Must-Have Car Essentials from Dollar Tree (Plus a Few Bonus Items!)

When I got my new-to-me Kia Soul, the very first stop I made was—you guessed it—Dollar Tree! Whether you’re just running errands around town or heading out on a big road trip, having the right items in your car can make all the difference.

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Must-Have Car Essentials from Dollar Tree (Plus a Few Bonus Items!)

I’m sharing all the car essentials you can grab from Dollar Tree (plus a few bonus ideas I had on hand already). These must-haves are affordable, practical, and perfect for keeping your car clean, organized, and ready for anything!

Car Essentials Video

Cleaning & Freshening Up Your Car

A clean car is a happy car, right?

🗑 DIY Trash Bin:
I grabbed a cloth bin, a plastic bin, and some trash bags from Dollar Tree. I layered the plastic bag inside the plastic bin, tucked that into the cloth bin (to keep it from sliding), and set it on the floor in the back seat. Easy, portable car trash can—done!

🧼 Wipes & Cleaners:
Dollar Tree carries name-brand items like Armor All multi-purpose cleaner and disinfectant wipes, plus Clorox wipes in the cleaning aisle. Wipes are perfect for quick cleanups without spills.

🧽 Cloths, Sponges & Buckets:
Their microfiber cloths (2-packs!) and shammies are great for detailing. Add a sponge, a small bucket, and some soap, and you’re ready for any mess.

🧴 Funnels & Gloves:
Don’t forget a funnel for refilling fluids and a pair of gloves for messy jobs. These are especially helpful for oil changes or topping off your windshield washer fluid.

🌞 Sunshades & Air Fresheners:
Keep your car cool with a Dollar Tree sunshade, and pick from a wide variety of air fresheners. Tip: Hide one under the seat for a subtle scent.

✨ Bonus Tip: Dollar Tree even sells mini disco balls—because why not add a little fun? I’m sharing my necklace I got from Hawaii and Hallmark Baby Grogu.

Personal Care Essentials to Keep in Your Car

You never know when you’ll need a quick refresh while you’re out and about.

First Aid Kit – Buy pre-made or DIY one with Dollar Tree supplies.

First Aid Kit – Buy pre-made or DIY one with Dollar Tree supplies.
Lip Balm, Lotion & Hand Sanitizer – Tons of options in-store. I like to keep a large hand sanitizer in the cup holder and a small one in the door.
Tissues – I stash the travel packs everywhere—glove box, door pockets, center console.
Deodorant – A lifesaver on a hot day.
Travel Toothbrush & Toothpaste, Floss – Great for unexpected detours or overnight stays.
Hairbrush, Hair Ties, Nail Clippers, Compact Mirror – All small enough to store in your glove compartment or a pouch.

💡 Organization Tip: Use pencil cases, zipper pouches, or even sandwich bags to create mini kits for hygiene, meds, or beauty supplies.

Emergency & Safety Items

Being prepared brings peace of mind.

Flashlights – Store one in the glove compartment and one in the trunk. I also keep a solar/wind-up flashlight in my car.
USB Phone Chargers & Adapters – Dollar Tree has charging cables and vent-mounted phone holders.
Reusable Water Bottles – Keep one in every door, and check out their drink mixes like electrolytes or True Lemon.

Muffin liners in your cup holders catch spills—just lift and toss (or rinse).

💡 Cup Holder Hack: Drop a baking cup (yes, like for cupcakes!) into your cup holder to catch crumbs and messes. Easy to remove and replace.

Snacks & Comfort for the Road

Snack attacks happen—be ready for them.

Suction Cup Soap Holder: Keeps small snacks in place.

Snack Containers & Organizers – They have so many options for on-the-go snacking.
Juice Boxes, Granola Bars, Protein Snacks – Load up for yourself or the kids.
Mints, Gum, or Breath Strips – A must-have in every car.
Notepad & Pen – For jotting down ideas or grocery lists.
Spare Socks – Sounds odd, but they’ve come in handy more than once (think bowling or skating!).

👶 Mom Tip: Create a mini emergency diaper bag with Dollar Tree items and keep it in your trunk for unexpected moments.

Activity & Entertainment Bags

Dollar Tree is a goldmine for boredom busters on the go.

Backpacks or Lunch Bags – Fill with books, activity pads, flashcards, Etch A Sketch, Matchbox cars, or small toys.
Sunglasses & Holders – Tons of styles, plus visor clips to keep them handy.
Emergency Ponchos & Blankets – Store under the seat or in your trunk for sudden weather changes.

Car Organization Tips

Keeping your car organized makes all of these essentials easier to use.

Caddies & Lap Trays – Great for meals on the go or crafting during road trips.
Bins & Baskets – Perfect for trunk storage. I love the collapsible baskets—they’re space-saving and super handy.
Reusable Grocery Bags – In Colorado, these are a must, and I always keep a few in the car.
Over-the-Door Hooks & Shoe Organizers – Hang on seat backs for extra storage.
Adhesive Hooks & Velcro Strips – Use these inside the car to hang or secure items.

Bonus Tip: Purse-Sized Essentials

Many of these items also live in my purse so I can take them with me—no matter which car I’m in.

Final Thoughts

I hope this inspires you to stock your car with these budget-friendly essentials. Whether you’re prepping for back-to-school carpool chaos, a long road trip, or just your everyday errands, these tips will help keep your vehicle tidy, prepared, and comfortable.

🛒 Next time you’re at Dollar Tree, take a stroll through the car, cleaning, personal care, and toy aisles—you’ll be amazed at what you find!

📺 Watch the Video:
Be sure to check out the full video for a closer look at everything I added to my car:
👉 Watch on YouTube

📝 Want more tips like this?
Subscribe to my YouTube channel and visit me at chascrazycreations.com for DIYs, hacks, and budget-friendly inspiration.