# Best choice of Feminine Products for guest bathroom **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 30, 2008, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216 "2008-07-30T09:24:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Full\_Metal\_Lotus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/df705f/32.png) [@Full\_Metal\_Lotus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Full_Metal_Lotus)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 9:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/1 "2008-07-30T09:24:26Z")
Hope this is the right forum, Mods, feel free to place as desired… I want to make sure all guests in my house are comfortable, and I want to stock some feminine products, just in case. I am a guy. So, what are the basic things I should have on hand? I want everyone to know that they can just look under the bathroom sink for anything they may need… so. What things in what quantity should I stock? And in what quantities? (Figure 8-10 female guest /year. Regards FML ---
**Author:** ![Contrary](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/db5fbb/32.png) [@Contrary](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrary)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/2 "2008-07-30T10:14:41Z")
I’ve never stayed at a guy’s house who had stocked his guest bathroom with those kinds of necessities. Different but nice! IMO just cover the basics, some pads and some tampons–if she needs products then it’s because she ran out and is desperate so to have an option will be enough. Otherwise you run into the same sort of issue in trying to stock, say, everyone’s favorite beer. There are just too many variables and too many choices. ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/3 "2008-07-30T10:20:49Z")
I agree with **Contrary**. This is very nice of you, but don’t feel the need to go nuts. If you do want to go the extra mile, one thing I can reccomend is that you look for tampons and pads that come with different “sizes” in the same box. I know that Playtex in particular sells a large box of tampons that has both “regular” and “super” in it, and I think that Always sells a package that contains both “day” and “night” pads. That’s an option that your female guests are very likely to appreciate. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/4 "2008-07-30T10:32:42Z")
Other than the above, extra toilet paper - women use more of this than men, so having a spare roll ready to go is a Good Thing. ---
**Author:** ![Lynn\_Bodoni](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e47c2d/32.png) [@Lynn\_Bodoni](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynn_Bodoni)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/5 "2008-07-30T11:10:25Z")
Hmmmm, I don’t stay in anyone else’s home on a regular basis but inexperience has never stopped me from posting before, so: Tweezers and a good magnifying mirror. Because she’s just discovered a Very Embarrassing Hair. Do they still sell those one use finger toothbrushes? Some of those would be good (and nice for you, too!) or get some cheap toothbrushes and leave them in their packaging. A small bottle of mouthwash might not be amiss, either. Disposable drinking cups, in a holder if possible. As noted above, extra TP. Maybe some wet wipes too. I’d go with “long minipads” for pads. Anyone who needs the maxipads is likely to carry them around with her. ---
**Author:** ![pbbth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/f9ae1b/32.png) [@pbbth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pbbth)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/6 "2008-07-30T11:10:59Z")
I agree, buy a variety pack of each kind of product and call it a night. The extra toilet paper is also a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![norinew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb9ed0/32.png) [@norinew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/norinew)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/7 "2008-07-30T11:11:42Z")
[QUOTE=DianaG] I agree with **Contrary**. This is very nice of you, but don’t feel the need to go nuts. If you do want to go the extra mile, one thing I can reccomend is that you look for tampons and pads that come with different “sizes” in the same box. I know that Playtex in particular sells a large box of tampons that has both “regular” and “super” in it, and I think that Always sells a package that contains both “day” and “night” pads. That’s an option that your female guests are very likely to appreciate. [/QUOTE] I’ll second this. Also, keeping moist flushable wipes will be appreciated by male and female house guests alike. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/8 "2008-07-30T13:43:04Z")
[QUOTE=Lynn Bodoni] I’d go with “long minipads” for pads. Anyone who needs the maxipads is likely to carry them around with her. [/QUOTE] Unless you unknowingly ran out. I agree, just get basic pads and tampons (I’d go with maybe Tampax Pearls. Something a bit nicer but with an applicator. I prefer o.b. tampons but I’ve found other chicks can get grossed out by the no applicator thing) and maybe a box of baby wipes? ---
**Author:** ![dangermom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e274bd/32.png) [@dangermom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dangermom)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/9 "2008-07-30T14:16:26Z")
I agree with just getting “basic pads,” but–being a guy, the OP might not know what that is, and the variety is bewildering anyway (my husband, a gem of a man who has no problem buying anything for me, needs an exact description, better yet a wrapper to match). The stores are still selling regular maxi-pads– **don’t get those**. These days you can get regular (bad), thin (better), or ultra-thin (good). This results in the muddling fact that the biggest, most obvious packages are the ones no one wants–you want a _small_ package. Personally I would recommend something like Stayfree or Always ultra-thin maxi-pads, which are practically all-purpose. Some people find the plastic mesh of Always to be irritating, however. After that a package of ultra thin mini-pads. ---
