The Boring Under-$10 Items We Always Keep in Our Handbags

Full disclosure: As fashion editors, we basically have no restraint when fresh trends flood each new season. When we spot that fanciful pair of booties or the next forward denim look, it’s often a don’t-hold-back mentality for us. That said, we’re also practical. Sure, we invest in the latest fashion finds that speak to us, but we also stock up on useful staples that help get us through life. In fact, after a recent discussion, it became evident that many of us have a few specific (albeit boring) items that could be considered life savers in our day-to-day.
And believe it or not, they’re pretty much all stored in our handbags so we can access them on the go. To highlight further, we’re sharing the practical under-$10 items below that are stored in our bags. You may actually find some similarities based on your essentials (ahem, like that go-to lip balm), but you may also uncover a few new trinkets that could also work to streamline your daily routine. Oh, and to have a little fun, we also each rounded up the dream fall handbag silhouette we’d love to store said items in.
So with all that in mind, keep scrolling to shop all the boring must-haves we couldn’t possibly live without.
Shop Judith's fall bag:
"I always carry a pair of earplugs in my purse so I’m prepared for a concert or any situation where there may be loud music, like a fashion event. Not to preach, but just one minute of exposure to noise above 110 to 140 decibels can result in permanent hearing loss, according to the NIH, and concerts are usually between 100 and 120 decibels! I’m determined to protect my hearing so I don’t become one of those people yelling ‘What?!’ as I get older. I love these ones from Amazon, because they come with a handy carrying case to keep them clean.”
Shop Kat's fall bag:
Shop Kristen's fall bag:
"Now that I live in NYC, I never leave the house without a few Band-Aids in my purse, because you never know when your shoes are going to start killing you! I’m especially partial to these flex-fabric ones because they stay firmly on your foot and are the closest color to my skin tone, so you can hardly see them.”
Shop Nicole's fall bag:
Shop Allyson's fall bag:
"At the office, I always bring a large tote bag to work that’s big enough to hold my laptop, so I have plenty of room to fit in way more stuff than I really should. One thing I always have is a simple face mist for hydration (and I also think it’s weirdly fun to use when you’re bored). I like Caudalie’s Grape Water in particular because I know the brand doesn’t break me out.”
Shop Erin's fall bag:
"These telephone cord–esque hairbands are a touch cooler than your average black hair tie and they’re somehow harder to lose, too. (Why am I always losing those random black ones?) I always keep a few in my all my bags because there’s truly nothing worse than showing up for a spin/yoga/Pilates class and realizing you have nothing to tie your hair back with.”
Shop Anna's fall bag:
Shop Lauren's fall bag:
"I basically store my life in my day bag, so I like to keep everything as organized I can. I couldn’t live without little pouches to house all of my essentials. I use smaller styles like this one to store my keys, Chapstick, and extra contacts (just in case my current pair happens to fall out of my eye—it’s happened).”
Shop Bobby's fall bag:
Next, check out our insider secrets for finding the best items at H&M, Zara, and ASOS.

Bobby Schuessler is a fashion editor with over a decade of editorial experience covering shopping, style, and beauty. He's spent 10 years at Who What Wear, currently leading the market team to deliver highly covetable and convertible content. He creates data-driven shopping guides featuring top retailers like Nordstrom, Shopbop, and Net-a-Porter and is at the forefront of Who What Wear's shopping tentpole strategies, including Amazon Prime Day. He also works on branded content initiatives and appears on camera in video and shopping livestream franchises.
-
The 5 Brands to Shop for Beach Bags That You'll Love and Keep Forever
Trust me on this one.
-
The "Dated" Bag Trend We Left in the '90s Just Showed Up at Miu Miu and on Jennifer Lawrence
A comeback is imminent.
-
According to the Fashion Set, It's Officially a Sardine Summer—35 Picks They Can't Get Enough Of
The tinned-fish trend is in full effect.
-
25 Criminally Good Madewell Sale Finds That Fashion People Are Adding to Their Carts
Up to 60% off? Yes, please!
-
27 Incredibly Tempting Summer Picks From Nordstrom and Zara That Scream It Girl
Did I mention everything is under $150?
-
10 Summer Outfit Ideas That Will Make Anyone Look Like a Fashion Person
Get ready for endless compliments.
-
31 Zara Summer Standouts Fashion People Are Swooning Over
Shop them before they sell out.
-
You Had Me at 50% Off—25 Chic Gap Sale Finds That Will Be Instant Summer Closet Staples
One step closer to effortless outfits.