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

[LadyMacbethWasMisunderstood]

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.

Lip balm and cheap sunglasses. Things I am constantly looking for in my bag!

Anti bac hand gel
Foldable hairbrush
Cereal bar for an emergency snack

At the risk of sounding like an old Granny how about a spare pair of pants - covers anything from emergency stay-overs to hook-ups!
I think what you’re doing is a really sweet idea 🫶

Rescue Remedy for the PGCE student lol

Mini perfume

Hand wipes I have them in every bag. Tweezers are good, you get mini tweezer man ones that come in a small tube. Nailfile, i always need one.

I'm loving this idea. I'm a Christian so would probably also write a little piece of scripture like a psalm for my kids to read if they felt stressed or anxious. You could always write a really heartfelt message and put it in a tiny envelope for them to read when they felt wobbly, that they could hold dear to their hearts in times of uncertainty. Something to remind them how much you love them and why they are wonderful!

Trolley coin
Needle and thread
Bar of Dairy Milk
Spork
Sellotape
Torch
Sharpie
Penknife/multitool
One of those 4 colour Bic pens

Compeed
Rehydration salts

Hair bobble/scrunchie

I'd cry if my mum did this for me, I'm 25 and this is what I always try to have on me

Some form of anti bac wet wipes
Hand gel
Pads (tampons if they use them)
Spare pants would be an amazing idea
Chewing gum
£10/£15 in cash just in case of an emergency? Or however much they'd need for a taxi
Plasters - normal and blister
The mini squeezable squashes
Painkillers
Cold and flu tablets at this time of year
Mints/some form of little sweets

Reusable plastic cutlery set

Antibacterial, paracetamol, tampons, hand cream, miniature perfume, toothbrush, travel toothpaste, travel hair brush, hair ties, travel razor

Small phone charger battery pack

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.

A few ideas:

Travel size Nivea soft
Vaseline lip therapy tin
Nail oil pen (rose oil- they’re on Amazon)
Bach’s Rescue Remedy
Roller ball oil by Tisserand
Rice paper face blotters
Dry eye spray
Evian face spray (travel size- Superdrug sells it)

Fold up shopping bag, dry shampoo, condoms.

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

I have a boots clear bag I keep in my bag

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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