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Original poster

AIBU to ask what you would put in a small bag for 2 early 20s DDs.

191 replies

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 28/09/2024 19:27

I know I am being unreasonable to ask is here really. But hey ho. Lots of good ideas abound. I want to buy a largish pencil case or make up bag for my 2 DDs and fill it with essential items. A bag that is small enough for them to keep in their back packs. They are aged 23 and 20 and are lovely young women but are always running out of basic things. One is on the PGCE. One is a university.

This is meant to be a fun but useful extra Christmas present that will save them time and money and be appealing. I have in mind already: small pack of paracetamol, tissues, wet wipes, tampons, pen, safety pins, mini deodorant, mini toothpaste and travel toothbrush, chewing gum, £10, couple of £1 coins, portable charger, plasters. Any better./different ideas?

Just to reiterate.. this is not a major present. Just a fun thing for them to open that will be useful rather than tat.

Thanks all.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
8
newname642 · 28/09/2024 20:14

I use a bag insert like this - lots of pockets and zips, and can be put into whichever bag you're using that day

amzn.eu/d/9FLoAes

AIBU to ask what you would put in a small bag for 2 early 20s DDs.
ShamblesRock · 28/09/2024 20:13

For something to put things in, I got this today for DD from home bargains as I wanted something to take first aid bits in for university. It's actually a pencil case and was about £2. There were different colours as well.

AIBU to ask what you would put in a small bag for 2 early 20s DDs.
RandomMess · 28/09/2024 20:12

I'm now thinking you get the larger bag with a smaller one inside so you have the little bag of minimal ultra essentials and then the lesser essentials in the big one when they take a bigger bag.

tolerable · 28/09/2024 20:10

poundshop=travel plug aadptor. aa+ aaa batteries ,

Heyheyitsanotherday · 28/09/2024 20:09

Would a small umberella fit in? I can never find mine 😂 lovely idea op xx

Blanketyre · 28/09/2024 20:09

Crystal
Worry dolls
Oil blotting sheets

notanothernamechange24 · 28/09/2024 20:07

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 28/09/2024 19:48

Oh you are all so brilliant. Fantastic ideas. I’m also glad that it got a positive reception and people don’t think it’s a stupid idea. Feel free to keep ideas coming. Now to find the bag. Ang ideas? Thanks so much.

What about something like this?

I bought one a few months ago and it has my basic essentials in.
Can be a shoulder bag
Can be a bum bag
But is also small enough to throw in, or clip to, most larger handbags.

Hanaso Women Cross Body Bag Small... https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BQMGJ4KV?ref=ppxpoppmobappshare

Original poster
LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 28/09/2024 20:07

So brilliant. The responses to the thread have really made me happy this evening! Maybe 20cm by 15cm. I’m really bad at estimating that sort of thing.

OP posts:
RandomMess · 28/09/2024 20:03

Photo more helpful.

Clear so you can find what you need easily.

AIBU to ask what you would put in a small bag for 2 early 20s DDs.
SqueegieBeckenheimer · 28/09/2024 20:02

Most of these lean towards the PGCE student...

Lip balm
Sticky labels
Highlighters
Reward stickers
Lemsips
Echinacea
Tictacs
Multi colours pen
Scrunchies
Hand gel
Hot chocolate sachets

WombatCowgirl · 28/09/2024 20:00

Scissors, so useful for everything. Often wish I had a pair attached to my waist like a woman on a mediaeval tomb.

KiwiLondoner · 28/09/2024 20:00

No ideas - just to say that's a really brilliant gift X

sterli2323 · 28/09/2024 19:57

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 28/09/2024 19:48

Oh you are all so brilliant. Fantastic ideas. I’m also glad that it got a positive reception and people don’t think it’s a stupid idea. Feel free to keep ideas coming. Now to find the bag. Ang ideas? Thanks so much.

My daughter does this for me and always adds in some cans of pre mixed cocktails and snacks, peanuts/pork scratchings etc as well as most of the above (except tampons). For her dad she puts in chutney and cake

CuttySarcasm · 28/09/2024 19:56

Depends on the size and you’ve had wonderful suggestions! Maybe a book you’d know they’d like? A reference book maybe they can dip in and out of. This is a lovely idea and I wish my mum was as thoughtful and caring as you, they’re very lucky.

MILLYmo0se · 28/09/2024 19:55

Mini notebook, I know we all use phones to keep notes but handy to have a piece of paper on occasion

13Ghosts · 28/09/2024 19:54

Mini emery boards
Compact mirror (ideally get a foldable brush with a mirror)
Compressed towel
Mini power bank
Sim card ejector pin

Marine30 · 28/09/2024 19:53

Flying Tiger is quite good for little bags/pencil case type things. Also Boots make up bags.

Slidesclipsandbobbins · 28/09/2024 19:52

Would a clear bag help them find things? Maybe not very pretty though. One with internal pockets could also help make sure things aren't in a jumble.
It's a lovely idea OP.

itwasnevermine · 28/09/2024 19:51

LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood · 28/09/2024 19:48

Oh you are all so brilliant. Fantastic ideas. I’m also glad that it got a positive reception and people don’t think it’s a stupid idea. Feel free to keep ideas coming. Now to find the bag. Ang ideas? Thanks so much.

What size do you think is realistic for them to carry around?

I have a boots clear bag I keep in my bag

Delphiniumandlupins · 28/09/2024 19:51

Fold up shopping bag, dry shampoo, condoms.