You’re going to a convention and you’re bringing a costume.

What do you take with you? Other than your costume and accessories, there are a few items to keep in an emergency repair bag or in your hotel room.

Emergency Kit Bag:

1. Aspirin: A headache or muscle pains can hit at anytime. Have a few caplets with you in case the day begins to wear on you.
2. Safety pins: A great way to make last minute saves or alterations.
3. Sewing kit: It’s not just buttons you may need to affix. Bring a spool in the colors you may need. A good kit will have scissors and pins included.
4. Small folding scissors: Handy to keep on you. Plus, they’re small enough to pass security.
5. Spot remover: You have to eat, which means you might spill. A spot pin or wipe is nice to have around during a lunch run.
6. Krazy glue: You can fix shoes, props, even your nails.
7. Tape: If a hem falls out or an ornament falls off your belt, you’ll need some tape.
8: Shoelaces: Sometimes it’s just easier to tie one on. If your armor is falling apart, a quick knot or two will keep it in place until you can get back to your room.
9. Extra hair pins and bands: Walking all day can jostle a hairdo or wig, extra pins will allow you to stay on the move and secure your look.
10. Eye drops: Convention spaces and hotels have a tendency to dry out our eyes. It’s a good idea to keep eye drops with you, especially if you’re wearing contacts.
11. Adhesive strips: Good for blister care…and other minor injuries.
12. Clear nail polish: Will help with runs in your stockings.
13. Q-tips: Good for applying and removing makeup.
14. Straws: It can be hard to drink in full makeup or mask.
15. Snack bars: Easy to eat and handle while costumed. Minimal staining probability. Plus, food courts can get expensive.
16. Tissue: You never have a tissue when you need one.
17. Wipes: You hands may pick up ink from the program, better to be safe than sorry.
The bag should be small enough to fit on your person. Maybe it fits in your camera bag or messenger bag. If you plan well, your character may have a prop or outer robe that could hide the bag or fanny pack within its form.

Room Kit:
1. Hem tape: Easy to use and quick to apply in the room. A last resort if you don’t have thread.
2. Static cling spray: It’s a must. Pick up a small travel size bottle.
3. Extra pair of stockings.
4. Low heat glue gun: Full repairs are sometimes necessary.
5. Thick socks: If blisters start forming and you plan to keep going on weekend, a plush pair of socks will cushion the pain.
6. Duct tape: It holds the universe together, why not your costume?

If your costume has special needs, make sure you plan for adjustments and repairs. You might want to pack permanent makers or touchup paint. If your costume is white, keep a piece of chalk with you for smudge cover-up. A spare wig cap might even come in handy. Look over your gear and make a good guess. If you’re flying, please make note of weight limits and weapons rules.