The dollar store idea is a fun little experiment. If I had one nearby I would go try it out.

Out of curiosity, I made up a quick list of what I would buy if I could shop anywhere:

BSA Hotspark: $3
Military Surplus Style Canteen Cup: $5
Derma-Safe folding Razor Knife: $1.50
Small Aluminum Whistle: $1.50

I figure I could do pretty well for myself with those items totally about $11.

Another thing to keep in mind is a person could find a lot of useful items being given away for free in our socity. Things like like plastic bags, various bits of string/cord/wire, plastic bottles from bottled water/drinks, ketchup/mustard/salt/pepper/sugar/honey/other free condiments, tea bags, soap (either free hotel bars or fill a bottle with liquid soap from public restroom), toilet paper from public restrooms, paper towels, ect, ect.


It's prety amazing the stuff that one could find for free out there.