What to Pack in Your Period Toolkit (AKA Your Spare Stash)

Periods have a flair for the dramatic. They show up early, arrive fashionably late, crash parties, and love to make surprise appearances when you’re in white jeans or nowhere near a bathroom. That’s why every menstruating human needs a little something I like to call: the Period Toolkit (also known as your "Spare Stash").

Think of it as the emergency kit your uterus wishes you had prepped a decade ago. It’s not just about tampons or pads—this is a vibe. This is peace of mind in a pouch, purse, glove box, gym bag, desk drawer, fanny pack, diaper bag, and your emotional support tote.

Here’s what to pack in your ultimate Spare Stash to stay ready, radiant, and really good at handling chaos (and the worst periods) like the absolute legend you are.

1. The Spare Pair (a.k.a. Your backup underwear/ lifesaver)

The crown jewel of your toolkit.

When the floodgates open early or you discover your tampon didn’t do its job, having a clean, comfortable pair of underwear on hand can feel like someone tossed you a life raft. That’s where Spare Pair Underwear comes in.

This isn’t your sad emergency pair from 2009 stuffed in a Ziploc bag. This is:

• A fresh, no-show, breathable pair of undies

• Sealed in a biodegradable, resealable pouch

• Small enough to stash anywhere

• Big enough to save your day (and your pants)

Keep one in every bag. Because nothing says self-love like knowing your past self had your back (and your butt).

2. A Variety of Period Products (Because Options Matter)

Your toolkit should reflect your flow and your mood. Some days you want the security of a pad, others call for a sleek tampon, and sometimes you want to feel like a goddess with a menstrual cup or disc.

Suggested combo:

• 2 tampons (1 regular, 1 super)

• 1 pad or pantyliner (for layering or backup)

• 1 menstrual cup or disc if you’re into reusables

You never know what kind of period plot twist is coming your way, so options = empowerment.

Some of our favorite brands: VIV, Honey Pot Co., Cora

3. Wipes (For When Things Get... Messy)

Periods aren’t always clean and tidy. Sometimes you need a refresh—especially if you’re in a public bathroom or nowhere near a shower.

What to pack:

• Unscented, pH-balanced wipes

• Individually wrapped options for on-the-go

Skip anything heavily fragranced. Your vulva is not a candle.

4. Pain Relief (The Cramp Slayer)

Nothing says “I’m not here for the drama” like being armed with pain relief. Period cramps, backaches, headaches—they love to tag-team you.

Pack one or more of the following:

• Heat patch or mini hot water bottle (yes, they make portable ones!)

• Essential oil roller (peppermint or lavender for tension)

5. Leak-Fighting Apparel (Optional but Powerful)

If you know your period likes to pull jump-scares, consider keeping one of these in your Spare Stash:

• A pair of black leggings or shorts (aka the official uniform of period mishaps)

• A long cardigan or oversized sweatshirt (perfect for concealment and comfort)

This is especially useful if you’re on the go and don’t want to go full DIY cape made of toilet paper.

6. Snacks (Because Hormones Be Hormoning)

Hunger hits differently during your period. One minute you're fine, the next you’re ready to fight someone over a granola bar.

Suggested period snacks:

• Dark chocolate (because science says it helps and also...chocolate)

• Almonds or trail mix (protein + crunch therapy)

• Ginger chews or peppermint gum (for nausea and bloating)

7. A Stain Remover Pen (Because Life Happens)

Even the best period products can fail under pressure. If you end up with a little red badge of courage on your favorite pants, a stain remover pen is your hero.

Why you need it:

• Works on-the-go

• Helps prevent long-term embarrassment

• Feels like a power move when you pull it out casually in the bathroom

8. Extra Hair Tie or Scrunchie (Trust Me)

It has nothing to do with your period and everything to do with maintaining sanity. Sometimes you just need to get your hair out of your face while you rage clean your kitchen or take a walk to breathe through the cramps.

Also, bonus: hair ties are one of those things that magically disappear the moment you actually need one.

9. A Mini Notebook or Period Tracking App

Whether you’re writing poetry about your cramps or just logging your symptoms, it helps to track your cycle.

What to do:

• Keep a tiny notebook to jot down mood swings, cravings, or period start dates

• Or use an app like Clue, Flo, or Stardust (for the astrology girlies)

Tracking = patterns. Patterns = power.

Bonus: A Pep Talk Note from You (Yes, Really)

Write yourself a little love note and tuck it in your kit. Something like:

"You’re not crazy, your hormones are just doing jazz hands. You’re strong, smart, and you will survive this. Go eat something salty and drink some water. I love you."

Because sometimes the most important thing in your Spare Stash (period toolkit) is a reminder that you’ve got this.

Your Period Toolkit Is a Love Letter to Future You

Packing a period toolkit isn’t just about planning for disasters—it’s about showing up for yourself in the most lowkey, badass way possible.

Because when the cramps hit, the tampon leaks, or the floodgates open mid-meeting, you don’t panic. You unzip your stash, pull out your Spare Pair Underwear, and handle it like the pro you are.

Ready to build your toolkit? Start with the essential: your Spare Pair. Then add the rest to match your flow, your lifestyle, and your sense of humor.

Trust me. Your uterus (and your future self) will thank you.