When it comes to prepping for survival situations, having the right supplies can make all the difference. However, building a comprehensive prepper kit can be expensive, especially if you’re on a tight budget. That’s where the humble Dollar Tree comes in – this unassuming store is a goldmine for affordable prepping essentials that won’t break the bank.
By carefully selecting the right items, you can create a well-stocked prepper kit that covers all your bases, from first aid and hygiene to emergency lighting and storage solutions. And the best part? You can do it all for just a few dollars per item.
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Introduction to Prepping on a Budget with Dollar Tree
Being prepared for emergencies and survival situations is crucial, but it can be challenging when you’re working with a limited budget. Many people assume that prepping requires a significant investment, but that’s not always the case. Dollar Tree offers a surprising array of useful items that can help you build a solid foundation for your prepper kit without breaking the bank.
The key is knowing what to look for and what to avoid. With a little bit of research and strategic shopping, you can take advantage of Dollar Tree’s low prices and stock up on essential supplies that will serve you well in any crisis situation.
25 Life-Changing Dollar Tree Prepper Items
First aid supplies: Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any prepper. The Dollar Tree offers a variety of first aid supplies like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and more at an affordable price. Prepper Hack: Create mini first aid kits using small plastic containers or bags from the Dollar Tree and keep them in your car, backpack, and other convenient locations.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited selection
Easy to stock up
Quality may vary
Reading glasses: Vision problems can make survival situations even more challenging. Dollar Tree carries a range of reading glasses in various strengths. Prepper Hack: Keep a few pairs of reading glasses in your emergency kit, as they can be a lifesaver if you lose or damage your regular glasses.
Pros
Cons
Affordable
Limited styles
Convenient
May not be suitable for extended wear
Epsom salts: Epsom salts have numerous uses beyond just relaxing baths. Prepper Hack: Use Epsom salts as a natural insecticide, fertilizer for plants, or as a laxative in case of digestive issues during an emergency.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited quantities available
Multi-purpose
May need to stock up
Dental care products: Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, even in survival situations. Dollar Tree offers toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and other dental care products. Prepper Hack: Keep a stash of dental care products in your emergency kit, and use baking soda as an alternative toothpaste if needed.
Hand sanitizers: Proper hand hygiene can help prevent the spread of illnesses, which is crucial in emergencies. Dollar Tree carries a variety of hand sanitizers in small, portable sizes. Prepper Hack: Keep hand sanitizers in your emergency kit, car, and bug-out bag for easy access.
Pros
Cons
Affordable
Limited sizes
Convenient
Quality may vary
Glow sticks: Glow sticks are a great source of light in emergencies and can also be used for signaling purposes. Dollar Tree offers a variety of glow stick options. Prepper Hack: Use glow sticks to mark paths, entrances, or hazards in low-light conditions.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited duration
No batteries required
Cannot be recharged
Large candles: Candles provide light and warmth during power outages or emergencies. Dollar Tree has a selection of large candles that can burn for extended periods. Prepper Hack: Use large candles as a heat source for cooking or boiling water in a pinch.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Fire hazard
Long-lasting
Limited scent options
Flashlights: Having reliable sources of light is crucial in emergencies. Dollar Tree offers a variety of flashlights, including some that are solar-powered or crank-operated. Prepper Hack: Keep flashlights in strategic locations throughout your home and in your emergency kit for easy access.
