I have mixed feelings about being a grown-up. The independence and freedom are great, but the responsibility can be crushing.
I find it helps lighten the load if I have things around that make daily life more efficient, like this planner that keeps me organized, and this rice cooker that makes dinner a breeze.
And grown life wouldn’t even be possible for me if I didn’t have products that support my body and nurture my spirit. A top-notch set of bed sheets and pillows help me wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day. And these awesome sneakers give me the stamina to make it through my to-do list.
Of course, it’s also important to reward yourself for hard work. My reward? Endless movies and TV with this Fire TV stick.
Here’s my full list of 37 Amazon products that make my grown life easier. I hope they do the same for you!
Get your best night’s sleep on this set of wrinkle-free bamboo sheets
These sheets hit the mark on comfort, beauty and price. They’re as soft as — or softer than — even the best cotton sheets. They’re antibacterial, hypoallergenic, and moisture wicking. They’re breathable, keeping you cool and comfortable all night long. Plus, the bamboo and microfiber blend makes them wrinkle-free and fade resistant. But there’s more: They have extra-deep pockets, so they fit even the tallest mattresses. And you get four pillowcases with the set, not two. All for less than $35 for a Queen set. Choose from dozens of colors and all standard bedding sizes.
This is my favorite shoe for comfort and support as I go about my grown-up life
Look, being a grown-up requires strength. And you’re not gonna have that strength if you abuse your body with uncomfortable shoes. Everyone needs a good pair of walking/workout shoes. My go-to brand is Asics because they fit me best and provide great support. It’s a happy bonus that they’re also some of the more affordable in their category. This Gel-Venture 7 running shoe is awesome. It’s got remarkable tread and cushion, and it comes in lots of cool colors and styles. Plus, the insole is removable if you want to replace it with a custom orthotic.
Learn to cook like a grown-up with this super simple recipe book
It’s tough being a grown-up when you don’t know how to cook. Eating out all the time is expensive and unhealthy. And instant noodles every night is not an adult option, unless your goal is malnutrition. A better option is to buy yourself a cookbook like this one, which gives you simple recipes that are fast and easy to prepare. Then you’ll be fueled-up and ready to conquer all those other adult tasks you’ve been dreading.
Whether listening to music or talking on the phone, these wireless earbuds have you covered
I find it near impossible to use my cell phone as an actual phone without a set of earbuds. When I hold it up to my face to talk to someone, I find the flat surface awkward — and I often bump into it with my cheek and accidentally hang up. Headphones are essential, and nowadays wireless is the way to go. These awesome bluetooth earbuds come in several colors and have more than four hours of playtime on a single charge. They have hi-fi stereo sound quality with deep bass, so tunes will always sound their best. And the earbuds and their case are even waterproof, making them perfect for those sweaty trips to the gym.
This best-selling streaming media player is affordable and easy to use
As adults, we work hard, and we deserve a reward. At the end of the day, there’s nothing like sitting on the couch with a snack and watching a couple episodes of your favorite show. And with this streaming media stick, you don’t even have to lift a finger to do it. Alexa voice remote lets you mumble out your commands and — voila — Seinfeld is staring back at you from the screen. There are tens of thousands of channels available, including faves like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube. And the Fire TV stick is only $39.99!
This eight-sheet shredder will guard you against identity theft
The amount of personal information that’s printed on your mail and other paperwork is mind-blowing. If it gets into the wrong hands, you could be looking at weeks to months of hassle straightening out the effects of credit card fraud or identity theft. That’s why it’s important to obliterate any personal information on paperwork before you throw it away. Tearing the papers into tiny bits is one option, but it’s a whole lot easier (and more effective) to get yourself a shredder like this one. More than 60,000 Amazon buyers rate it 4.4 stars.
After a shower, wrap your head in this microfiber hair towel for fast, frizz-free drying
Add luxury and efficiency to your shower routine with one of these amazing hair towels. These microfiber towels are lightweight and compact, but super absorbent. Made of a fine waffle weave with a smooth border, they’re soft and gentle on your hair. They dry it quickly and leaving it frizz-free. The built-in loop makes it easy to secure the towel on your head and store it on a hook in the bathroom. Just pop the towel in the washing machine when it’s ready to refresh.
Give your bathroom a luxurious makeover with these memory foam bath rugs
Step out of the shower and onto a cloud with these memory foam bath mats. These babies are Amazon buyer faves, rating a 4.6 on more than 17,000 ratings. They’re ultra absorbent, super squishy and have PVC dots on the back to keep them in place. Pop them in the washer and dryer to keep them clean. They’re designed to stay vibrant and strong through countless washes. Choose from eight different sizes and 20 colors.
