Back to Top Ten Index Top Ten

Attending a party? Here

are the top 10 items I

stash in my purse

by Maria Gracia Join our newsletter to be notified when the newest Top Ten list is available. When I attend a party, I switch purses. Normally, I carry a medium-size purse for everyday use, but for parties I like to take something more compact, and a bit more fancy. Switching to a smaller purse often means you need to simplify what goes inside. Here are my top 10 items to stash in a small purse when going to a party. 1. Cell phone. Not only is your cell phone your main communication device, but it has apps to help you lighten your load. For instance, why carry a pen or notepad? Just use your Notepad App for notes, important reminders, etc. Need to check a date? Your calendar app is with you. I even have a mirror app, so I don’t have to bring a physical mirror along. 2. Keys. My keychain normally has lots of keys on it, but I don’t bring my entire key chain with me to parties. You should only need two keys, one for your car (if you’re driving) and one for your house or apartment. 3. Driver’s License/Insurance Cards. Always carry a form of ID with you-- mine is always my driver’s license. I also carry my car and health insurance cards with me at all times. 4. Cash/Credit Card/Debit Card. You also need some form of cash on your person. Should you decide to carry cash, consider using a money clip to keep the bills together. Also, bring one universal credit card, like Visa or Mastercard. Even if you’re not planning on buying anything at the party, if you go somewhere afterwards, it may come in handy. 5. Business cards. If you plan to network at a party, then you’ll need some business cards to hand out. The best way to carry them is in a business card holder. Business card holders also work splendidly for carrying your ID and credit cards. 6. Gum or breath freshener, and floss. Always carry gum, breath mints, or breath freshener in your purse. Also, I also always bring a few strands of floss. You’ll be thankful you have it if you end up with parsley in between your teeth. 7. Minimalist Make-up. Trim down the amount of make-up you carry with you…essentials only! I usually bring one tube of lipstick, mineral foundation and blush for touch-ups, one eye liner crayon, and one eye shadow. I also carry two mini cosmetic brushes with me, and a travel-size hair brush. 8. Feminine Products. Ladies, keep one tampon or pad in your purse at all times. You never know when you or a friend might need it! 9. Pillbox/Epi-pen. Should you be on medication or want to prevent physical discomfort, carry a dose of your meds, Ibuprofen, antacids, and so on with you in a small pillbox. If you have one, always bring your Epi-pen for allergic reactions. 10. Hand Sanitizer. I always carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with me. You may be shaking lots of hands and touching lots of surfaces. The last thing you want after the party is to come down with a cold. Back to Top Ten Index