**Author:** ![Dangerosa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/22d042/32.png) [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/10 "2008-07-30T14:39:17Z")
I’d skip the tampons - in an emergency most everyone can use a pad. And something in the midsize pad - you can always change it very often if you have a heavy flow, and it isn’t comfortable, but functional for a light flow. And I’m assuming your stock of female products would get used mostly for “damn, I miscounted.” Tampons would be nice, but too many feminine products in your bathroom might give me ideas you don’t wish to leave me with. (How many girlfriends have left their crap here before me! or, perhaps worse, what in the hell does this guy do with all these tampons?) ---
**Author:** ![DianaG](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7ab992/32.png) [@DianaG](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DianaG)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/11 "2008-07-30T15:10:15Z")
I emphatically disagree. Sure, I \*could \* use a pad. But I wouldn’t. I’d go to the store, which I believe is exactly the sort of inconvenience he’s trying to spare his guests. I’m also going on the assumption that his girlfriends wouldn’t be using the guest bathroom. ---
**Author:** ![myskepticsight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/cc9497/32.png) [@myskepticsight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/myskepticsight)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/12 "2008-07-30T15:22:59Z")
Yeah I could use a pad, but what if I am wearing thong underwear? I never forget girl products but a lot of other girls do, I get hit up for them all the time. A box of assorted tampons and some pads would be nice. Pads gotta be the thin kind. By guests do you mean sleep over guests? Or just “I’m having a party” guests? If you’re having friends actually crash at your house, then toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc would also be nice. But if you’re just having friends over to hang out, not sleep, tampons and pads seem like enough to me at least. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Fight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/90ced4/32.png) [@Cat\_Fight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Fight)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/13 "2008-07-30T15:28:42Z")
How very thoughtful! I’m happy when someone’s nice enough to just have a waste basket in the bathroom. I don’t think you need much more than a small box of regular tampons, some new toothbrushes and toothpaste and face soap. ---
**Author:** ![Caricci](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/85f322/32.png) [@Caricci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caricci)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2008, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/14 "2008-07-30T16:00:18Z")
You know what else would be nice? A few small brown paper lunch bags to dispose of the used products. I find it awkward disposing of such things in someone else’s home. Some people flush tampons but it’s risky and pads aren’t really flushable. Anyway, trust me, if I found feminine products AND some bags next to them in a guest bathroom, I’d be very grateful. ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/15 "2008-07-31T02:47:38Z")
Spare contact lens case with saline solution, pre-moistened makeup removal towelettes, floss. What a thoughtful person you are! ---
**Author:** ![betenoir](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/258eb7/32.png) [@betenoir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/betenoir)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/16 "2008-07-31T03:32:29Z")
[QUOTE=Dangerosa] I’d skip the tampons - in an emergency most everyone can use a pad. [/QUOTE] Bah! I couldn’t. I believe I’d prefer to bleed all over the floor. And I’m fairly certain FML would not appreciate that. Stock both. And if you want to be really nice (and it sounds like you do 🙂 ) perhaps some moisterizer in one of those pump thingies. And shampoo and conditioner in the shower. Can’t think of anything else. We women have simple needs… ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/17 "2008-07-31T03:51:46Z")
Not only for female guests, I have an assortment of toiletries for men and women in my guest bath. I have a pretty basket filled with lot of travel sizes of toothpaste, extra toothbrushes, deodorant, tampons, razor, shaving cream, etc. etc. etc. Many of my overnight guests have forgotten something and really appreciate not having to ask. ---
**Author:** ![Campion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4491bb/32.png) [@Campion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Campion)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/18 "2008-07-31T04:50:08Z")
[QUOTE=Ruby] Not only for female guests, I have an assortment of toiletries for men and women in my guest bath. I have a pretty basket filled with lot of travel sizes of toothpaste, extra toothbrushes, deodorant, tampons, razor, shaving cream, etc. etc. etc. Many of my overnight guests have forgotten something and really appreciate not having to ask. [/QUOTE] Ditto here. It also makes it easier as the host, because guests don’t feel as if they’re inconveniencing me by staying over. One last thing – whatever you get, open the box/container. Some people are shy about opening up a new thing. (My only exception to this is the toothbrushes – they stay in their packaging.) ---
**Author:** ![MerryMagdalen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c2a13f/32.png) [@MerryMagdalen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MerryMagdalen)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 4:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/19 "2008-07-31T04:56:31Z")
All of these suggestions are lovely. I second the suggestion for multisize packages, one of tampons, one of ultrathin pads. A further detail - some tampons (and maybe pads) come in “deodorant” versions. DO NOT buy these; it merely means they’ve been dusted with scent, and nobody wants her vagina to smell like a urinal cake. (Some people also find the chemicals in the scent irritating.) ---
**Author:** ![DeadlyAccurate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ac91a4/32.png) [@DeadlyAccurate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DeadlyAccurate)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2008, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216/20 "2008-07-31T05:05:02Z")
A few things that should be in every guest bathroom: wastebasket hand soap clean hand towel extra toilet paper a plunger (so your guest doesn’t have to come out of the bathroom and embarrass themselves by asking for one) The pads/tampons are very thoughtful. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-choice-of-feminine-products-for-guest-bathroom/458216.md?page=2)