23 Things Every Recent College Grad Will Probably Want On Hand Now That They’ve Entered The ~Adult World~

23 Things Every Recent College Grad Will Probably Want On Hand Now That They’ve Entered The ~Adult World~

BuzzFeed-Shopping·2025-06-25 05:04

1. Oxo's rapid coffee brewer to whip up your morning caffeine when you can't afford to drop $7 at Starbies every day on the way to the office. In case you're not put together enough yet in your adulting era to prep cold brew the night before, it can deliver cold brew concentrate in as little as *two minutes.*

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This coffee brewer can create heavenly hot coffee in five minutes or crispy cold brew in just two. All components screw easily apart and back together while you brew your jazzy java, all you need is to add your favorite fine coffee grounds and hot or cold water to the appropriate sections. Since it's concentrated, make sure to dilute it — or maybe not if you need the extra jolt after staying up all night practicing your first day introduction. 

Promising review: "This is almost like a hand-operated espresso machine. I like to give it a couple of extra pumps to extract some cream too. It's super easy to use and has upped my coffee game. I used a French press for a long time, but I always hated how much sludge there was at the bottom of my coffee. With this, there are nearly no solids passing through. You can also make iced coffee by using cold water and just letting it sit longer. It tastes good that way, too. If you like making strong coffee, or Americanos, or cappuccinos, and don't want to pay lots of money for an espresso machine, this is the next best thing. Works better than those cheap espresso machines." —JM Gustafson

Get it from Amazon for $39.99.

2. A personalized stationery set so you ~finally~ write those graduation present thank you notes your mom has been nagging you about. Reviewers say the notecards are great quality and even pretty heavy to help set you apart as *super* sophisticated. And while calligraphy may be an art of the past, don't worry about your pen smudging or bleeding, thanks to how smooth the cardstock is. 

www.amazon.com, Amazon

Promising review: "The images and descriptions are 100% accurate about this custom stationery product. The card stock is just the right weight, and the envelope has a deep, elegant flap. Get a set for yourself and help bring back the stylish art of sending handwritten personal notes. Very happy with my decision to go with personalized stationery from Curio Press. Update: I discovered an incredibly small blemish on the first card I went to use. I sent a courtesy note to the shop with no expectation that they would address it, but I thought they would want to know. They immediately sent me an entirely new supply of personalized cards and envelopes. This is a company you can trust to stand behind their products and with their customers." —Eastport Rover

Get it from Amazon for $21.95 (available in two sizes and 20 ink and envelope colors).

Curio Press is also a woman-owned and operated small business that handcrafts all of its notecards right in their small Missouri studio. 

3. A weekly meal planning pad that'll help you make just *one* trip to the grocery store per week... without forgetting anything. This planner is great for organizing your nightly meals *and* what leftovers to bring into the office the next day in your budgeting era. Welcome to the adult world, where you now have to decide what you want to cook for dinner every single day — or just once a week with this planner. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This simple tool is just what I needed to get dinner organized for each week. Deciding what to cook one night at a time can be stressful to me, and the added time of running to the store for the day's missing ingredients can really add up. Sometimes we would just give up and go out for dinner. This product has saved me time and money." —minmom24

Get it from Amazon for $9.95 (available in five designs).

Bloom Daily Planners is a small business with a female-led team!

4. A laptop stand designed to elevate your computer to your eye line so you're perfectly prepared for that first video call with your new boss. It might even help you avoid your *new unlocked fear* of tech neck and bad posture from a desk job. Plus, raising your laptop helps keep it better ventilated, so it'll be less prone to overheating.....just like mine is right now (pain). 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "It's made of solid aluminum, feels incredibly sturdy, and has a really sleek, minimalist design that perfectly matches my laptop. What I love most is how it raises my screen to eye level. This has made a huge difference in reducing neck and shoulder strain, especially during long work sessions." —Jehnsy Areché

Get it from Amazon for $16.99 (available in two sizes and 10 colors).

5. A cordless vacuum cleaner with similar features to a Dyson (like different head attachments and multi-surface suction), so you can say bye-bye to a crumby floor without spending over $300. Remember when you used to huff and puff when your mom told you to vacuum? Well, now in your house with your rules, this super powerful and lightweight tool makes it your easiest chore to do.

