31 Things To Put In Your Bag To Make Those Long 'Welp, I'm Not Going To Be Home Until After Dinner' Days Easier

Buzz Feed

13-03-2025

We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
Shopping
·
These teensy "worry stones" for anxiety and this collapsible water bottle will take up almost no space in your bag, but so much room in your heart.
1. A leakproof collapsible water bottle to make you feel a little bit like a witch when you roll it back up and it just ~disappears~ conveniently in your purse.
Promising review: "Love this product! I workout on the go so I'm always in need of water bottle, but I hate carrying a big one around all the time. This bottle is a nice size to use while running/walking (lightweight and easy to carry), it doesn't leak like most plastic bottles, and it's easy to roll/fold up and store in a bag after you're done. Overall great design and functionality. 10/10." — LaMonica
Get it from Amazon for $15.29+ (available in five colors).
2. A beautifully packaged, travel-friendly Touchland Power Mist hydrating hand sanitizer for anyone who's like "mindfully practicing health and safety, but make it fashion." Unlike other sanitizer sprays, it's infused with aloe vera to keep your skin hydrated and has the most luxurious floral scents.
Amazon
Touchland is a small business that specializes in hand sanitizers.
Check out a TikTok of Touchland in action.
Promising review:"Touchland's hand sanitizers are absolutely beautiful! Not only is the packaging functional for travel, but it's pretty! Absolutely no issues with the product or the design of the packaging leaking, and it's extremely easy to use! No sticky residue, and your hands feel completely hydrated and soft after each use. I'm especially impressed with this perk, considering most hand sanitizers leave your skin feel tight and dry. No leaks, great hydration, phenomenal fragrance…. what's not to LOVE!!!? 🤍 SPOIL YOURSELF, NO EXCUSES NECESSARY!" — Briana R.
Get it from Amazon for $16 (available in Lily of the Valley and Rose scents; check out Touchland's Amazon storefront for more options).
3. A hands-free portable phone charger you will be *so* happy you invested in when you find yourself out and about all day with your battery dwindling. This sticks right into your phone plug and chills there so easily that you might forget it's there in the first place, and it's designed to quickly give your phone one full charge.
Promising review:"I used these several times for the past year, traveling for business and leisure. It is always a challenge to find an outlet at the airport since some airports do not offer a charging station. Using those types can also be a security risk. That's why I love using these portable chargers. They are lightweight and fit in my travel handbag/or small backpack pocket. The portable chargers take about 30–35 minutes to fully charge if dead. Once charged, they charge fast and hold a charge for many hours." — J
Get it from Amazon for $18.99+ (available in four colors).
4. The internet-famous Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller that swipes over your face like a magic wand to make excess oil disappear — super convenient and *way* less wasteful than using blotting strips and time wasting than fancy powders that need a ton of blending work.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"First off, if you have extremely oily skin, this. is. it. I was so tired of getting blotting powder/wipes. It felt wasteful and always left residue on my face. I saw this on TikTok and NEEDED it. It was backordered but then I got an email saying it was in stock and I was SO excited. Not only is it affordable, but it's washable, which helps you save money and be less wasteful." — Kelsey B.
Get it from Amazon for $9.10.
5. A chic weekly pill organizer you will *love* if you're the type of human whose life is "go go go" — this lets you easily pull out separate days and stick them in a bag or overnight backpack if you're traveling or staying the night somewhere.
www.amazon.com
It even includes two extra detachable pill containers so you can have backups in your bag!
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in three styles).
6. A set of reviewer-beloved "Loops Engage 2," a meticulously designed ear plug that blocks out distracting, irritating, or overwhelming noise without completely blocking out the world around you — meaning you can wear them to focus at the office or keep yourself from getting overstimulated in a noisy home without seeming antisocial. (Especially since these are so subtle that nobody will notice them!)
Amazon
Promising review:"I work in a laboratory so I am constantly surrounded by lots of sounds varying in pitch and frequency which can be very overwhelming, especially for someone with noise sensitivities. I have had multiple people recommend these to me, so I decided to give them a try. I so happy I did! When I put these in it feels like I'm coming into my peaceful little bubble. They allow me to have a higher tolerance of noise and have overall reduced my stress and overstimulation of the environment I'm in. It seems like they do a good job at blocking out noises I personally find the most distressing (ie. high pitched, constant noises)." — Makayla
Get it from Amazon for $34.95 (available in five colors; check out Loop's Amazon Storefront for more options related to concerts, offices, and parenting!).
