Let’s be honest—our purses end up carrying more than just a wallet and phone. They’re part
survival kit, part mobile office, part makeup drawer. Over the years, I’ve learned which items are truly worth keeping in my bag—and which just add bulk without really helping.
If you’ve ever fumbled around in the dark trying to find your keys or had to ask for a
band-aid from a friend, this list is for you.
These purse must-haves are small, smart, and make everyday life just a little easier.
1. Motion-Activated Purse
Light: I didn’t know I needed one of these until I saw a friend use it—and now I wouldn’t be without it. This little gadget clips inside your bag and automatically lights up when you open it.
No more digging blindly for a pen or your reading glasses at the
bottom of a black purse in a dark car. It’s especially handy at night, or when you're carrying a larger tote or backpack.
The SOI Purse Light is sleek, rechargeable, and bright enough to make a big difference without being harsh on the eyes. 2. Purse Organizer Insert: If you’ve ever
dumped your whole purse out to find a lip balm, you’re not alone. A purse insert is like a toolbox for your handbag—it keeps everything in its place and makes switching purses a breeze.
I love mine because I can move from a crossbody to a tote by lifting the whole
organizer out and dropping it into another bag. It has a place for everything—keys, receipts, pens, glasses, and even a small snack.
3. Clean Ball – Purse Lint and Crumb
Catcher: Let’s be real: purses get gross. Crumbs, fuzz, dirt—it all settles at the bottom. I used to clean mine out constantly until I discovered the Clean Ball.
It’s a little sticky sphere that rolls around and picks up all the bits and pieces you don’t
want touching your phone or lipstick. When it gets full, you just rinse it off and pop it back in.
4. Carabiner Clip or Lanyard for Keys: There’s something magical about always knowing where your keys are. I use a carabiner to clip mine to the side pocket inside my purse, and I’ve never had to dig for them again.
A lanyard works just as well if you like to wear your keys around your wrist while you're juggling groceries or walking the dog. These also help if you share a car or need to detach a house key quickly. 5. Mini First Aid Kit: It only takes one time needing a bandage and not having one to realize the
value of a mini first aid kit. I tuck my mini first aid kit into my purse with a small supply of adhesive bandages, ibuprofen, allergy medicine, an alcohol
wipe...even an emory board!
It’s saved me more than once—from new-shoes blisters, to a sudden headache, or a broken fingernail.
6. Hand Sanitizer: These days, it just feels better to have a way to clean your hands on the go. I always have hand sanitizer in my purse. It works great after pumping gas, using a shopping cart, or holding onto a escalator railing.
It smells fresh, doesn’t dry out your hands, and the flat bottle slips easily
into a side pocket.
You don’t need to carry your whole house in your purse—but these little helpers can make everyday life smoother and more organized. I’ve tested each of these items personally, and they’ve earned their permanent spot in my bag. You might be surprised how much calmer and more prepared you feel when your purse is
equipped with just the right tools.
On another note...
Book lovers (like me) light up over great stories—but there’s something extra special about receiving a gift that celebrates the whole reading experience. My Gifts for Bookworms
(Beyond Just Books) curated list will delight you...or anyone in your life who loves reading!
