Though they can sometimes be a hassle to carry all day, purses are often lifesavers. The ability to carry anything you might need for an emergency is amazing for people like me, who sometimes find themselves needing a quick fix for a situation. Whether I accidentally break a nail or get something stuck in my teeth, there is always something I can throw in my purse to solve the issue. I also put many emergency items in my backpack when going from class to class instead of lugging a purse around. Over time, I have composed a list of items that I have needed at some point or another, and I now make sure to fit as many as possible in my purse so I’m prepared no matter what. Here are my top twenty suggestions of what to have in your purse at all times.
1. Hair Ties
You never know when you’re going to need to put your hair back, so carry a hair tie in your bag and a couple extras in case one breaks. There’s nothing worse than needing to put your hair up and having your only hair tie break - it’s tragic.
2. Hand Sanitizer
If you’re out all day, it’s easy to lose track of how many things you have touched: door handles, railings, public sinks, you name it. Even shaking other people’s hands can lead to unwanted germs. Toss in a travel size hand sanitizer for these and many other occasions to prevent the spreading of germs and stay healthy!
3. Gum
When you feel like you need a breath refresher, make sure to have a pack of gum handy, or even some breath mints. It’s a quick fix that’s better than the alternative of going back home to brush your teeth.
4. Floss
Speaking of mouth troubles, maybe you went out to eat and accidentally get something stuck in your teeth? Don’t stress about not being able to get it out, just toss a pack of floss into your purse. Easy fix!
5. Lotion
The air can be pretty dry sometimes, which can cause your skin to dry out as well. If you’re like me and also wash your hands quite often throughout the day, you might find yourself with dry hands…. To prevent this, keep some lotion in your bag and put it on a few times throughout the day for softer skin.
6. Bandaids
Minor cuts are not a rare occurrence. If you tend to get paper cuts or small scratches, make sure to keep a few different sized bandaids handy for any type of cut.
7. Roll-on Perfume
Instead of carrying your full size perfume bottle, purchase a small roll-on version of your favorite scent to apply throughout the day. This way, you can be sure to smell just as great as you did when you put in on in the morning.
8. Tissues
Having tissues handy can be very convenient. Don’t be forced to run to the bathroom whenever you need to blow your nose.
9. Aspirin
If you’ve had a long day and find yourself with a headache, have a bottle of aspirin handy to relieve painful symptoms.
10. Nail File
Sometimes without realization, I have broken a nail without even touching in. This is where a nail file or nail clippers really come in handy to even it out so I don’t scratch myself with it or break it even further.
11. Cash
There are a few establishments that don’t accept credit cards. Keep at least a twenty and a few singles in your purse so you can save the awkwardness of having to tell the cashier than you don’t have any cash on you. Cash for tips is also preferred from on your card, so be aware of this when you are tipping someone.
12. Change
Carry change for meters, wishing fountains, and even tip jars if you don’t want to leave dollar bills.
13. Headphones
Walking alone between classes, I like to have my headphones in so that I can listen to music during those 10 or 15 minutes. Leaving them in your bag is a great way to never find yourself without them in situations that you’d really like to have them, like at the gym!
14. Chapstick
Let’s face it - your lips get chapped. Though they’re easy to lose, keep a tube in your purse for anytime your lips feel really dry and need some relief. For sunnier days that you spend outside, get a chapstick with SPF in it for double to advantage.
15. Charger
When you’re constantly on your phone, it tends to die pretty quickly. Having a charger in your purse can allow you to boost your battery wherever an outlet is. Avoid being unable to contact your friends and family by always having your charger with you in case your phone dies unexpectedly.
16. Pen
Though I never think to toss one into my purse, there have been so many times that I’ve needed a pen or pencil and been left to ask several strangers before finally finding one. So throw in a spare writing utensil, they take up so little space and you never know when you - or a friend - may need one.
17. Concealer
I like to carry concealer with me in case of encountering a previously unseen blemish on my face. This includes dark circles from lack of sleep or a pimple that may (unfortunately) appear out of nowhere…
18. Makeup remover
On the other hand, you may also find yourself needing to take off your makeup. If you’re heading to the gym for example, you won’t want to work out with a full face of makeup - it will clog your pores. Pack a small pack of makeup remover wipes in your purse for cleansing. We recommend Kleenex eye makeup remover pads.
19. Stain eraser
Spills and stains happen, so when they do, have a small stain eraser for a quick and easy fix to what could be a potential disaster.
20. Tampon
Last but definitely not least, carry a tampon for emergencies - either yours or a stranger. Better yet, carry two because you really don’t want to give out your last tampon to someone else.
With these items in your purse, you are sure to be prepared for any situation that comes your way!
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