Overnight bags

[Themazeoflife]

What can I pack in an overnight bag and in what kind of bag, as a gift for someone.

So far I have written down,

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Underwear
Socks

Tracksuit which could double up as pyjamas or separate pyjamas?

Emergency phone charger?

I was thinking perhaps a draw string bag, PE bag type but I don't think it would fit everything in.

Incase further information needed, my friend has older parents and she visits, as much as she can, sometimes unexpectedly needs to stay over for a night or two.

I was thinking of packing her an emergency bag, that could just live in the boot of her car until needed.

Unless everyone thinks it's a really rubbish idea.

I think it's a lovely idea!! Maybe some mini toiletries - dry shampoo / little multi purpose moisturiser/ mini deoderant / lip balm.

Depending on her style would depend on the tracksuit / pyjamas idea. I'm definitely the type that would throw on a tracksuit. However my sister for example would have probably arrived in a dress / boots and tights so the tracksuit wouldn't really be worn 'out' or home because she wouldn't have footwear to match. Maybe pyjamas and a 'clean t shirt and knickers' set as that's what you'd really want to freshen up in an emergency

Also depending how well you know her maybe a few of her favourite teabags / chocolate bar to cheer her up make her feel at home if she's visiting hospital

Why don't you do a standard canvas tote? Cheap and cheerful and roomy enough to get everything else in

T shirt and leggings perhaps instead?

Mini toiletries is great

I was thinking chocolate but as it's a kit for keeping in the car, I would worry about that melting.

T bags are a good idea, she likes herbal teas so could get a few different ones.

Lovely idea 😊
Tissues or face wipes
Mini toiletries
Hairbrush / bands
Slippers

Yes T shirt and leggings sound good! As I said my sister wouldn't be caught dead in a tracksuit so would be a waste giving it to her. But t shirt / leggings and maybe a lightweight cardigan to cover the bum would be a good idea. Shopping in primark / supermarket / H&M / Matalan for those basics would probably get t shirt / leggings / cardigan and a vest/shorts pyjamas set for about £25/30.

In an 'emergency' I'd be grateful to brush my teeth, fresh knickers, squirt of deo, brush hair and tie up with a spritz of dry shampoo, anything else would be a lovely thoughtful bonus.

Depends how extravagant you want this kit to be but could do mini mascara / blusher if she wears make up. That's usually enough to brighten a tired / self conscious face.

Toothbrush and toothpaste
Small cleanser and tinted moisturisor (The Ordinary have a small squalene cleanser which is lovely, imo)
Tinted lipbalm, dry shampoo and hair bobble
Small shower gel and deodarant
Leggings and long t-shirt or vest to double as PJ's or clothes, ideally with a nice hoodie or cardie if you want to stretch to it
Knickers and socks
Phone charger and an easy-to-read book if she's a reader and a snack, e.g. a chocolate granola bar.

I agree, canvas tote is the ideal bag. I'd put the clothes in a large sandwich bag and the toiletries in another so she doesn't have to worry about them getting damp in the car too. (and it gives her a place to put her dirty clothes if need be.)

This is a lovely gift, by the way.

Thank you, the list now reads,

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Underwear
Socks
Leggings
T Shirt
Face wipes/body wipes
Mini deodorant
Mini dry shampoo
Mini shower gel
Mini body/hand cream
Travel hairbrush with mirror (if I can find one)
Hair ties
Vest and shorts set (Pyjamas)
Selection of herbal teas
Coffee sticks (3 in 1)

Travel mug?

Canvas tote is a good idea, would need to find one with a zip ideally.

I can buy a couple, of the easy to read books, they won't take up much space to add.

Phone charger with plug (I must have space in my house somewhere to save buying)

Sandwich bags I have already so can use them.

Cereal bars

I now have one of these in my car since I unexpectedly ended up in hospital after falling at a shopping centre 30km from home. Additionally, I live in an area where several years ago people were stopped from being able to access their homes on the way home from work due to bushfires.

I have 2 nighties, a very light weight dressing gown, a couple of changes of underwear, two T-shirts/loose tops, a couple of pair of trousers/leggings.
I also have basic toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, moisturiser, facial cleanser, hand lotion, body wash, flannel, baby wipes, toothbrush and toothpaste. Generic painkillers and eyedrops. Bottled water. A box of breakfast biscuits.

I have a pack with charger, two of all the different cables I need, a power pack as a back up and a spare ereader. I must admit the latter is probably a bit unnecessary.

All fits nicely into a small gym bag, about 30x20x20cm.

.

That is very sweet. A travel pillow? Some food.

Your updated list sounds good so far OP. I love the idea it seems really thoughtful, I got a travel brush with mirror from a pound shop last year. If you do or know someone that sells forever aloe products then I would say add one of their lip balm sticks as these can be used for insect bits, moisturiser and obviously lips. I'd add aloe Vera gel as well as this is good for most skin complaints but definitely add pain killers and cereal bars.

What a gorgeous present! So thoughtful. I think your list is perfect but if you want something a bit luxurious, what about one of those sleep sprays that you spray on the pillow?
www.waitrose.com/ecom/products/this-works-deep-sleep-pillow-spray

I am guessing she does have a lot on her plate with visiting her parents as often as possible and she might sometimes find it hard to relax.

What a lovely idea. Catch Kidston have some @zip up shoppers at £15 in their online sale (but I think delivery is charged so may be worth looking in-store if one near you) www.cathkidston.com/bags-/button-spot-foldaway-shopper-1034881

Lovely idea. You could do boiled sweets instead of chocolate.

Travel hairbrush with mirror - try Boots or Superdrug. Usually about £5. I love mine!

Adding sleep spray

I'm thinking, I will need a sports bag type, I don't think everything will fit in a tote bag.

Rex London do some nice weekend bags in different designs.

Is she having to do hospital runs or just staying at the house? Some emergency pound coins for either parking or the vending machine for that dreadful moment when you realise you have no cash. It’s a lovely idea and I think she will be really touched.

What about a portable charger? You can get those online/ primark fairly cheap. Handy to have in the car incase she's low on battery before she gets a chance to actually plug the phone into a socket.

Body spritz? Cheap vest or two incase she needs a fresh top? A couple of mini cans of cola/fanta?

Just out of interest, whatbis a coffee stick?

I also bought this puma bag for £12.50 from Amazon in the summer for DD for school. Think it would be right size and might come down again in price. It seems pretty durable so far.