13 Apps All Recent Grads Should Have on Their Phone

May 14, 2015

For most grads, transitioning to life after college feels like a huge leap into the unknown. Not only are you leaving behind familiar things such as friends, professors and homework assignments, but you’re also beginning a new chapter. Although life after college will be a grand adventure, it will also be a little scary and overwhelming. Making new friends, landing a job in your industry, finding an apartment in a new city and learning how to cook healthy meals are just a few of the things you’ll have to conquer in the real world. To help you transition smoothly into the post-grad life, here are 13 must-have apps that will make adulting a whole lot easier.

1. Coffee: The hardest part of graduating from college is leaving behind familiar territory. Coffee connects you with other young professionals and hiring managers in your area, making it easier to network your way to a new job. You’ll have the opportunity to be matched with colleagues and mentors of similar interests, and discover job opportunities that fit your experience. Simply swipe through connections and jobs. Once a match is made, you’ll be prompted to set up a meeting over coffee in your city.

DL It: Free on iOS

2. Treatings: When it comes to growing your career after college, it’s all about the people you meet. In fact, it’s a good idea to connect with people who can become a mentor in your career. Treatings is another networking app that helps you meet inspiring professionals in your area and build relationships with like-minded people.

DL It:Free on iOS

3. Good.Co: If you’re feeling unsure about the path you’re supposed to follow after college, Good.Co can guide you through important career moves. Take fun personality quizzes to help you uncover your hidden interests, personality traits and skills. Good.Co makes it easy for you to discover what you’d like out of a career and the best work environment for your personality.

DL It: Free on iOS and Android

4. HVRGLX: While in most cases it’s okay to take a break at work to check your phone, it’s easy to fall into the trap of scrolling through Instagram for 15 minutes. Improve your self control and boost productivity by downloading HVRGLX. This nifty app is like an hourglass for your phone and eliminates distractions. All you have to do is set a timer for how long you’d like to focus. When the time is up, you’ll hear a sound or vibration from your phone.

DL It: Free on iOS

5. Localeur: Moving to a new city after college can feel like relocating to a foreign country. As you settle into your new place, you’ll want to explore the city around you. Use Localeur as your guide to discover where the locals hang out, spend their weekends and go out for happy hour. After using this app, you won’t have to worry about picking a great restaurant or finding a cozy coffee shop.

DL It: Free for a limited time on iOS

6. Evernote’s Scannable: A lot of responsibilities will come your way after college. Not only will you have to worry about paying bills, but you’ll also have to keep track of important documents such as your car insurance policy, receipts and bank statements. Instead of worrying about finding a filing cabinet big enough for all your documents, use Evernote’s Scannable app to create digital copies of your important information and keep them secure in a single location.

DL It:Free on iOS

7. RadPad: If you’ve secured a new job in a new city, it’s likely you won’t be moving back home with your parents. Typically the first thing you’ll do after landing a job is begin your apartment search. RadPad makes it easy for you to find apartments in your desired city and includes verified listings, lots of photos and the ability to chat with landlords.

DL It: Free on iOS and Android

8. Prism Bills: Rent, groceries, student loans and utilities are just a few of the many bills you’ll have to pay on your own after college. Prism makes it easy for you to keep track of your bills all in one place and make payments directly through the app.

DL It: Free on iOS and Android

9. Great Little Place: Don’t you love finding hole-in-the wall pizza joints that serve the most delicious ‘za you’ve ever had in your life? With Great Little Place, you’ll unlock the hidden gems of your city, from amazing diners and coffee shops to dueling piano bars and cultural events. Once you download this app, you’ll discover places that you never knew existed and hot spots that are too good to be kept a secret.

DL It:Free on iOS

10. Qapital: Now that you’re done with college, you’re probably excited to start living the lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of. Whether it’s traveling the world, saving up for a super nice car or buying everything Kate Spade, you’ll need to learn how to manage your money in order to support your financial goals. Qapital makes it easy for you to save money for important things such as retirement while still having enough money for music festivals and new shoes.

