Purvi Padia grew up traveling back and forth between America and India, where she would spend weeks at a time with extended family. And while she claims to have an otherwise shoddy memory, there are a series of images that have stayed burned in her brain: People living in abject poverty and children abandoned and suffering on the streets. She was so affected that her parents considered stopping the visits for a time when she was young. But she insisted on returning and trying to help. “I simply felt like I couldn’t just sit there while there were people right outside my door who were hungry. It was really hard for me, so I did what I could, even when I was little.” Now a mother herself (to Rehan, 10, and Reven, 7), living in NYC and heading up her own thriving interior design firm, Purvi Padia Design, her commitment has only grown. A longtime UNICEF board member, she spearheaded Project Lion, a UNICEF-affiliated program created to protect children living in institutions throughout India and give them a better chance to grow up in loving, stable, and nurturing environments. Below, Purvi shares her current 15 Mother Essentials, from the best travel wallet to the hair hack she and her daughter can’t live without.

Coconut Hair Mist. “From bedhead to beach waves in one minute is exactly what I need on those mornings when I have to look put together, but a blow dryer and curling iron just aren’t happening. The smell of coconut always reminds me of happy vacation times, and who doesn’t need that reset on busy weekday mornings?” Herbivore Coconut + Sea Salt Beach Wave Hair Mist, $20, Sephora.

Isabel Marant Boots. “I have worn these for years and will never give them up. They are comfortable for walking those city miles and work with pretty much everything in my wardrobe, from dresses to jeans.” Isabel Marant Crisi Suede Ankle Boots, $680, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Silvia Furmanovich Earrings and Clutches. “I can wear the most basic of outfits and her standout marquetry pieces give my look a major dose of style.” Botanical Marquetry 18-karat gold and wood multi-stone earrings, $11,220, Net-a-Porter.

Whitney Museum. “This museum is a family favorite. The size is manageable so the kids are engaged the entire time, and on the 3rd floor, they have a kids’ studio where children can create their own artwork related to featured exhibits.” Whitney Museum of American Art, 99 Gansevoort Street, New York.

Travel Wallet. “We love travel and travel so much as a family that I’m a big fan of anything that makes it a little more seamless. This wallet helps keep us organized, and I love the classic navy color. The lizard leather combined with the luxe suede speaks to my design obsession with texture.” Aspinal of London Classic Travel Wallet, $195, Orchard Mile.

Buddhaberry in Sag Harbor. “18 flavors of frozen yogurt and a crazy delicious selection of toppings—need I say more?! A family favorite.” Buddhaberry, 125 Main Street, Sag Harbor.

Burberry Tote. “Perfect for those days when I need to put after-school snacks for my kids, fabric samples for my clients, and Project Lion files all in one bag. It’s lightweight and roomy, but still chic and tailored.” Burberry Medium Soft Leather Belt Bag, $1,390, Bloomingdale’s.

The Future Perfect. “I start and end every project at this showroom. Their curated collection is an ideal fit to my aesthetic—somehow their pieces manage to be simultaneously classic and of-the-moment. Their lighting collection may be my favorite in New York.” The Future Perfect, 55 Great Jones Street, New York.

Rummikub. “Our favorite games for family game night. Both my 7- and 10-year-olds can play, and it’s entertaining for me and my husband, too. We play Heads Up on our phones—it’s a perfect travel game—and Rummikub sitting around the table.” Rummikub, $14.97, Amazon.

Lele Sadoughi Headbands. “My daughter and I are both obsessed with these. Best hair styling time hack! We love them all, but if we had to pick a favorite, it would be the cream one with pearls.” Lele Sadoughi Knotted Pearl Headband, $150, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Goop Glow. “I love a beauty time saver, and the Goop skincare line is all I need to keep my skin looking its best. Goop Glow is a yummy way to start the day and also reminds me to stay hydrated all day long!” Goop Glow Morning Skin Superpowder, $55, Goop.

Sinha Bowl. “I designed this piece in conjunction with Aguirre Design and the proceeds benefit the humanitarian effort, Project Lion, which I founded in collaboration with UNICEF. Stylish and compassionate? Yes, please.” Sinha Bowl, $915, Purvi Padia.

Turmeric. “Being of Indian heritage, I have a natural inclination to Eastern medicine. I’m a big believer in functional medicine and the mind/body connection. I take turmeric daily for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties.” Smarter Turmeric Curcumin, $37.95, Amazon.

Tinker Crate. “My 10-year-old genuinely looks forward to receiving his monthly delivery to create his own STEM project, and I love that it feeds his passion for science.” Tinker Crate, $19.95 per month, Kiwi Co.

Family Paddle Boarding in Sag Pond. “We love paddle boarding as a family. Paddle Diva has everything you need and their instructors are top notch, so there’s no stress about having young kids out on the water.” Paddle Diva, 219 Three Mile Harbor HC Road, East Hampton.

For more on Purvi Padia, check out her Instagram feed. And for more Mother Essentials, peep our past columns with clean beauty expert Tara Foley, Oakland retail queen Sherri McMullen, fashion designer Anna Chiu-Chiles, Shahidah Zareef of Bossmom Nation, Joanne Encarnacion, LaTonya Yvette, Morgan Walker of Make.do, Jeanne Chan of Harlow & Grey, and more.