Thought it might be a good idea to keep a running list of suggestions of preps that can be purchased for five bucks or under. This could be a nice resource for those looking to pick up a few things each week for short money.

I'll start off with a few:

- glow sticks (usually less than $1 each)
- three Bic Lighters or two big boxes of matches
- 50 ft of para cord
- a roll of duct tape
- a cheap flashlight
- a bag of disposable razors

What other ideas?

There are a lot of things that cost less than $5.

A pack of batteries.
Shoe laces - there are many uses for these.
a spool of fishing line.
fishing hooks
pocket sized first aid kit
cheap poncho
candles
cotton balls
water bottle
small plano box - works great for keeping small items from getting lost in your BOB
ramen noodles 35cents a pack
canned goods - may only get a few cans, but it will add to your stores
small bags of beans and rice
Other food stuffs you may find on special

I am sure there are many more I could come up with if I took the time to think about it. when I started prepping and didn't really have any extra money, I would grab an extra can or pack of what we needed from the store. (Foods that would store only) After a few months things started adding up and we did end up with some comfort foods in the stores that you normally wouldn't think about when planning what you need.

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Hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

NRA Certified Instructor for Basic Handgun and Personal protection in the Home.
V.F.W. Life Member
NRA Member
U.S. Army Veteran

There are a ton of items that you can get for $5.00. Most of them are consumables.
Any well made, dependable durable supplies are going to cost more than 5 bucks.
If it doesn't (and I don't mean you got it as a gift) then I wouldn't bet my life on it.

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Retired Navy SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance, Escape) Instructor
certified pistol, rifle, shotgun, home defense Instructor
NRA Life Member
Survival & Disaster Preparedness Instructor