7. A Benzene-free, travel-friendly applicator of I Dew Care's dry shampoo powder so easy to use that you can just dab it on your hairline and rub it in for an instant, oil-absorbing refresh. Now your "no wash" days are a secret that you and your roots will never tell 👀.
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the dry shampoo in action.
Promising review: "Will be buying again!! This is a fantastic product. I have incredibly thin hair that gets very oily very easily. This is the first product that I've tried that actually works! I am so very happy!" — Katie_0_Baker
Get it from Amazon for $12.59 (available brown, dark brown, blonde, and in multipacks and bundles).
8. A set of crease-preventing spiral hair ties that not only give your pony that delightful ~oomph~ to elevate it, but stay locked in place. They're also waterproof, which makes them great for exercise (as much as we all love a soggy hair tie on our wrist post-workout 🫠).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Basic Concepts is a small business that specializes in personal care products and home goods.
Promising review: "I'm super picky about what coil hair ties I use but these are by far my fave! I have super thick hair and it holds so well. They are super durable and stretch A LOT, so you can make sure it's holding your hair well." — Gillian D.
Get a set of 10 from Amazon for $7.99.
9. A set of coin-sized Portawipes, which are compressed towelettes you can expand in an instant to use as a face towel, toilet paper, or sturdy napkin while you're on the go. (Psst — this is a must-have that a lot of parents SWEAR by.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the Portawipes in action.
Portawipes is a small business that specializes in personal care products for travel.
Promising review: "I kept some of these in my fanny pack and backpack while traveling. I used them when bathrooms didn't have any toilet paper and also for cleaning spills or washing my hands when out and about. Really nice peace of mind to have them around. Easy to use with just a few drops of water to make them expand, or add more for cleaning." — Camille
Get a 100-pack (!!) from Amazon for $14.27.
10. E.l.f.'s Hydrating Core Lip Shine in the "Ecstatic" shade, which reviewers say captures the some magic as " Black Honey," the $25 ~universal shade~ from Clinique that's blowing up on TikTok at a fraction of the price. It doesn't shift colors as magically as the other version, but it's a perfect, non-sticky "go-to" lip, and will keep your lips hydrated all day long.
I personally will live, breathe, and die by the magic of $25 "universal" Black Honey version — it lasts FOREVER and also functions as the perfect blush — but it sells out so often that I am also deeply relieved to know it has a cheap alternative in case of lip emergency!
Promising review: "I absolutely love this product. The dark color is perfectly sheer. It also adds the most beautiful color to your lips. I am a Clinique Black Honey lip fan, and this gives me the same look for a fraction of the cost. I love it and have multiple that I keep in various spots. Not sticky either, which is my biggest gripe about lip glosses. My hair doesn't get stuck in this like some glosses, but I get the shine." — Hamps5
Get it from Amazon for $7+ (also available in six other shades).
11. A set of soft silicone sensory-friendly worry stones that are perfect for busy days, since they are so portable, quiet, and unobtrusive.
Promising review: "We bought these recently and used them on a long plane trip and at Disneyland. They help with [our son's] anxiety and kept him from biting and chewing his fingers, something he does when he is heightened." — Amazon Customer
Get a set of six from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in as set of 18).
12. A pair of waterproof wireless earbuds with AirPods Pro energy — except these feature a charging case that, bless its technologically savvy heart, has an LED display letting you know exactly how much charge is left. Reviewers also love how delightfully comfortable and sweatproof these are, making them a solid, affordable option for talking on the phone and exercising.
Promising review: "I use these every day at work! Love these — easy to learn and to use. Best thing about them? Well, everything, lol. Good sound, they hold a charge for long periods, and I don't have to worry about them losing power. I can answer my phone easily and then go back to music without a problem. Definitely a great buy and worth the money! Love this color, too!" — Erin
Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in eight colors).
13. Barebell's "Soft" Protein Bars that taste SO LEGITIMATELY LIKE actual candy bars that they have altered my brain chemistry. At 16 grams of protein a pop, these are such a ridiculously convenient "hangriness" prevention option that I keep two in my bag at all times (one for me, one for any hangry friend, who then INSTANTLY gets as obsessed with them as I am).
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
I am not exaggerating about how obsessed I am with every flavor in the "soft" variety of this protein bar — it is painful for me to write about this publicly because if they sell out my world will go cold and dark and meaningless. I have one with my breakfast every weekday — the caramel chocolate tastes like a thicker Milky Way bar and the salted peanut caramel legit tastes like a Twix. I don't remember who I was before I started eating these every day and I don't care to remember. If you're like, "If you love them so much, wouldn't you gatekeep?" the answer is yes!! Because I bought four packs of this just now and will be consistently hoarding them in my apartment until the end of time!!
