32 Petite Yet Powerfully Practical Things You May Want To Keep In Your Bag

Buzz Feed

21-02-2025

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
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Go on and blow a kiss to future you for buying this little roll-on migraine stick before you needed it.
1. 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 $14.99.
2. A travel "flossing" toothbrush with two layers of bristles — regular firm bristles, and longer ones that are ten times thinner to clean deep in between your teeth and gums to mimic flossing. Reviewers love how deep the clean feels, and also how soft it is on sensitive teeth!
Amazon
Mouthwatchers is a small business established by Ronald Plotka, DDS, that specializes in antimicrobial toothbrushes designed to get deeper cleans even patients with "great" dental hygiene might miss with traditional brush and floss routines.
I've been using the regular-sized version of this for over a year now and I LOVE it! I used to use an electric toothbrush, but I feel like I'm getting a much more satisfying clean from these — especially because I tend to get yellow stains between my teeth no matter *how* much I floss, and these bristles seem to actually target that a lot more effectively. My teeth feel genuinely ~squeaky clean~ after I use this, too.
Promising review: "This toothbrush is a new staple item for my on the go Invisalign bag. When I need to brush my teeth and don't have time to floss before putting my aligners back in, this brush makes sure my teeth and mouth feel clean and removes debris in-between my teeth. The bristles are soft, this toothbrush is sturdy and the different lengths of bristles help remove debris or help floss your teeth on the go. This brush also dries very fast in-between uses as well." — V. Brown
Get it from Amazon for $6.12.
3. A portable hands-free (rotating!) phone mount designed to prop your phone on just about anything you can think of — an airplane tray table, the arm of a chair, or even your car dashboard. Now you can easily stream content or follow map directions on your phone hands-free!
www.amazon.com
Perilogics is a small business creating hyper-functional tool holsters and bags for carrying your stuff on the go.
Promising review: "I bought this nifty gadget about six months ago for a multi-leg, ultra-long-haul trip, and it more than held up the entire duration. I was able to finagle it to fit the tray tables on different planes, and like others, I find the height just nice when clamped onto a stowed tray table. It also works on my roller carry-on handle during layovers." — Earendil
Get it from Amazon for $13.97.
4. 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.
5. A set of economical, highly popular wireless Bluetooth earbuds reviewers compare to AirPods, but better — not only are they noise cancelling and waterproof, but but you can listen to music *without* your ears feeling like they've been beaten up. These come equipped with several sizes of earbuds so you can get your perfect, painless fit.
www.amazon.com, Amazon
These come with a wireless charging case that provides up to 14 hours of charge (with the earbuds able to play for four-plus hours with each full charge). The earbuds are also sweatproof and waterproof so you can use them during workouts or runs or even in the shower, and have a built-in mic so you can chat on the phone.
Promising review:"So many things to rave about with these! Quality of the design and feel of these is amazing. I could literally wear these all night while on vacation with a roommate who snored, they were that comfortable and good at noise cancelling. I use these most often to listen to music and the sound quality is superb. I have a pair of AirPods that I was *thankfully* gifted and I hardly ever use them because they just aren't as good as my Tozos!" — Alexis Arnold
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in six colors).
6. 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 $13.77.
7. The internet-famous Revlon oil-absorbing volcanic face roller you simply swipe over your face like a magic wand that makes 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 $7.95.
8. 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.
www.amazon.com
Read more about acupressure and nausea at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Promising review:"These were awesome! My entire family suffers from motion sickness, especially carsickness. My little one gets sick in the car on a regular car ride through the city. So, I knew that a long road trip was going to be a disaster. I was amazed at how well these bands worked for everyone! Not one single person complained about being sick for 12 hours in the car. I have suffered for decades, and now I know better. I will never travel without mine again!" — 1SmartCookie
Get a set of two from Amazon for $8.35.
9. 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 is 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).
10. An itty bitty first aid kit that may be small, but manages to carry an entire 110-piece arsenal of items, including bandages, scissors, antiseptic towelettes, and even an emergency blanket.
www.amazon.com
Promising review: "Recently took this to Bali just to have in case of an emergency, and thank goodness we did, because my partner and I got hurt and this came in handy until we were able get to a pharmacy. Nice and compact and has a lot inside. Great for emergencies." — Amazon Customer
Get it from Amazon for $13.88.