DL It: Free on iOS

11. Splitwise: Living with roommates after college? It might be a good idea to get everyone on the same page with bills and rent as soon as possible. With Splitwise, this app makes it simple for you to split bills with your roommates and make sure everything is paid on time. You no longer have to worry about putting a note on the fridge when the cable bill is due (and praying your roommates see it).

DL It: Free on iOS and Android

12. TrueCar: One of the first big purchases you’ll make in the real world is buying a new (or slightly used) car. Although buying a car can be a stressful process, TrueCar makes it easy and fun for you to find a new car within your budget. This app serves as your personal car shopping expert who will locate the best deals and provide upfront prices on the vehicles you’re interested in buying.

DL It:Free on iOS and Android

13. Washio: If you thought you didn’t have time to do laundry in college, just wait until you’re working 40+ hours a week, going to happy hours and brunching it up on the weekends. Life doesn’t slow down once you’re in the real world, so having a few hands to help you with the laundry and dry cleaning will come in handy. All you have to do is order a laundry pick-up time and Washio will take care of the rest. They’ll even return your laundry within 24 hours.

DL It:Free on iOS and Android

What apps have helped you transition into post-grad life? Let us know in the comments below!

15 Graduation Gifts Perfect For The Class Of 2024

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will always be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

Your Ultimate Guide To Holiday Shopping In 2024

Though Black Friday is traditionally the official start of the holiday shopping season, we argue that it’s been kicking since mid-October. We know, we know: it still feels extremely early to start thinking about the holidays, but they’ll be here before you know it! Plus, many brands and retailers are already promoting their holiday goodies with plenty of sales and discounts available right now.

If you’re ready to embark on your holiday shopping journey, but still need answers to questions like ‘when’s the best time to shop?’ and ‘where should I shop for gifts?’ and even ‘how the heck do I save money this season?’, you’ve come to the right place. Consider this your go-to guide for holiday shopping in 2024.

Scroll on for our best guidance on navigating this busy time of year and finding the best gifts possible!

When's the best time to do holiday shopping?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best time to do holiday shopping really all depends on your personal shopping goals. Do you want to get a jump on items you know will sell out soon? Do you want to save the most money possible? Do you want to focus on handmade, personalized gifts? These factors will undoubtedly influence your holiday shopping schedule.

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Shopping early can be advantageous for all of the aforementioned goals. A lot of retailers start promoting their holiday products early on, giving you ample time to snatch up that limited-time lip kit or fancy water bottle you’ve been eyeing way before the holidays.

Plus, some of the best deals for holiday shopping happen ahead of Black Friday and Cyber Monday – in 2023, Experian observed a surge in early spending in October, thanks to early discounts, a trend likely to continue in 2024.

Finally, shopping early can be especially helpful if your plan is to focus on handmade or personalized gifts, giving the artisan you buy from (or yourself, if you’re DIY-ing your gifts) plenty of time to craft the item with love and care.

Gallup reported in 2023 that one in four shoppers start shopping as early as September, a trend likely to continue in 2024 – so you might already be embarking on your shopping spree!

Mikhail Nilov / PEXELS

If right now is just still too darn early for you to start holiday shopping, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the best times to shop since so many retailers offer their largest discounts of the entire year. Plus, the late November-early December timeline can feel a bit more appropriate for the gifting season opposed to late October-early November, when everyone’s still recovering from Halloween.

The only thing to consider during this time is the shipping timelines for the items you purchase – but most retailers will typically advise their specific shipping schedules, so you don’t risk your goodies arriving late.

Where should I shop for gifts?

Ron Lach / PEXELS

You have three main options when it comes to where to shop for holiday gifts: online, in-store, and via our amazing gift guides. Of course, each method has its advantages and disadvantages.

Shopping in-store offers a tangible experience: the opportunity to hold specific items in your hands and gauge exactly what they’ll be like when you give them as a gift. The pitfall with shopping in-person is that it typically requires a commute and journeys through potentially very busy malls and shopping strips, which can add to the already-stressful holiday experience.

