Do you have a Sally's and/or a Trader Joe's? You could save up some recommendations and make a big trip for all these stores along with Whole Foods
Yes to Cucumbers conditioner is wonderful. Lots of slip, not too heavy/greasy so it can be used as a LI and a RO, and the bottle is huge, 16oz for under $10.
Trader Joe's has some great shampoos and conditioners. The shampoos have a sulfate in them, but it's low enough down on the list that it isn't very harsh, and if you use it as a clarifier once a week or once every two weeks, IMO it isn't damaging. The condishes are light enough to be used as a cowash, or a LI. (My hair needs more moisture for an everyday RO, but alot of people use them as RO too). Best of all the prices are great - under $4 for any of them, and the bottles are all 10oz, I think. Huge money savers, and totally organic ingredients - even the sulfate is coconut derived.
Aussie Instant Freeze is my favorite gel, and it's always available at Target, usually on sale for under $3 a tube. Ecostyler is a great gel/styler (I use it as a gel, alot of people can use it as a styler, it just depends on your curls), it's pretty cheap and you can find it at most stores, I get mine at CVS.
If you have Big Lots, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, or other discount retailers, they often carry stylers and gels for cheap, you just have to check to see what they might have in stock.