I’ve always loved being the one people go to when they need something like lotion or aspirin. It makes me feel helpful, and there are some things I keep with me even though I won’t personally need them. You, by no means, HAVE to have these things in your handbag, (everyone has their different preferences) this is just a list of things I keep in my bag to make someone's life a little bit easier.

1. Top Priorities

This one kind of goes without saying, but your wallet, keys and cell phone should always be with you.

2. Cash and Spare Change

In case you end up going somewhere that only takes cash, or in case your card gets declined for some odd reason, it’s a good idea to keep cash on you.

3. Lotion/Body Spray

People always ask for these two, so it’s a good idea to have them with you. I love the little 3 oz. lotions and body sprays that you can get at Bath & Body Works. They smell nice and are affordable, which is always a plus.

4. Earbuds

I always have my earbuds on me, even if I don’t have my purse. They are perfect to keep around to use if you get a phone call in a crowded place and it’s hard to hear, or just for when you want to listen to music.

5. Hand Sanitizer

Hand sanitizer is a lifesaver. Whether you’re at a restaurant and don’t feel like getting up to wash your hands, or you touch something gross under your chair on a public bus, hand sanitizer will be there for you to get rid of any nasty germs.

6. First aid kit and/or first aid supplies

I keep this cute little first aid kit in my purse that has come in handy more than you’d imagine. I got it from Walmart in the travel section, and it fits perfectly inside my bag. I keep band aids, eye drops, aspirin, neosporin and gauze in there, just in case a situation arises.

7. Various makeup products - or not, if that’s not your thing

I carry an eyeliner pencil and some mascara in my bag, although it’s up to everybody’s personal preference how much (and what) makeup they want to carry with them.

8. Contact case/contact solution

If you don’t wear contacts this obviously doesn’t appeal to you, but for people who are just about blind like me, this will also be a wise thing to carry. There have been so many times where I would sleep over a friend’s house and forget contact care, and I’d have to sleep with my contacts in. Save yourself the dry itchy eyes in the morning and keep these two in your bag.

9. Deodorant

For mostly everybody, putting on deodorant in the morning is something you don’t even have to think about-you just do it. However, there are some mornings where it slips your mind, but you’ll most likely notice it eventually. It’s a good idea to keep a little travel sized deodorant in your bag to save yourself from any embarrassing moments.

10. Bobby pins/hair ties/headband

We all have bad hair days. It’s not unusual for me to put my hair in a bun or braid, thinking it looks good when I leave my house only to find a bump or a few stray pieces when I’m out. I have a little coin pouch that I use to keep my hair accessories in and it has worked wonders.

11. Two (or more) Tampons

Because you don’t want to get caught without any, and it’s always better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.

12. Gum/Mints

This one is kind of self explanatory.

13. Cough Drops

Personally, I hate cough drops. But in the winter time, I always try to keep two or three in my bag for my friends who swear by these things.

14. Pens

I always have at least two pens on me, and it’s made life so much easier than when I used to not carry something to write with in my bag.

15. Tissues

You’ll feel like you have your life together when you start carrying tissues with you. Trust me.

16. Polaroid Photos

And lastly, I keep a few Polaroid photos of my friends and family in the front zipper of my purse, because I like knowing that I’ll always have them with me no matter what.