Whatever you do, stock all items in the “travel sizes.” Once used, throw them away and replace with new. This goes for packages of pads/tampons as well. No female wants to see items that have obviously been used by someone other than her. So hit the right aisle at Terget, and get a variety of stuff in the small sizes.
Eh, not the pads, silenus!
But you may want to get the kind of pads that come individually packaged. Also panty liners (Carefree is a good brand), preferably individually packaged as well.
Many brands have symbols on the package to indicate how “heavy” the pads or tampons are supposed to be. The ones I’ve seen most often are a row of drops: how many drops are dark indicates product strength. One drop, that would barely be good to staunch a paper cut; five drops, you could soak up a waterway in your boat with that.
Ok, going to a guy’s place that has female products (tampons, pads) would just weird me out (and make me think the guy is married/has a female partner nearby). Also, considering the various conflicting opinions on pads vs tampons (and which brand!), I would recommend NOT having any of those things. I haven’t seen any of the brands I would use mentioned, and I would rather take a shower (alone or with company), leave early, and use extra TP in a real emergency. 
So what to have? What you would normally have at a guest bathroom (I HOPE!): Extra TP, soap, toothpaste, mouthwash, unopened cheap toothbrush (if you don’t want to share yours), trial size shampoo/conditioner. You know the trial size thingies that you get at hotels? Grab some next time you go to one and put them in your bathroom.
Also, have a clean towel around.
If I walked into someone’s guest bathroom and there was a basket (or whatever) of trial-size toiletries AND a couple individually wrapped tampons/pads in amongst the toothbrushes, toothpaste, mini-soaps, dental floss, etc. I wouldn’t think “this guy has a girlfriend” I’d think “this guy cares about his guests”.
Context counts.
I dunno, I’d think “this guy has a sister.”
Sounds a bit like the no excuse box
“Sorry I can’t stay over; I need to wash my hair”
Produces 5 different shampoos and conditioners
“Sorry I can’t stay over, I forgot my toothbrush”
Produce brand new toothbrush in still in the box and 5 different toothpastes
“Sorry I can’t stay over; I need my contactlense liquid”
Produces Spare contact lens case with saline solution
“Sorry I can’t stay over, you creep me out
Produces chains and black tape
That’s bizarre (to me). I can’t EVER see my brother having tampons and pads in his apartment on MY account.
I would, if I’d put them there. If I stayed there often enough, I’d stash some stuff in the guest bathroom. It wouldn’t be his doing; I’d just say, “I’m gonna leave some stuff here; if you ever have any other female houseguests, tell them to help themselves.”
ETA: But I don’t have a brother. I could see it happening, though. If I had a sister, I’d just borrow her stuff.
I think it’s a very nice thing to do.
An awesome thing to do would be to order a variety pack of sampler designer fragrances. I love expensive perfumes, but can only afford the deals at TJ Maxx or from my Beauty Boutique catalog. I would be thrilled to see a little basket full of sample size designer fragrances from which to choose. I know that this will be considered above and beyond… but, you asked!
Thank you everyone for the responses!
I am going to be stocking all the basics needs, toiletries wise, (the brown paper bags, though- never thought of them!) for guests of both genders.
I never thought of the skeevie aspect… just trying to be a good, considerate host.
I won’t be stocking anything scented (Allergies), though.
Instead of disposable drink cups, I have bottled water in the guest bedreoom.
Thanks again everyone!
FML
That’s exactly what I would think, too.
I would still be weirded out, and think, like said above, that he has some sort of female around (SO, mom, sister, someone). And like mentioned above, I didn’t see the brands I use mentioned (pads or tampons, and there was even a debate about which).
Those things are a bit too personal (IMHO) that once you get into a brand you won’t want to use another (see discussion above). Buying some brands trying to be nice won’t exactly work out well (not to mention the woman may think it is someone else’s feminine products).
The other toiletries, though, would be good. And the nothing scented rule is a good thing too. I love the smells I love, and hate others. Again, I wouldn’t want to put something there that someone may not appreciate/feel bad.
Singlebro doesn’t, you can make him run away by saying the word “tampax,” but he was strongarmed into giving up one of his bathroom drawers for Mom. She keeps a few “old lady pads” in there. The same drawer now contains some wet towelettes (left there by SiL), which have been greatly appreciated by other visiting toddler-owning friends.
I agree, you won’t *want * to use another, but you might need to use another. I have had parties at my house several times – not overnight parties – where a female guest has taken me aside and said, “hey, can I borrow a pad?” and I’ve taken her upstairs to my bathroom. Hey, sometimes you miscalculate. You think she’s going to complain because she prefers Always and all I have is Stayfree?
Exactly. And in the vending machines at work or other public restrooms, they just stock one kind of tampon and one kind of pad. And usually the tampons have run out, so you’re stuck using the old-fashioned maxi-pads they stock. I’d never buy that kind at a store, but in an emergency, they do.
I’d go middle of the road. One box of regular tampons with applicators (or perhaps the multi-pack) and a package of regular-sized ultra-thin pads. That’s what most women use. Anyone who really has special needs or strong preferences will be grateful for the one they use in an emergency and then they will take a trip to the drugstore to get their preferred brand/style.
Pardon me for asking a clueless guy question here. How is the OP supposed to let his female visitors know he has emergency supplies available?
Put them all in a lovely basket next to the sink? Put a little label on the vanity drawer? Tell her on her way to the bathroom "if you need anything just look next to the shower? Not say anything and expect her to ask?
As I said, I’m completely clueless about this.
FML, I think you are a very sweet and considerate host.
I’d add, in the fem needs under, umm, duress: Ibuprofen, the best anodyne for crampy bad times.
Lagniappes: Basic lotion, fine in a pump bottle at the sink, and, if you have a nice tub to soak in, bath salts, with an invitation to sit-n-soak awhile. That’s a real treat, always!
One thing I’m curious about: in your OP, you said “feminine products”, and, everyone, me included, assumed you meant things in the “feminine hygiene” realm, meaning dealing with menstruation. Was that your original intent, or did ya just mean stuff that us gals like?
I’d suggest some single-dose packets of three items: asprin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen. Two or three of each.
TMI: You gals didn’t read my comment about extra TP, did you? And my comment about emergency situations?
As to kunilou’s question, that is also my thought. And I’m not going to snoop around and check the cabinets… And I’ve already expressed how I would feel if I see feminine products in the vanity (“there’s a female around and those are hers”).
And while female guests have asked Sigmagirl (because I’m guessing she’s a she), I’d be doubtful they’d ask a male host.