This one is more utilitarian but that's the priority. It has room for some other things but is still slim and light. I am just not sure if the clear pocket for the phone is a benefit or not- I dont' think I'd like it.. but it may be helpful to someone else.

The brand is Ili New York.. anyone have experience with them? The bag is under $100 so not expecting super quality.. but again, looking for function over style here.

Do you have phone measurements? Phones seem to be growing faster than phone bags. I can't imagine using a phone through the window. I guess it depends on the person. And I don't see how that window can hold up to the sort of wear I put things though. :)

I have a slightly larger (and horizontal) version of that first bag and found it to be sturdy and well made. It's structured enough that you can't stretch it, though. It's pretty much a proper wallet on a string whereas the second one is a phone case with an ID slot. I think extra weight for a zipper is a worthwhile tradeoff.

I've always liked the Tory Burch one but hardly meets your utilitatian criteria. Roomy interior pocket and just a slip pocket on the exterior. Reflects my form over function leanings...

I am new to all this but last year I saw someone wearing a great one, and I think it might be the first time I noticed but it was bandolier brand.

There is no shortage of styles and colors and everything else. I was all excited about it but never did get one.

BANDOLIER

Maybe too utilitarian, but this small bag on QVC has lots of features.

https://www.qvc.com/IHKWIP-Nylon-Everyday-Essentials-Crossbody-Bag.product.A396854.html?recommendationTypeId=QDATA&recommendationLocation=1&recommendationModuleType=PRODUCT_CAROUSEL&sc=QDATA&TZ=EST

I think this bag is very attractive and useful. It’s a little spendy, though.

Thanks all.. Rubyclaire, I love that bag but I didn't see any TB that had the full wallet feature. I think she could get by with a handful of card slots but she needs more than 1 (which many have).

Fori, i think the window is just to be able to read texts as they come in? NOt sure. I wouldn't work through a plastic window.. but I don't actually use my phone constantly.

Salonva, those are definitely small and light but she needs to be able to carry minimal items including her phone.. and prefers something closer to a wallet than a carrying place for one card.

Terriks.. that meets all her needs but i think it is a bit bulky for her small body and I know I said function over style but I think it is a little too outdoorsy for her. I'll add it to the list though.

Sorry, I need to run for a bit but I appreciate all the suggestions! Just to be clear-- these are not MY criteria and honestly, I don't understand the need for some of them! lol .. it's not a great gift if i don't have to go down a rabbit hole researching! LOL

oh and well.. it would definitely help if I share that she might need to carry something oh about the size of a cigarette pack. (don't attack me!)

Fraker, that is a beautiful wallet but alas not much room for anything else and I fear the nice leather will be heavy. Leather is ok-- but it must be thin, butter leather to keep it lightweight (which is critical).

I'll spend whatever it takes to get her a hands-free bag to meet her needs! This is not a new trek LOL (though it's the first Ive been brought into it).

I really think she would love the MZ Wallace for its lightness-- but she insists she needs multiple card holders.

I’m using a travel case from Eagle Creek. It’s very lightweight, designed to be worn under a top for passport, money, etc. Instead of a clear window, it has a pocket with a sheerer fabric, almost a mesh, enough that I can see who’s calling.

It isn’t quite what you want, not stylish (it’s actually kind of non-noticeable), but instead of looking for phone case, maybe look for a travel wallet.

Yes, Irish.. she needs/wants something very small, easy to manipulate and hands free. The MZ Wallace Micro Crosby would be perfect if it just had card slots. Even the larger metro might work but she is very small and it can't be anything bulky that interferes with her movements. She has arthritis and other related joint issues.. sometimes carries a cane, much less often uses a rolator.

I wasn't present for the discussions (apparently many discussions lol) but I did get the resulting criteria list. Personally, I think the near flat purse styles like yours should work but i guess there are issues with manipulating the bag and balancing a cane and well I am not sure. I have many small light bags that I would gladly give to her but she is very clear on what she wants-- and none of mine meet the mark (especially with regards to the integrated wallet aspect). And really there's nothing lighter than MZ Wallace, right?! (I am now a superfan! LOL)

ETA i suspect that she doesn't want to appear fumbly .. she already feels frail so any kind of fumble just exacerbates that? She hasn't verbalized that to me but I can see and understand it.