Amazon

This vacuum is only 6 pounds, so it makes carrying between rooms and floors easy and is compatible with carpets, hardwood floors, tiles, and more. Since you're used to being the "tech expert" for your extended family growing up in the age of technology, you'll love the LED display that shows you the charge level, suction mode, and even maintenance reminders. It runs up to 50 minutes, so you can clean your entire space!

Promising review: "I wasn’t expecting much from a vacuum this small—about the size of a Swiffer — but I’ve been seriously impressed. It’s incredibly lightweight, so carrying it up and down stairs or maneuvering around furniture is effortless. Perfect for quick cleanups, especially on hardwood and tile. Despite the compact size, the suction power is surprisingly strong. It picks up dust, crumbs, and even pet hair without a problem. The slim design gets under furniture and into tight corners where my big vacuum can’t reach. Best part? It’s super affordable. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, no-frills vacuum for daily maintenance or small spaces, this one’s a no-brainer." —Jess and Trish

Get it from Amazon for $109.99.

6. A faux-leather laptop tote bag if you're ready to move on from the old, beat-up backpack you left everywhere in college. This sophisticated tote has three organized compartments to keep your new corporate laptop scratch-free and that planner (you swore you would use every day but is still empty) easy to grab. It's a great, affordable alternative to the popular $148 Béis work tote at a fraction of the price! 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This tote has a detachable shoulder strap and adjustable handle to customize the fit to your preferences.

Promising review: "I’m genuinely impressed with this bag. The design is beautiful and classy, and the print gives it a chic look that stands out without being loud. It’s the perfect balance between stylish and professional. What really surprised me was the comfort. The shoulder straps are lined on the inside, which makes a huge difference; they don’t dig in or slide around, even when the bag is full. And speaking of full, I regularly carry my laptop, charger, a 3-subject college-ruled notebook, a graphing calculator, pens, and a few other odds and ends, and it never feels too heavy on my shoulder. It’s a major upgrade from a traditional backpack, looks more polished, feels more manageable, and honestly makes me feel a bit more put together walking into class or work. One small detail to note: the insert for the excess handlebar strap is only on the front side, not the back. Not a dealbreaker at all, just something to keep in mind if that matters to you. The zipper is also very durable, and it has ample pockets and storage space inside, highly recommend!" —Hope

Get it from Amazon for $34.86 (available in 10 colors).

7. And a more everyday workout-to-work tote spacious enough for all the gadgets you haven't quite figured out if you need every day at the office or not. This tote even has an included yoga mat strap, perfect for your 5-to-9 before your 9-to-5! And it's lightweight and water-resistant in case that double espresso shot latte (to compensate for not sleeping) decides to leak. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "Amazing bag that fits everything! Computer, clipboard, and notebook, along with my lunch bag and all other little things. Two side pockets fit my water bottles (and I have big ones, ha), and the color is perfect. Easy to carry and super durable. I pack this thing full!" —April

Get it from Amazon for $33.99 (available in two sizes and 10 colors). 

8. A set of borderline unbreakable dinner plates made for the people with butterfingers who break a plate every time they unload the dishwasher and pray no one was close enough to hear the shatter (slowly turns head around). You have to crack a few eggs to make an omelet... let's just pretend that applies here too in this time of "lesson learning." These are even dishwasher safe and super lightweight to take at least one of your new stresses away!

Amazon

Promising review: "These are microwaveable and light to carry. It’s perfect for cereal and to reheat meals in it as well. Love the colors. Wish they were available in one color only, but I can’t complain. I primarily bought these for microwave purposes. But it can be used for salads, hot soup, etc. Also, it’s an in-between size, like a medium. Just right for me." —M. Zolnosky

Get it from Amazon for $9.95.

9. A pink (or turquoise) tool kit that'll absolutely come in handy when you realize you have to hang your own artwork and tighten that loose screw all by yourself now. It's also super compact and easy to store, so you don't need to worry about it taking up so much space after you figure out how to construct your new Ikea shelf all by yourself. 

www.amazon.com

This 142-piece tool kit has everything you might need in a pinch, including a hammer, level, auto lock tape measure, pliers, precision screwdriver, hex key wrench, scissors, utility knife, and hardware kit. 

