One of the best ways to survive motherhood is to be as prepared as possible for any situation. Once you are done with the diaper bag, the messes and accidents don’t suddenly stop with your kids. By filling your purse with the right items, you will be ready for just about anything. Here are the top 20 items every mom should have in her purse.
Coupons
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If you have the room, I suggest carrying small coupons with you in a small expandable file. This file allows you to have your coupons with you when you are out shopping so will never forget them.
Hand Lotion
When you live in a dry climate like I do, hand lotion is a necessity. I always carry a travel size one in my purse.
Lip Balm
I’ve carried lip balm with me daily for years. I find it is even more important to have around when you have kids as their little lips get chapped so easily. I really like Avon lip balm.
Hair Brush and Ties
It stinks when you or your child need to pull your hair back and you totally forgot a hair tie or hair brush. If you carry them in your purse you will never be without and have to scrounge around for one.
Nail Clipper and File
Nail clippers are super handy and not just for that annoying broken nail. You can cut strings off clothing, tags off new clothes or I’ve even used them to cut wristbands off my kids after fun outings. I’ve never regretted carrying them and unlike a scissors they won’t get taken away on an airplane.
Medicine
You never know when you will get a massive headache, cramps or an allergy attack. I always carry extra medicine with me in my purse in a small pill box. When your kids get old enough you can carry medicine for them as well.
Tissues
It never fails that your kid will always get a bloody nose or an allergy attack at the absolute worst time. A small pack of tissues will never go to waste.
Hand Wipes
Kids are messy and adults are too. A small pack of wipes will help you be clean up just about any sticky mess your kids can create with food or other items.
Hand Sanitizer
Just tonight in the car my kids were slapping their hands against the bottom of the flip flops after swimming lessons. Gross. If there are germs, kids will find them. In a pinch when you don’t have access to a sink, hand sanitizer is a life saver.
Coins
Ever since my kids were little I have carried a coin pouch in my purse filled with pennies and quarters. This has been a life saver so many times when they want to make a wish, get a souvenir penny, ride a coin operated toy or get a small treat from a vending machine. It’s a little way I can treat them when they are behaving or when we are out together making memories.
Measuring Tape
Several years ago I was given a small measuring tape right after we purchased our home. I put it in my purse for visits to the home improvement store and it has been a staple ever since. A measure tape can be handy for measuring just about anything you may need to purchase when you need to check the size. This way you never have to guess.
Reward and Gift Cards
You have two choices with reward cards. You can carry them around, use your phone number or use an app on your phone. I still prefer to carry mine, and there may still be one or two places that require the actually card. It’s your choice. Just like coupons I do carry my gift cards around with me as I don’t always know when I will pop into a store for a purchase last minute. I don’t ever carry super high value gift cards around or gift cards for really unique stores or restaurants.
Band-Aids
Inevitably the one time you don’t have a Band-aid on you is when your child with slip and get cut. As soon as my kids could walk I started carrying band-aids in my purse. Just be sure to have a good supply of their favorite characters.
Gum or Mints
In a pinch when you need fresh breath, gum or mints will never fail you.
Pens
It stinks to be somewhere you need a pen and you don’t have one. I always carry at least two so if I miss place one I still have the other.
Emergency Money
I get that cash burns a hole in most people’s wallets, but if you are running around with your kids, it doesn’t hurt to have a few emergency dollars in your purse as a backup.
Stamps
Maybe I’m old school, but I still mail items that require stamps every now and again. I find the best place to store stamps is in my wallet.
Post It Notes
No, you don’t have to carry a whole pad of Post It Notes around with you, but I like to have a few on hand at all times. I keep a small stack inside my coupon wallet in my purse. That way I have paper if I really need to make a note that I don’t want to lose in my phone.
ID
This one seems super obvious too, but make sure if you are out and about that you have your ID on you.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Phones are great, but if you forget it, it breaks or gets damaged you will want to have emergency numbers on hand. Also, if you are hurt keeping a small list of emergency numbers in your wallet may help first responders help you.
While it is great to carry these items around with you. Be sure you are not carrying your passport, social security card, or priceless photos around with you. It is also good to make an inventory of your wallet and purse. You can read more about that in my post on How to Protect Yourself When Your Wallet is Lost or Stolen
My absolute favorite mom purse is the very versatile Baggallini Everywhere Crossbody Bag
Did I miss any items? What do you carry in your purse that helps you survive as a mom?
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