This French press will give you a morning treat to start your day off right
This is one of Amazon’s top-rated French presses, earning 4.7 stars — and it’s only $18.99! It comes in a lovely copper-colored stainless steel, and has a four-level filtration system that minimizes the possibility of coffee grounds sneaking through. And because this press is made of borosilicate glass, there’s less chance of getting that irritating scratchy noise when you push down the plunger, like you do on metal presses. Along with the 34-ounce French press, you get accessories: a wooden spoon, a measuring spoon, a milk frother, a sponge cleaning brush and four filter screens.
These sterling silver hoops will be your everyday go-to earring
When I’m super busy (darn you, grown-up life!) I find it easiest to rely on certain staple items in my wardrobe. One of those is a pretty pair of sterling silver hoops. They’re a classic style that goes with everything. These lovely hoops have a twist design that gives them extra shine. They’ve got a simple click-top closure, which makes them easy to take on and off. And they come in eight different sizes so you can get just the right one for your personal style. I like mine on the medium to medium-large size, so I’d go for the 35 or 40mm pairs.
These extra-slim velvet hangers save space, grip clothes and add a pop of color to your closet
You’re a grown-up and you deserve grown-up hangers. No more of those flimsy wire ones, or the plastic doohickeys that clothes slide right off. These hangers have a velvet coating that grips clothes and keeps them in place. They’ve also got soft-cut notches up top, so you can use them to hold strappy dresses and tank tops. And the metal hanger head swivels 360 degrees so you can easily rotate your clothes into the position you want. Designed to be thin and space-saving, you can get this 50-pack of hangers in turquoise, pink, purple, burgundy, gray or blush.
Nourish, brighten and renew your skin with this trio of anti-aging serums
You know what makes grown life easier? Not looking in the mirror and seeing someone who appears 10 years older than you are. To that end, quality skincare is a worthwhile investment. This trio of anti-aging serums is an amazing deal at $30, and it includes some of the biggies in skin nourishment. You get hyaluronic acid serum for intense hydration, vitamin C & E serum for brightness, and 2% retinol serum to reduce fine lines and dark spots. Just apply these serums after washing your face and before applying moisturizer.
Grown-up life is easier in a cute, comfortable pair of yoga pants
Whether you’re exercising, running errands or hanging out at home, there’s almost nothing more comfortable than a good pair of yoga pants. These ones have a flattering bootleg cut and tummy control for a sleek silhouette. They’re moisture-wicking, breathable, soft and stretchy. Get them in black, blue, purple, red and lots of other colors, in sizes small through double-XL.
This DVD set of 10-minute workouts gives you lots of ways to stay in shape on a tight schedule
We’re busy people, and sometimes we only have tiny windows of time free to exercise. This set of five DVDs gives you 25 mix-and-match 10-minute workouts that you can do individually or in batches. We all know the health benefits of working out, and those only get greater with age. Squeezing in some exercise anywhere we can will only help increase our stamina as we take on grown-up life.
Download books and read on-the-go with a Kindle e-reader
I read ebooks on my iPad using the Kindle app, but I’ve gotta admit: I want a real Kindle. They’re specially designed to give you a book-like reading experience that feels to your eyes like you’re staring at paper, not a screen. That means less eye strain. But you still get the benefits of using an electronic device, like being able to touch the screen to highlight passages, look up definitions or translate words. (I read the entire Harry Potter series in French on the Kindle app and was thrilled to be able to tap words I didn’t know and have them instantly translated.)
This Kindle comes in white or black, can hold thousands of books, and has a battery charge that lasts weeks. There are lots of add-on options, too, like Kindle unlimited (a small monthly fee for unlimited book rentals), an Audible subscription and cute cases.
Amazon buyers love these blackout curtains, which give you a peaceful night’s sleep
There’s no way to face grown-up life without a good night’s sleep. These blackout curtains will prevent you from being disturbed by streetlights, early morning sunlight or any other annoyances. The triple-weave fabric impedes 85%-99% of light and UV rays — and can also help stifle some outside noise. By blocking light, the curtains can help regulate the temperature in your home on hot days, too. To clean, just pop these babies in the washer and dryer.