Promising review: "I purchased this for my daughter as she didn’t have any tools for her new apartment. It is a very nice set that stores neatly in the case and is a space saver for those who like to keep things tidy. Includes all the basic tools needed for anyone who doesn’t have the time, money, or space for a bunch of individual tools. This would make a great gift!" —Jennifer

Get it from Amazon for $23.61 (available in two colors). 

10. A high-speed and compact portable charger, because you and your undergrad friends are dealing with separation anxiety, and the never-ending notifications are absolutely draining your phone battery. As my mom reminds me, it's kinda wild we can't go an hour without a status update. The best part: this can charge your iPhone to 78% in just *one hour!* And it's so thin and lightweight you won't even know it's in your bag with the million other "essentials" you carry around. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I absolutely love this thing! Not only is it super cute, but also super functional. It doesn’t take up much space at all and can easily fit in any of my small purses or bags, or even my back pocket. It comes with a short charger too, so I didn’t even have to buy an additional charger to keep with it. It will charge my phone easily 2–3 times before I need to recharge it. Like I said, this thing has saved me a million times over, and I let all my friends use it too!" —Plkackert

Get it from Amazon for $15.99 (available in four colors). 

11. A cookware set with the most important pots and pans you'll need to get started filling up your first apartment's empty kitchen. And because I'm sure your rental apartment's stove is *underwhelming,* to say the least, you will love how these pans distribute heat evenly because you're still not quite sure what medium heat actually is. Plus: these pans are nonstick coated, so you won't have to deal with stuck-on messes — yeugh!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This set will set your kitchen up right with two frypans, two saucepans, a griddle, and a Dutch oven for your stove, plus a solid spoon, a slotted spoon, and a slotted spatula.

Promising review: "I recently purchased this set for my first apartment, and I couldn't be happier. I knew going into these that they were not a top brand or anything that I expect to last 10 years, but after receiving them, I wouldn't be surprised if they do last that long. Overall, the set comes with almost everything you need to cook. Just add a few additional utensils and you're set. Durability: I've already run this set through the washing machine a few times, and they're still looking new. The non-stick coating isn't flaking at al,l and there is no warping. The included utensils are good quality plastic and NOT flimsy (which was a nice surprise). I actually bought a set of utensils expecting these to be junk, and now regret that purchase. So far, I haven't found any negatives to this set." —Nick

Get it from Amazon for $88.99 (available in three materials).

12. A Bellroy slim leather wallet that'll upgrade your dusty wallet from high school or replace your phone case wallet to really convince the world you're an adult now. Made from full-grain leather, this wallet is meant to be used and loved through many years and many lost credit cards. 

www.amazon.com

This wallet can fit 5–12 cards, flat bills, and coins, so you no longer go digging for the card you could have sworn you had in there. Some reviews call out the appearance of marks and scratches, so be careful with your keys and coins!

Promising review: "I absolutely love this wallet. I had a similar wallet to the Ridge in the past, and it was nice, but the lack of ability to hold cash safely and without notice bothered me. This wallet doesn't require you to have a certain number of cards in it to work, and it's fairly thin. It feels high quality and fits in my pockets, any of them. Its high quality is reflected in the price, which I believe is very reasonable for something this good. No smell that I could notice. Simple open and closing, nothing fancy. I hide my big bills in the secret cash compartment, which is really nice! 10/10, you have to get this!" —Eric K.

Get it from Amazon for $89 (available in nine colors).

13. A Béis roller bag for all the grown-up adventures you can now take with your new independence — and unlike the cheap suitcase you used in college, this one will actually stand strong through TSA's unintentional durability test. The best part of this bag (IMO) is the cushioned silicone trolley handle that you might even find yourself using as a stress ball. And it makes packing — even for the most Type B person — easy with built-in organization and compression technology. 

Béis

Promising review: "I borrowed this Béis carry-on for a six-night trip to Paris and didn’t expect to fall in love—but I did. It’s thoughtfully designed in every way: the interior compartments are smart and intuitive, the weight distribution makes it glide effortlessly, and even the handle is made from a unique, soft-touch material that feels far more premium than anything I’ve used before. Long story short: my little brother is getting a new suitcase, because I’m not giving this one back. We’ve bonded. Five stars." —Ari N.

