What Not to Pack in a Day Centre Bag (And What to Pack Instead!)
A cheeky, compassionate guide for carers, families, and support workers prepping bags for day programs for people with intellectual and other disabilities.
We’ve ranted in previous posts about what a good day centre bag should include — but what about the things that shouldn’t be in there? This post is here to help you avoid the accidental oopsies, weaponised water bottles, and the dreaded squashed tuna sandwiches at the bottom of the bag.
Let’s also take a second to talk about the bag itself. Choose something sturdy and easy to open, especially for people with fine motor difficulties. Bonus points if it’s machine washable (because accidents happen), has compartments, and is big enough to carry everything from lunch to a library book. Trust us, size does matter — especially when you want to avoid everything being squashed into one mystery-smelling compartment.
And before you drop your Easter cleanout haul at the local op shop, check if your centre could use those extra shopping bags, clothes, or Tupperware you no longer need. What’s clutter to you might just save someone’s lunch from being flattened beyond recognition.
❌ What NOT to Pack (and Why)
🚫 Aerosols
Why not? Asthma triggers, allergy hazards, and a safety risk.
Pack instead: Roll-on or pump spray deodorants.
🚫 Metal Water Bottles and Lunch Containers
Why not? Behaviours of concern are real — and anything heavy, hard, or throwable can become a weapon or be damaged.
Pack instead: Lightweight, BPA-free plastic or silicone containers and water bottles.
🚫 Inappropriate Food for Your Person
Why not? If your person has a Mealtime Management Plan, following it helps staff keep them safe.
Tips:
If food needs chopping, chop it.
Avoid foods that need reheating unless the centre can accommodate it.
Label everything, and make sure the food can be safely eaten cold if needed.
Try to stick to shelf-stable items. Not everyone gets to their lunch straight away — sometimes there are excursions or delays.
🚫 Leftovers
Why not? Leftovers can pose a hygiene risk. Centres may not know how they were stored or how long they've been in the fridge.
Pack instead: Fresh, shelf-stable items where possible.
🚫 Fancy or Fragile Tech (Unless Needed)
Why not? Expensive tech can be a target for theft or breakage, and not every participant understands boundaries.
Exceptions: If your person uses an iPad, AAC device, or similar for communication or therapy, label it clearly and send all cords and chargers.
🚫 Lots of Cash
Why not? Impulse control and behaviours of concern can lead to loss, theft, or difficult situations.
Pack instead: Send only what is needed and consider giving it directly to staff if appropriate.
🚫 Personal Grooming Items with Alcohol
Why not? Some centres support clients with FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). Even an empty go-cup can be triggering.
🚫 Items That Could Be Misinterpreted
Open travel mugs or unlabelled bottles can cause concern. Staff don’t know what’s inside — and that uncertainty can become a safety issue.
🚫 Sharp Objects Like Scissors
Even in pencil cases, scissors can be dangerous depending on the mix of abilities and behaviours. Always check with the program first.
🚫 Metal Cutlery and Straws
Why not? Safety risk and can be used inappropriately.
Pack instead: Durable plastic reusable cutlery and straws, or check if the centre provides them.
🚫 Tuna (Sorry!)
Why not? It smells. It lingers. It might cause a gag reflex three rooms over.
Pack instead: Anything else. And maybe gum or mints if allowed — staff and peers will thank you.
🚫 Rogue Glue Sticks
Even seemingly harmless items like glue can pose issues — especially if they’re unsupervised. Tuck extras into a “Back to School” box or consider making a classroom-style Easter basket for the staff, full of useful donations like:
Paper towels
Tissues
Chux wipes
Craft supplies
That way you’re contributing to the centre, not giving gifts that may make others feel left out.
✅ What to Pack INSTEAD (With Dignity, Safety, and Practicality in Mind)
🎒 The "Back to Day Program" Box Checklist
Inspired by The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy — always bring a towel! Here’s how to prep with pride and practicality.
📦 Pack a Small, Sealable “Back to School” Box:
Reusable container with a lid (shoe box or Sistema-style works well)
Use it to store hygiene items, backups, and spare supplies
👝 The Bag Itself
Should be sturdy, easy to open, and comfortable to carry
Bonus points if it's machine washable
Big enough to fit library books, lunch, a towel, and spare clothes
Shouldn’t draw too much attention — but make it "theirs" with a hat pin or keychain (avoid names for safety)
🧼 Hygiene & Dignity Kit
Toothbrush & toothpaste
Roll-on deodorant
Soap/body wash
Washcloth or compact towel
Moist towelettes or baby wipes
Sanitary products (if needed)
Alcohol-free lip balm (check format policy)
Comb or hairbrush
Travel tissues
Ziplock bags for soiled or wet items
All items needed for showering and dental hygiene
👕 Clothing
Full change of season-appropriate clothing (including socks and underwear)
Spare hat (sun-safe)
Neoprene bag for "uh-oh" moments
Spare pair of closed-in shoes (canvas options like Kmart’s are great)
Gloves and scarf in colder weather
🥪 Food & Drink
Shelf-stable snacks (nut-free if required)
Clearly labelled lunch containers in a lunch bag (it's Australia — pack an ice brick or juice box/pop-top that can double as one)
Avoid open cups or prestige bottles like Hydroflask or Frank Green unless absolutely necessary — they can cause jealousy or be triggering for behaviours of concern
🎨 Craft & Activity Supplies (if requested)
Large-sized crayons or tools for grip support
Labelled items for specialised activities
🧰 Mobility & Medical
Simple repair kit for mobility aids (if your person is a full-time user)
Any required medications (with appropriate documentation)
All charging cords for devices used during the day
📦 Optional “Back to School” Drop-off
Check if your centre accepts a start-of-term drop-off kit with:
Full outfit change
Extra hygiene supplies
Season-specific extras (e.g. rain poncho, beanie)
Spare shoes
Craft supplies and labelled personal items
🕵️♂️ Bonus Round: The Banana Mystery — Solved!
Bananas qualify as:
Minced-moist food texture (think KFC mash!)
Good for smoothies and thickened fluids
Bakeable in muffins, pancakes, and more!
Safe, flexible, and delicious.
🚫 Underground Snack Sharing is Real
Nut-free rules are in place for a reason. While everyone loves a treat, sneaky snack swapping happens — so try to stick to allergy-aware, labelled foods, and chat to your centre about their policies. Some support workers might quietly supervise it to keep things fair and safe, but it’s best not to encourage it.
💬 Final Thoughts
Packing for a day program is about more than just ticking boxes — it's about giving your person dignity, comfort, and independence, while helping staff support them in the best way possible. With a little prep (and a banana or two), you're setting the day up for success.
And remember — label everything. Like, everything. Even the banana.
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