In-store shopping can be more physically exhausting, but it’s all about preference! Sometimes strolling through the stores that get all dolled up for Christmas is the best part of the season.

Andrea Piacquadio / PEXELS

Per Google, 65% of those planning to shop for the holidays say they will shop online more. Shopping for gifts online can be super helpful since you can centralize your findings in your browser’s bookmark tab or via virtual cart(s). Plus, shopping online can pose more opportunities for saving some money: lots of retailers typically offer discount codes for online users, especially if you sign up for their digital marketing channels (like email and text) and make a purchase.

Shopping online isn’t just shopping, either. The internet can be a stellar research tool to help you vet whether certain products are worth it, where they can be bought, and when they’ll be available. In fact, Google reported that more than half of U.S. holiday shoppers who went into a store last year say they looked up product reviews online and/or located an item in-store by checking it online.

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Last but not least, scrolling gift guides has to be our favorite place to shop for gifts – and not just because we write and publish them.

At their very core, gift guides help streamline the holiday shopping process, alleviating the stress that bubbles up when you’re wondering what the heck to shop for in the first place. Our gift guides are backed by real people, real experiences, and real opinions from our editorial team. We only promote products that we really love and believe in, oftentimes ones we’ve tested and reviewed ourselves.

We have gift guides for just about everyone on your list, with more on the way! Check ‘em out:

What are the best kinds of gifts to give?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best kinds of gifts to give are thoughtful gifts that consider the giftee’s interests, wants, and needs. These gifts can be sentimental, practical, or both simultaneously. What matters most in a gift is that it’ll be meaningful to them past just the holiday season, whether it’s helping them get through daily tasks, reminding them of a memorable trip or event, or giving them small doses of joy.

“Shoppers are increasingly looking for personalized and unique gifts that reflect the recipient's personality and interests,” says Mia Anderson, Owner of ChicSew. “With the rise of online shopping, many consumers are opting for curated gift boxes or experiences that add a special touch.”

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Gift boxes, personalized items, books of interest, self-care goodies, and even gift cards can all be thoughtful gifts depending on the recipient. If you have no clue what your giftee is into, it’s not a bad idea to ask them what they want the most!

“My idea of a great gift is something that is in tandem with the recipient's interest and offers something new to the person, be it learning a new skill, enjoying a calming activity, or simply spending quality time with the family,” says Alfred Christ, Sales Manager & Marketer at Robotime. “This season, we encourage shoppers to shift their focus on quality and the memories their gifts will create and not just merely material aspects.”

When is Black Friday?

Sora Shimazaki / PEXELS

Black Friday is always the Friday after Thanksgiving. This year, Black Friday lands on November 29.

When is Cyber Monday?

Kindel Media / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is typcally the Monday after Thanksgiving. This year, Cyber Monday will land on December 2. Oftentimes, retailers and brands extend their online offers through the week (coined Cyber Week) after the event. Salesforce reported that 67% of shoppers in 2024 plan on shopping during Cyber Week!

Subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on our best 2024 gift guides, shopping advice, and all things holiday!

gifts holidays christmas black friday shopping

20 White Dresses for Graduation To Celebrate Yourself In Style

As the seasons shift and a long-awaited spring finally arrives, a few things are inevitable: the ground is thawing, the birds are chirping, and graduation ceremonies are right around the corner. In traditional practice, whether your graduation is from high school, college, or beyond, a white graduation dress perfectly complements all your robes and cords.

Instead of letting this unspoken dress code inhibit your sense of style and self-expression, lean into it! When you look good, you feel good — let this mantra ring true on your celebratory day with these white graduation dresses. You’ll find a range of styles, prices, lengths, and more to help you find your perfect match.

Image via Lulus

Lulus Cause to Celebrate Midi Dress ($79)

Hell-bent on avoiding an all-white ensemble? Then this beautiful, chiffon midi dress from Lulus is what you need for your big day. Artfully covered in subtle, gold dots, this dress is truly a ‘cause to celebrate!’

