8 Must Haves for the Office


So the title of this post can be a little misleading – when I mean office, I’m really talking about your work environment. I also think any of these can & should be carried in your tote bag!!






1// Tylenol, Aspirin or any pain reliever! I don’t get headaches too often, but every once in while staring at a computer for too long or even the weather can cause a headache! I always keep a bottle handy!






2// A few samples of perfume. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve left for work and forgotten to put on perfume! This is why I always carry a sample perfume with me in my purse and at work. I also spritz on a little for after work drinks or dinner! My new favorite scent is Si by Giorgio Armani






3// Along the same lines – mascara! For some reason I forget to apply this more often than not and having one at work really is a life saver!






4// Kind Bars or assorted nuts. I have a confession to make…I’m always hungry – especially at 4:00 PM so having some bars or something to snack on at my desk is just necessary! You can also find something to eat in my purse too! 






5// I keep an extra pair of socks, sneakers& camisole at work. This might sound a little crazy, but I like to workout at lunch whenever possible and I’ve forgotten my sneakers a lot (sensing a theme of forgetfulness here) so I leave a pair at work along with socks. As for the camisole – on the days that I work out in the morning and forgot to pack a cami (which has happened) saves me from wearing my jacket ALL day long!






6// Tide to go stain remover. For as forgetful as I am, I’m just as clumsy! I’ve spilled more drinks and sauce on myself than any normal person…so these stain removers are always with me! 






7/ We have tea and coffee at work, but there are certain teas that just hit the spot in the afternoon so I make sure to have package at my desk. 






8// Toothbrush, mints & floss. I’m in a lot more meetings in this role than in previous roles and my biggest fear is walking into a meeting with something in my teeth!! Floss to the rescue! 








Of course I have my fair share of pens, notepads and notebooks…but that’s another post! What do you keep with you to make it through the day?


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66 Comments

  1. Christina @ Simple and Delish
    January 21, 2016 / 11:18 am

    My office is stocked with random, must have items. So much so that people know if they need something (like a snack, aspirin, even tampons) they should come to me. I am always jealous of people who can work out during lunch.. for some reason I always have meetings at the 12 o'clock hour!!

    Christina :: Simple and Delish

  2. Sarah Shaneyfelt
    January 21, 2016 / 11:30 am

    I carry so many of these with me to school each day–tylenol, my Tide to Go pen, a snack, floss. Love this list because all of it really is so practical.
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

  3. Unknown
    January 21, 2016 / 11:38 am

    Agreed, every woman needs these things in her desk drawer. I also put them in my bag when I go to meetings, just in case!
    Xoxo,

    Whitney & Blaire

    Peaches In A Pod

  4. a little bit of emily
    January 21, 2016 / 11:38 am

    A painkiller is always a good idea for work. Staring at the screen all day can definitely give me a headache, especially on those days with long hours. I am constantly hungry too, so I try to have trail mix at my desk at all times. I definitely need to get a Tide To Go stick…I am super clumsy and have made a mess of myself more times than not. I think I would add a bit of dry shampoo to the list, too. Be perfect for a quick refresh after work, before a happy hour!

  5. Jenn
    January 21, 2016 / 11:52 am

    I have almost all of these items at work or in my work bag! Gotta have the snacks…and the Tide to go pen has been a life saver more than once! 🙂

  6. Evelina
    January 21, 2016 / 12:23 pm

    These are great suggestions! I forget things all the time so I always keep things stashed too. One thing I learned to keep at my desk see eye drops. My eyes can get so dry from staring st the computer screen all day especially since I wear contacts. It's a life saver!!

  7. Amanda Elizabeth - Meet @ the Barre
    January 21, 2016 / 12:48 pm

    I have about 5 different kinds of protein bars in my purse right now. Nothing like getting stuck in traffic and being totally starving without any options.

  8. Kate at Green Fashionista
    January 21, 2016 / 12:48 pm

    Most of these are in my desk, but you just reminded me that I need a new Tide-to-go pen which is a go-to for everyone around me when they spill at lunch. And Kind bars are the best, I love that they're all natural and delish <3
    Green Fashionista

  9. Pamela {Sequins and Sea Breezes}
    January 21, 2016 / 1:20 pm

    I have pretty much all of this in my desk or tote bag! Except mascara which I probably should have but I think I've forgotten to put on mascara once in my life haha! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes

  10. Anonymous
    January 21, 2016 / 1:25 pm

    Most of these things are in my bag at all times, and I work from home! But ibuprofen, Tide pen, and mascara are things I must have on-hand wherever, whenever! Genius idea keeping spare workout or post-workout essentials at your office too!

