Sources: <b>Dollar Tree</b>

Kaylee's not-a-blog » Human systems » sources » Dollar Tree

My favorite dollar store chain is Dollar Tree.
Their pricing model (everything-is-a-buck) is easy to understand, and they carry a decent variety of frugal gear & food staples, including some fairly rare shelf stable items.

Here are some items that I recommend:

Food:

applesauce cups (4-count), other individual portion fruit cups
(pro tip: the cups are a handy size, and can be reused for sundry cooking & other tasks)
fruit&grain bars
Hormel pepperoni (2-count packs)
grated parmesan cheese ("Colonna" brand, 71g(2.5oz))
sundry spices, I highly recommend their "Italian seasoning" (a mix of Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram, Basil, Rosemary, Sage)
cup-o-noodles (3-count)
sundry snacks & candy
sun dried tomatoes ("Galen" brand, 100g(3.53oz))
tofu (in a shelf stable tetrapack box)
rice pouches ("Village Harvest" brand, 240g(8.5oz))
Velveeta cheese sauce pouch
sundry frozen entrees & ice cream treats
sundry canned meals, including: beef stew, beef hash ("Southgate" brand, 283g(10oz))
(disclaimer: their "Southgate" items are "meh", but they're comfort food items, and I usually carry a can of each of those beef items)

Note that both the sun dried tomatoes and rice pouches are not available at all stores.

Hygiene:

hand sanitizer (I usually buy the kind with aloe; the refill bottles contain more, and it's easy to refill the pump bottles)
wag bags (40 count pack of 4 gallon plastic bags)
baby wipes
disinfecting wipes (for wiping food prep & other surfaces; do not use on your body)
mini tissue packs

I regularly buy the first 3 items (about once per 2 to 3 months), and the others about once per year.

Gear:

mixing bowl (makes an excellent female urination catcher - has a stable bottom, and a built in spout that makes it easy to transfer to your pee jug)
funnel set (3 count, different sizes)
laundry bag (great for storing your recycling, but terrible for laundry)
tarp (low quality, mainly for emergencies)
car shammy (useful for wiping condensation off windows/etc)
eyeglasses (adequate, and a good backup)
First Aid items including: over-the-counter drugs, bandaids, compression wrap, gauze

They're also a good place to buy van-friendly smaller sizes of baggies, clingwrap, cooking oil/spray, and some food items.