8 Must Have Items in Every Two Year Old’s Purse

No one really knows when the purse was created. Some say the ancient Egyptians invented it, others say it came about during the Renaissance, and still others—those without a particular interest in all that history stuff—say that purses were first seen on the racks at Neiman Marcus.

The date of its creation aside, one thing is absolutely certain about purses: people can’t live without them. No other receptacle is better able to carry around old faded receipts, dried out lipstick, molding food, pennies, pens that don’t work and other essential items.

After considerable research on my part, I have discovered that the need for carrying a purse begins at a very early age. Children as young as two have been inculcated into the purse carrying cult and, I’m afraid, the evidence points to them becoming lifetime members.

So, what exactly should a two year old carry in his or her purse? Below is a list to get you started.

1. An Old Valentine’s Day Card

No matter what time of year your two year old is out and about, you never know when s/he is going to meet that special someone. Your child would feel horrible if an opportunity presented itself and s/he was unprepared. This item could prove to be key to any future relationships s/he has.

2. A Trio of Elmos

As anyone who has been a parent in the last thirty years or so knows, Elmo is every child’s best friend. He is ubiquitous in all aspects of toddler culture, so it only makes sense that he would make an appearance (or three) inside of a purse.

3. A Fork and Spoon

Two year olds are constantly reminded by their parents to stop eating their food with their hands. But what do you do when you’re on the road and there is no silverware to be found? The obvious answer is to carry around your own utensils. In the decorum and hygiene departments, these items are absolutely essential.

4. A Screw and a Washer

A lot of people think that two year olds are too young to do their own repairs and home improvements.  But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been at the playground and said to myself, That swing set could use some tightening, only to look through my child’s purse and find no appropriate hardware. A responsible two year old is always prepared for any circumstances that may come his or her way.

5. Animal Magnets

These might seem superfluous, but imagine this scenario. You’re at the park, and you see a dog all by herself over in the grass, just wishing she had a friend. You pop out your puppy magnet and stick that sucker on the metal post on the play structure, and bingo! Instant friendship. You’d have to be an animal hater not to carry these around.

6. A Pink “T”

Um. . . this just looks really cool?

7. 10 Barrettes

If your child lives where it’s windy, you’re going to want to keep her hair out of her face. And sometimes one barrette just doesn’t do the trick. And neither do two, or three, or four, or. . . It’s important to be prepared for all types of weather and/or bad hair days.

8. A Couple of Band-Aids

We have first aid kits in our homes, at our schools, in our glove boxes, why not in our purse? Carrying Band-Aids around is a sure sign of a mature and prepared two-year-old, one who knows she’s going to fall down at least twenty times per outing.

Well, there you go. This is not an exhaustive list, to be sure, but it will get you started. Other essential items include some pocket change for parking meters, a Guitar Center gift card when you need that Rafi songbook, a rubber ducky when you just need someone to squeeze, and a set of matchbox cars when, well, you wanna go vroooooom!

Before your two year old leaves the house next time, be sure that the purse is well stocked with these essential items. And take the time to remove the clutter, because you wouldn’t want your child carrying around a bunch of useless stuff.