Dollar store preps have become almost an obsession during my weekly errand running off of our survival homestead.
I don’t think that I can walk out of the Dollar Tree store in our region without spending a minimum of $35 – and having a whole shopping cart full of preparedness bargains.
My beloved prepper husband initially laughed when I insisted some of the copious amount of sacks I carried in from my first trip to the dollar store in the next county over right after it opened, actually contained preps.

Once I started opening up the dollar store sacks, he quickly realized he indeed needed to go grab our preps inventory list and start recording all of my $1 survival finds.
After that shopping trip, we developed a routine of buying at least one dozen preps from the dollar store each time either of us stopped in. Now, if you have ever been on a Dollar Tree or similar $1 store, you know those shops are not large.
Less savvy bargain shoppers might think they would run out of new items to buy and continually be stockpiling a handful of the same prepping supplies – but that just is not so folks.
What Kind of Preps Can You Find at a Dollar Store?
I put our dollar store preps shopping into 10 distinct categories, some which might not seem like real prepper supplies at first glance. But when that “aha moment” is reached, you will see the frugal shopping genius of my shopping strategy.
Dollar Store Preps Categories
- Medical
- Food, Preparation, And Storage
- Gardening
- Hygiene
- Power – Light
- Barter
- Clothing – Footwear Items
- Homeschool
- Morale Boosters
- Cleaning – Sanitation
Dollar Store Medical Preps
When purchasing medical preps are a dollar store you must contain your bargain-hunting excitement long enough to read the quantity amounts on the labels of some items.
Although each item that you score will be a bargain, you cannot assume a package of bandaids, for example, will hold as many of the medical preps as do similar size boxes purchased at a typical retail store.
The quantity aspect of boxed preps is important if you keep a preps inventory (which you should), and have a habit of marking quantity amounts by box or package based upon the assumption that the dimensions of the container indicate a standard industry quantity amounts.
- Bandaids
- Rolled Bandages
- Rubbing Alcohol
- 3 Percent Hydrogen Peroxide
- Witch Hazel
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vitamins
- Single Use Hand Warmers
- Single Use Ice Packs
- Ice Packs – Reusable
- Pain and Fever Reducers
- Allergy Medications
- Cold, Cough, And Flu Medications
- Sleep Aids
- Anti-Acid Powder
- Anti-Diarrhea Medications
- Tums
- Laxatives
- Generic Pepto Bismol Like Products
- Gas Relief Tablets
- Milk Of Magnesia
- Epsom Salts
- Lip Balm
- Talc Free Foot Powder
- Single Use Muscle And Joint Pain Relief Pads
- Arthritis And Sports Heat Rub
- Analgesic Gel
- Sore Muscle Rub
- Ankle Supports
- Knee Supports
- Elbow Supports
- Wrist Supports
- Aspirin
- Travel Size First Aid Kits
- Athlete’s Foot Cream
- Eczema Cream
- Calamine Lotion
- Hydrating Foot Cream
- Psoriasis Medicated Rub
- A&D Ointment
- Hydrocortisone Cream
- Hemorrhoidal Cream
- Bug Bite Relief Rub
- Diaper Rash Cream
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Waterproof Medical Foam Tape
- Athletic Tape
- Dressing Bandages
- Elastic Support Bandages
- Liquid Skin Bandage
- Gel Ball Of Foot Cushions
- Reading Glasses
- Eyeglass Repair Kits
- Eye Drops
- Eyeglass Cases
- Contact Lens Cases
- Cotton Swabs
- Cotton Balls
- Boxes Of Tissues
- Individual Packets Of Tissues
- Pregnancy Tests
- Drug Tests
- Ovulation Tests
- Vapor Rub
- Nasal Mist Spray
- Cough Drops
- Cough Syrup
- Nitrile Exam Gloves
- Doctor Mask
- Thermometer
Dollar Store Food, Preparation, and Storage Preps
- Canned Food
- Plastic Food Storage Containers
- Aluminum Foil Cookware
- Paper Plates
- Plastic Cups
- Plastic Cutlery
- Aluminum Foil
- Wax Paper
- Parchment Paper
- Spices
- Pet Food And Treats
- Metal Baking Sheets
- Pot Holders
- Oven Mitts
- Wood Serving Spoons
- BBQ Grilling Manual Tools
- Metal Cutlery
- Condiments
- Hard Candies
- Toothpicks
Dollar Store Gardening Preps
- Seeds
- Seed Starter Trays
- Planters
- Hanging Planters
- Gardening Gloves
- Gardening Hand Tools
- Garden Stakes
- Watering Cans
Dollar Store Hygiene Preps
- Toothbrushes
- Toothpaste
- Dental Floss
- Mouthwash
- Denture Care
- Deodorant
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Baby Shampoo
- Baby Diapers
- Baby Wipes
- Adult Diapers
- Adult Incontinence Pads
- Feminine Hygiene Pads
- Tampons
- Bar Soap
- Antibacterial Waterless Soap
- Body Wash
- Body Lotion
- Razors
- Shaving Cream
- Petroleum Jelly
- Sunburn Lotion
- Sunblock
Dollar Store Power and Light Preps
One of my favorite Dollar Tree lighting preps are solar stake lights. These can be used indoors or out during an SHTF event – without causing a fire hazard like candles.
Simply put the solar lights anywhere outdoors now to light your path and then bring them inside as needed to use – replacing them outdoors for charging once again the next day.