Pros
Cons
Affordable
Battery life may vary
Portable
Limited brightness
Home organization containers: Keeping your emergency supplies organized and easy to access is essential. Dollar Tree has a wide selection of plastic containers, bins, and baskets for organization. Prepper Hack: Use clear plastic containers to store and organize your emergency supplies, making it easy to see what you have and what needs to be restocked.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited sizes
Variety of options
Quality may vary
Plastic shoe bins: Plastic shoe bins can be repurposed for various storage needs in an emergency situation. Prepper Hack: Use plastic shoe bins to store and organize smaller emergency supplies, such as first aid kits, tools, or hygiene products.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited sizes
Stackable
Not airtight
Over-the-door storage hooks: These versatile hooks can help maximize storage space in small areas. Prepper Hack: Use over-the-door hooks to hang and organize emergency supplies, such as backpacks, tarps, or emergency blankets, keeping them easily accessible.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited weight capacity
Space-saving
May damage doors
Vacuum storage bags: Vacuum storage bags can help reduce the space taken up by bulky items like clothing or bedding. Prepper Hack: Use vacuum storage bags to compress and store emergency supplies like warm clothing, blankets, or sleeping bags, saving valuable space in your emergency kit or bug-out bag.
Pros
Cons
Space-saving
Requires a vacuum or pump
Protects contents
Not airtight
Bungee cords: Bungee cords are incredibly versatile and can be used for securing loads, creating shelters, or even as makeshift tools. Prepper Hack: Keep a variety of bungee cords in your emergency kit for securing tarps, tents, or creating makeshift carriers or stretchers.
Paper products: Having a supply of paper products like plates, cups, and napkins can be helpful in emergency situations. Dollar Tree offers a variety of disposable paper products. Prepper Hack: Use paper plates as makeshift bowls or containers for cooking, storing, or serving food in an emergency.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Not eco-friendly
Convenient
Limited quantities
Shower curtains: Shower curtains can serve various purposes in an emergency, from temporary shelters to water catchment systems. Prepper Hack: Use shower curtains as a makeshift tarp or ground cover to create a temporary shelter or to collect rainwater.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited durability
Versatile
Not waterproof
Microfiber towels: Microfiber towels are highly absorbent, lightweight, and quick-drying, making them ideal for emergencies. Prepper Hack: Pack a few microfiber towels in your emergency kit for cleaning, personal hygiene, or as a makeshift bandage or sling.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited sizes
Versatile
May need frequent washing
Spray bottles: Spray bottles can be used for a variety of purposes, from cleaning to gardening. Dollar Tree offers a selection of spray bottles in different sizes. Prepper Hack: Fill spray bottles with water and store them in your emergency kit for easy access to water for drinking, cleaning, or first aid.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited sizes
Versatile
Quality may vary
Damp Rid: Moisture and humidity can be problematic in emergency situations, leading to mold and mildew growth. Dollar Tree carries Damp Rid products for moisture absorption. Prepper Hack: Use Damp Rid in your emergency storage areas or bug-out bag to help control moisture and prevent damage to your supplies.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited effectiveness
Helps prevent mold
Needs to be replaced regularly
Puppy pads: Puppy pads can be a lifesaver in emergency situations when access to proper sanitation facilities is limited. Prepper Hack: Keep a supply of puppy pads in your emergency kit for use as makeshift toilet facilities or for absorbing spills.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited durability
Absorbent
May need frequent replacement
Office supplies: Having a basic supply of office essentials like pens, pencils, notebooks, and scissors can be useful in an emergency. Dollar Tree offers a variety of affordable office supplies. Prepper Hack: Use notebooks to keep a journal or log important information during an emergency, and scissors can serve multiple purposes, from cutting bandages to prepping kindling.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited selection
Versatile
Quality may vary
Plastic tote bags: Sturdy plastic tote bags can be invaluable for carrying and organizing supplies during an emergency. Dollar Tree has a range of reusable tote bags. Prepper Hack: Use plastic tote bags to create makeshift water carriers, storage containers, or even as a makeshift rain poncho.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited durability
Versatile
Not waterproof
Zip ties: Zip ties are incredibly versatile and can be used for securing, bundling, or even improvising tools in an emergency situation. Dollar Tree offers packs of zip ties in various sizes. Prepper Hack: Keep a supply of zip ties in your emergency kit for securing supplies, creating makeshift handles or tools, or even as makeshift handcuffs if necessary.
