two things I've been putting in the bottom of my laptop bag lately;
a trash bag and a knit cap

Especially now that winter is in the air (well, in Montana at least, but it's never far here) I always have a cap and gloves along, usually more.

I've been toughing it out and building up my cold resistance like I do every year. For the drive to work and the 200 metres from the parking lot to the office, I don't wear a jacket and most of the time I wear short sleeves. At this time of year, I normally get all kinds of odd-ball comments from my co-workers who begin to dress up in winter gear right about now! It was -6°C this morning. That's getting down to my comfort level to go without a windbreaker. Tomorrow, I think I will start wearing gloves anyway even if I don't wear a jacket.

P.S. On Friday's there is always that one person - in this case a co-worker who wears his kilt to work all through winter. One proud Scottish guy. Let's just hope he doesn't go the traditional route and forget his underwear!

...added spare mask, sanitizer, extra cash and may add a small multitool.

I've started EDC'ing a spare battery for either my phone or laptop.

We've talked edible plants here before and how it is a good idea to know what you can forage in your area. With that in mind, I ran across this web site:
https://fallingfruit.org/

It is an interesting concept and may come in handy for some.

Teacher: sorry for the late response to your post. I own an IPone SE 2nd or 3rd Gen. (I’m not sure which at this moment.) I regard a spare battery as an EDC essential. I also want a screen protector and protective phne case. My solution is a BOPPS auxiliary battery phone case and a Zagg screen protector , with life of the phone free breakage replacement warranty for the purchaser.

The BOPPS CASE ( ~$30 ) is an Amazon Best Seller and adds about an 150% recharge capability. It is fairly lightweight and based on my own Chinese, I can attest that it and the ~$18 Zagg screen protector, together , have allowed my phone to survive, without damage , several +3’ falls onto ceramic tile floors and pavement. In my multiple experiences. , Zagg has been good to its warranty, making replacement very easy.

Usual disclaimers regarding my lack of connection to BOPPPS and Zagg.

Have been carrying two BIC Maxi lighters* in a Noaks XS ziplock ( https://noaks.de ) for last two years. Partly as an experiment to see if the lighters remain fueled and functional through the bag's regular use.

* With a few tinder quiks to ensure they can't move around.

Years back I found a Bic lighter on the lawn at a local park covered in early morning frost. I took it home, dried it off, warmed it up and it worked just fine. It lit with the first spark. I put that lighter in one of my kits; it still works.