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Aline Henman | 

The Ultimate Coronavirus Shopping List for Budget Shoppers

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As the threat of spreading the novel coronavirus continues, many of us are staying home. If you’re planning an extended at-home stay, you’ll need to prepare what to buy during the coronavirus outbreak. We’ve put together a coronavirus shopping list of what you will need when staying home for an extended time.

Be sure to check out the pages linked below to stay up to date on the latest deal, or set deal alerts on the free Krazy Coupon Lady app. You’ll also want to check for updated recommendations from the CDC.

We’re working hard to find the best prices for every item without having to leave home or clip coupons. We know that many items, like toilet paper, are in high demand. If you don’t see any current deals, keep checking back as we will be updating these pages regularly.

 

What to Buy During the Coronavirus Outbreak

organized and neat pantry with stockpiled food items

Firstly, please be mindful when stocking up on coronavirus supplies. It’s important to have enough, but not to hoard.

Consider shopping for the following:

  • Two-week supply of food and water
  • Three-month supply of prescription drugs
  • Cleaning products for frequently used items and surfaces
  • Wellness kit with over-the-counter medication

 

Coronavirus Shopping List

Groceries

woman looking at meat in a grocery store meat aisle

Look for non-perishable items like canned fruits and veggies, as well as items that will store well in your freezer or pantry like meats, soups, and beans.

Don’t forget about adding fresh produce to your coronavirus supplies shopping list. Even though most won’t last two weeks on your counter or in your fridge, there are many fresh and cooked foods that will stay nicely in your freezer. This gives you the opportunity to stock up on things like eggs, milk, and fresh veggies. (And yes, you can totally freeze eggs — check out KCL’s list of foods you can freeze.)

PRO TIP: Once you’re completely stocked with food, organize it in a way that is easily accessible and takes up the least amount of space as possible. Consider stacking cans three high in the back, two high in the middle, and one high in the front to fit more.

 

Get more ideas for organizing in KCL’s tips for organizing your stockpile.

 

Baby Supplies

Huggies Diapers sent from Amazon.

Target regularly offers gift cards for baby purchases. Through Mar. 21, Target is offering a $20 gift card for baby purchases of $100 or more. Select diapers, baby wipes, and toiletries will qualify for the offer. Stack the gift card promotion with manufacturer coupons for even more savings if you’re okay with going into a store.

If you’d prefer to keep your distance, use Order Pickup, Drive Up, or Same Day Delivery shopped by Shipt. If you use one of these services, your Target gift card will be shipped to you after you’ve picked up your qualifying order. Please note that inventory on baby items is low at many stores throughout the U.S. If a product you want to order is out of stock, keep refreshing your page so you know as soon as more is available.

Amazon is also offering a deal on baby products. You’ll save $20 instantly when you buy $100 or more of qualifying products. Save up to an additional 20% with the Subscribe & Save feature, plus get free shipping when you’re a Prime member. The good thing about shopping on Amazon is that even if a product is out of stock, you can still order now to lock in your price, and the products will ship when they’re available.

Keep an eye on the deal pages below. They’re being updated regularly as more products become available again.

PRO TIP: If you are having a hard time finding baby wipes in stock in your area and are down to the wire, try making them yourself with paper towels, water, baby shampoo and baby oil.

Find the recipe and more diaper changing tricks and tips in KCL’s Diaper Hacks That’ll Change Your Life.

 

Cleaning Supplies & Home Goods

shopping cart with lysol products

Have products to clean frequently-used surfaces like tabletops, handles and doorknobs, steering wheels, and phone screens readily available.

Check out RiteAid.com for cleaning-supply deals you can get without leaving your home. Delivery is three to five days and is free for purchases over $34.99. Sign up for a Rite Aid Wellness+ account to access promotions and BonusCash, which can be used like store credit to purchase nearly any product. BonusCash is available to use after 6 a.m. the following day.

PRO TIP: When stocking up on laundry detergent, calculate the price per pod or price per ounce to make sure you are getting the best deal possible. Aim to pay between $0.10-$0.15 per pod, or between $0.04-$0.06 per ounce when buying bottles.

Get really good at not paying full price with KCL’s tips for saving money on laundry detergent.

 

 

Personal Care

basket with personal care items

Check Target for personal care items. You’ll frequently get gift cards for these purchases — plus, you can stack manufacturer coupons when shopping in stores. Even if there are no promos or coupons, use your Target RedCard to get 5% back on all purchases, in store and online.

PRO TIP: When you’re stocked on product but short on storage, take advantage of the easily forgotten vertical spaces in your home. Hang a shoe organizer behind the bathroom door and store a different product in each pocket.

Learn more sneaky organization ideas in KCL’s tips for organizing a small space.

 

RELATED: Coronavirus Prevention: Easy DIY Hand Sanitizer

 

Wellness Kit

woman shopping at Dollar Tree holding basket and excedrin product

Keep a wellness kit stocked with essentials including pain relievers, fever reducers, stomach remedies, cough and cold meds, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.

We typically see the best deals for medicine at grocery stores, but retailers like Rite Aid and Target also deliver wellness items if you’d rather not go into a physical shop. However, if you’re planning a trip for groceries anyway, be sure to pop down the medicine aisle and check for any current sales. Often, you can stack with coupons and Ibotta rebate offers when available.

PRO TIP: Some Dollar Tree stores have name-brand medicines as well like Excedrin, Airborne, and Alka-Seltzer (but do keep in mind that Dollar Tree inventory varies by location).

 

Pet Supplies

Man serving dry dog food into a dog bowl

Since pet supplies are something you’ll need to purchase regularly anyway, now might be a good time to sign up for the Subscribe & Save feature on Amazon. Save up to an additional 10% on dog food, cat food, and litter — plus, get free shipping on orders of $25 or more when you’re a Prime member. Even better, you’ll get another 40% off your first Subscribe & Save order. There are no additional fees when you subscribe, and you can cancel at any time.

PRO TIP: When shopping at PetSmart, you’ll know items are at the lowest price possible if they end in the number 7. You’ll sometimes see red discount tags with prices that end in 9, but those are not yet fully discounted.

Read 25 more PetSmart tips in KCL’s PetSmart Hacks You Won’t Want to Shop Without.

Kid’s Activity Supply Kit

A bin filled with art supplies and activities for kids to do.

With most schools, preschools and daycares closed for the time being, many of us have kiddos to entertain at home. Don’t forget to stock up on supplies to keep them busy and occupied.

Take a look at Walmart.com for games, puzzles, and arts and crafts supplies. The prices at Walmart are already low, but you can choose items on rollback for even more savings. Plus, orders will ship for free with a total purchase of $35 or more. Many products have two-day shipping for the fastest turn around. If you need your activities right away, buy online and pick up your order for free as soon as the same day. Some Walmart stores even have pickup kiosks that require no contact with other people.

PRO TIP: Now is also a great time to get your littles excited about DIY projects too. We put together some ideas for easy DIY easter baskets you can make with things you find around your home. You could also host a barbie “spa day” and tackle some spring cleaning with KCL’s tips on cleaning toys.

Complete List of Coronavirus Closures by Store

 

UP NEXT: 7 Tips to Help You Stay Healthy and Safe from Coronavirus

Walmart employee loading up a van with curbside pickup items.

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