Get a pack of 12 from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in four "soft" varieties and nine others, plus variety packs).
14. Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind concealer, an inexpensive lightweight concealer for anyone who wants to quickly touch up before calls or meetings but doesn't want to commit to a whole layer of foundation. This also helps cover dark circles without caking and reduce puffiness.
I started using this myself a few years back (although this is former BuzzFeeder Kayla Suazo 's lovely human face above), and I am mad that I wasted time with other concealers for so long. I am a deeply impatient person who likes to look good and does not like to put in effort in any way, shape, or form, and Maybelline created this so that people like me could gracelessly slap it on in the morning and be like "OK, REFLECTION, YOU GOT THIS" before being on their merry way. It never cakes, I look way more awake than I have any right to, and I never struggle to blend it the way I do with other concealers. 11/10 subscribe.
Check out BuzzFeed's full review of Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Concealer for more deets.
Get it from Amazon for $8.80 (available in 28 shades).
15. And the iconic Alleyoop Pen Pal, which features four quick, easy-to-use products in one tiny package. Each of the three pens comes with a curated color palette of four retractable colors to touch up brows, eyeliner, lips, and highlights, so you've got an entire quick makeup arsenal in the palm of your hand.
Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products.
Here's what BuzzFeed contributor Jasmin Sandal has to say about it: "I gotta say, I love the concept of the Pen Pal from Alleyoop! After using all of the functions (eyeliner, highlighter, lip liner, eyebrow pencil) and as someone who LOVES makeup but was applying as little as humanly possible during lockdown, I think it's a great tool for anyone looking to streamline their routine. It's ideal to use for touchups come the end of the work day, or a subtle, minimalist way to apply makeup in the a.m. The brow pencil is particularly soft and pigmented, and filled in my eyebrows quickly. I just adore the ease of application of each product, and appreciate the universal, does-it-all-for-you concept. Plus, it saves me so much room in my already-overflowing makeup bag!"
Get it from Amazon for $20 (available in three shades).
16. Boka Travel-Size Mouthwash Tablets to quickly freshen breath and eliminate lingering odors when you're on the move. These fluoride- and alcohol-free tables are made with hydroxapatite to help strip your teeth of microbes without the whole song and dance of regular rinse-out mouthwash.
Promising review:"I love Boka products, especially these chewable mouthwash tablets. I keep a few in my bag and work lockets when I want a clean mouth feel and fresh breath feel. Great for long travel days too!" — Tawny
Get a 90-piece container from Amazon for $19.99 (available in mint and citrus mint).
17. E.l.f.'s new sheer tint, hyaluronic acid-infused moisturizing "Squeeze Me" lip balm that comes in flavors like Vanilla Frosting, Honeydew, and Peach. It's 2025, and we deserve an affordable way to perpetually taste like birthday cake!!
I love love love this lip balm. I compare it to the $24 version from Summer Fridays, which I've been splurging on — I love that brand because it lasts so long and is so high quality, but this $4 E.l.f. version feels comparable and, more excitingly, comes in smaller versions so I can stock my totes and bathroom with them whether I'm at home or on the go. It's hydrating, lightweight, doesn't get sticky, and adds a perfect ~subtle~ gloss whether I'm using it alone or on top of a lip color. I love the vanilla flavor so much, it's got a similar vibe to the birthday cake flavor that Glossier sometimes carries.
Promising review:"I have one in my car, one in my purse, and one at home. These just feel so good on your lips! The flavors are very true to their name. They are pretty small though, so if you use it often it won't last long (which is another reason I have three of them), but for $4 each it is worth it. I sometimes like using this before putting on the E.l.f. Lip Reviver Oil. Such a great base to an awesome lip oil!" — Jax
Get it from Amazon for $4 (available in five flavors).
18. A roll-on migraine stick made with peppermint, spearmint, and lavender oils to help you soothe away headaches, which frankly have a lot of audacity interrupting your day.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
Basic Vigor is a US-based small business specializing in all-natural migraine relief products.
Promising review:"I've had migraines all my life — I'm 31 now. I've been on all kinds of prescriptions that work, but make me so sleepy... I've been using this stick for one week now, and it's amazing! I rubbed it on at the first hint of a headache/migraine and it takes care of it fast. I haven't taken a prescription migraine since I started using it." — Amanda Braswell
Read BuzzFeed's review of the migraine stick for more deets!
