Must-Haves for Every Period Kit—Whether You’re at School, Work or Travelling

Getting stained in public. No toilet nearby. Cramps starting halfway through an owambe. Many women and girls know how it feels when a period shows up unexpectedly. A period emergency kit helps you stay ready, clean, and confident even when your flow comes out of the blue.

From school to travel and special occasions, this guide shows you how to build a small but powerful kit you can always keep in your bag.

Why a Period Emergency Kit Is a Must-Have

Even with a regular cycle, your period can still surprise you. Sometimes, it starts earlier than usual or comes heavier than expected. Other times, you forget to pack a pad, or your cramps suddenly flare up in public.

A period emergency kit helps you:

Avoid leaks or stained clothes

Feel fresh and comfortable throughout the day

Handle cramps or fatigue

Stay confident wherever you are

What to Pack in a Period Emergency Kit

Here’s a list of essentials every kit should include, no matter where you’re headed:

1. Sanitary Products

Pads (day and night)

Price: ₦3,430 Where To Buy: Shop: Supermart

Tampons (if that’s your preference)

Price: ₦7,500 Where To Buy: Shop: Jumia

Menstrual cup (for those who use one)

Price: $28.99 Where To Buy: Shop: Amazon

Panty liners (great for spotting or light days)

Price: ₦2,210 Where To Buy: Shop: Supermart

Keep at least two to three of whichever products suit your flow best.

2. Wipes or Tissue

Unscented feminine wipes help clean up when water isn’t available. Tissue is also helpful for quick cleanup.

Price: ₦5,000 Where To Buy: Shop: Jumia

3. Extra Underwear

Pack one extra pair of pants, preferably dark cotton. It’ll come in handy if your current one gets stained.

4. Pain Relief

Include a strip of painkillers like ibuprofen or Panadol. These help with cramps, headaches, and back pain.

5. Hand Sanitiser

Changing in public toilets can feel irritating sometimes. That is why a hand sanitiser is important; it keeps your hands clean, especially when soap and water are unavailable.

Price: ₦14,000 Where To Buy: Shop: Cleaneat

6. Nylon or Ziplock Bag

This will come in handy to store stained underwear or used products if you can’t find a bin right away.

Price: ₦9,900 Where To Buy: Shop: Jumia

7. Small Pouch

Store all your items in a clean, zippered pouch. It keeps everything in one place and makes it easy to move between bags on days you want to change bags.

How to Pack a Period Kit for School

If you’re in secondary school, university, or even at a NYSC camp, you need a kit that’s easy to carry and discreet. Include:

2–3 pads or tampons

1 panty liner

Tissue or wipes (travel size)

1 pair of underwear

Pain relief (clearly labelled)

Small deodorant wipe or roll-on

Ziplock bag

Make sure your pouch fits inside your school bag or backpack. If you can, keep an extra kit in your locker or hostel. Some girls also tape a pad to the inside of a notebook for emergencies.

How to Pack a Period Kit for Travel

You might not get easy access to clean toilets when you’re on the road, especially on long trips or during layovers. Here’s what to pack to stay comfortable during travel. Include:

4–6 pads or tampons

2 panty liners

2 pairs of underwear

Wipes (full or travel pack)

Deodorant wipes or spray

Painkillers

Nylon bag for disposal

Chocolate or snack (to lift your mood or boost energy)

Water bottle

Heat patch for cramps

Tissue

Pack the kit in your hand luggage or somewhere you can reach quickly. If you’re using public transport, make sure your items are in a pouch that fits inside your handbag or carry-on.

How to Pack a Period Kit for Events

Getting your period during a party or wedding can make things uncomfortable. To avoid stains, body odour, or general discomfort, carry a compact version of your kit that can fit in a small clutch. Include:

2 ultra-thin pads or tampons

1 panty liner

Travel-size wipes or tissue