Have you ever been out and about and random things happen and then all of a sudden you realize "I really need a 'insert need here' right now!" Well, don't worry! You are not the only one. Below you will find a list of items that are great to have on handy wherever you go! You can keep them in your purse or your backpack; it really doesn't matter. The only important thing is that you have them and are prepared for almost any situation that could come your way.
1. Pen
Pens are a necessary life tool! You never know when you are going to need to write something down. Whether that "something" be a phone number, an address, a note, a grocery list, or who knows what else; a blue or black pen should be with you at all times.
2. Sticky Notes
If you need to write something down, then you will need something to write on. It's as simple as that! However, there are many other ways that sticky notes can be used. To find out how, you can check out this website that explains 10 clever ways to use sticky notes.
3. Hand Sanitizer
How many times have you gone into a bathroom and come to find out that they have run out of soap? Yes, this happens far too often. You never know when you are going to need it. Besides, it's a good thing in general to use throughout the day. We use our sense of touch more than we realize, and in doing so, we encounter this thing called GERMS.
4. Hair ties
For many girls, and some boys too, hair ties are a MUST! Sometimes you have just got to get that hair out of the way.
5. A couple of sandwich bags
This can be useful for a variety of things. It's up to you what you ultimately end up doing with it, but for me it has just come in handy for different situations. The fact that they are waterproof and can hold things makes them an essential.
6. Deodorant
Always, always, always, have deodorant with you. Just trust me. It's important.
7. Chap-stick
When your lips become chapped, you will regret not having this. Guys and girls alike need chap-stick in their life.
8. Floss
Have you ever gone out to eat and gotten food stuck in your teeth? Well, floss can fix that! It's always a great thing to have just in case that annoying little piece of meat or salad gets wedged in too deep.
9. Breath mints/ gum
Nobody likes bad breathe.
10. Tide To Go stick
I cannot tell you how many times I have needed this, but not had it on me. Tide To Go sticks actually work and are a great way to get those little stains out of your clothes.
11. Tissues/ napkins
Sneezing is a thing and when boogers and snot start flying out, you are going to need a tissue. Even worse, the occasional runny nose happens as well. It's better to have a tissue on hand than to wipe it on your sleeve (ew). Besides the tissues, spills are also inevitable. Having some napkins with you is not a bad idea either.
12. Snack
Sometimes, as humans, we get hungry. When this happens, a full on meal is not always available to us. This is when a snack comes in handy. I personally like to keep a couple of granola bars with me.
13. Fork/spoon
OK, this one is a bit harder to explain, but it is something that has saved me on numerous occasions. You never know when you are going to need an eating utensil. Sometimes fast food places forget to give you the necessary items to eat your food without making a mess. I know these items have come in handy on other occasions as well, but I can't remember all the specific situations.
14. Straw
This item also comes from the forgetfulness of some fast food places.
15. Tweezers
Sometimes you just do not realize how horribly ugly your eyebrows have become, and you need to pluck them (or you're "gonna die"). Other times, you get a splinter.
16. Cash
Always have some cash with you! Emergencies DO happen.
17. ID card
Never forget your ID card. Especially if it is your license and you are driving. You should really always have this with you.
18. Form of entertainment
Sometimes in life, we have to wait for things. It is always nice to have a little something to read or play while you wait. Some examples would be: on the bus, waiting for the doctor, waiting for a friend to show up, waiting for your ride, etc. You could always entertain yourself with your thoughts as well. Luckily, those will be with you no matter where you go. It is impossible to not have them.
19. Headphones
If during that time of waiting, you decide to entertain yourself with music or videos, it would be best to do so with headphones as to not disturb the people around you.
20. Charger
If you have entertained yourself too much on your phone, it is possible that your battery has drained. Make sure to keep a charger on hand so that you can power it up. Again, emergencies do happen. It is good to always have your phone with you and to always have a charge.
21. Extra pair of socks
I have not stuck to this one, but there have definitely been times where I wish I had; especially since I live in Seattle, Washington where it rains a lot. Sometimes the socks that I put on in the morning get completely soaked and just become completely disgusting. Having an extra pair to change into would definitely come in handy.
22. Sunglasses
This one is mainly for driving. When the sun is out and obstructing your view, they become quite necessary.
23. Ibuprofen/ Advil
Pain. It exists. It happens.
Medicine. It is good. It helps.
24. Band-aids
We all hurt ourselves every once in awhile. If we start to bleed too bad or get a nasty blister, band-aids are the way to go.
25. Pepper spray
Luckily, I have never had to use this and I really hope I never will. However, I will always carry it on me, and in the chance that something bad does happen, I will have a way to defend myself.
Now of course there are other things you could have with you. The things that people need are ultimately up to the individual. However, these 25 items are things that I highly suggest having in your bag. It is always a good thing to be prepared.