Get it from Béis for $268 (available in 15 colors).

14. A fire blanket to provide your parents some peace of mind ~just in case~ your first time in the kitchen or living alone with candles doesn't go according to plan. It's also much easier to use than a fire extinguisher and doesn't expire; all you have to do is pull the blanket out of the package and cover the flame to smother the fire. 

Amazon

This probably would've been useful when my friends and I scrambled and didn't know you aren't supposed to use flour to put out a grease fire... but now you know too! And while we're at it, never use water on a grease fire either. 

Promising review: "Saved my house. Oil overheated and caught on fire. I had bought a two-pack and hung these blankets on the side of the cabinets. I grabbed them and smothered the fire. It was pretty intense, so it took two, and they were toast afterwards, but if they hadn't been there, I KNOW without a doubt, the whole kitchen would have caught on fire. Immediately bought a four-pack to replace. Thank you, Prepared Hero!" —Random Reader

Get it from Amazon for $25.99.

15. A machine-washable blazer, perfect for throwing together a business casual fit just minutes before that Zoom interview you forgot you had starts... there's no time to think about the sweatpants. You also don't even need to own an iron yet, since this blazer is made from wrinkle-resistant fabric — you're welcome. 

www.amazon.com

This blazer is returned frequently for incorrect sizing, so be sure to read the size chart carefully.

Promising review: "I don’t even like blazers, and this completely won my heart. At first, I saw the price and thought, “That’s expensive for Amazon,” but this blazer is completely worth it. The material is nice and feels nice on. It has pockets, which is always a plus. It fits me perfectly. The material thickness is something you can wear in the winter, but not so thick that you can’t wear it in the spring. The sturdiness of the blazer is great, and it makes any outfit come together. I’m going to buy another color!"  —Brittany McKiney

Get it from Amazon for $58.99 (available in women's sizes XS–XXL and 23 colors).

16. Or Eloquii's ultimate stretchy blazer for your first day of work when you want to look professional and polished but also want to prioritize stretch and comfort. Over a hundred reviewers praise how comfortable it is, so the T-shirt-to-blazer pipeline won't be too shocking. It's super versatile to wear in the office or when you want to serve a baddie blazer look for Instagram.

Eloquii

Promising review: "I bought these not knowing what to expect. And boy was I pleased!!!! I love these jackets. For someone who always has the worst luck finding jackets that fit me well, I felt like I won the lottery. I bought both iterations of blue, and I wear them all the time. The sleeves are tight and perfect, not the baggy kind you get with all suits. I'd sincerely recommend. Thank you, Eloquii! Wish you had more colors!" —Pilar

Get it from Eloquii for $74.99 (originally $99.95; available in women's sizes 14–32 and six color options).

17. An Instant Pot because you're probably going to be too intimidated by Sunday meal prepping and too exhausted to cook over the stove every night when you're starting your job. All you do is throw everything in and wait — cooking (and adulting) has literally never been easier!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

This one appliance can do so much in the kitchen, like pressure cook, slow cook, make rice, steam, and sauté, so you can slowly get acquainted with this new responsibility of cooking. 

Promising review: "We got this pressure cooker a little over a year ago and have used it at least once a week since. It's great as a crockpot, pressure cooker, steamer, rice cooker, and anything else you could think of. I think it's right up there by the KitchenAid mixer as far as a Swiss Army Knife of the kitchen. Highly recommend!" —johnnyjungle

Get it from Amazon for $79.95+ (available in three sizes).

18. An electric wine bottle opener to convince your first real date that you totally know how to open a wine bottle. Don't worry about ruining that $3.99 bottle of wine you can barely afford; all you have to do is place the opener on the cork, press the down button, and watch it do its thing on the prized bottle. And voilà, your wine — it's just like magic!

