How to Make a First Aid Kit with Dollar Store Supplies {DIY}

Wondering how to make a first aid kit with dollar store supplies? Look no further - I’ve got you covered!

First aid kits can be ordered from Red Cross, but I found it much cheaper to build one myself. Since the supplies were bought in larger quantities at the dollar store, I actually made 2 – one for home and one for the car. The total cost per kit was just $6.63!

How to Make a First Aid Kit with Dollar Store Supplies {DIY}

Hand Sanitizer ($1.25 – 63 cents per kit)

Cleaning your hands before cleaning a cut or wound can help prevent the introduction of germs to the wound. Cleaning your hands after will help to protect yourself from germs and illness.

Cut and scrape cleaner – Hydrogen peroxide or alcohol swabs ($2 - $1 per kit)

My little ones are always tripping and slipping in gravel and dirty spots. Cleaning their wounds is essential. I prefer hydrogen peroxide, as it does not sting, but the alcohol comes in very convenient swabs which are ideal for first aid kits.

Bandages ($1 – 50 cents per kit)

If you have little ones, you can never have enough bandages! Even if you don’t have children, bandages should be a staple in any first aid kit. They are important to protect cuts from infection.

Elastic bandage ($1)

I wondered if this item was truly necessary, but after my research, I decided it was. Should someone get very hurt and have a possible break, wrapping their limb with a splint and the bandage can protect the break until at the hospital. It’s also helpful for providing pain relief from sprains.

Gauze ($1)

This can be used to stop bleeding. Keep in mind that it’s important to keep adding gauze to the top of a bad cut, and not to be removing the saturated gauze beneath.

Medical tape ($1)

This can be used to secure the gauze on a wound.

Tweezers and sharp scissors ($1 for a set)

The tweezers are helpful for removing little splinters (ouch!) and the scissors are perfect for cutting the gauze.

Plastic gloves ($1 per package – 50 cents per kit)

These will protect you and the person you are helping.

A list of emergency numbers

I hadn’t thought of adding this to a first aid kit – but what an important item! Adding emergency numbers, even basic ones like 911 may come in very handy if someone is in a panic. If your kit is for a child, be sure to add parents phone numbers and cell phone numbers.

There are plenty of storage options at the dollar store as well, if you are in need. Tackle boxes work great, as do any plastic totes. It’s easiest to have a clear container, so everyone can clearly see the contents, should they be needed. It’s also helpful to clearly label your kit.

Also at the dollar store (Dollarama), there was a pre-made first aid kit for $1.25. This is a fantastic bargain and contains a small roll of gauze, alcohol wipes, tape, and band aids. This could lower your cost considerably. You could purchase this kit and add the other essentials not included, bringing your cost down to $4.38 per kit.

Having a first aid kit stocked will also help you save money. By keeping a kit in the car, it will ensure you have everything you may need, so you don’t have to stop by a drug store to pay much more for the same items when needed.

It’s important to always be prepared, and to teach your children how and why to be prepared, as well. Treating a little cut or wound properly will ensure it doesn’t become infected and cause much bigger problems down the road.

Do you have a first aid kit in your home and car?