Tablecloths: Tablecloths can serve multiple purposes in an emergency, from makeshift curtains or shelters to ground covers or even clothing. Dollar Tree has a selection of inexpensive tablecloths. Prepper Hack: Use tablecloths as makeshift tarps or ground covers to create a temporary shelter or to collect rainwater.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited durability
Versatile
Not waterproof
Socks (as backup): Having extra socks on hand can be a lifesaver in emergencies, especially in cold or wet conditions. Dollar Tree offers a variety of sock options at a low cost. Prepper Hack: Pack extra socks in your emergency kit or bug-out bag for warmth, makeshift insulation, or even as makeshift mittens or water filters.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited sizes
Versatile
Quality may vary
Band-Aids (test before relying on): While not the highest quality, having a supply of basic bandages can be helpful in an emergency. Dollar Tree offers a variety of adhesive bandages. Prepper Hack: Test the adhesive bandages before relying on them for emergencies, and consider using them for minor cuts or as tape for other purposes.
Pros
Cons
Inexpensive
Limited sizes
Convenient
Quality may vary
Items to Avoid at Dollar Tree for Prepping
While Dollar Tree offers a wealth of affordable prepping supplies, there are some items you should avoid to ensure you’re getting the most value for your money.
Tape: The tape sold at Dollar Tree may not be of the highest quality, so it’s best to avoid it for important tasks.
Dollar Store meat: For food safety reasons, it’s advisable to steer clear of any perishable meat products from dollar stores.
Dollar Store chargers: Cheap chargers and electronics may not be reliable or safe to use, so it’s better to invest in higher-quality options.
Batteries: While the batteries at Dollar Tree can be used as backups, they may not have the longest lifespan or best performance.
Socks: While socks can be useful as backup options for wet feet or natural disasters, you shouldn’t rely on them as your primary footwear.
Band-Aids: Some Dollar Tree Band-Aids may have poor adhesive quality, so it’s worth testing them before relying on them for first aid.
Tips for Building Your Prepper Kit at Dollar Tree
Building a comprehensive prepper kit at Dollar Tree requires a strategic approach. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your dollar store shopping trips:
Prioritize essentials first, such as first aid supplies, hygiene products, and emergency lighting.
Check expiration dates and quality of items before purchasing, especially for food and medical supplies.
Compare prices with other stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal on certain items.
Rotate and replenish your supplies regularly to ensure they’re always fresh and ready to use.
Going Beyond the Basics – Long-Term Prepping Resources
While the items you can find at Dollar Tree can help you build a solid foundation for your prepper kit, it’s important to plan beyond the initial 72 hours or a few weeks. For long-term prepping, you’ll need to stock up on food, water, and other supplies that can sustain you and your family for an extended period.
Check out our comprehensive guide in the description below for resources and tips on long-term prepping. This guide will help you assess your current preparedness level and plan for situations that may last weeks, months, or even longer.
Remember, prepping is an ongoing process, and it’s essential to continuously evaluate and adjust your supplies and strategies to ensure you’re ready for any eventuality.
With the right mindset, a strategic approach, and the help of budget-friendly stores like Dollar Tree, you can build a comprehensive prepper kit that will give you peace of mind and keep you and your loved ones safe in any crisis situation.
Here are the 25 life-changing Dollar Tree prepper items covered in the article:
First aid supplies
Reading glasses
Epsom salts
Dental care products
Hand sanitizers
Glow sticks
Large candles
Flashlights
Home organization containers
Plastic shoe bins
Over-the-door storage hooks
Vacuum storage bags
Bungee cords
Paper products
Shower curtains
Microfiber towels
Spray bottles
Damp Rid
Puppy pads
Office supplies
Plastic tote bags
Zip ties
Tablecloths
Socks (as backup)
Band-Aids (test before relying on)
Whether you’re just starting to build your prepper kit or looking to expand your existing supplies, Dollar Tree can be an invaluable resource. With a little bit of know-how and strategic shopping, you can create a well-rounded kit that will help you navigate any emergency or survival situation with confidence.
