Contrary to what most of us believed as kids, adulthood has proven to be more than just eating candy whenever you want or dancing to Destiny Childs and Britney Spears hits till the wee hours of the morning (kinda miss the zero-anxiety-ridden 8 pm bedtimes and an actual adult cutting off my skittles obsession).
Being an adult (*cough*cough*) millennial means being responsible and making good choices for yourself, your health, and your happiness. And while it might look different for all of us, there are some household essentials that every Black Girl/Woman should own by 30 (at least).
So, whether you’re living in a house with a backyard (you need to teach us your ways, sis) or a studio apartment, here are some household items every Black Queen needs to feel like a real adult and make their space feel more homey.
Panic-Preventing Anti-Vibration Pads – OBRON Anti-Vibration & Anti-Slip Pads For Washing Machine, $19
If you want to stop your floors from feeling like an apocalyptic event has occurred every time you run the washer, you should invest in these handy-dandy anti-vibration pads.
They’re designed with high-quality suction rubber that offers a secure grip and also acts as an anti-skid protection, meaning your household dryer won’t budge when you slam the door with Godzilla annoyance.
Breast-Loving Adjustable Clip Holders – W-Plus Bra Strap Clips, Bra Extender 3 Hooks, Bra Clips & Bra Straps Holder, $5
If you want to wear stuff with fabulous necklines but don’t want slipping and exposed straps to ef up your look, you kinda have to invest in some adjustable bra clip holders.
These from Amazon can turn your favorite black or brown bra into one that won’t be visible under your high-neck dresses and racerback tops. Plus, they keep your straps from falling and give your girls extra lift.
Speaking Off Bras, Wash Bags Are Convenient – Kimmama Pack Of 3 Delicate Lingerie Washing Bag, $11
These household laundry wash bags are perfect for anyone who knows they need to hand-wash their push-up bras but have zero time to do so (or can’t because of nails, duh!).
This high-permeability mesh will save your delicates and very expensive brassiere the heartache of wrecked underwire or frayed lace.
An All-Time Favorite Moisturizer – Ami Colé Skin-Enhancing Tinted Moisturizer, $32
Ami Colé’s tinted moisturizer wasn’t designed to cover anything; it was made to amp up your natural complexion (aka enhance melanin skin).
Its satiny, lightweight texture blends seamlessly into the skin for a hydrating yet rich, soft, glowy finish that lasts 24 hours and gets better with time.
No wonder the household brand has a cult-like following from Justin Skye to Sir John (Beyonce’s longtime makeup artist).
As Seen On TikTok Storage Bags –Keep it Fresh 30 Reusable BPA Free Freshness Green Bags & Twist Ties, $11
These household must-haves are perfect for the babe who purchases produce in bulk.
The zero-waste lifestyle reusable bbs absorb the harmful gas emitted by fruits and veggies, slowing down the ripening produces, so your groceries and flowers stay fresh up to 10 times longer.
An ‘Age Like Fine Wine’ Attachable Aerator – VINABON Professional Quality Wine Aerator, $15
To make your drugstore wine taste like it was sourced from Groot Constantia and Napa, you need to have this aerator on your household must-haves list.
The ingenious 2-in-1 aerator fits all wine bottles to enrich the flavor and make the wine smoother and deliciously luxurious.
Some Quick-Fix Hem Tape – Fearless Double-Sided Tape, $13
Now, girl, if you’re over 20, you know you need to have this household item locked and loaded.
Hem tape provides a quick and easy fix for all your ‘should’ve shipped to your tailor’ needs. These 50 strips allow you to fix your dresses, pants, and skirts with zero finger-pricking.
A Calm-Inducing Bath Pillow – LuxStep Bathtub Pillow With 6 Non-Slip Suction Cups, $26
Every luxe Black Girl out there needs a comfy bath pillow that allows them to rest their head (and problems) as they take a relaxing soak.
This Amazon household pick features a soft, breathable mesh fabric and six powerfully stitched-in suction cups that you can use to affix your bath pillow to the surface of the bathtub for a secure and cozy bathing experience.
A Classy One-Size-Fits-All Passport Case – Melsbrinna Premium Leather RFID Blocking Travel Wallet, $12
Babes who love to travel (and have an IG account that’s the envy of their peers) should have a passport wallet complete with a boarding pass, credit card, and pen slots.
Stop aimlessly throwing your travel documents into your already filled-up purse, sis. It almost doesn’t always end well.
A Purse-Sized Skin-Friendly SPF That Won’t Get In Your Way – Bolden Brightening Moisturizer SPF 30, $28
If you’re still galivanting about without applying sunscreen, girl, bye! SPF is non-negotiable, and it doesn’t matter if you use it daily underneath makeup or on your way to the beach; reviewers agree that this Black-owned sunscreen is perfect for melanated skin.
It’s loaded with vitamin C and a slew of healthy ingredients that brighten the appearance of dark spots and marks while protecting your skin from broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays – all in a lightweight, easily absorbed formula.
