100 survival items to get from the dollar store
On a budget? Here are 100 survival preparedness items commonly found at dollar stores, grouped by category:
Water and Hydration
1. Water bottles (refillable)
2. Collapsible water bottles
3. Water purification tablets (if available)
4. Bleach (for purifying water)
5. Plastic pitchers
6. Disposable cups
7. Spray bottles (for misting or cleaning)
8. Aluminum foil (for solar water disinfection)
9. Zip-top bags (various sizes)
Food and Cooking
10. Non-perishable canned food (beans, vegetables, fruit)
11. Canned meats (tuna, chicken, sardines)
12. Instant noodles
13. Peanut butter
14. Granola bars
15. Crackers
16. Trail mix or nuts
17. Powdered drink mixes
18. Salt and pepper shakers
19. Seasonings and spices
20. Sugar packets
21. Disposable plates, bowls, and utensils
22. Plastic food containers
23. Manual can openers
24. Aluminum pans
25. Matches or lighters
26. Tea light candles
27. Plastic tablecloths
28. Baking soda (multi-purpose: cleaning, deodorizing, etc.)
First Aid and Hygiene
29. Adhesive bandages
30. Gauze pads
31. Medical tape
32. Antibacterial ointment
33. Rubbing alcohol
34. Hydrogen peroxide
35. Cotton swabs
36. Cotton balls
37. Disposable gloves
38. Hand sanitizer
39. Antibacterial soap
40. Toothbrushes
41. Toothpaste
42. Floss
43. Mouthwash
44. Disposable razors
45. Feminine hygiene products
46. Wet wipes
47. Baby wipes
48. Diapers (for various uses)
49. Shampoo and conditioner
50. Comb or brush
Lighting and Power
51. Flashlights
52. Batteries (various sizes)
53. LED clip-on lights
54. Glow sticks
55. Solar garden lights (reusable for night lighting)
56. Emergency candles
Tools and Hardware
57. Duct tape
58. Super glue
59. Bungee cords
60. Rope or twine
61. Plastic tarps
62. Carabiners
63. Utility knives
64. Scissors
65. Screwdrivers (if available)
66. Multi-purpose tools
67. Clothespins
68. Safety pins
69. Zip ties
70. Measuring tape
Shelter and Warmth
71. Emergency blankets (if available)
72. Fleece blankets
73. Hand warmers
74. Hats and gloves
75. Socks
76. Shower curtains (as makeshift tarps)
Communication and Navigation
77. Notebooks
78. Pens and pencils
79. Permanent markers (leave messages on vehicles, phone numbers on horses, etc.)
80. Mini whiteboards and markers
81. Whistles
82. Laminated maps (if available)
83. Magnifying glass
Cleaning and Maintenance
84. Dish soap
85. Scrub brushes
86. Sponges
87. Trash bags
88. Laundry detergent
89. Dust masks
90. Spray disinfectants
91. Brooms or mini dusters
Miscellaneous Supplies
92. Playing cards
93. Small toys (for kids’ morale)
94. Books (entertainment and education)
95. Sewing kits
96. Elastic bands
97. Travel sewing kits
98. Hair ties
99. Plastic bins (for organization)
100. Beeswax (for waterproofing)
Most of these items are affordable and can be easily stocked for emergencies. While some might not be top-tier quality, they’re still useful in a pinch.