The 15 Classic Things That Every Grandma Seems To Have In Her Purse

When I was a girl, my grandmother’s bag was a thing of wonder, as it always seemed to be chock-full of peppermints, coins, and other amazing things. Now I am the Grandma, and without even trying, I find that my purse resembles my mama’s and my Grandma’s! 

Have you noticed the same? 

If so, you, too, probably have these 15 classic things in your purse that all of us grandmas seem to have:

1. Tissues

How else are you supposed to wipe away snotty noses or tears? It never hurts to have a pack (or 3) of tissues in your bag – trust me, they come in handy! 

2. Cash

My grown Generation X and Millennial children never seem to have cash on them, but you better believe this Grandma still carries it! Even in this digital age, a bit of cash is always handy for small purchases or to slip a grandchild a little treat money.

3. Hand cream/lotion

Winters in my neck of the woods are VERY dry, and I cannot get enough hand cream and lotion. Not only that, but our hands tell stories of the years and work they’ve done, so a little lotion helps keep them soft and cared for.

4. Mints or gum

Mints and gum have many purposes, including freshening up before greeting loved ones or calming a queasy stomach during travel. Bonus? They keep the grandkids still and quiet during church! Speaking of keeping the grandkids still and quiet…

5. Hard candy

…Purse candy makes a great bribe! (I always take and store a mint or two from restaurants that offer them.) 

6. Cough drops

Living in a dry climate not only wreaks havoc on your skin but also on your throat, which is why I always have extra cough drops available should anyone need one! 

7. A small notebook and pen

What CAN’T you do with a little notebook? From jotting down thoughts to grocery lists to those adorable things the grandkids say that you don’t want to forget, pocket-size notebooks ALWAYS come in handy! (Need I mention they are also great for keeping little hands – and minds – busy?)

8. Small water bottle

Staying hydrated is vital, and a small water bottle ensures you always have a sip of water at hand. Bonus? The small sizes won’t weigh down your bag.

9. Coins

You’ll always find a handful of coins jingling at the bottom of my purse. Why? Because they’re perfect for those little unexpected needs – like feeding a parking meter, grabbing a quick snack from a vending machine, or indulging the grandkids with a ride on the grocery store’s mechanical horse.

10. Chapstick

Ah, the trusty chapstick – a true staple in any grandma’s purse. Whether it’s for combating dry lips after a day out in the sun or wind or for a quick swipe of moisture before a family photo, it’s an absolute must. (And let’s not forget the occasional use as a makeshift cut healer for those tiny scrapes the grandkids seem to get.)

11. Aspirin (or pain reliever of choice)

A small container of aspirin or another pain reliever is a non-negotiable item in my purse, as you never know when headaches, minor aches, or pains can crop up after a day of adventures with the grandkids.

12. Emergency snacks

Grandma’s purse is like a mini pantry and is stocked with a variety of emergency snacks, a la a granola bar for a quick energy boost, a small packet of almonds for a healthy nibble, or even a little candy treat for the grandkids (or myself) in a pinch. These snacks are lifesavers during long outings, unexpected delays, or when the little ones need a quick mood lift!

13. Compact items

Small mirror? Check. Toothbrush (or is that just me?). I never leave the house without one! Travel-sized toothpaste and a small thing of floss from the dentist? Isn’t that a given? If you need to check your makeup or require some fun-sized personal hygiene items, Grandma has ’em! 

14. Sewing kit

…How else are you supposed to reattach a button or fix a tear in your grand’s favorite stuffed animal? 

15. Pictures

Did you know that almost everyone carried photos in their wallets before smartphones and social media? While this is no longer the norm for most, we grandmas still like to keep tangible, easy-to-grab (and brag!) pictures in our purses. 

Conclusion

Tell me: How many of these things do you have in your purse? Can you think of anything I forgot? Either way, let me know! Oh, and let’s talk again soon. 🙂