and Crackers
6. Candies
7. BIC Lighters
8. Paper Cups and Plates
9. Plastic Utensils
10. Plastic Table Covers
11. Non-Electric Can Opener
12. Paper Towels
13. Aluminum Foil
14. Plastic Storage Bags/Containers
15. Garbage Bags
16. Toilet Paper
17. Plastic Buckets
18. Sponges
19. Disinfectants
20. Chlorine Bleach
21. Bar Soap
22. Laundry Soap
23. Flashlights
24. Batteries
25. Candles
26. Butane Matches
27. Wood Matches
28. Spray Bottles
29. Scissors
30. Hand Tools
31. Duct Tape
32. Utility Knife
33. Plastic Sheeting
34. Garden Trowels
35. Personal Hygiene Items
36. Vitamins
37. Sunscreen Lotion
38. Sewing Kit
39. Latex Gloves
40. Cleansing Agent/Soap
41. Antibacterial Towelettes
42. Antibacterial Ointment
43. Antiseptic Ointment
44. Adhesive Bandages
45. Tweezers
46. Aspirin/Non-Aspirin Pain Reliever
47. Cotton Balls
48. Baby Bottles
49. Baby Wipes
50. Paper & Notepads
51. Pencils/Pens
52. Whistles
53. Jigsaw Puzzles
54. Card Games
55. Coloring Books & Crayons
56. Toys
57. Pet Food
58. Pet Bowls
59. Leash and Collar
60. Emergency Ponchos
Beyond the Dollar Store
The local dollar store is not the only place you will find bargains. The back aisles of many drugstores and even big box home improvement stores will have deals if you take the time to seek them out. And then there is the online kingpin, Amazon.
I often will point out “Almost Free” items in the BDS Bargain Bin and also on the Almost Free Page. There you will find whistles, can openers, pocket tools, flashlights and more.
The Final Word
I frequently recommend that you should purchase the very best you can afford. Still, sometimes you need something and don’t have the extra cash to purchase the best. Or perhaps you need extra, backup supplies.
When that happens, buying things from the dollar store or some other bargain outlet simply makes good sense. Besides, it is fun to shop for bargains. And don’t forget, you can hone skills and increase your knowledge for free.
There are so many things that you can do to get prepared – all you really need is to get off your bum and start!
Enjoy your next adventure through common sense and thoughtful preparation!
Gaye
Click Here To Vote For Me at Top Prepper Websites!
If you have not done so already, please be sure to like Facebook which is updated every time there is an awesome new article, news byte, or link to a free survival, prepping or homesteading book on Amazon. You can also follow Backdoor Survival on Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+ and purchase my book, The Prepper’s Guide to Food Storage from Amazon.
Almost Free: At the time of this writing, this whistle is super cheap!. How bad can it be?
3 in 1 Survival Whistle with Compass Thermometer
Bargain Bin: If you want to check out some top sellers, here is a link: Amazon Top 20 in Camping & Hiking – Perfect for Preppers. And speaking of outdoors, are you thinking of heading out to the wilderness? Although I like to hike, I usually do not stray too far from the beaten path. I typically put on hiking boots and grab my paracord lanyard and whistle, camera, cell phone, protein bars, and water. My buddy, Tucker the Dog, is always with me.
Rothco Type III Commercial Paracord: You can get 100 feet of Paracord for very affordably. This is a real bargain but be aware that price can vary substantially depending on the color.
Paracord Lanyard: My paracord lanyard is in yellow and black. Making my own lanyards in various colors is next on my list of paracord crafts.
Paracord Survival Adjustable Velcro Bracelet: This is the paracord bracelet I purchased for myself a number of months back. Remember, if you are going to purchase a bracelet (and this one is a lot nicer than the one I made – practice makes perfect and all), be sure to order the correct size.
Paracord Survival Bracelet Kit: What the heck, you can make your own. Did you see my attempt? You can also pick up a multi-kit with enough materials to make six assorted bracelets.
Kershaw OSO Sweet Knife: This “oh so sweet” knife is solidly built, stainless steel knife that comes razor sharp right out of the package. It will pretty much cut through anything the price is amazing.
Emergency Mylar Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10): You will be surprised at how warm these will keep you. Be sure to test one out in advance so that you have the confidence to trust the blanket in an emergency. You will be amazed at how small and portable these are; a packet will easily fit in a back pocket.
Emergency Shelter Tent: The Emergency Tent is a lightweight and compact emergency shelter. It is wind and waterproof and easy to set up and is roomy enough for two people.
Emergency Sleeping Bag: Another low cost item designed to keep you warm in an emergency situation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I earn a small commission from purchases made when you begin your .
The Amazon Top Ten Most Wanted Survival and Outdoor Items
Emergency Preparedness Items from Amazon.com
Help support Backdoor Survival. Purchases earn a small commission and for that I thank you!
My eBook, The Prepper’s Guide to Food Storage will provide you with everything you need to create an affordable food storage plan, including what to buy and how to store it. Nothing scary and nothing overwhelming – you really can do this!
31 Responses to “60 Emergency Supplies You Can Buy for a Buck”
I am also a budget prepper and find many good items at Dollar Tree and Dollar General. I haven’t read where anyone has stocked up on seasonings , herbs, and spices though. You can get the larger sized containers of these items at Dollar Tree and even the mylar packets of bouillions. If we need to use our practical supplies such as beans and rice, we can at least make them more palatable and with varied flavorings. Plus, these items really don’t take up much space.
in my experience, over of these items cost more than dollar. Great suggestions BTW
Big Lots store has great prices on liquid dish soap, drain cleaner, etc. Also large boxes of kitchen size plastic trash can liners, 94/box and sometimes 120/box. I store over 400 bags for our emergency (5 gal. Bucket) toilet.
My husband insisted on buying a quart container of “Gossner U.H.T. (Ultra High Temperature) low fat (1%) milk” at the everything-for-a-dollar store near us. It doesn’t need refrigeration until opened. I have been surprised that it’s as good as it is. Our daughter didn’t care for it in her tea, but we normally buy 2% or whole fresh milk, so I think she missed the fats.
Add that to your “Dollar” list, if it is available in other stores, too. (If not, ask for it! 🙂 ) //www.gossner.com/home/gossner/admin.php?do=ipage&pageid=3&mid=2
I’ve also tried this milk, both the 1% and 2% versions, and it really is amazing how good it does taste. The containers I bought had a full two years of shelf life left…awesome! And like Cat 5 said, after you open it you refrigerate it just as you would regular cow juice, and the box says 14 days lifespan at that point.
I’ve been stockpiling it here and there, and the best part?…
MADE IN ‘MURICA!
Forgot to say that I bought it at Dollar Tree. I haven’t seen it anywhere else.
I have and are getting more 3 in 1 Survival Whistle with Compass Thermometer.