Image via Anthropologie

Anthropologie Mare Mare Romper ($168)

Giving the illusion of a dress, this adorable romper is complete with shorts underneath hidden by side panels for both coverage and comfort.

Image via Anthropologie

Endless Rose Crochet Lace Dress ($130)

Yes way, appliqué. The flower overlay is a sweet nod to femininity and the interesting crochet texture that covers this mini dress is sure to make you stand out among others.

Image via Free People

Free People Feeling Bonita Dress ($108)

Effortlessly chic, this cap sleeve midi dress will photograph like a dream in any and all graduation pics. Plus, it’s the perfect addition to pack for all your post-grad travels this summer! Win-win!

Photo via Anthropologie

Tommie Cap-Sleeve Dress ($170)

This simple midi dress if perfect for a graduation, and it even offers plenty of extensive sizing! We also love the cap-sleeve moment for a classy look.

Image via Lulus

Lulus Devoted Lover Midi Dress ($68)

Business in the front, party in the back; this bodycon dress features a high neckline that exudes a professional feel while the low back with a twist detail brings a playful aspect.

Image via Reformation

Reformation Catarina Dress ($218)

Short and sweet - enough said.

Image via Revolve

Amanda Uprichard Evaline Dress ($198)

Amanda Uprichard hit the nail on the head with this beautiful, sleek short-sleeved dress that will leave you wondering how you ever survived without it.

Photo via Free People

Free People Ultraviolet Dress ($148)

If typical dresses aren’t your style, not to worry, Free People has you covered. This polka dot midi dress is sophisticated yet fun with a flair; perfect for saying your farewells to any classmates you may have been crushing on ;).

Photo via Nordstrom

Nordstrom ASTR Off the Shoulder Dress ($90)

Hill House is known for their nap dresses, and for good reason. Constructed from 100% silk, this sleeveless dress lets you wear it, instead of the other way around.

Photo via Nordstrom

Petal and Pup Luelle Dress ($79)

Graduation aside, you need this dress in your closet. Featuring satin material for easy movement, this midi dress is a staple piece that will last through the years.

Photo via Nordstrom

House of CB Tallulah Dress ($209)

This elegant smock dress is comfortable enough for all-day wear, yet has a timeless feel that elevates the look of anyone who puts it on.

Photo via Eloquii

Eloquii Strong Shoulder Dress ($65)

Eloquii’s mission to provide extended sizes in a fashionable manner is evident in this curve-hugging midi dress complete with the fun shoulder detailing.

Reformation Moya Two Piece Set ($248)

This flirty, flouncy two piece set is perfect if you’d prefer to show less skin, and it’s super popular right now - so grab it while you can!!

Image via Showpo

Showpo Vashti Mini Dress ($70)

Showpo’s puff sleeve dress is so cute, you’ll have a hard time not buying it in every color after graduation.

Photo via Eloquii

Eloquii Lace Tiered Dress ($189)

This stunning lace-detailed dress is available in extensive sizes and is sure to be a show-stopper underneath a graduation gown.

Photo via Nordstrom

Nordstrom BP Mini Dress ($49)

A fold-over neckline and slit make this a cute and fun take on a white graduation dress. We think that's it's the perfect mix of classy and cute put together!

Image via Lisa Says Gah

Lisa Says Gah Alex Shirtdress ($148)

Lean into the coquette aesthetic with this lightweight, cotton mini dress, sure to fulfill your grad dress dreams and beyond.

Image via Peppermayo

Peppermayo Loren Midi Dress ($75)

Elegant and affordable, this silky midi dress has details including a ruched chest and a back tie to accentuate your curves in a subtle way.

Image via Madewell

Madewell Plus Tiered Midi Dress ($128)

A sweetheart neckline and button detail make this sleeveless dress perfect for warmer graduation ceremonies, and with size offerings up to a 28, it’s a great fit for all who are interested.

Tag us with your favorite graduation dresses on Instagram and subscribe to our email newsletter for more fashion inspiration!