This 24-piece silicone cooking utensil set is functional and decorative at the same time
No grown person’s kitchen is complete without a good set of cooking utensils, and this set has you covered with 24 pieces in a cool minty-green color. Coated in food-grade silicone, these utensils are non-stick and heat resistant. You get a spatula, slotted spoon, ladle, whisk, tongs, measuring spoons and so much more — plus, a cute countertop container to store them in.
Get your hair curly-cute in minutes with this set of jumbo hot rollers
You’re busy, but you don’t want to sacrifice style. This set of jumbo and super-jumbo rollers heats up fast (in 85 seconds!) and gives you that salon-fresh look. Ceramic-infused technology sets the curls, while the soft flocking on the rollers protects your hair from heat damage. This set includes super clips to hold those rollers in place.
From now on, I want all my drinks served in these diamond whiskey glasses
These glasses look like an amazing ice sculpture. The ridges of the diamond pattern are mesmerizing, turning an ordinary glass of whiskey into an extraordinary experience. This set comes with four 10-ounce lead-free crystal glasses and four cork coasters that read “keep calm and drink whiskey” — all in a handsome gift box. I seriously want to get myself a set and use them as my everyday juice glasses. Why reserve such flair for special occasions?
This oversized down-alternative comforter is cozy perfection
Sure, down comforters are soft and warm, but they’re also expensive, difficult to clean and can cause allergic reactions. This down-alternative comforter is hypoallergenic and machine washable — and it’s soft and warm to boot. Pretty enough to be used on its own, you can also secure it inside a duvet cover with the eight built-in corner and side loops that keep it in place. You can choose from several colors and patterns, and the king and queen sizes offer “oversized” options for an extra cozy experience.
As a hard-working grown-up, you deserve a soothing soak with these luxurious bath bombs
How pretty are these bath bombs? I’d be kind of sad to see them go, but not sad enough to avoid using them, because all signs point to them being amazing. Amazon buyers rate them 4.9 stars on almost 17,000 reviews! These are handcrafted in California using natural ingredients and colors that won’t stain your bathtub. Among the beautiful natural scents are kiwi & strawberry, lavender, mango papaya, Victorian rose, and shea & coconut. These are going on my wish list right now.
Pamper yourself with these faux-fur memory foam house slippers
These fluffy clog-style slippers from the Jessica Simpson line have a memory foam cushion insole and waterproof anti-slip soles. Number one Amazon bestsellers in women’s slippers, these cuties are perfect for tooling about the house, day and night. Choose from nine cute colors and sizes small through extra-large.
Keep your jewelry shiny and organized in this buyer-fave jewelry box
You know there’s something great about a product when it gets a 4.8 star rating on nearly 1,300 reviews. This two-tier jewelry box with magnetic closure has a lovely faux leather cover and 28 soft velvety compartments inside. Storing precious metals in a sealed case will stave off tarnishing. And the fact that this box is so pretty means you’ll want to display it in a prominent place — where it’ll actually remind you to wear your jewelry more often. Reviewers describe it as elegant, durable and roomy.
Block out the world and get some quality shut-eye with this 100% mulberry silk sleep mask
This isn’t just any sleep mask. It’s a mulberry silk sleep mask, meaning it’s oh-so-soft and gentle on the skin. It’ll help prevent wrinkles and eye puffiness, while blocking out the light. Specially designed to contour to your face, including a new “nose guard” feature, to be totally comfortable and block out all possible light. Choose from lots of different colors and patterns.
This rainfall shower head will wash away your grown-up worries
Nothing can set the tone of your day like the quality of your morning shower. This adjustable rainfall shower head gives you a luxurious experience that eases you into the day. Or, if you’re a night showerer like me, it’ll calm your nerves and lull you into bedtime mode. This modern chrome model boasts a high-pressure spray and simple, tool-free installation.
Silence your inner critic and reach your creative goals with this powerful little book
I don’t care what field you’re in, every human being desires creative fulfillment in their life. Studies show that a feeling of purpose and meaning is one of the surest keys to happiness. This book is a practical guide for all of us — business people, artists, scientists, and more. It’s about breaking through the barriers that keep us from reaching our goals. Start a business, write a novel, invent a product … whatever your dream, this book will give you a battle plan.
This soft cotton robe is lightweight and comfortable for everyday use
This robe is perfect for lounging around the house on weekends or unwinding after a long day at work. It’s made of 95% cotton and 5% spandex, which means it’s lightweight and breathable, but also has a little bit of stretch to make it extra comfy. It’s got 3/4-length sleeves, a waist tie and pockets. And it comes in all kinds of colors and patterns, like a beautiful deep purple, a cute red polka-dot and a darling strawberry print.
