21 Budget-Friendly Items to Stockpile Now

Preparedness doesn’t have to be expensive. In fact, if you’re working within a budget—and with the current economy, most of us are—getting prepped should be a strategic, steady process, not a mad rush to spend your last cent at the nearest outdoor store. You build your supplies like a brick wall: one smart decision at a time.

So, whether you’re brand new to all this or just tightening up your existing setup, here are 21 budget-friendly essentials worth stockpiling now, before things get dicey. These relatively low-cost, high-value items’ll help keep you ready, comfortable, and ahead of the curve when trouble happens.

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1. Flashlights

Simple rule: when the power goes out, you want to see. A good flashlight should be in every room, next to your bed, and in every go-bag. I have one in every door of my truck.

When it comes to my preferred lights, I look for lights that default to red so that I don’t accidentally turn a bright white light on in the pitch black for all to see. I also look for LED models with high lumens, long battery life, and water resistance. Bonus points if it’s rechargeable and can use the same battery as your other gear.

Don’t stop at one. Get a few—headlamps, compact lights, and even keychain backups. They’re not just convenient—they’re force multipliers by providing the situational awareness you need when operating in the dark.

Here’s the headlamp I use

2. A Good Quality Knife

A dependable blade is worth its weight in precious metals. It doesn’t need to be a $200 survival knife, either. It just needs to be something strong, sharp, and reliable. I carry a mix of fixed or folding blades, and multitools depending on the situation. A quality knife will allow you to cut cordage, process wood, prep food, and, if needed—defend yourself. A good knife quietly earns its keep.

Check out the Leatherman Wave Multitool

3. First Aid Supplies

Think beyond the Band-Aids. Your kit should include:

• Antiseptic wipes
• Gauze rolls
• Antibiotic ointment
• Pain relievers (ibuprofen, aspirin, etc.)
• Tweezers
• Medical gloves
• Medical tape

Minor cuts and knicks can quickly become big, infected problems in a stressful, real-world emergency. So, stock up now while it’s easy to grab and organize. I think back to early in COVID when it became impossible to find rubbing alcohol, and I just found it on sale at Wal-Mart today, so I picked up two bottles. I bet there are some first-aid supplies that you could use—keep an eye out for sales.

This is a well-rounded basic first aid kit you can expand and build on

4. Batteries

Power is life. Your flashlights, radios, and some tools are only as good as the batteries feeding them.

Stockpile:

• AA and AAA (the most common)
• D and 9V if your gear needs them
• Anker Power Bank
• Rechargeable versions with a solar charger (long-term win)

Stick with one battery type across as many devices as possible. Simplifies your stockpile and keeps things running longer. When possible, I prefer to use a brick, paired with rechargeable devices to make everything as uniform and redundant as possible.

5. Lighters

Cheap, fast fire. Whether you’re starting a grill, lighting a candle, or firing up a camp stove—lighters do the job without fuss.

Pick up a few at a time. They’re compact, inexpensive, and reliable. And if things go sideways, they’ll trade well, too.

These BIC Lighters have an excellent rating!

6. Matches

A tried and proven backup to your fire-starting PACE plan. Waterproof or stormproof matches are best, but even basic kitchen matches are worth storing. I recommend storing them in something to protect them from moisture and stashing them in every kit.

UCO Titan Stormproof Match Kit

7. Candles

They’re quiet and simple, and they don’t depend on batteries. Great for ambient lighting, minor warmth, or simply keeping spirits up during an outage. Candles also work as a flame extender to take over where your lighter or matches stop. You can pick up bulk packs at dollar stores or online without spending much.

Take it a step further with natural beeswax candles.

8. Fuels

Cooking. Heat. Light. Fuels matter.

What you stock will depend on your setup, but some standard, affordable options include:

• Propane cylinders
• Butane canisters
• Denatured alcohol
• Wood (if you’ve got the space)

If you’ve got a portable camp stove, make sure you’re stocked with the fuel it needs—and cycle it out before it expires.

