Prepping essentials: 10 Bartering items that will be worth their weight in gold when SHTF

07/28/2025 / By Zoey Sky

When SHTF and the traditional economy collapses, bartering will become the new currency. People will trade goods and services directly, making certain items incredibly valuable.
Some of the most unexpected items will become highly sought after in a crisis. These items are often overlooked by preppers but can be lifesavers in a post-disaster scenario.
With the decline of harmful pesticides, honeybee populations will recover, making beekeeping more viable.
In a world without digital entertainment, simple games like board games and card decks will be crucial for maintaining morale and fostering community. These items can provide much-needed distraction and help people cope with the stress of the situation.
Items related to health and hygiene will be highly valued. Dental treatment kits, lice combs, and menstrual cups will be essential for maintaining personal well-being. By thinking creatively and considering the potential value of unexpected items, you can ensure that you are well-prepared to thrive in a bartering economy.

In the aftermath of a major crisis, when the world as you know it has been turned upside down, the traditional concept of money will likely become obsolete.

As financial systems crumble and resources grow scarce, bartering will emerge as the new currency for acquiring essential goods and services.

While most preppers diligently stockpile the usual suspects, such as canned food, ammunition and fuel, true preparedness requires a more creative approach. In a post-disaster world, some items could become incredibly valuable for bartering.

Here are ten weird items that could prove to be lifesavers in a crisis. (h/t to AskAPrepper.com)

Beekeeping equipment and hive tools

As the dust settles and the world begins to rebuild, the importance of beekeeping will skyrocket. With the end of neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides, honeybee populations will likely recover, making beekeeping more viable than ever.

Beyond the obvious value of honey as a food source and sugar substitute, beeswax will be highly sought after for its medicinal properties and use in candle-making. Moreover, as subsistence farming becomes more common, the pollination services of bees will be invaluable.

This means that beekeeping equipment will be in high demand:

Bee journal
Entrance reducer
Feeders
Hive tools
Protective gear, such as veils, gloves, jackets, or full suits
Smokers

Even if you’re not a beekeeper, having these items on hand could make you a valuable trading partner in a post-crisis world.

Board games and card decks

In a world without smartphones and constant digital entertainment, boredom will become a real threat to morale. Simple, re-playable games like chess, cards and even classic board games like Monopoly or Scrabble, can provide much-needed distraction and help ease tension in group shelters or isolated communities.

In a time when community and cooperation are crucial, these games can bring people together and foster a sense of normalcy.

Dental treatment kits

Poor oral hygiene is likely to be a widespread issue in a post-crisis world, leading to cavities, chipped teeth and failing dental work. Tooth pain can quickly become debilitating, and access to professional dental care may be limited.

Temporary dental filling kits, dental cement, toothache cream and even tooth extraction forceps will be highly valued.

These kits are small, lightweight and relatively inexpensive to stock up on now, but they could command a high barter value later. (Related: Bullets, batteries and more: 13 Bartering items to stock up on while preparing for the financial crash.)

Lice combs

Personal hygiene will be a challenge in crowded shelters and communal living situations, making lice infestations a real concern.

Fortunately, a durable, fine-toothed metal lice comb is a simple yet effective tool for dealing with this problem.

Unlike chemical treatments, lice combs require no power and are safe for repeated use. Offering one could earn you significant trade value, especially for parents or anyone struggling with an infestation.

Manual coffee grinder and French press

For coffee lovers, the need for caffeine will not disappear in a post-crisis world. Whole coffee beans store longer than ground coffee, but without electricity, most people will not have a way to grind them.

A manual coffee grinder becomes not just a convenience but a luxury. Pair it with some whole beans and a French press, and you’ll be a post-apocalyptic coffee drinker’s best friend.

Here are other ways to use a French press in the kitchen:

To make cold brew
To froth milk
To make broth
To infuse oil
To steep tea
To rinse grains

Menstrual cups

After SHTF, feminine hygiene products will be in high demand, and disposable tampons and pads will eventually run out.

Menstrual cups are a reusable, washable and durable alternative that will become increasingly valuable. They take up very little space in your stockpile but can have immense bartering value in times of crisis.

Reading glasses

In a world where everyday tasks like reading maps, sewing or doing technical work are crucial, clear vision is essential. Many people rely on cheap reading glasses but rarely consider stocking extras.

A stash of reading glasses in various strengths (1.0 to 3.0+) takes up little space but could be a lifesaver for someone in need.

Rennet tablets

Cheese will be a rare and valuable commodity in a post-crisis world, and rennet tablets are the secret ingredient to making your own.

With these tablets, you can barter the cheese you make or trade the tablets themselves to others who have their own dairy cows or milk goats. Rennet tablets are compact, have a long shelf life and can be purchased in bulk online.

Sewing machine belts and needles

While many preppers stock up on thread and needles, few think about the parts needed to keep sewing machines running. Belts, bobbins and specialty needles for leather or denim could become priceless for those making or repairing clothes.

People with functional sewing equipment will gladly trade for the parts to keep them operating.

Additionally, stocking up on heavy-duty microfiber fishing line can be a great alternative for sewing heavy materials.

Simple musical instruments

In a world where entertainment is scarce, music will be a valuable form of distraction and community-building.

Simple, low-maintenance instruments like harmonicas, ukuleles or concertinas will have high barter value. These instruments are easy to store and can bring joy and relief in difficult times.

In a post-crisis world, the ability to think outside the box and anticipate the needs of others will be crucial.

By stocking up on these weird yet valuable items, you can ensure that you’re well-prepared to thrive in a bartering economy.

Visit Preparedness.news to learn more about other useful bartering items you should stock up on. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more clean food supplies for your prepping stockpile.

Watch this clip about Freeze-Dried Organic Bananas, a sweet and nutritious snack.

This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.