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I've had this wine bottle opener for three years and it still works great. Opens wine bottles so quickly and easily. What a great buy! I always hated opening wine bottles the old-fashioned way with a corkscrew and was afraid of hurting myself with it. Well, this little thing has solved the problem. And it looks cool and stylish in the kitchen. Someone said theirs didn't have enough power. I'm surprised to hear that because mine has so much power and opens every single bottle beautifully. Again, have been using it for 3 years regularly and no problems so far. Plus, the price is amazing too, only around $20 or so. I even gave this wine opener to three different people, and they all loved it." —alex

Get it from Amazon for $19.99

19. Roku Express, the easiest way to stream all the shows you used to watch with your college roomies, and still can't watch in silence because the group chat is blowing up while streaming: "Can you all believe this???!!!" No complicated install required: just plug it in, connect to Wi-Fi, and start streaming. It's also almost half the price of the $49.99 Amazon Fire TV Stick because we all know you gotta save dollars wherever you can. 

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "I love my Roku. Set up is super easy. I love that I can plug it into the back of the TV for power instead of the wall for fewer cables coming down from the TV. Now only the TV's power cord is visible. Cost is great, and you get lots of free options for TV viewing. Will definitely buy another one for my other TV." — Ms. Tara

Get it from Amazon for $23.99.

20. A Hatch sunrise alarm clock because sleeping until noon is no longer ~socially~ acceptable. This alarm clock will help you slowly adjust to your earlier alarms by gradually brightening your room, mimicking a sunrise. And who knows, you might even become a morning person... apparently they do exist. There's also a possibility your zen nighttime routine with this clock will make you want to go to sleep earlier — wow, we really are getting old. 

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

Promising review: "This has completely transformed my mornings and nights. The sunrise light alarm wakes me up gently, and I actually feel refreshed — no more jolting phone alarms! The guided meditations and sleep sounds are perfect for winding down, and I fall asleep faster than ever. The app is super easy to use and lets you fully customize your routine — from light settings to soundscapes. The device itself is sleek, quiet, and doubles as ambient lighting during the day. It’s not just an alarm clock; it’s a full sleep wellness system. If you value better rest and more mindful mornings, this is 100% worth it. Highly recommend — 5 stars!" —Noel

Get it from Amazon for $169.99 (available in seven colors).

21. A set of Beckham Hotel pillows for your new room because it's finally time to retire the non-supportive pillows you've lugged throughout all your college dorms and apartments. I absolutely love these pillows because they keep me cool (I used to wake up in pools of sweat) and can support me in all of my back, side, *and* stomach sleeping while I toss and turn in angst about growing up.

www.amazon.com, www.amazon.com

These pillows take a few days to fluff up after being removed from their vacuum sealed packaging, so be sure to wait a few days before forming your final opinion!

Promising review: "I have been buying these for years. They're the most comfortable and high quality pillow available. It's like sleeping on a cloud. We have a household of side-sleeper (me) and back-sleepers (husband and the kids), these pillows are soft but supportive for all of our needs. You'll only need one pillow, not two, and they contour to your head shape and weight. My kids are late teens so I'm not sure how these would work with smaller children. I suspect they may be too full for tiny heads." —SarahC

Get a set of two from Amazon for $59.99 (available in three sizes). 

22. Sam Edelman loafers perfect for your identity crisis while transitioning into a corporate baddie from a student who threw on flip flops five minutes before class started. Almost 400 Amazon reviewers praise how comfortable these loafers are, even when standing for hours, because of the cushy sole and the soft leather sides. 

Nordstrom

Promising review: "No break-in needed for these loafers! I’ve never been able to buy loafers because they’re either too painful, too tight, too narrow. These are perfect! I can’t believe they’re so comfortable from day one. I’ve worn them on long work days while traveling without any pain. They’re my new favorite shoes!" —LC06

Get them from Amazon for $82.53+ (available in women's sizes 4–14 and 36 colors) or from Nordstrom for $59.93+ (available in women's sizes 4–14 and 17 colors).

23. A textured drinking glass set, perfect for filling those empty shelves of your very first apartment and convincing your guests you've got the hang of this thing. They are super cute and sturdy, and (if you're lucky enough to have a dishwasher) they're dishwasher safe!

www.amazon.com

Promising review: "These are really nice sturdy, yet fancy glasses. I thought I would use them for dinner parties, and I do, but I also use them for everyday. They are heavy and feel "rich." The color is a gorgeous blue...sort of a teal blue. The little bubble texture makes them easy to grasp." —Liz G

Get it from Amazon for $25.99 (available in six designs). 

When someone is shocked that you've gotten the hang of this whole "adulting" thing already...

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Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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