Dollar Store Prepping: 20 Items Worth Buying

When you think of emergency preparedness, you might imagine expensive gear, high-tech gadgets, and premium survival kits. But here’s a little secret: you don’t need to spend a fortune to build a strong foundation of supplies. In fact, some of the most useful preparedness items can be found at your local dollar store.

Prepping is about resourcefulness—getting the most value for your money while building security for your family. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to add backups to your stockpile, the dollar store can be a goldmine for affordable prepping essentials.

Here are 20 items worth buying at the dollar store for your emergency supplies:

1. Water Storage Containers (Small Bottles)

While not ideal for long-term storage, small water bottles are great for grab-and-go bags, vehicles, or short-term emergencies.

2. Bleach (Unscented)

A small bottle of unscented bleach can purify water (8 drops per gallon) and sanitize surfaces. Always check expiration dates.

3. Lighters & Matches

You can never have too many ways to make fire. Stock up on disposable lighters and waterproof match packs.

4. Candles

Emergency candles provide a backup light source during power outages. Look for long-burning options.

5. Batteries

Name-brand batteries are sometimes stocked at dollar stores—grab them when you see them. Even off-brand batteries work in a pinch.

6. Flashlights

Basic flashlights aren’t top-of-the-line, but they’re cheap enough to stash extras in your car, emergency kit, or bedside drawer.

7. Aluminum Foil

Foil is multi-purpose: cooking over a fire, making improvised pans, wrapping food, or even signaling.

8. First Aid Supplies

Bandages, gauze, tape, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter pain relievers are often available for just $1.

9. Cleaning Supplies

Disinfectant sprays, wipes, and gloves help prevent illness during emergencies when sanitation matters most.

10. Duct Tape

Strong, versatile, and essential for repairs, sealing, or even medical emergencies.

11. Rope & Paracord Alternatives

While not true paracord, cheap rope can still come in handy for securing tarps, tying down gear, or making shelters. Some Dollar Stores carry real paracord, grab that if you can.

12. Tarps & Plastic Sheeting

Use them for emergency shelter, covering broken windows, or collecting rainwater.

13. Can Openers

A manual can opener is a must-have. Keep extras on hand—especially since many people forget this simple tool. Having extras is great to have if one breaks.

14. Canned Goods

Dollar stores often stock soups, vegetables, beans, and tuna. While sodium may be high, these are shelf-stable calories.

15. Dry Goods

Rice, beans, pasta, and instant noodles can sometimes be found in smaller packages. Great for building your pantry affordably.

16. Peanut Butter

High in calories, protein, and fat—perfect for emergency food storage.

17. Hygiene Products

Soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, and baby wipes are crucial during long-term disruptions.

18. Trash Bags

Large garbage bags can be used for waste, waterproofing, or even improvised ponchos.

19. Storage Bins & Buckets

Cheap containers are useful for organizing supplies or protecting food from pests.

20. Notebooks & Pens

In a grid-down situation, you’ll need to record information, keep checklists, or communicate. Simple tools like these become invaluable.

Final Thoughts

Prepping doesn’t have to drain your bank account. By strategically shopping at dollar stores, you can stretch your budget and still build a robust supply of emergency essentials.

Of course, not everything at the dollar store is high quality, so think of these purchases as backups, short-term solutions, or budget-friendly starters. Over time, you can upgrade to higher-quality gear—but don’t underestimate the peace of mind that even inexpensive supplies provide.

Tip: Each time you visit a dollar store, pick up just one or two prepping items. Over the course of a year, you’ll have an impressive emergency stockpile without ever feeling the financial strain.

No fuss, no fluff, no fear.

To learn about how to prep on a tight budget, check out this article.

To learn how to prepare financially for emergencies without going broke, check out this article.

To learn more about financial prep, check out this article.