If you guys are in US you can buy at RadioShack a pack of 50 PNP 2N3906 or 50 NPN 2N3904 BJT transistors (these are general purpose transistors) for $5 or exactly $4.99+tax.
They sell these transistors in packs of 2, 15, 50.
Pack of 2 is $0.99
Pack of 15 is $1.99
Pack of 50 is $4.99
Label is "Switching Transistors". hFE is typically which I measured: 160