In my family, we have a tradition. On our fourteenth birthday, we girls get our first purse. They tend to be tiny Vera Bradley bags, just big enough to hold our brand new wallets and maybe a chapstick.
Over the years the bags get bigger and the contents more elaborate.
This month my sister turned fourteen and in celebration of her receiving a “big-girl” purse, she asked me to make a purse shopping list.
When I received my first purse five years ago, I did extensive research on must-have purse supplies. It is really easy to buy items you end up never using because they are not relevant to your daily life. Today I will be sharing the essential items that I personally have in my purse.
Make sure to pin this for later. I have also included a downloadable shopping list for you at the bottom of this post, so please read it until the end.
Before you start shopping
Any purse will quickly become a nightmare if you do not organize it properly. I recommend grouping like items in pouches. This helps keep your purse organized and it looks so much cuter than a messy pile of old receipts, an open hand lotion, and your car keys.
If you live in the States I suggest shopping at stores like Target and HomeGoods/Marshalls. Here in Korea, I found my new favorite store in Artbox. All their products are adorable and really fit my aesthetic. Seriously, check out their pouches. With that out of the way, let us get into the ultimate purse shopping list.
The Most Important Thing on the Purse Shopping List
If you have nothing else in your purse, at least have a wallet. Maybe throw in chapstick. RFID stands for Radio Frequency Identification Devices. These devices can be found in our credit cards and scammers are able to steal your identity by reading them. Although the threat is not very prominent you can never be too safe with your information. RFID blocking wallets have material that can protect you from identity theft.
What you need:
- RFID blocking wallet
Go-To Items
Once upon a time, my pink bag said clearly “a few of my favorite things”. This is 100% accurate even now. All of these go-to items are used on a daily basis. One item that is particularly useful during the day is hand lotion. I wash my hands frequently and keeping them moisturized helps me feel put together.
What you need:
- foundation/blot powder
- hair tie
- hand lotion
- hand sanitizer
- lip balm
- lipgloss
- microfiber cloth
- safety pins
- tissue
Personal/Emergency Items
Do you know what I hate? Getting a stain on my shirt when I am out. Also getting my period when I am out. Sometimes mini emergencies happen and it is best to be prepared. These items are convenient to have around when you are traveling. Long flights are better when you can freshen up in between.
What you need:
- baby wipes
- extra underwear
- mini toothpaste
- mouthwash
- pads or tampons
- soap
- stain remover
- travel toothbrush
Other Necessities
It feels good when everyone is looking for something to write with and I just whip out my pouch filled with all the pens I have taken from various banks, businesses, and college fairs. Same with the gum and breath mints. Everyone likes the person with gum.
What you need:
- breath mints
- gum
- markers
- highlighters
- pens
- pencils
Accessories
What’s a purse without its accessories? I still use cash on the regular and end up with all these coins in change. Although not the best reason to carry a coin purse, the jingle of the coins is satisfying.
One unusual accessory that I always have in my purse is a mini sewing kit. You never know when you will pop a button or need to sew someone into their skirt.
What you need:
- coin purse
- mini sewing kit
- notebook
- sunglasses
- umbrella
Download a printable version of the Purse Shopping List
You have made it to the end of the post! I hope this list was helpful to you. Let me know if there are items you think I missed. If you really liked this post and would like a printable version of the items then click the button below.
If you like this printable, check out my other ones here and here!
