Top 20+ Things Every Woman Should Keep in Her Purse (2024)

What are some of the “must-haves” in the purse? Find out below.

I never leave my house without my cross-body Dooney and Burke maroon purse. I have been more than thankful to my handy little purse on multiple occasions for saving me with the items it holds. Heck, people often have been jokingly calling Mary Poppins because of all the handy things I carry in it. It’s not that I always keep my purse stuffed with a million items! But here are things that I know I would need in an “emergency.” Now, let’s do it.

Quick Access

– Clutch Purse
– Mid-Sized Purse
– Tote

Look through this article and see what items you may miss in your favorite bag.

So, it is your night out with the girls, and you don’t want to carry a big purse around with you. I bet you only put your keys, wallet, and cell phone in this tiny purse. If I were you, I would think twice about what else you want to stuff into your clutch.

Advil: Just put 3 or 4 of these lifesavers in a tiny pill case. They make adorable cases; it is an amazing investment. You never know when a headache or cramps will hit! Advil is a great precautionary.

Breathe Mints: Throw a couple of breath mints into your pill case as well. In the case that you eat something foul-smelling or after a night of drinking, you stay at someone else’s place. You are going to be happy you have these.

Hair Tie It’s windy. It’s too hot. You need to barf. Your hair style fell out and now looks terrible. Your hair keeps whipping people in the face – greasy hair. My hair accidentally got wet. Spontaneous motorcycle or convertible ride. Your hair keeps getting in your cuddle buddy’s face. Your hair betrayed you in some way. Enough said.

Tissues: Carrying a small pack of tissues is a must and can be a lifesaver in many situations. Be it a spilled drink or a need to wipe your nose!

Cash ($5-$20): Do not spend it!! Keep it tucked behind your ID in your wallet, and you will likely forget about it until you need it. If you must take a taxi or your card gets declined, whatever reason. Having a little cash in your wallet wouldn’t hurt.

Safety Pins: This one is for those fashion emergencies that happen now and then. I have had a bra strap snap on me, and my jeans tear; I was so incredibly happy I kept this tiny pin in my side pocket. It is a tiny item that will take barely any space and make your fashion emergency less embarrassing.

This size is perfect for everyday use. My go-to purse is this size, and I am always surprised how much I can fit into it without it looking overstuffed. If you carry a mid-size purse daily, you need to put some of these items in it. You will thank me later.

Advil
Breathe Mints
Hair Tie
Tissues
Cash
Safety Pins

Chap Stick/ Lipstick: Whether you are a lipstick or ChapStick girl, it is smart to keep your favorite brand of either in your purse; I keep both. I always keep a spare chapstick in my purse, and if I am wearing lipstick that day (which usually I am), I throw that in there, too, before I head off for the day. You do not know how much-chapped lips with annoying you until it happens.

Pen: I know what you are thinking, “If I need to write something down, I will just put a note on my phone.” Not everything can be written down on the phone.

There have been multiple instances where I needed one and was so thankful for the little red pen I kept tucked in the bottom of my purse. Trust me, pack a pen.

Band-Aid: I keep my nails long, which is sometimes a problem because I always scratch myself and others. I don’t mean to, but when your arm is bleeding, and you have to write a paper, you end up getting blood everywhere. It is a real helper, and it is so tiny it will take up no space, so what is the harm in throwing one in there?

Tampon: I don’t think I need to describe why you might need this.

Roller Perfume: Get your signature scent in a tiny roll-on. Smelling bad isn’t cute on anyone.

Hand Sanitizer: Let’s face it; the outdoor places are dirty. In the city or suburbs, there are some gross places out there. Hand sanitizer may sound like something your mom would carry, but maybe it is time you took a note from her book.

Pepper Spray: I live in a city, so I am a bit of a worry wort. You don’t know that there isn’t a mugger behind that dark corner. It is best to be prepared in case that happens.

Condom: Being responsible isn’t slutty. Carrying a condom is being a responsible adult who doesn’t want a child. Not a mark of a slut who is always ready for action. You never know when the moment will strike; don’t be unprepared.

I admire people that carry around those adorable totes. I would do it myself if I didn’t have a history of leaving my purse in random places. I must have my purse attached to me, or I will leave it wherever I put it down. Keep it up, tote wearers!

• Advil
• Breathe Mints
• Hair Tie
• Tissues
• Cash
• Safety Pins
• Chap Stick / Lipstick
• Pen
• Band-Aid
• Tampon
• Roller Perfume
• Hand Sanitizer
• Pepper Spray
• Condom

Deodorant: If I had room in my purse, I would pack this. I always keep a spare mini deodorant in my car’s center console, and I have used it so much! Forgetting to put deodorant on happens, and don’t let that be the reason not to lift your arms all day.

Headphones / Earphones: Music can turn a bad day around. Put on your favorite song and turn that awful day into a slightly bad one. Tune out that annoying co-worker who won’t get off the phone with her boyfriend, make a boring subway ride more entertaining, and listen to that kitten video your mom sent you. There are a lot of reasons to carry these.

Phone Charger: Having your phone die is the worst! Don’t be a victim of technology loss!

Granola Bar / Chocolate: If you are one of the many women who are always on the move, satisfying your sudden hunger urges (especially before those days) can be much easier.

Sunglasses: A day can go from cloudy to sunny in a second. Don’t be blinded by the sun. Bring your sunglasses.

A Lighter / Match: Even if you don’t smoke, you never know when you could need one, especially during birthday emergencies or other events.

Makeup Bag: Collect your everyday makeup and buy a spare. Put it into a charming tiny bag, and your mascara will never run without your permission!

Did we miss anything? Let us know!

Ending Notes

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P.S. What else can you add to the set? AiryHair extensions.

Author: Sophia Strojny.