Related: How To Create Your Ideal Skincare Routine As A Black Girl In 2024
Quiet-Girl Luxurious Velvet Hangers – Amazon Basics Household Slim Velvet, Non-Slip Clothes Hangers, $27
Listen: Velvet hangers are the household lifesavers you never knew you needed! They save a ridiculous amount of space in your closet and hold your delicate clothes better, so half of your wardrobe doesn’t end up on the floor when you try to take that pair of jeans out.
At Least One Piece Of Art You Love To Look At –Threshold™ X Studio McGee Summer Pasture Framed Brass Wall Art, $28
The wall décor in your home shouldn’t just be stylish or TikTok-influenced. You need to have household pieces that elicit joy and happiness whenever you look at them.
This stunning print from Target not only adds personality to any home but also reminds us of the easy, happier times. *Calls a sibling to reminisce about the early aughts*.
A Reliable Pest-Eliminating Kit – Ultrasonic Pest Repeller 6 Packs, Indoor Pest Control, $36
It never fails.
You’re living large, blissfully, and happy in your comfort haven. Suddenly, and at the most inconvenient time, you hear a loud, continuous, and irritating chirp that just doesn’t stop. You try finding the culprit (a cricket) but can’t locate it. What to do?
Look for crevices, holes, and other spots where pests could get in and get it fixed. Or stock up on these household pesticides because they can be the difference between having a peaceful night and a war-stricken one.
Bedding That’s Not Leftover From College – MR & HM Satin Bed Sheet Set With 15-Inches Deep Pockets, $31
Your sheets don’t have to be the most expensive household item you own, but you shouldn’t still have those patterned hand-me-down sheets you’ve had since senior year.
Invest in a pair of silky sheets that keep your skin soft and hair hydrated, and you, always ready to hop into bed.
AND, A Handy Pack Of Bedsheet Suspenders – RayTour Bedsheet Suspender Straps, $10
If you have fancy sheets that keep slipping off your mattress, Amazon has the solution you’ve been looking for.
These pack of bedsheet suspenders clasp onto the corners of your sheets to secure them, so you never have to worry about them coming off your bed on their own (and without causing damage to your $$$ fabric).
An ‘I’m Not Anyone’s Damsel In Distress’ Tool Kit – CARTMAN 146-Piece Automotive & Household Tool Set, $35
You’re a strong, independent boss babe, which means, yes, you don’t ‘need a man’ to hang your picturesque wall art, repair a leaky faucet, put on a bulb, or replace the burst tire.
Get yourself a tool kit that contains all the essentials (a car jack, a flathead screwdriver, a hammer, pliers, a Phillips head screwdriver, nails, etc.) for on-hand home improvement projects.
With one (and a quick YouTube tutorial), there’s nothing much you can’t fix alone.
A Good Pair Of Black Heels – DREAM PAIRS Women’s Chunk Low-Heel Pump Sandal, $36
Any Black Girl’s wardrobe isn’t complete without comfortable black pumps. They might be the most versatile piece in your closet next to the LBD and straight jeans.
The heels can be dressed up or down, kept for decades, and won’t go out of style.
A Smart Bulb That Changes Based On Your Mood – Philips Hue Smart 50W GU10 LED Bulb, $40
It might look unassuming at first glance, but this Philips Hue isn’t your regular lightbulb. It’s a smart color-changing bulb that can dim, brighten, and customize your atmosphere to your ideal shade.
Set a 24-hour natural light scene with sunrise-mimicking illumination, or choose the light that helps you focus, unwind, and more.
A Set Of Self-Adhesive Patches – Self-Adhesive Inside Shoe Patch Kit, $6
If you want to remain blister-free, please invest in this household item.
Apply thin patches onto whatever part of your heel, sneaker, or boot irritates your hooves, then rest assured that they’ll stay in place for over 1000 miles – no more chafing.
A Hot Girl In The Kitchen Knife Sharpener – 4-in-1 Kitchen Knife Accessories; 3-Stage Knife Sharpener w/ Cut-Resistant Glove, $10
Sis, this is a household must-have. So, add to cart because that knife of yours can barely slice through buns, let alone steak.
This Amazon household best-seller features three sharpening options – the 1st diamond sharpening slot repairs and straightens damaged blades, the 2nd slot sharpens to restore its V-shape, and the 3rd fine tines for a clean, exquisite polish.
A Passed On From Generation-To-Generation Recipe Book – The Quick Fix Kitchen: Easy Recipes and Time-Saving Tips for a Healthier, Stress-Free Life By Tia Mowry
Sure, you can find a quick recipe on Pinterest or TikTok, but there’s something indulgent about perusing through physical pages and bookmarking recipes you’re excited to try.
TikTok recipes are good in a pinch or when you want to do a trendy cooking video, but finding a physical cookbook with recipes is so soul-enriching. This one by Tia Mowry will have you achieving your hot-girl-summer body goals in no time and will live in your family for decades.