  11. Shannon Jenkins
    January 21, 2016 / 1:39 pm

    Snacks and Tylenol are definitely a must! That tide pen is always a lifesaver! I had one but I need to get another one and put it in my purse!

    <3 Shannon
    Upbeat Soles

  12. Elle Sees
    January 21, 2016 / 1:39 pm

    all of these! i keep squelch, an odor remover in my bag. you can spray it in the air, on your clothes or hair, even on kids or pets.

  13. kerri @ cheshire kat
    January 21, 2016 / 1:43 pm

    ah yes to all of this! i mean tide stick hello yes. already used one today lol. i also have a pair of hunter wellie flats in my bag – they are so small and are perfect to slide on when it's all of the sudden a downpour outside! gotta love florida 🙂

    xoxo cheshire kat

  14. Meghan @ Me as Meghan
    January 21, 2016 / 1:50 pm

    I love Kind bars…my favorites are the caramel and almond ones! Also yes to earl grey tea, it is the perfect pick me up! For one of my nursing school clinicals, I was on the hospital unit from 3p-3a and would always have a cup of earl grey around 10p to keep me awake for the rest of the shift, haha!

  15. Kelli @ A Deeper Joy
    January 21, 2016 / 1:50 pm

    Tea and snacks are a must for me! I'm having some of both right now :-p And someone else's Tide pen came in handy for me one day. I should probably buy one!

  16. Sarah @ Dishplaced
    January 21, 2016 / 2:16 pm

    Earbuds (for podcast and music listening/multi-tasking), a sweater (because my office is often an igloo), and chocolate (for those times when you just need a little something extra special). Loved this post!

  17. Unknown
    January 21, 2016 / 2:20 pm

    I'm right there with you when it comes to snacks! As a mom, I always have a supply ready for impending meltdowns! I love the Cascadian Farm chocolate chip granola bars (sooo good). Love the idea of the Tide stain remover! Totally need to get on that 🙂

    Taffeta & Tulips

  18. Unknown
    January 21, 2016 / 2:27 pm

    Super smart post!! Thanks for sharing! xo
    publiclivessecretrecipes.com/2016/01/3-ingredient-easy-cake-batter-milkshake-recipe.html

  19. Melanie
    January 21, 2016 / 2:38 pm

    Yup Yup to everything!! I also keep a supply of hand sanitzer, deodorant, and my favorite mug! =) I have to remember to bring mascara too…I always forget it!

  20. Unknown
    January 21, 2016 / 2:46 pm

    Bigelow Earl Grey is my favorite! I am also hooked on their mint tea for evenings as well!! And I forget mascara more times than not- so I'm throwing a tube in my desk drawer as we speak!

  21. P!nky
    January 21, 2016 / 2:48 pm

    Need to add tide to go pen, but otherwise I've got everything else on your list.

  22. Leah McPherson
    January 21, 2016 / 2:49 pm

    I agree with all of those! I also always have a light cardigan with me. It's white and so easy to just throw on with anything if I need it. I never thought about sneakers though. That has been an excuse to not workout after work plenty of times!

  23. Karly @ What Karly Said
    January 21, 2016 / 2:51 pm

    When I had my office at my corporate communications job, Advil and tea were must-have desk essentials for me! Also a little throw blanket since it always was freezing.

  24. Susie W.
    January 21, 2016 / 2:52 pm

    So funny that you posted this because I was literally just thinking yesterday how I needed to pack some things to keep at work so I could go out after with no planning! Thanks for all the reminders!

    xx,
    Susie

    SequinsandStrawberries.com

  25. Lily (Beauty With Lily)
    January 21, 2016 / 3:06 pm

    I definitely keep some of these handy in my office. I am usually always hungry too, so it's nice to have a "snack drawer" LOL!
    xo, Lily
    beautywithlily.com

  26. Emily Ballard
    January 21, 2016 / 3:29 pm

    Kind bars are so yummy!! The little guy I nanny for loves them so much!
    I miss having an office to keep little things in!

  27. Carly Messmer
    January 21, 2016 / 3:37 pm

    Yes to all of these! Protein bars are key for me – otherwise I end up running out and picking up a bagel or croissant.

  28. B @ The Sequin Notebook
    January 21, 2016 / 3:38 pm

    I keep many of these items in my office too, as well as a lint roller and a small makeup bag filled with my Birchbox samples for last-minute touch-ups!