Get it from Amazon for $12.95.
19. A super lightweight, UPF protective travel umbrella for anyone who wants a durable, no frills option that they're not going to cry about if they forget it in a random Starbucks (don't look at meeeee).
www.amazon.com
Promising review:"This little travel umbrella is a lifesaver! It's so compact that it fits perfectly in my purse, but don't let the size fool you — it holds up great in both rain and sun. The UV protection is a bonus for sunny days, and the sturdy design has handled unexpected gusts like a champ. Opening and closing are smooth and easy, and the cute design adds a bit of flair. Perfect for anyone on the go who needs reliable weather protection without the bulk!" — California girl
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (available in 16 styles).
20. A set of Sea Bands, which target an acupressure point on your wrists meant to help reduce nausea — a must-have for anyone who gets motion sick on car rides, buses, and trains.
21. A set of airtight, moisture-proof mini salt and pepper shakers because life is too short for bland food. Now you can have an easy "fix-it" in your bag at all times.
Amazon
Signora Ware is a small business that specializes in portable food packaging and containers.
Promising review:"These salt and pepper shakers are the perfect size for traveling, camping or going to work in my backpack! No leaks, and they work great. Very happy with this purchase." — Mark Pavey
Get it from Amazon for $6.49 (available in two other styles).
22. And a set of six tiny Tabasco sauces you can easily slide into a purse, pocket, or truly any nook or cranny at your disposal. Hot sauce emergencies are REAL, and with these in your arsenal, you can be the hero that everyone deserves.
Promising review: "These fun little jars are just the perfect size to put in a lunch or picnic, or a great addition to a bloody Mary or taco bar. They always get a great response, and that way, everybody can add their own level of heat. So cute." — Tracy Adams
Get a set of six from Amazon for $9.99 (also available in other sizes).
23. Naked Sundays CabanaClear SPF 50 Water Gel Serum with an ultra-hydrating, "invisible" blend so absorbent and so good at playing nice with makeup that it'll feel like you never put it on in the first place. If you are serious about protecting your skin, this holy grail SPF-packed base layer is the way to go.
www.amazon.com
Note that the AAD recommends using at least SPF 30 and reapplying as needed for skin protection. You can read about sunscreen myths and facts from dermatologists for more information!
Promising review: "I use SPF cream regularly, and I can say that it really does its job. The cream has a pleasant texture, absorbs quickly, and doesn't leave a greasy shine or white residue, which is a big plus for me. It also provides reliable protection, even under direct sunlight. After several hours in the sun, there's no redness or irritation, which speaks to the product's effectiveness. Moreover, the SPF cream can be a great base for makeup, as it doesn't affect the texture of foundation." — Karina Kostiuk
Get it from Amazon for $20.99.
24. A brand spanking new *mini* Kindle — it's faster, it's brighter, and more importantly, it's TEENSIER. The new size makes it easier to fit in the palm of your hand, easier to travel with, and a heck of a lot easier to pack in smaller clutches and purses when you're commuting. It's also glare-free and has a battery life that lasts for up to six weeks on a single charge.
www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the mini Kindle in action.
Promising review:"This is such a great Kindle! It's lightweight, the perfect size for going in a purse or bag, and the matcha is SUCH a great color. I already have a Paperwhite SE that I love, so I decided to get this Kindle for travel purposes. The battery life isn't as great as my Paperwhite, but it still lasts me a while with daily reading! It fits perfectly in my hands and makes reading very comfortable. The only thing it is missing is the warm light option, but that is not a deal breaker for me. If you are looking for a lightweight and comfortable Kindle, this is the one for you." — Christine Heath
Get it from Amazon for $109.99 (available in black and matcha, and with or without an ad lock screen).
25. A set of leakproof, reusable silicone Stasher bags that, trust me, you will be VERY glad to have on you in a pinch — these are a great way to store random leftovers when you're on the move, or even keep things that got wet (or POOPED ON BY A PIGEON!! ASK ME HOW I KNOW!!!!!!!!) safe from the rest of your bag if you're far from your car or from home.
Amazon, www.amazon.com
Bonus: these are safe for the microwave and the dishwasher!
Promising review:"I've been wanting to switch back to reusable bags and drop plastic for some time now. Ages ago I bought lesser quality bags, but the Stasher products are superb in comparison. The bag is just the right size and so easy to clean. I just wash it out with soap, rinse and turn inside out to dry. Give them a try!' — AmyLoo16
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in eight colors — check out the Stasher shop for more sizes, colors, and styles).
