Reusable Items To Get When The Paper Goods Shelves Are Empty

Currently in some markets in the United States, many items are only available in limited supply and some are not available at all, such as in the photo below taken at my local store during the pandemic of the toilet paper section. But you CAN buy all of these in reusable form and wash them just like in the old days. Here are some reusable items to get when the paper goods shelves are empty.

Note: Some links in this post are affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you make a purchase. Affiliate relationships include, but are not limited to Etsy.

Locally, our largest shortages are on baby wipes, feminine pads, toilet paper, paper towels, diapers, facial tissue and baby wipes. If you get reusable items, it would be wise to have enough on hand for two days, so you can use enough for today while laundering enough for tomorrow. Then you have no need to worry if they are not available in stores. It can be your Plan B in crazy times.

Reusable items to get empty toilet paper shelves at retailer — Toilet paper section of a store in Wisconsin, USA in March 2020 during the coronavirus outbreak.

Since these are not common items to find in retail stores, I like to get them handmade on Etsy, or make them myself. The links below are for your convenience to find these items.

Cloth Wipes / Baby Wipes

There are many reusable baby wipes on Etsy, but my favorite is Marley's Monsters Cloth Wipes. I just love the colorful and fun patterns she uses. The cotton flannel fabric feels so good on your skin too!

Reusable items to get marley's monsters reusable cloth wipes — marleysmonsters reusable cloth wipes on Etsy

Toilet Paper

I know it sounds gross to reuse “toilet unpaper“, but people wash baby diapers, so really, what's the difference? Anyways, you could use “family cloth” as a backup for desperate times, rather than having nothing. I love the colors of this Reusable Toilet Paper set by MamaBearBabyWear Etsy vendor.

Feminine Pads

Affectionately called “mama cloth” by us “crunchy mamas”, you can find them in all kinds of designs. I prefer this type with the wrap around snap to hold it in place. This is my favorite from Etsy vendor WeeEssentials.

Reusable feminine pad with snap — Reusable feminine pad or mama cloth with snap from WeeEssentials on Etsy.

#StandWithSmall Editor's Picks Page

Paper Towels

“Unpaper Towels” are a must have for every home. Due to the cotton flannel cloth features, they can be stuck together and rolled around your paper towel holder to grab when needed. I can't help it, I love marleysmonsters Unpaper Towels too! This Etsy vendor makes so many great products!

Napkins

I have to admit, I love the convenience of paper napkins with my large family of ten, but when money is tight or the shelves are bare, it is wiser to use reusable napkins. I really love the color pattern of these Cotton Napkins from ClearSkyHome.