You can still prep even if you don’t have a lot of money to spare. Here’s a list we brainstormed over in Prep Club, our Facebook group, of items that can be purchased for a dollar or less.
Some of these things can be found at stores like WalMart while others will be at your local dollar store. Remember that often the quality of one dollar items will not be as high as the more expensive ones, while other times it won’t matter at all. When I get dry foods from the dollar store, I always pop it in the freezer for a few days to kill off any larvae that could be lurking.
If you can put aside $5-$10 per month for these $1 preps, you’ll have a surprisingly large supply by the end of the year.
Keep in mind there are many other places to get bargains such as yard sales and thrift stores, but this article focuses on new items.
More than 100 preps you can get for $1
Without further ado and in no particular order, here’s a list to get the ideas churning!
Toiletries
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Soap
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Mouthwash
- Witch hazel
- Hair elastics
- Dental floss
- Nail clippers
- Tweezers
- Travel size toiletries for BOB
- Lotion
- Cotton balls
- Cotton swabs
- Baby wipes
- Baby oil
- Vaseline
- Comb
- Baby shampoo
- Lip balm
Entertainment
- Deck of cards
- Coloring books
- Crayons
- Play-doh
- Glow sticks
- Solar garden lights
- Pens and pencils
- Notebooks
- Puzzles
- Small toys
- Crossword and other puzzle books
- Party supplies (You’ll still want to celebrate birthdays, etc. even if the SHTF)
- Craft supplies
- Games
First Aid
- Rubbing alcohol
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Bandaids
- Antibiotic cream
- Calamine lotion
- Travel size medicine packets for BOB: ibuprofen, aspirin, Neosporin, etc.
- Alcohol pads
- Instant ice packs
- Elastic bandages
Sanitation
- Hand sanitizer
- Bleach
- Bleach wipes
- Antibacterial towelettes
- Antibacterial soap
- Cat litter (small bags)
Repairs
- Mini sewing kits for BOB
- Zip ties
- Needles
- Thread
- Wire
- Rubber bands
- Duct tape
- Electrical tape
- Super glue
- Wood glue
- Eyeglasses repair kit
- Safety pins
- Bungee cords
Household Goods
- Batteries
- Ziplock bags
- Aluminum foil
- Matches
- Lighters
- Candles
- Can openers
- Sponges
- Dishcloths
- Clothesline and clothespins
- Kleenex
- Steel wool
Food
- Salt
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Dried beans
- Rice
- Boxed milk
- Pasta
- Spices
- Candy
- Gallon water jugs
- Coffee filters
- Tea bags
- Ramen noodles
- Instant potatoes
- Oatmeal
- Vinegar
- Cans of tuna
- Popcorn
- Pudding
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Chocolate
- Sugar
Garden/Outdoors
- Rain ponchos
- Seeds
- Gardening or work gloves
- Garden supplies like small spades, etc.
- Twine
Other items
- Bandanas
- Reading glasses
- Scissors
- Toothpicks
- Contact lens cases
- Eyeglass cases
What preps do you get for $1 or less?
I’m looking for NEW items, not thrift store goodies in this one. Share your ideas in the comments below.