My daughter came home this morning with a sweet little gift from her friend’s mom: An adorable DIY locker kit full of essentials for young women and menstruators. So brilliant, right? I had actually considered putting together a little bin with some snacks, tampons, pads, and hand sanitizer — but honestly, this little zipper kit is so much better!

Pouch above: Carolina Made

Related: 6 reasons to talk to young girls about their bodies 

Here’s everything she included in this locker kit, with some suggestions for other items if you want to make your own: 

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1. A travel pack of bandages
2. Travel-size antiperspirant
3. Period underwear  — this is brilliant and menstruating tweens and teens love them.
4. A travel razor in a safe pouch
5. Mini hand sanitizer in a nice scent plus some alcohol-free hand wipes (this makes them more useful, say there’s no TP in the bathroom
6. Gum or mints, provided the school allows them
7. Fun hair ties or elastics
8. Tampons and pads — individually wrapped panty liners are smart to have on hand too.

It’s not a bad idea to add a protein bar or a little bag of nuts and dried fruit, in case your student gets low blood sugar; considering my daughter has gym her first period, I am also adding a bottle of dry shampoo. (This one is Liz’s favorite).

Also, here are some cute and affordable pouches for your DIY locker kit

“Gotcha Covered First Aid Pouch” from Shop Carolina Made on Etsy

Personalized Makeup Bags from Koala Cloth on Etsy (You can skip the personalization)

Zip Pouches with Funky Patterns from the Pine Torch on Etsy

Tip: If you’re going to make a DIY locker kit for your own child, consider making a few for their friends, and even extras to drop off at the guidance office. That way they’re available for other kids who might need one. Besides, it’s so affordable to buy most of these items in multi-packs.

I have to say this DIY locker kit gift is one of the loveliest gestures — and most useful gifts — my daughter has received. Thanks to my friend Libby for this!

Updated for 2024