  29. sara [at] journey of doing
    January 21, 2016 / 3:46 pm

    I definitely have a HUGE container of Aleve at the office. It works for all bad days. 😉

  30. Kelsey @ The Peacock Roost
    January 21, 2016 / 3:48 pm

    Advil & a spare toothbrush are absolute musts for me! Also, I keep a huge thing of lotion in my desk too. My hands get so dry this time of year!
    Kelsey
    thepeacockroost.com

  31. Jessica
    January 21, 2016 / 3:51 pm

    I love having those disposable toothbrusth things (they're called Wisps) at my desk for a non-sink tooth brushing session! and it freshens your breath too. 🙂

  32. Paige @ An Uncomplicated Life Blog
    January 21, 2016 / 3:53 pm

    I used to forget to put on deodorant at least one day a week, so I finally got smart and bought a stick for my office drawer! It's so key to have a few essential items stored there all the time, for sure!

  33. Paige @ Reasons to Come Home
    January 21, 2016 / 4:10 pm

    Great list! I couldn't live without some sort of headache relief!

  34. Owen Davis @ Davis Duo
    January 21, 2016 / 4:23 pm

    I ALWAYS have Advil and protein bars!! A Tide pen and toothbrush are both great ideas. I'm so OCD about brushing my teeth I like to do it after everything I eat haha

  35. Courtney B
    January 21, 2016 / 4:28 pm

    Genius idea to keep sample perfume in the purse!!

  36. Rachel McCarthy
    January 21, 2016 / 4:31 pm

    Advil is definitely a must and currently on my desk now! I'm always afraid to keep food, even protein bars. I feel like I would eat them all in one sitting haha!

    Xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

  37. Pink and Fabulous
    January 21, 2016 / 4:34 pm

    I really should have Advil and perfume on me at all times! The Tide to go pen is SO key and necessary! I literally have kept one of those on me since I was in college and decided I liked red wine… and learned the hard way 🙂

  38. Monica L
    January 21, 2016 / 4:40 pm

    This is a pretty good list! I also keep perfume samples in my bag as well!

  39. CubicleCouture
    January 21, 2016 / 4:57 pm

    Seriously… great minds think alike! I'm sharing my desk drawer confidential soon (as in… maybe tomorrow!)! I love those kind bars! Soooo delicious! Make today work, Rachel CubicleCouture

  40. Rebecca Jo
    January 21, 2016 / 5:04 pm

    Yep – I keep toothpaste & floss in my desk too.
    I'm also big at having water bottles with me. I also love Bath & Body Works STRESS lotion – it smells AMAZING & the Stress relief scent works too.
    I also keep a candle on my desk to make it feel more homey & give a better smell.

  41. Kate
    January 21, 2016 / 5:10 pm

    I basically have a stocked pharmacy in my office drawer–tylenol, sinus medicine, cold medicine, allergy medicine, cough drops, etc. I'm also forgetful, so I always forget to take this stuff while I'm at home! And I would add a box of tampons 🙂 I basically always buy an extra box just to keep at work! Oh, and along those same lines, chocolate! I try not to eat sweets everyday, but sometimes you just need a little pick me up.

  42. Emily @ Martinis | Bikinis
    January 21, 2016 / 5:30 pm

    I have all of these covered except the mascara. I clearly need to up my makeup game! Great little reminder list though.

  43. Erin LFF
    January 21, 2016 / 5:43 pm

    Nothing worse than being at work, getting a headache and having NO meds to deal with it! I always keep Tylenol AND Tums at my desk 🙂 I keep those face oil-blotter things at my desk too.. a lot of times during the busy season I'm running around and just feel greasy halfway through the day so those are a nice touch-up if needed!

  44. Nadine
    January 21, 2016 / 6:11 pm

    I have a ridiculous amount of tea at my desk. Like I actually snapped a picture to show in my confessions post next week because I might be a tea hoarder, I dont know. hahaha. I always have Advil, a LARA bar, lip gloss, floss and mints, nail clippers, and earbuds with me in my work space. Also something with a little color to brighten up the mood.

  45. Kate Steadman
    January 21, 2016 / 6:13 pm

    Yep! I literally have half of these at my office too!

    xo,
    Sara Kate Styling

  46. Lindsay's Sweet World
    January 21, 2016 / 6:25 pm

    I've never heard of Kind bars… I guess I need to go check them out!