Get the perfect pot of rice every time with this eight-cup digital rice cooker
Often, grown-up life is go-go-go, so products that save time or make chores easier are a godsend. This rice cooker does both of those things, and Amazon buyers love it. It’s got a 4.3 rating on nearly 20,000 reviews. (I’m one of those reviewers. I bought this model a few years ago and love it.) Just measure out the rice and water, pour it into the machine, and you’re off and doing other stuff while the rice prepares itself. You can also use it to steam vegetables in the steam tray right above the rice, giving you a whole meal at the touch of a button.
This Amazon buyer-fave planner rates 4.8 stars and has a soft faux-leather cover
A planner sometimes helps me feel a bit more in control of my daily life by keeping me on task and helping me think about the future. This planner has a lovely soft faux-leather cover and premium thick pages. It runs from mid-2020 to mid-2021, breaking down the time by weeks and months to give you a big-picture view. And it comes with a batch of stickers to add some fun to your planning.
This U-shaped crystal wine aerator is a functional work of art
Step-up the style at your next dinner party with this amazing wine aerator that looks like it belongs in a museum. You pour the wine into it via the thicker leg of the U shape and you serve it to your guests by pouring it out from the thinner leg. (Which has a beautiful curve like a swan’s neck.) This lovely decanter is made of hand-blown lead-free crystal. It’s designed to hold 1500ml, which is the amount of liquid in a typical bottle of wine.
This pair of plush gel pillows will have you sleeping like a baby
Have I mentioned how important a good night’s sleep is to adult life? I have? Well, I’m saying it again. It’s THAT important. And you can’t get a good night’s sleep without a good pillow. These plush gel pillows are Amazon buyer faves, rating 4.4 stars by more than 32,000 reviewers. They have 100% cotton covers and are hypoallergenic and machine washable. The gel fiber fill is designed to retain its shape rather than shifting or bunching.
These erasable marker pens are great for journaling and note-taking
This 12-pack of colorful markers with fine tips has an unbelievable feature: erasability. They draw crisp lines in bright, beautiful colors, and they erase cleanly. Use them to color-code appointments in your calendar, take meeting notes or write in your journal. Whatever your need, these erasable Fineliners have you covered.
This smart home camera with night vision gives you peace of mind
This tiny, powerful video camera gives you peace of mind by keeping an eye on your home, day and night. You can control it using Alexa or Google Home, or via the Wyze app. Live stream in HD from the office to see if the kids have gotten home. Or log in from the road to see what the new puppy is up to. It even catches what’s happening in the dark, using four infrared LEDs to see up to 30 feet in pitch black. Whether you’re concerned about intruders or just want to keep an eye on the house while you’re away, this smart camera does the trick.
Ease the aches and pains of adult life with this heated neck massager
Whether at home, at the office or out of town, this portable neck massager will ease tension and soothe aches. Just drape it around your neck and place your wrists inside the hanging straps. This will settle the massager against your neck as you relax and enjoy the massage. It has eight deep-kneading Shiatsu massage nodes. Choose from three different speeds and an optional heat setting. The massager automatically shuts off after 20 minutes.
This LED strip lights kit makes grown life easier and more colorful
Light up your house in a multitude of colors with a push of the remote control. Now that’s the way to do adulthood! I love that soothing colorful glow you can get from an LED light strip. This kit comes with 16.4 feet of flexible, color-changing strips with 150 LEDs. You can cut them into desired lengths for different locations. Then, they’re secured in place with strong 3M adhesive. The included remote control can dim the lights, and it has 44 different colors and modes.
This six-piece titanium-plated knife set looks sophisticated and cuts like a charm
Talk about making grown life easier! You’ll be able to slice and dice all the ingredients for your home-cooked meals with this six-piece knife set. And the knives will look great in your kitchen, too. They’ve got sleek ergonomic handles and stainless steel blades with a black matte titanium coating that doesn’t chip or scratch off. They’re rust resistant and dishwasher safe. And each knife comes with its own protective sheath.
This brightly colored electric kettle heats up fast and shuts off automatically
This is the cutest electric kettle I’ve ever seen! It comes in bright shades of red, green, orange, purple, pink and maroon, as well as in basic black and white. Even better: the functionality is on par with the look. You can boil a full 1.5-liter pot of water in seven minutes or less. It’s got a halo of blue LED lights that signify when the pot’s in use. It’s made to last, using heat-tempered, stain-resistant borosilicate glass and stainless steel. And it has an auto shut-off feature to prevent fires.