11. Plus a magnetic folding pill organizer with conveniently visible pill windows for easy access. Each has six small compartments for little pills, plus a large compartment for capsules and vitamins, making it ideal for trips where you might need a lil' emergency pharmacy in your backpack but don't want to take up space.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"I purchased this because I saw them all over TikTok. As someone with chronic illness I honestly carry around like 10 different pill bottles for 'just in case' situations. This little pill box is a great size, I love that it's magnetic and each little compartment fits a good amount of pills. It won't fit a ton of Tums if that's what you're looking for, but the amount of space this has saved in my bag is amazing!" — Jasmin Salas
Get it from Amazon for $7.99.
12. A delightfully practical Stojo collapsible travel cup (with a straw!) you can use to drink coffee or water on the go — reviewers love that it collapses to a teensy, easy-to-store size, and that you can easily reheat it in the microwave, unlike other travel mugs.
Check out a TikTok of the Stojo collapsible cup in action.
Stojo is a small business that specializes in dishwasher-, microwave-safe storage and travel products with the goal of eliminating single-use plastics.
Promising review:"I take my lunch to work and during mid day I like to use the Keurig to brew a cup of coffee. The 12-ounce Stojo cup I purchased is very practical. It is thick and durable. The plastic collar enables you to hold the cup without squeezing it or burning your hands on the hot walls of the cup. It seals well so you don't have to worry about leaking your drink on your shirt. It even has some reasonable thermal properties." — ViciousCycle
Get it from Amazon for $19.99 (available in four sizes and 28 colors).
13. 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 $8.50 (available in 28 shades).
14. A durable bag strap gripper that not only keeps you hands-free when you've got extra shopping bags, jackets, and other accessories to cart around, but prevents you from forgetfully LEAVING said items in places where you will simply never see them again. (RIP to that one lost water bottle we're all still mourning.)
Amazon
Promising review:"I bought two straps to use for my trip. It was so worth it! It held my family's light jackets and kids travel neck pillow. We also used it to hold our water bottles on our hikes. I wish I knew about these sooner!" — Lisa H
Get it from Amazon for $7.99+ (available in six colors).
15. And a ridiculously beloved, Shark Tank -featured Click & Carry Grocery Bag Carrier to help you lift bulky, heavy bags so easily you'll put Superman out of business. With this gizmo you can hook your bags to it and lift up to 80 pounds while comfortably resting the carrier on your shoulder instead of letting all the straps cut into your palms.
Click & Carry is a Shark Tank and QVC-featured small business that specializes in easy carry accessories.
Promising review: "TikTok made me buy it. This is great when you have a few bags and a box — for example, if you balance the bags, you can throw it over your shoulder and walk inside and have two free hands to carry the box, which is great. Product seems well built, and is comfortable on your shoulder or hand because of the padding." — Hung
Get it from Amazon for $13.99 (available in six colors).
16. A pack of Neuromints made with a blend of caffeine and nootropics designed to give you energy five times faster than regular coffee — without jitters or sluggishness afterward. All of the zing you need to keep your focus, with none of the crash. (Or 15 mid-afternoon trips to the bathroom!!)
Note: Each mint contains 40mg of caffeine. According to the Mayo Clinic, up to 400mg of caffeine is safe for most healthy adults.
NeuroGum is a small business that specializes in caffeinated gum and mints.
Promising review: "I've been using these NeuroMints for the past four years now, and absolutely love them. They have completely transformed my productivity — I'm not exaggerating. Coffee is great, but it gives me this high for like an hour or two followed by a horrible energy crash. These NeuroMints are on a whole different level. The level of focus and concentration I get from these is incredible. I guess their caffeine/l-theanine ratio is ideal because I am able to code for hours with these. They first got me through college, helping me focus on my studies. Now that I work in software, they keep my brain running." — JetDriveSolutions
Get a six-pack with 12 mints each from Amazon for $24.99.
17. A UV-protective mini umbrella so compact and lightweight that you'll forget it's even in your bag until you need it. Take THAT, whoever keeps feeding the weather app lies about the chances of rain!
Promising review:"Perfect, affordable, useful. Comes in attractive, carrying case. Has a protective sleeve. Opens to a good size." — Holly West
Get it from Amazon for $12.99+ (available in 15 colors).
18. A reusable, *delightfully* portable gel lint roller for quick lil' touch-ups, because you just plain never know when you're going to experience the full-body serotonin of a furry friend pouncing on you. Not only is this little sphere cute as a button, but all you have to do to restore its stickiness is wash the interior.
