Discount stores are great resources for finding items that are more expensive in other stores; you have to be diligent in regards to quality, but the savings, if you are smart about it, can be great.

Here is a list of some of the survival items you can find in discount stores.

Dollar Tree Preps List

First Aid:

Flat Gauze

Rolled Gauze

Fabric Bandages – for cut and scrapes

Sheer bandages – for cuts and scrapes

Elastic bandages – for sprains

Medical tape

Face mask

Latex gloves

Aspirin

Ibuprofen

Pain relief patches

Hydrocortisone – anti-itch

Epsom Salt

Alcohol Pads

Antibacterial ointment

Tweezers

Paper tape

Cough Drops

Pain relieving spray

Antiseptic ointment

Antacids

Peroxide

Rubbing Alcohol

Ice packs

Oral Care:

Toothbrushes

Dental Floss

Toothpaste

Entertainment:

Cards

Dice

Travel Games – I found trouble and chess, and checkers.

Pens

Pencils

Paper

Miscellaneous:

Hand sanitizer

Twine

Hair ties

Compact hair brush/mirror

Tampons

Pads

Electric tape

Duct tape

Sewing travel set

Scissors

Pencil sharpeners

Paper clips

Rubber bands

Comb

Cotton swabs

Gold Bond Lotion travel size – I happen to love this love. It is not scented usually, and has been good to my sensitive skin. Will not be suitable for all skin types. Everyone is different.

Travel Kleenex

Travel Bottles

Keychain Pill holder

Whistle

Ear plugs

Eyeglass repair kit

Gardening gloves

Funnel

Mesh laundry bags

Poncho

Socks

Super glue

Salt

Shoe laces – could be a great bartering item, tie off gear (something lightweight) or use for replacement laces.

Fire/Light:

Matches

Lighters

Glow sticks

Camping fuel

Magnifying glass – can be used to make a fire

Solar lights – These are great for lighting up your area at night. They are fairly light weight also.

Steel wool – use it to make fire, clean, knife sharpener

Candles

Prepping is a daunting task but a necessary one. If you can’t afford to buy expensive items, these $1 items may not have the greatest quality but it may be better than nothing. You will have to make that choice. You could have these items while you save up to buy better versions of these.

A word on quality: You will notice I did not include any tools or “Mission-Critical” items like paracord or multi-tools on this list, even though most discount stores have them. That is my personal preference.

For the stuff I need that could greatly impact my preparedness if it fails, I generally default to name-brand items with a reputation for not failing.

To learn more on how to use discount stores to help build your survival kit stash, please visit Homestead Wishing!