- Flashlights
- Indoor Candles
- Citronella Candles
- Nightlights
- Solar Lights
- Lighter Fluid
- Disposable Lighters
- Batteries
- Tiki Lights
Dollar Store Barter – General Preps
Many of the dollar store preps items on the other categories could be used as barter. The items in this section are preps that would fall into a miscellaneous category for you to stockpile, and also grab ample extra to use for barter, as well.
- Matches
- Manual Tools
- Ink Pens
- Spray Paint
- Duct Tape
- Calendar
- Sewing Kit
Dollar Store Clothing and Footwear Preps
You can typically find plain-colored T-shirts in a vast array of sizes at a dollar store. Clothes will get worn out over time during a long-term disaster. Not only will you be in need of extra work shirts, but they will make superb bartering items, as well.
Also, do not forget how much children can grow in a short amount of time. Stocking up on simple and cheap clothing from a dollar store and yard sale will help keep the little ones properly clothed.
- Memory Foam Sole Inserts
- Shoe Laces
- Boot Laces
- Flip Flops
- Socks In All Sizes and Thicknesses
- Gloves
- Toboggans
- Scarves
- T-Shirts
- Baby – Toddler Clothing Items
- Hats
- Ball Caps
- Bandanas
- Drawstring Bags – Small Backpack Style
- Baby Blankets
- Rain Ponchos
- Hook And Latch Velcro
Dollar Store Homeschool Preps
Many preppers or survival homesteaders already homeschool their children, but during a doomsday disaster, the learning will only continue if you do it at home yourself.
Regardless of what is going on in the outside world, the little ones will need to learn to read, write, know how to measure and have an understanding of some scientific principles in order to cook, build, do repairs, read and leave notes, etc.
Also, keeping a routine as normal as possible when the family is bugging in or living on a prepper retreat full-time during a disaster will be extremely effective in preventing stress, fear, and anxiety from overwhelming the children.
Engaging in homeschool activities as normal or to replicate a school day, can go a long way in keeping the children calm and focused on the activity of the moment, and not on what is going on in the outside world.
Our local Dollar Tree store, as most dollar stores nowadays, has an excellent teacher resource area. Many of the same items that would cost up to 10 times more from an educational supply store can be found at these types of discount stores for only a single dollar.
I also highly recommend buying clear contact paper in bulk from a dollar store so you can cover the activity sheets in workbooks so they can be used repeatedly for practice.
- School Workbooks by Grade Level
- Crayons
- Markers
- Pencils
- Highlighters
- Story Books
- Counting Manipulatives – foam-colored squares
- Dry Erase Boards
- Dry Erase Markers
- Chalk
- Scissors
- Notebooks And Loose Leaf Paper
- Educational Games
- Index Cards
- Poster Board
- Solar Calculators
- Flashcards
- Scissors
- Rulers
- Construction Paper
- Glue And Glue Sticks
- Craft Paint
Dollar Store Morale Boosters Preps
Everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from some simple morale boosters during a long-term disaster. Forcing yourself to relax and unwind even momentarily can help prevent additional stress, fatigue, and depression.
- Puzzles
- Novels
- Puzzle Books
- Toys
- Craft Kits
- Bubbles
- Play-Doh – Clay
- Holiday Decorations
- Air Fresheners
- Travel Size Board Games
Dollar Store Cleaning – Sanitation Preps
Keeping the bug in location clean will help prevent the development or spread of disease. Stocking up on the items on this list will not only help keep germs and bacteria from growing in your own home but could be used as valuable bartering preps, also.
- Bleach
- Distilled White Vinegar
- Multi-Purpose Disinfecting Spray
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Dish Soap
- Laundry Soap
- Baking Soda
- Borax
- Toilet Cleaner
- Glass Cleaner
- Sponges
- Scrubbing Brushes
- Brooms
- Mops
- Buckets
- Rubber Gloves
- Trash Bags
If you spend just $10 per week buying dollar store preps at a location near you, the survival stockpiles at your home would grow rapidly.
While there are many essential preps you cannot find at dollar stores, the number of the ones you can will help round out the survival supplies you are accruing in an extremely budget-friendly manner.
No dollar store located near you? You might still be able to score some super cheap preps. Some dollar stores offer online shopping with discounted or flat-rate shipping straight to your home.


Tara Dodrill is a homesteading and survival journalist and author. She lives on a small ranch with her family in Appalachia. She has been both a host and frequent guest on preparedness radio shows. In addition to the publication of her first book, ‘Power Grid Down: How to Prepare, Survive, and Thrive after the Lights go Out’, Dodrill also travels to offer prepping tips and hands-on training and survival camps and expos.
Great idea. Thanks!
Great stuff all info is really helpful and useful
Thanks alot
Excellent article.
We’ve been stocking up on items from the Dollar Store for over six years.
These lists make excellent check lists to ensure you haven’t forgotten something.
Great article. Thank you for sharing . We have talked about preps but haven’t done anything yet. Your article has put the fire in our boots. Thank you again!
You might want to keep in mind that during many/most survival situations, there won’t be any trash pickup. Buying dollar-store-sizes of stuff will leave you with a lot of plastic wrappers and containers. What’s the plan for those? Many people think they’ll just bury it, and turn their food-producing land into a garbage dump. Not a good idea.
Also, be sure to keep track of the pricing of those small sizes of useful products, and compare to larger sizes.
Remember to stock up on diapers baby and adult, even if you don’t need them yourself they will be great for bartering. Baby wipes too. Some of the small sizes of products will be great for bug out bags.
One very important thing that isn’t mentioned is condoms!!!! If the SHTF do you really want to take the chance of getting pregnant???!!!