I think this fits most of your criteria?

https://www.hobobags.com/products/jill-wallet-crossbody-in-polished-leather-truffle?variant=40418792144950

One more.

https://www.zappos.com/p/brighton-toledo-phone-organizer-black-dark-brown/product/9318389/color/134

How about the Vera Bradley Mini Hipster? It comes in several different types of fabric, but maybe it's a little too big?

https://verabradley.com/search?type=product&q=mini+hipster

A fellow traveler on my recent trip to Jordan/Egypt had a Bandolier, and I really liked it. I am not sure of the weight of it, but they have many different kinds.

I've been enjoying Hobo Darcy. It isn't vertical, but I think it meets all of your other criteria. It's not very wide, so I can't imagine why it would need to be vertical. It comes with a short strap and a long strap so it can be carried several different ways.

If you are willing to go with non-leather, THIS BAG would work. I actually have the bag and I love the kiss lock rather than a zipper. It makes it much easier to access my phone. The bag will not last forever, but it doesn't cost much either. It will take a while to arrive, so I'm not sure it would make it by Christmas. I know it looks like a sketchy company, but I have three purses from them and have never had a problem.

Some great ideas.. thank you!

I can't believe I was on the Hobo site multiple times and didn't see the two recommended above. I think maybe i was stuck on the vertical orientation (but she may be also). Hobo is so lightweight for leather.. it was my first go-to.

Terriks, I think Vera Bradley is an option too IF she likes the patterns. They are also so very light.

I'll take another look at the Bandolier -- they didn't seem to hold enough but maybe i missed some options.

Fun, I trust you but she will NOT carry a fake leather bag. I am not even going to try. I know it is much lighter than leather-- but she'll make faces and it will go downhill from there. LOL

There were several solid color options for the Vera Bradley, including some quilted solids.

@Funkyart, I understand. I wish that Esensbuy would offer their bags in leather because I love the organization and their straps are adjustable to many different lengths. You might check out Brighton.com . They have lots of vertical versions, but they won't be the lightest weight.

Yes! Organization is a key to finding this unicorn.

Brighton has many options but I am pretty sure they are just too heavy.

Sorry, Terriks.. yes, i did see that. I had just been looking at the prints so stuck in my brain.

Even before this checklist of "must haves" mom was wildly particular about her purses. It is even worse now. I am not sure why I took this on-- I guess I thought, "well how hard could it be?" lol before remember purse rants from years past.

I may just pass on the list of suggestions and let her go through them.

Thank you all!

Color of the year! I love his camera bags.

If she doesn't mind synthetics, Kipling bags are very minimalist and super light. Fashionable? Probably not.

If you don't have a builtin wallet, you can also give her a credit card holder thingy--I have one that has a keychain, spots for bills, and a zipper section while still being fairly dinky. (The keychain bit makes it easier to find but I could probably put a key on it.)

Good suggestions, thank you!! I think the kipling bags are cute-- but I don't think she'll like them. Maybe.

She is insistent on the built-in wallet -- again, i wasn't involved in the discussions so i don't know why but it is a deal breaker.

Well, I agree with her. That's how it should be done! I wanted a wallet on a string that held a phone. And chapstick. Then I had to upsize to hold glasses. 😞

I understand your mother's preferences. We all seem to be fussy about our handbags. I have to admit that I was amazed and amused when I opened your post. We were shopping together and did not even know it. I spent yesterday afternoon on a similar hunt, but I was looking for an embossed/tooled leather ID credit card case with a key fob for 16 year old. I came across 2 from Le Sak. The one you posted and this one at Macys. This can be used as a crossbody also. I like the Le Sak choices but no key fob. I am reluctantly beginning to realize that I might have to adjust my requirements. I like Patricia Nash line. Have you looked at it? You should consider Brighton. I have an all in one Brighton crossbody that is very very light weight and very functional and roomy in a comfortable to use way. It is years old. Despite getting lots of play, it looks like new.

