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Most working people spend at least eight hours in the office during the day, and in those eight (or so) hours, a lot can go wrong – from laddered tights to papercuts and a noisy cubicle mate!
To help you survive the office and ensure you’re fully prepared for everything (even a hot summer’s day), we’ve devised a list of the ultimate survival kit essentials. You can keep these items in your desk drawer, in a box, in your car or anywhere you like – as long as they are easily accessible!
So, without further ado, here are 30 things you need in your office survival kit!
1. Mack's Ultra Soft Foam Earplugs
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When you can’t seem to get away from Chatty Cathy or Radio Ron, your only solution is these soft foam earplugs. Pop them in for some peace of mind and to limit any office distractions!
2. TaoTronics Active Noise-Cancelling Headphones
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If earplugs aren’t cutting it, you might need to invest in something a little pricier, like these noise-cancelling headphones. They are ideal for blocking out even the smallest sound, allowing you to enjoy your favourite chart banger in peace.
3. Southsun DIY Premium Sewing Kit
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Have you ever been in the embarrassing situation of a split seam or a popped button? I have! And do you know what would have saved me? A handy sewing kit!
Instead, I suffered a painful meeting trying to hide the slit in my dress! Don’t do the same, and add this sewing set into your emergency kit!
4. OxiClean Max Force Gel Stick Stain Remover
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A stain remover is ideal for when you miss your mouth and end up with coffee halfway down your top (don’t worry – it’s happened to the best of us). Never live through the embarrassment again with the OxiClean stain remover stick!
5. Panadol Extra Strength
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There’s nothing worse than getting a pounding headache when you’re in the middle of a hard task. Make sure you curb it once you feel the pain with these extra-strength Panadol tablets.
6. Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief Eye Drops
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An office environment can cause havoc to your eyes – the air-con soaks up all the humidity, while the computer places a strain on our eyes and leaves them sore, tired and red.
The solution? A bottle of Clear Eyes drops to add moisture back into your eyes and make sure that you power through the rest of the day.
7. Curad Assorted Bandages
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Papercuts and other injuries are unavoidable in the workplace, which is why it’s essential to have a box of plasters on hand. The Curad assorted box of plasters includes a range for every situation, from waterproof to heavy duty.
8. Harney & Sons Chamomile Herbal Tea
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Feeling a bit stressed at work? Who doesn’t?
By keeping a stash of chamomile tea safely tucked away in your drawer, you can ensure you’ve got something to help you soothe your nerves when you’re under pressure.
9. Nescafé Taster's Choice Instant Coffee
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There’s undeniably going to be some days when you’re in dire need for a caffeine fix to keep you pushing through the day. To make sure you’re always prepared, keep a box of this delicious Nescafé in your drawer.
10. Amazon Kindle
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Do you have nothing to do on your lunch break? Keep yourself occupied by investing in an Amazon Kindle. Although it’s not essential for survival, it will keep you from going bored out of your mind on your lunch break.
11. Gerber Suspension Multi-Plier
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Whether you need a pair of scissors, a knife, a screwdriver or some pliers, this small tool can get the job done when you’re in despair.
12. Puffs Plus Lotion Facial Tissues
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If you don’t have a supply of tissues on your desk, you’ll definitely need some tucked away in your drawer. They can even be used as blotting papers to take the shine off your face during a hot summer’s day.
13. Purell Advanced Hand Sanitiser Single Packets
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You need something handy to kill all the germs lingering in the office (on the doorknobs, kitchen appliances and cutlery). To make sure that you destroy them before they affect you, get into the habit of sanitising your hands throughout the day.
14. Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Hand Cream
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In warm temperatures and bitterly cold weathers, our hands are going to need some TLC. Save your cracked hands by moistening them with this soothing formula!
15. Burt's Bees 100% Natural Moisturising Lip Balm
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Your lips need the same TLC during your time at the office. Stop them from hurting with an all-natural moisturising lip balm.
16. Hanes Women’s Alive Full Support Control Top Pantyhose
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Accidents happen, tights ladder and you end up spending the rest of the day looking like you’ve been through the bushes. To save you the embarrassment, keep a pair of natural skin-coloured tights in your survival kit.
17. Dr Fresh Toothbrush on the Go Travel Kit
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Fishy breath is neither pleasant for your colleagues or yourself. Instead of avoiding all interaction with colleagues after lunch, keep a toothbrush kit in your drawer to refresh your breath – and your dignity.
18. iMuto Compact Power Bank
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The thought of no telephone access is terrifying for most of us. Don’t run on empty again with this 20000mAh-capacity battery. It even has a flashlight, just in case there is a power cut and you are the last one in the office.
19. KIND Breakfast Bars Variety Pack
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Fight the mid-morning belly grumble with these all-natural protein breakfast bars. They are full of protein and will keep your energy levels high until your next meal.
20. EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella
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There’s nothing worse than being ill-prepared for an impromptu storm. Beat the rain with this compact travel umbrella that can be easily stored in your survival pack.
21. Wrigley’s Extra Polar Ice Sugarfree Gum
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No one enjoys the lingering coffee breath. Be prepared to meet and greet external clients with Wrigley’s Extra minty fresh chewing gum.
22. Fancii LED Lighted Travel Makeup Mirror
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Have you ever got home to realise that you have a piece of spinach stuck between your teeth? Save yourself the embarrassment by keeping a compact mirror on hand. This particular one comes with LED lighting to ensure you don’t miss a thing!
23. JOSENI Pashmina Blanket Scarf
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Wrap up warm in the artic office temperature with this blanket scarf to ensure you don’t catch any chills.
24. Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant Deodorant
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Refresh yourself when your body decides to turn against you in the middle of the day – no one wants to be the office BO guy or girl!
25. First Aid Only All-Purpose Kit
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You never know when Ditsy Dora is going to accidentally staple her finger or trip up in the bathroom. To be ready for any occasion, keep this handy first aid kit tucked away in your drawer.
26. Always Infinity Feminine Pads for Women
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No matter how prepared you might be, you could be caught off guard with an early surprise from your monthly visitor. Be sure to have a few feminine hygiene products on hand for any irregular visits!
27. Panda Planner
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Having a designated work journal is a great way to stay on top of all your responsibilities, tasks and ongoing projects. This particular planner is perfect if you want a daily, weekly and monthly overview of your time and you can also keep track of your habits, set goals and create a customised priorities list for each day.
28. Kitsch Spiral Hair Ties
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These hair ties are essential for when you’re just having a bad hair day. You might have woken up late, rushed to work and not done your hair, or maybe your hair band snapped midday. Whatever the case, don’t let your hair get in your way of a productive day.
29. Scotch-Brite Lint Roller Combo Pack
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Pet hair, fluffy jackets and bobbly jumpers can all leave their mark on your office outfit. Get rid of any fluff with these handy lint rollers.
30. Amazon Brand - Solimo Vitamin C
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Boost your immune system with some added vitamin C when you’re starting to feel a little under the weather. It will help you fight off any illnesses and remain on top of your A-game.
While these items aren’t a matter of life or death, they are essential for your comfort within the office and will prepare you for any surprises!
So, what are you waiting for? Head out and purchase what you need to make sure that you survive office life!
Are there any items missing from this list? Let us know what you would include in your office survival kit by joining the conversation below.
This article is an updated version of a previous article originally published on 24 September 2015.