Brit + Co. may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations. This post has been updated.

dresses fashion roundup hill house silk ellie style style inspiration white dresses graduation white graduation dresses style roundup graduation

When Is Starbucks' Red Cup Day?

The holidays at Starbucks are creeping up on us, people! Peppermint Mocha season will return on November 7. If you’re a die-hard Starbucks fan, you know Red Cup Day is a whole holiday in itself – the frenzy for a free reusable cup is truly no joke. There’s even an entire website dedicated to counting down the madness! Even though there’s no official word on when Red Cup Day 2024 will be, there are several clues that cue us into the annual event. Scroll on for details!

What is Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day is Starbucks’ highly-awaited annual event that marks the start of holiday beverage season at the coffee chain. For one day only (and while supplies last), customers who order any of Starbucks’ holiday drinks will receive a reusable red cup that features a bespoke design for the respective year.

Starbucks

Here’s a list of all the drinks rumored to be available on the Starbucks holiday menu starting November 7:

Peppermint Mocha
Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha
Caramel Brûlée Latte
Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte
Chestnut Praline Latte
Salted Pecan Crunch Cold Brew
Iced Gingerbread Oatmilk Chai

What do the red cups look like for 2024?

Starbucks

Starbucks hasn’t officially announced when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, let alone what the famed red cups will look like this go-around. The one obvious point is that the cups will be red! They’ll also likely feature some festive motifs that echo the holiday season. Last year’s red cups boasted playful white and green stars and ornament-like shapes.

Why should I participate in Red Cup Day?

Starbucks

Red Cup Day = freebies, which can feel really rewarding if you’re really into receiving free goodies. Plus, it’s just a fun way to lean into the holiday spirit. The red reusable cup keeps giving beyond Red Cup Day, though! Every time you use the reusable cup for future Starbucks orders, you get a 10-cent discount as well as 25 bonus stars toward your Starbucks Rewards account to save up for more discounts on drinks, food, and merchandise.

When is Starbucks' Red Cup Day 2024?

Starbucks

Again, Starbucks hasn’t alerted us on when Red Cup Day will be for 2024, but based on previous Red Cup Days, we can infer it’ll land on the third Thursday of November. In 2022, Red Cup Day happened on November 17, and for 2023, it was November 16. The third Thursday of November in 2024 hits on November 21, so mark your calendars, everyone!

Additionally, check back here for official info as Red Cup Day approaches.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more food news!

This post has been updated.

food news starbucks peppermint mocha holiday drinks coffee food

18 Thanksgiving Crock Pot Recipes You Can Make This Year

It seems Thanksgiving is barely a week away by the time we start thinking about the menu. But while ovens all over the country will be working overtime this year, don't forget your secret weapon — the crock pot! Kitchen strategy is key when you're trying to factor various cook and prep times for both oven and stovetop dishes. There just never seems to be enough time (or counter space).

Whether you're already finalizing your menu for the day or are just in charge of a few side dishes, we've scoured the web and found 18 Thanksgiving crock pot recipes that are perfect for any gathering.

Creamed Corn

Damn Delicious

Cornis a standard side dish for most Thanksgiving meals, but this recipe is a total game-changer. Five simple ingredients go in your crock pot, and three hours later you’re greeted by corn that is so creamy and delicious, you’ll never be able to eat the canned stuff again.

Wheat Bread Stuffing

Recipe Runner

Free up some room in your oven and cook the stuffing right on the counter this year. Crusty whole wheat bread, celery, onions and chicken broth will have you going back for seconds. Once it’s cooked, turn the heat to low and it will be ready whenever you are.

Brussels Sprouts

Damn Delicious

These aren’t Grandma’s Brussels sprouts. Covered in a brown sugar balsamic reduction and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, these sprouts will have you converted after just one bite.

Sweet Potatoes

The Magical Slow Cooker

This one takes minimal effort, but packs maximum flavor. Wash and dry your sweet potatoes before wrapping them in tinfoil and piling into the crock pot. Cook on high for six hours, and resist the urge to open the lid so the steam doesn’t escape. Serve with butter, brown sugar and mini marshmallows.