How funny, @happy2b…gw .. Mom would love the tooled leather in the Sak (in the OP) and even more so Patricia Nash. I didn't even look at them or Brighton because I assumed they'd be heavy-- I know all the brighton bags I've seen in the past were heavy. She likes Brighton as well.

Maybe I need to just buy something I know she can EASILY exchange (here, that means Macys). She IS crazy particular and has always said you cannot buy someone a wallet or a purse.

That said she, is STILL using a tote bag I bought her 30 years or more ago from United Colors of Benneton (or whatever the name was). It actually is beautiful and can't believe it has lasted this long!

To accomodate my new cellphone which doesn't fit into any of my pockets I bought one of these from Altheta and really like it https://athleta.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=599104192&cid=46881&pcid=46881&vid=1&nav=meganav%3AAccessories%3ACATEGORIES%3ABags%20%26%20Wallets#pdp-page-content

Ooh ooh, how about this one? https://www.aimeekestenberg.com/products/tamitha-phone-crossbody-with-rfid-black-with-black-hardware

I just discovered this brand recently. I ordered this one for myself during the BF sales.

@seagrass_gw Cape Cod - Did you link to the right product? I don't see that a cell phone will fit in that wallet.

This one popped up while I was browsing through Etsy.

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1107260495/leather-iphone-12-13-case-bag-wallet?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=accessories&ref=sc_gallery-1-1&pro=1&edd=1&sts=1&plkey=1f7d3b977f16de98d2145c1b4862365487b7c038%3A1107260495

Thank you, @maire_cate! I saw that one too!

I think I may be abandoning the search-- I have a number of gifts for her and she's so darn picky. I appreciate everyone's help and suggestions I know she has an image in her head --- and I can't see it-- so anything I buy will be less than perfect LOL.

Speaking of ”particular” people, and the road we’re all heading down eventually:

My husband’s grandmother was fussy about food items and my MIL would complain about how many stores she had to shop to fulfill GM’s grocery shopping. She, of course, vowed she’d never be so fussy as she aged. 😂🤣😂 She is now exactly that way about the things she asks my husband or SIL to do or buy for her. As I expect I will be should I be lucky enough to live to a ripe old age. I look forward to seeing what my quirks will be.

Indeed.. I am sure I will be particular AND quirky!

LOL my DD is sooo particular about many things and it only recently occurred to me, now that she’s 21, where she got it from. 🤭

No one could choose the right purse for me. I mean, I can barely do it myself … so many have been abandoned after I realized they were too heavy too long too wide too colorful not colorful enough too many pockets not enough…

Sueb - you are not alone!

"No one could choose the right purse for me. I mean, I can barely do it myself … so many have been abandoned after I realized they were too heavy too long too wide too colorful not colorful enough too many pockets not enough…"

I am particular about my purses and wallets and I'm always on the lookout for one that suits me. The problem is that there isn't just one purse that fulfills my needs because they vary greatly. A bag for a dressy event is easy - I carry a vintage Chanel bucket bag, quilted lambskin with tassels and gold chain, only a small CC logo and just large enough for essentials. For everyday I've been using a Kipling adjustable crossbody that's washable, lightweight nylon and has the right amount of pockets - purely functional and durable. I bought it when I went to Ireland 5 years ago and it's held up beautifully. But it's not anything special.

I try to rotate through the others that are in my closet - Jean Rousseau, Longchamp, Kate Spade, Lo & Sons, MZ Wallace........

and then there's the drawer with the odds and ends - belt bags, convertible belt bags, slim crossbodies, Bandi bands.

The only good part about this is that I'm not as fussy about shoes - as long as they are comfortable, look decent and are appropriate to what I'm wearing I'm fine - oh, no heels though.

Maire

I have two of the Vera Bradley mini hipster bags I keep at the beach condo. I like them for going to festivals, out at night, etc. Mine are pattern, but they do come in solid colo9rs. I got mine at the VB outlet store at the outlet mall, so I paid a lot less than what shows on the VB website. Very light, strap long enough to wear cross body, room inside for my phone and also a slip pocket on the back if I want to keep the phone there. Mine are older models, I guess, because they only have 3 card pockets, and the ID pocket is on the inside there the cards go, not on the inside flap like on the VB link posted.