IYKYK: There are some things you can’t leave the house with. And it varies from person to person. Here’s what our team keeps in our bags to stim, keep regulated, and anticipate our sensory needs every time we leave the house.
Baggu Go Pouch
We like to keep the smaller items that we need daily in a small pouch so it’s easier to transfer from bag to bag—and to keep it all from disappearing in the abyss of the bottom of our bags. Our managing editor Brianna uses the Baggu Go Pouch (in her favorite colors for vizzy stimming, of course). “Fashion and style are very important to me so I’m often changing my purse with each outfit—or just bringing my backpack with me when I’m headed somewhere to work—so having a dedicated bag of essentials that I know has everything in it is imperative,” she says.
Flare Audio Calmer Earplugs
We also like to keep earplugs with us at all times, so we have them at the ready whenever we are in a loud environment, whether that’s a restaurant, public transportation, or even just a social gathering where lots of people are talking at once. Our founder Tish’s personal favorite earplugs: these from Flare Audio.
Welly Bandages
Another on-the-go necessity? Bandages. But not just any: We love Welly Bandages because they are functional and fun for vizzy stimming. These always come in handy when we’re picking at our cuticles or our shoes start rubbing.
Wallet
Find a wallet you love and stick with it. That way, you always know exactly what wallet you’re looking for (when you inevitably misplace it…). “A few years ago I invested in a wallet that I really love and care for. It’s the only wallet I use so I always know where my cards and money are, and because it’s meaningful to me, I take care of it,” Brianna says.
Aromatherapy Oil
If you love to stim through smell, keeping aromatherapy oil in your bag is essential. Tish loves bringing eucalyptus oil with her everywhere. “That way, if I’m in a crowded environment or need to feel calm, I can pull it out and feel grounded,” she says.
Hand Fan
“Regardless of the time of year, I like to keep a small hand fan in my bag to cool off if I’m feeling overheated or get a bit of air if the room is feeling overcrowded or stuffy,” Brianna says. We love this one from JisuLife because it’s small yet powerful, and it also doubles as a power bank to charge our phones on the go.
Sunglasses
If you’re sight sensitive, keep your sunglasses in your bag at all times. Especially if you have prescription sunglasses and can’t borrow others’ or buy a cheap pair, find a way to keep them in your daily carry all the time (even when it’s not sunny!).
Our Favorite Fidgets
Part of the appeal of the every day carry is having items that can bring novelty and excitement into your day. Fidgets are a great way to do this, and we love changing up which ones we bring to keep it interesting and engaging. “Lately I’ve been loving these sensory brushes. I love running my fingers over the soft yet spiky bristles,” Brianna says.
Mini Water Bottle
We were so excited to see that Hydroflask came out with a Micro Hydro water bottle that can fit in even a small bag! They’re perfect for a small sip of water on-the-go. Or, Tish recommends keeping ice cubes in it so you can pull one out when you feel overheated and put it on your neck to cool off.
Mini Tarot Deck
“I recently picked up a mini tarot deck at the Renaissance Faire, and I’ve loved keeping it in my bag on the go because it gives me an activity to do when I’m out and about,” Brianna says. Filling your bag with special interest and novelty items is a great way to anticipate your needs and stay engaged when you’re out and about.
