Yesterday, it came to my attention that today is spring graduation at my alma mater, the University of Georgia, which marks four years since my own advent to the real world. At the time, I was carrying a 2007 Balenciaga bag that I had bought with my own money (from my very glamourous college job selling appliances and TVs at Best Buy), and I remember panicking a little bit when met with the prospect of what I should carry to a job interview. I had a bunch of fun options, including my bright purple Balenciaga (which I still have and carry), but nothing that screamed, “Hire me to do things for your company in spite of the sluggish economy!”

My solution? I went out and bought a cheap, businesslike interview bag and portfolio that I promptly got rid of once I landed a job. If you’re the mother, grandmother, aunt or big sister of a soon-to-be college grad who’s about to make her way into a daunting job market, you can help her out. We’ve picked some essential accessories for new grads, all under $1000, that will help her wrangle everything from her laptop to her resumés to her first set of business cards. Check out our picks, after the jump.

First things first: The Tory Burch Norah Large Satchel might be the perfect work and interview bag if you’re looking for a job in a more conservative industry. It’s neutral, reasonably sized, sports only the tiniest of hidden logos and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Most importantly, it looks sleek and professional. $525 via Neiman Marcus.

I remember my first business cards very clearly; receiving them was one of my proudest moments as a new member of the workforce, and it made everything seem very official. Once the grad in your life gets hired, she’s going to need something like the Smythson Textured Leather Card Holder to store hers. $280 via Net-a-Porter.