What do other women carry in their handbags?

Late last year, a study was conducted into the contents of women’s handbags. While some results were predictable (makeup, keys, wallet), others were surprising (toilet rolls and spare underwear made the top 10!).

 

But let's be honest - handbags have evolved. We aren't just carrying lipstick and tissues anymore. In the digital age, the modern woman’s handbag is a mobile office, a beauty salon, and a safety kit all rolled into one. It is the "Mary Poppins" bag of the 21st century.

 

However, have you ever stopped to calculate the value of that bag on your shoulder? You might be surprised to find you are carrying the equivalent of a small car deposit every single day.

 

The Modern Handbag Audit

 

We looked at what the average South African woman carries in 2025. Gone are the iPods and physical address books of the past.

Here is the new normal:

1. The Tech: Smartphone, power bank, charging cables, and often a tablet or laptop.

2. The Eyes: Designer sunglasses and reading glasses.

3. The Face: A makeup bag containing foundation, high-end lipstick, and perfume.

4. The Admin: A wallet (with cards/cash), driver's licence, and car keys (which are now expensive electronic remotes).

5. The Safety: Pepper spray and sanitiser. 

 

The "R-Value" Reality Check

 

It’s all fun and games until you leave your bag in a taxi or become a victim of a smash-and-grab. When you add it all up, the replacement cost is staggering.

 

Let’s look at the math for a standard handbag:

Suddenly, tossing your bag onto the passenger seat seems a lot riskier, doesn't it?

 

Safety First: What You Should Be Carrying

 

Beyond the expensive tech, we believe every South African woman’s handbag should contain a few non-negotiable safety items.

• Pepper Spray: Keep it in a side pocket, not buried at the bottom.

• Power Bank: A dead phone is a safety risk.

• The 1st for Women Panic Button: This isn't a physical item, but an app on your phone. If you are in trouble, one tap alerts armed response and emergency services to your GPS location.

How to Protect Your "Portable World"

 

The research found that women carry an average of 40 items in their bags. Our question is: Are they insured?

Many people assume their Home Contents Insurance covers their belongings everywhere. It usually doesn't.

Standard Home Contents covers items inside your house. Once you walk out the front door, you need Portable Possessions Cover (often referred to as All Risks).

 

With First for Women, you have two options:

1. Unspecified All Risks: This cover includes the "small stuff" (such as sunglasses, makeup, and wallets) up to a certain limit per item. You don't need to list them individually.

2. Specified All Risks: This cover applies to high-value items. You should list your smartphone, laptop, and expensive jewellery specifically on your policy to ensure they are covered for their full replacement value.

 

Carry Your World with Confidence

 

Handbag talk always makes us wonder how men survive with just pockets. Where do they put the headache tablets, the snacks, and the spare charger?

You carry the world on your shoulder. Make sure that if the unexpected happens, you can replace your world without breaking the bank.

Get a Portable Possessions Quote today. It costs less than your daily cappuccino to insure the things you can't live without.