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Top Ten Items You Need To Keep In Your Car

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Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only share products I personally use and love. Thanks for supporting The Family Dugout! 💛

Top Ten Items You Need To Keep In Your Car! Whether I’m headed to a softball tournament, running errands, or picking up the millionth iced macha of the week, my car is basically my second home. Over the years, I’ve learned what I need to keep stocked in there to keep life running (mostly) smoothly. Here’s my personal Top Ten Mom Car Must-Haves—plus a bonus tip to keep it all organized!


1. Facial Wipes

Because sometimes there’s no time (or sink) to freshen up. These come in clutch after long games, coffee spills, or surprise snack attacks.


2. Car Deodorizer Spray

After a tournament weekend or hauling sweaty gear, a quick spritz of deodorizer makes the car smell less like a locker room and more like civilization.


3. First Aid Kit

Bandages, antiseptic, tweezers—because splinters, skinned knees, and surprise blisters don’t wait for a CVS run.


4. Napkins or Paper Towels

Great for spills, snack messes, and those sticky fingers that mysteriously appear even though no one admits to eating anything.


5. Mini Trash Bag or Container

Wrappers, tissues, fast food bags—it all adds up. A designated trash space helps keep chaos in check.


6. Blanket

Whether it’s for unexpected chilly bleachers, spontaneous park picnics, or an emergency roadside nap—this one stays in the trunk.


7. Reusable Water Bottle or Extra Bottled Water

Hydration is a non-negotiable. Especially after games or on long drives where someone always forgets their water.


8. Hair Ties & Headbands

I keep a stash in the cup holder. Someone always needs one—and as a sports mom, you’re the sideline hair hero.


9. Phone Charger (Car & Portable)

Dead phone = no GPS, no contact, no sanity. Always have a charger in the glovebox or center console.


10. Emergency Snacks

Granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers…anything that won’t melt or go bad fast. Because “hangry” is real—and not just for the kids.


🔁 Bonus Tip:

I keep all my “car kit” essentials in this cute trunk organizer so they’re easy to grab and don’t roll all over the place.

What are the top 10 things you need in your car? Comment below.