26. A TSA-friendly "Wallet Ninja" with so many functions that just reading the product description will give you impostor syndrome. This gizmo may slide easily into a pocket or wallet, but it can be used as a cellphone holder, a bottle and can opener, an eyeglass screwdriver, a ruler, and SO much more.
Amazon
Wallet Ninja is a small business that specializes in card-size, slim-profile tools and accessories.
Each card includes (DEEP BREATH): several screwdrivers, a letter opener, nail puller, ruler, bottle opener, can opener, box opener, cellphone stand, hex-head nut and bolts, and a fruit peeler.
Promising review:"This is definitely helpful to have on hand! The Ninja is small and slim but punches above its weight class in terms of usefulness. The tools are all things you might find yourself searching through a drawer for and are useful in a pinch. It fits comfortably in your wallet and will help you open a beer or tighten a screw. The coolest feature that I couldn't find on most other similar products was the credit card phone stand. It i s great for planes and other travel applications (I haven't had trouble bringing this on a plane anywhere I have traveled, FYI)."— Mary
Get it from Amazon for $14.98 (also available in packs of two, three, and five).
27. A blister-preventing balm that basically magics an extra layer between your skin and your shoe, so you can get your steps in without worrying about getting big ole blisters on your feet without a bandage in sight.
Amazon
BodyGlide is a small business that specializes in chafe-preventing personal care products.
Promising review:"Wow. I took this on vacation, during which we walked about 20,000 steps daily. And of course my shoes begin to rub against parts of my feet, terribly. But I smeared this on and it was amazing. I did have to reapply a few times a day, in public, but I highly recommend this!! I used it on my toes, ankle area, etc., and my feet felt great (normal)." — Y.
Get it from Amazon for $8.99.
28. A pack of Alpine Start instant coffee packets for a surefire back-up plan in case you find yourself nodding off and in need of a cuppa — these brew hot *and* cold, and taste so much like the "real thing" that you'll do a caffeinated double take after your first delicious sip.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Alpine Start is a small business that specializes in instant coffee, lattes, matcha, and creamers.
I'm picky about coffee, but I love these. I picked them up at the recommendation of a friend because the BuzzFeed Shopping Team wakes up long before dawn on Prime Days, and I knew I was going to want something quick and fast to guzzle to wake myself up. I wasn't expecting it to also be DELICIOUS?? I have made sure my pantry is stocked with it ever since, and I always take one traveling when I'm in hotels and don't know the lay of the land. Going out to get my coffee every morning is my favorite "treat" of the day, but this is so delicious that it cushions the blow on days I can't.
Promising review:"Great product! Had both hot and with slightly coolish water, and both times it tasted great. Having a cup of coffee on the summit of a mountain was great, and adding in coffee that tastes good is even better! Will buy for future backpacking trips for sure." — Kelley Hemminger
Get a pack of eight from Amazon for $10.
29. And a chic coffee cup holder so you can carry your favorite beverage *and* answer work emails *and* text your friends pictures of cute dogs at the same! time!!! Reviewers also love this for keeping the cold condensation off their hands.
VIS Paradise Goods is a Florida-based Etsy stop established in 2021 that specializes in personalized and sustainable goods.
Promising review: "This is perfect! I constantly have my hands full and now I can comfortably carry my coffee with me everywhere I go. I will be purchasing more!" — Erin
Psst — I own one of these myself and love it for the convenience of texting on the go! These even have a holder for a straw if you happen to get iced coffee or bubble tea and don't want to stick the straw into the drink just yet. I've found this to be very sturdy and easy to use, plus they're a fun conversation starter — people always want to know where I got it!
Get it from VIS Paradise Goods on Etsy for $17.54+ (available in five colors and 10 option designs).
31. Aquaphor's Healing Balm Stick made with avocado oil and shea butter to soothe all those dry, cracked spots that pop up on your human body. This is perfectly portable so you can get relief on the go!
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "RUN to buy this, I repeat… RUN. I bought one of these about two years ago, and it's STILL going strong. Aquaphor is amazing. We all know that. Buuut the convenience of having it in a tube is life-changing. It truly is as easy as one, two, three. It can easily be applied to anything you could possibly need. I've used it on brand new tattoos, dry/chapped skin (hands, feet, legs, lips etc.), and the edge of my hairline to protect my skin from hair dye!" — Tara Fossa
Get it from Amazon for $10.47.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.