Promising review: "I saw this on TikTok a bunch of times and finally decided to get it. I hate the paper lint rollers, they never seem to work that well and I hate that I have to throw them away. This is awesome because it fits right in my bag, and I'm able to reuse it over and over. It's super sticky and works great!" — Ella
Get it from Amazon for $7.99 (available in three colors).
19. 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 $6.99 (available in three other styles).
20. 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 $6.99 (also available in other sizes).
21. 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 👀.
Amazon, 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 $18 (available in different styles and packs).
22. "The Clean Ball," which is a nifty little gizmo you can stick in your purse or bag to pick up all the crumbs and debris that settle down there — now it'll be clean as a whistle whenever you go rooting through it, and you won't have to get all the "ick!!" on your belongings.
Amazon
Promising review: "This little ball is genius!! Rolls around in my purse, which I live out of. It picks up a lot of lint, debris, or even crumbs. Easy to find with the bright pink. Just remove and wash and it's ready to go again. The price was great and something I can use for years. If you live out of your purse this a must-have!!" — dj3biggs
Get it from Amazon for $12.99 (available in five colors).
23. 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).
24. A pack of Alpine Start instant coffee packets so you always have a 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 $9.99.
25. 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 $8.86.
26. Nick's Protein Bars, which is basically a way to eat candy *and* get a whopping 15 grams of protein at the same time. I personally always keep an "emergency" one in my purse to stave off hangriness, and like other reviewers, am obsessed with how these keto-friendly, Swedish-style protein bars taste like legit candy!
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Check out a TikTok of the protein bars in action.
I love these so much that I'm literally eating one as I type this. I'm on an eternal quest to only ever eat protein bars that taste like candy, because life is too short not to only eat delicious things, and these pass the test with FLYING colors. The Karamell Chocolate one tastes like a Samoa Girl Scout cookie and the Choklad Peanut tastes like a Snickers. I can go from feral and hangry to a perfect ray of chocolate sunshine after eating one of these. I should do a better job of gatekeeping them now that my beloved Barebells are also selling out online right and left, but I'm a yapper, so. ENJOY.
Promising review: "These are akin to Mars bars, and actually are much better than the current 'real' candy bars I've tasted in the USA. There are whole, crunchy almonds, caramel and creamy chocolate. Sometimes they arrived a bit squished and are messy to eat, but they're still scrumptious and by FAR the best keto/low carb protein/candy bars I've had!" — Samantha S.
Get a 12-pack from Amazon for $28.99+ (available in seven styles).
27. 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 $13.15+ (originally $16.99+; available in 18 colors and 44 option designs).
28. A set of plant-based, unscented insect repellent sprays with a "wallet" shape so they can more easily slide into pants pockets and backpacks without creating unnecessary bulk. These offer up to 14 hours of protection and *don't* leave any kind of sticky residue!
Amazon
Check out a TikTok of the insect spray.
Stay Away is a small business that specializes in pest-removing and repelling products.
Promising review: "Deet doesn't work for me, but this does! I'm the person who gets bitten while everyone else is fine. They follow me, and most repellent isn't very helpful. This worked great! They came near but didn't bite. The smell isn't bad either! I didn't mind it, and my sister has requested some also (she gets bitten even more than I do). I would have preferred a continuous spray nozzle, but I'm very impressed with how well it kept those dang mosquitoes away in Texas! I did sweat a little, and it didn't change how well it worked." — eve
Get a four-pack from Amazon for $26.99 (also available in other packs).
29. A trusty Tide To-Go stain removing pen, because nobody wants to get a stain on their One Nice Top the first hour of work and have to endure the awkwardness the rest of the day. Enter these tried-and-true bad boys, which will take care of the problem in a pinch.
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com
Promising review:"A friend of mine told me about these. Brilliant, I can't believe I lived without them for so long! I've been wearing all black on business trips forever because I got tired of stained white top syndrome. The three-pack is perfect: one at home, one in the office, one in my travel bag." — Cathy
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $7.88.
30. 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.
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 nine colors — check out the Stasher shop for more sizes, colors, and styles).
31. 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.
Jasmin Sandal / BuzzFeed, Amazon
Alleyoop is a woman-owned small business that specializes in functional makeup products.
Here's what former BuzzFeeder 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).
32. 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 $9.09.
Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.