We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and its publishing partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A leakproof, easy-to-clean CamelBak kids water bottle that'll last as long as the kids don't lose it and keep them hydrated on the reg throughout the day. All they have to do is "flip, bite, sip, and drink through the straw."
2. A foldable OXO Tot 2-in-1 Go Potty because when they gotta go, you know they gotta go! Like, right now! No bathroom? No problem; extend the legs, and voila, you've got an instant commode. This potty also lays flat on regular toilets for a more comfortable seat on the throne.
3. A 12-sided fidget toy (aka a Dodecagon) with gears, buttons, a joystick, switch, stress balls, and more to keep fingers (and more importantly the mind operating those fingers) unstressed and focused.
4. A Melissa & Doug reusable water-reveal activity pad for coloring artwork, well, aquatically. Just use the refillable water pen to add vibrant color to four reusable pages. Think of it as painting without the mess.
5. A Stasher reusable food bag that not only helps to phase out unrecyclable single-use plastics but can be used to keep just about anything (snacks, toys, medicine, changing supplies, etc.) contained and organized. Sometimes it's about stopping a mess before it starts!
6. A 110-piece mini first aid kit for any boo-boos that might happen (and they will) whenever you're out and about with the kids. This pack has it all and should probably live in your car's glovebox.
7. An 18-pack of unscented dog poop bags with a dispenser because now hear me out here, there will be times when you've got to change a dirty diaper or dispose of a mess and there's no garbage can in sight.
8. A 60-piece pack of rainbow scratch paper to scratch that creative itch (and occupy the kids' time) while keeping the (front of) the refrigerator well stocked with kiddo's latest artistic endeavor.
9. A big 'ol box of Pampers Aqua Pure sensitive baby wipes because even when you're done wiping their bums, they still make all kinds of messes that napkins and paper towels just can't handle.
10. A rechargeable, rugged, retro 16-bit handheld video game that's preloaded with 100 kid-friendly games. Gets four hours of playtime with one hour of charging and allows parents to get their phones back.
11. A two-pack of spill-proof, dishwasher-safe Munchkin snack catchers for transporting anything minuscule and munchable while keeping crumbs (somewhat) to a minimum.
12. An ultra-light water- and odor-resistant indoor/outdoor Rumpl puffy travel blanket that rolls up neatly into its own travel bag for easy packing (or leaving in the car).
13. A Gerber Shard keychain tool with a small flat driver, medium flat driver, cross driver, pry bar, wire stripper, lanyard hole, and bottle opener. Why? Many reasons, but ever try opening a toy your kid just received? And does it need batteries? IYKYK.
14. A 4-piece Amazon Basics packing cube set that's not just for organizing suitcases for family trips. Use these to store an extra set of clothes (kids are gonna kid). Toss one in your go-bag and another in the car.
15. A clippable baby changing station and diaper clutch with enough room for several nappies and a pack of wipes to turn every clean (hopefully) flat surface into a changing table.
16. A 16-pack of Kleenex "On-the-Go" tissues for basic nose blowing and germ-containing usage. Wallet? Keys? Phone? Tissues? OK, you're good to go!
17. And when tissues just aren't enough, a 90-count supply of saline nose wipes because when little noses start to run, it's not a jog; it's an Usain Bolt-like sprint to sticky snot getting anywhere and everywhere. These things are like booger magnets!
18. A 24-pack of reusable waxed yarn Wikki Stix that stick to paper and other smooth surfaces with just a bit of pressure and no messy cleanup or residue to deal with. Hours of fun for idle little hands!
19. An 8-pack of travel-sized hand sanitizers with a jelly wrap for killing germs and keeping hands clean at all times. These are the parental equivalent of Chapsticks: you'll lose them, find them, and probably never use up an entire bottle.
20. A personalized sketch pad with crayons and stickers because paper and writing implements for kids should always be close by. So why not make sure they're fun too?
21. A Rubik’s Perplexus Fusion puzzle, maze, and ball skill game to twist and turn through 200 challenging barriers in this "intricate labyrinth maze." The kids might ask for help, just make sure to give it back (after all, it's meant to keep them busy).
22. A magnetic wireless portable Anker charger for those times when your phone's battery is near depleted thanks to the kids streaming their favorite shows...not on the WiFi. Been there! Also has a built-in foldable kickstand that keeps your phone upright...so they can keep streaming those shows.
23. Finally, a simple and sort of splurgey (but totally worth it) Marimekko Iso Milla bag that will seemingly fit every little baby bauble you'll need easy and immediate access to on-the-go.
You: knowing that you're leaving home with your child and not forgetting a damn thing...