Apple Cider

Damn Delicious

Your guests are going to need something to sip on. Made 100% from scratch, this apple cider recipe will definitely steal the show: Combine apples, cinnamon sticks and spices and cover with water, and drink in the delicious smell while it simmers in the slow cooker.

Candied Sweet Potato Casserole

Creme de la Crumb

Okay, so this does require a little oven time, but it’ll be the last thing you heat up before you can dig in (and it’s totally worth it). Peel and chop 5lbs of sweet potatoes and let your slow cooker do all the work for the next four hours. Transfer to a casserole dish, spread a layer of pecans over the sweet potato mixture then bake for 20 minutes to achieve maximum crunch before adding the mini marshmallows. Bake for five more minutes (or until marshmallows are golden brown) and dig in.

Caramel Fondue

Creme de la Crumb

From apple slices to pretzels, there’s no wrong way to dunk with this dip, made from only three ingredients — caramels, heavy cream and marshmallows. Say hello to your new post-Thanksgiving party trick.

Garlic Ranch Potatoes

The Cookie Rookie

Tender red potatoes are a great alternative to the typical mashed variety. Top the wedges with ranch seasoning, chives and garlic for a fresh side dish that no one will believe you made entirely in the crock pot.

Cranberry Sauce Crock Pot Recipe

Gimme Some Oven

This is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it recipe. Toss in the ingredients and come back in three hours for cranberry sauce that is the perfect combination of tart and sweet. Add a splash of vanilla extract right before serving.

Cinnamon Apples

A Spicy Perspective

The best side dishes double as dessert. Cover thinly sliced apples in brown sugar, cinnamon and bourbon, then simmer for four hours. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy as is — they’re delicious either way.

Cranberry Meatballs

Spicy Southern Kitchen

Trade out the usual jar of grape jelly in your famous meatball recipe for cranberry sauce to give it a holiday update. The sweet and tangy flavor will keep you coming back for more. In fact, you better double the recipe.

Maple Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix

Averie Cooks

This tasty party snack is perfect for clearing out your cabinets: cereal, peanuts, pretzels, dried fruit and graham crackers all come together in a salty sweet crunch. Drench the mix in butter, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spices before testing your willpower for the next two hours.

Apple Pie Oatmeal

The Healthy Maven

Breakfast is still the most important meal of the day (especially on Thanksgiving), but this oatmeal couldn’t be easier: Toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker before you go to bed and you’ll wake up to the aroma of nutmeg and maple syrup.

Buttery Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creme de la Crumb

A pile of fresh herbs, butter and garlic make these mashed potatoes stand out on the buffet table. Use red potatoes and leave the skins on for a rustic flair that not only adds a ton of flavor, it also saves you some work.

Spinach + Artichoke Dip

Damn Delicious

Keep your guests from getting hangry while they wait for dinner: Serve this creamy spinach and artichoke dip with bread, pretzels or pita for a Thanksgiving staple made super easy, thanks to your crock pot.

Butternut Squash Soup

Life Made Sweeter

Combine coconut milk with chunks of butternut squash and sweet potato, then cook in the crockpot for four hours. Once everything is fork tender, break out your immersion blender to make the texture velvety smooth. Top with extra coconut milk and toasted pumpkin seeds before devouring.

Pumpkin Cobbler

The Gunny Sack

Trade in your standard pumpkin pie for a cobbler that is made in the crock pot from start to finish. Pro tip: place a paper towel underneath the lid to keep the condensation off the food and ensure a crispy crust. Top the plated perfection with a dollop of whipped cream and caramel syrup.

Dinner Rolls

Lil Luna

The slow cooker might be the last place you'd think to bake dinner rolls, but trust us on this one. This trick comes in handy year-round, especially on hot summer days when you don't feel like blasting that oven. Genius.

Don't miss out on knocking out a dish or two this year with these Thanksgiving crock pot recipes and if you need more inspiration, join our newsletter or explore our new cooking classes on B+C Classes.

holiday recipes slow cooker recipes friendsgiving ideas