    And I totally agree with the Tide Pen… I have one in my desk drawer as we speak! I don't know what I would do without it.

  47. Nina @ Flowers in my Hair
    January 21, 2016 / 6:28 pm

    Tylenol! A MUST!

  48. Missy
    January 21, 2016 / 6:28 pm

    This reminds me I need my own tide pen. I always borrrow my co workers! I always have a suit jacket (maybe that's because I am a laywer) comfy flats, healthy snacks and randomly, band aids.

  49. Kristen @ See You In A Porridge
    January 21, 2016 / 6:57 pm

    love all of these! i'm so clumsy and am always spilling stuff so that tide thing is a life saver. this is totally random, but i keep dryer sheets in my drawer at work (along with pain killers, toothbrush etc) because my clothes will get randomly static-y, especially skirts, and there is nothing more annoying than walking around with a static-y skirt all day!

  50. Ashley Lillis
    January 21, 2016 / 7:03 pm

    I get hungry all the time, so having granola bars or something to snack on is a definite must! You also never know when a headache or some other pain will strike, so Advil is another good thing to keep in your drawers! I probably should bring a toothbrush up to my office because that's such a great idea!

  51. Amy @The Crazy Wise Woman
    January 21, 2016 / 7:10 pm

    Omg… Kind bars are my current addiction. Can't wait to have again post Whole30. And these are great tips! Oral hygiene products fo sho!

  52. Kara | Daily Opulence
    January 21, 2016 / 8:45 pm

    Omg having a cami is a life saver!

    Daily Opulence | dailyopulence.com

  53. Annessa
    January 21, 2016 / 8:51 pm

    Great round up! I just can't get those sneakers out of my mind – the blue is so pretty!

    Annessa
    seekingsunshine.com

  54. Caroline The Petite Fashionista
    January 21, 2016 / 9:00 pm

    I haven't worked in an office in a long time, but when I did I had some of the same things. Definitely had my own tea and Advil or whatever. Oh and snacks haha. I always get hungry around 3 or 4. 🙂

  55. Katie May Huxtable
    January 21, 2016 / 9:00 pm

    I completely agree with all of these!! I need to organise myself and hopefully this will give me a helping hand!!
    Katie xx
    katiehuxtable.com

  56. Unknown
    January 21, 2016 / 11:21 pm

    I always tend to carry a sample perfume with me too, I love the Si one too! xx

    adaliascloset.blogspot.co.uk

  57. Alyssa Guttendorf
    January 22, 2016 / 1:07 am

    I started bringing a toothbrush to work a few months ago and it is a total game-changer! Really helps with resetting and refreshing midday/after lunch. Great roundup, B!

  58. palmandpineblog
    January 22, 2016 / 1:19 am

    Tylenol is #1 on my list! Great roundup 😉

    xo, tasha
    twenty-something blog

  59. Elegance and Mommyhood
    January 22, 2016 / 2:30 pm

    These are all great. I totally agree with the pain reliever, sneakers, mascara and toothbrush with tooth paste. That tidy white pen sounds perfect to carry in the office too.

    TGIF Love!

  60. According to Kiki
    January 22, 2016 / 2:41 pm

    Dont forget a good lip balm! What is it about stuffy office air that makes everything so dry? I always have like three different lip balms in my drawer. Excessive, but necessary. (;

  61. Kerry @ Till Then Smile Often
    January 22, 2016 / 5:49 pm

    Aside from the mascara I keep all of these in my desk. Add in deodorant because some days are sweaty and I can't stand sweating.

  62. LHWinstead
    January 22, 2016 / 6:49 pm

    These are great – I have just recently started keeping snacks on hard, game changer! Especially when you're stuck working through lunch! I also love keeping some tea bags on hand 🙂

  63. Shelly @ The Queen in Between
    January 23, 2016 / 3:41 pm

    Great list! I definitely cannot be without tide to go!

  64. Meghan at Champagne & Suburbs
    January 23, 2016 / 9:23 pm

    I need to keep a toothbrush and toothpaste on hand! I love your list though. I always forget mascara, too! xo, Champagne&Suburbs

  65. Amanda - Voyage of the MeeMee
    January 24, 2016 / 10:19 pm

    I loooove tea. I think I have 4 varieties in my desk drawer right now. Love it in the morning especially!

  66. Tiffany {A Touch of Grace}
    January 25, 2016 / 1:00 am

    Yes! I think I carried all of these in some form or another when I worked. Especially the bars, haha!