9. Toilet Paper

No, TP is not glamorous, but it’s definitely necessary. If you’re low on space, keep a reserve stash in bins or vacuum-sealed bags. When the shelves get cleared out (again), and they will, you won’t be caught off guard. I always carry a new roll in my truck.

10. Personal Hygiene Products

Daily comfort starts here. In addition to toilet paper, keep extras of:

• Toothpaste and toothbrushes
• Deodorant
• Soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Feminine hygiene items

You’ll appreciate these more than you think after just 48 hours without access to a store.

11. Bars of Soap

Lasts longer than liquid soap. No risk of leaks. In a pinch, it works for handwashing, laundry, and even dishes. Grab unscented bars in bulk. Easy to stack, store, and trade.

Defender Tea Tree Natural Soap is excellent!

12. Trash Bags

These are multi-use workhorses. Use them for:

• Garbage
• Water protection
• Makeshift ponchos
• Toilet liners
• Hauling supplies

Heavier-duty contractor bags are even better if you can swing it. They hold up when regular bags rip. I like to carry one folded flat at the bottom of my pack.

13. Cleaning Supplies

Don’t underestimate the power of bleach or a good multi-surface cleaner. Sanitation keeps you healthy—and healthy means you stay in the fight.

Stock up on:

• Bleach (unscented, regular)
• Vinegar
• Disinfectant wipes
• Spray cleaner

Store safely and rotate regularly.

14. Plastic Sheeting

Think temporary roof patch, draft stopper, window cover, or even quarantine barrier, or ad hoc shelter. Plastic sheeting is light, compact, and flexible in how you use it.

Pair it with duct tape (spoiler alert—coming next), and it’s a game-changer.

15. Duct Tape

It fixes stuff. Period.

Seal holes. Reinforce gear. Make splints. Patch tarps. Customize tools. You name it, duct tape handles it. Store a couple of rolls, minimum. And yeah, the good stuff—not the cheap dollar roll that peels like soggy gum.

16. Water Purification Tablets

Clean water or no water—those are the options in a lot of crisis situations. Tablets are lightweight, easy to store, and effective for emergencies. They’re not great for daily use, but in a bug-out or backup plan, they’re a solid asset.

Keep a few in every bag or vehicle.

Here are the proven Porta Aqua water purification tabs.

17. Shelf-Stable Food

Build this one a little at a time. Your stash should include:

• Canned veggies, fruits, and meats
• Dry pasta
• Rice
• Lentils and beans
• Peanut butter
• Soup mixes

Focus on what your family will actually eat. Rotate your stock. Buy it on sale. And don’t stress the dates too much—most shelf-stable food lasts well beyond the label.

18. Manual Can Opener

If you’ve got canned food but no way to open it, you’re setting yourself up for frustration. A basic manual opener takes up no space and works every time. Keep at least one backup. Trust me on this.

19. Coffee

This one might be optional for some—but for others, it’s critical. Caffeine boosts mood, keeps you alert, and brings a sense of normalcy. It’s also a killer barter item.

Store instant coffee, vacuum-packed ground, or whole beans if you’ve got a manual grinder.

20. Basic Tools

No need to go full carpenter. You just need to handle light repairs. Get:

• A hammer
• Screwdriver set
• Adjustable wrench
• Pliers
• Utility knife

You can grab all of that at a hardware store for less than the cost of one high-end multitool.

21. Ziploc Bags

Odd one? Not at all. These are handy for:

• Food storage
• Waterproofing
• Medical kits
• Gear organization
• Keeping small items dry and visible

A box of gallon-size and a box of sandwich-size bags will cover most needs.

The Bottom Line on Items to Stockpile

You don’t need a bunker or a massive budget to get prepared. You just need to start—and the smartest place to start is with the basics.

Work through this list one item at a time. Pick up extras during your regular shopping. Double up during sales. Before long, you’ll be looking at your shelves and thinking, “Yeah… we’re good.”

Additional Resources

Stay safe,