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When my eldest turned 21 last summer, my gift to them was an iPhone 15 — a sorely needed upgrade, since they were still on their iPhone 8 from high school. (The back of it was fully shattered, barely hanging together in a phone case.) But when I surveyed a half-dozen twenty-somethings to put together this list of the best 21st birthday gift ideas, they had a lot of unique gift ideas beyond tech essentials to share (and more affordable ones as well!).
In addition to talking with my own 21-year-old and a mix of other young adults, I also reached out to parents and grandparents of 21-year-olds to come up with a range of present ideas for all types of interests and at all price points. Of course, a lot of these gifts revolve around alcohol since 21 is when American kids can legally drink, and celebrations often include a bar crawl or a round of margaritas. But 21-year-olds are also starting to seriously adult, and when I spoke to the parents and grandparents, many said that they gifted their kids things for their kitchens or apartments. Another popular gift? Jewelry that marks the milestone. Many feel that 21 is the last "big" birthday on the way to 30, so it's a fun one!
If you're looking for even more ideas, check out the gift guides below, because there are even more giftable gems to be found:
The Best Gifts for Men of All Ages | The Best College Graduation Gifts | The Best Gifts for Women in Their 20s
1
Pretty Keepsake
Birth Month Flower Glass
1
Pretty Keepsake
Birth Month Flower Glass
Commemorate their 21st birthday with one of these beautiful glasses featuring their birth flower. Uncommon Goods has an option for each month (this is September's aster) and they're all dishwasher-safe.
2
Unique Birthday Gift on Amazon
1,000 Places to See Before You Die: The World as You've Never Seen It Before
2
Unique Birthday Gift on Amazon
1,000 Places to See Before You Die: The World as You've Never Seen It Before
Now 45% Off
If you want to see this kid/adult really go places, inspire them with what we'd call travel p*rn: The deluxe hardcover edition of this well-loved guide featuring gorgeous photography.
3
Mixology & Craft 10-Piece Bartender Kit
This Amazon bestseller is for the 21-year-old who's ready to try mixing some co*cktails. The set includes a shaker with a built-in strainer, long-handled mixing spoon, ice tongs, a corkscrew and more, and comes in silver, gold, copper or black.
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4
Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera
4
Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera
Now 38% Off
No film or ink cartridges necessary — they can simply load this camera up with Kodak's sticky-backed ZINK photo paper and start capturing memories ASAP.
5
A Little Something for Her
Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit
5
A Little Something for Her
Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit
A glittery little pouch that contains everything she'll need for a night out, including double-sided tape, dental floss, lip balm, stain remover, extra earring backs and lots more.
6
Popular Pick
Lululemon 2L Everywhere Belt Bag
6
Popular Pick
Lululemon 2L Everywhere Belt Bag
According to Google, this is one of the most-searched gift ideas of the year — and it's no wonder, given that it comes in tons of fun designs (including clear and fleece) and it's surprisingly spacious.
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if you suspect they've been skating by with a pretend birthday you can rib them a bit with this stemless glass which ships in a gift box. One grandma who reviewed it on Amazon says she put some rolled cash inside — now that's a nice gift!
8
Personalized Gift Idea
Birthdate Co. Personalized Astrological Birth Chart Book
8
Personalized Gift Idea
Birthdate Co. Personalized Astrological Birth Chart Book
If you know they're nuts for astrology, this fabric-bound, fully customized book is a beautiful and engrossing read of the birthday celebrant's chart. Order in advance and allow a few days for it to be created and shipped. Looking for something a bit more affordable? Check out Birthdate Co.'s Birthdate Candles, which feature fragrances aligned to the specific day they were born and can be personalized with their name.
RELATED: The Best Astrology Gift Ideas for Zodiac Lovers
9
Funny Gift Idea for Him
These Cards Will Get You Drunk Adult Drinking Game
9
Funny Gift Idea for Him
These Cards Will Get You Drunk Adult Drinking Game
If you're just looking for something small and funny, this drinking game will definitely get the party started.
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10
A Gift Idea She'll Love
BruMate Glitter Flask
10
A Gift Idea She'll Love
BruMate Glitter Flask
Made of stainless steel, this compact flask will slip easily into their bag — and have everyone oohing and ahhing when they pull it out.
11
Pandora Heart Clasp Snake Chain Silver Charm Bracelet
11
Pandora Heart Clasp Snake Chain Silver Charm Bracelet
One grandmother we know got her 21-year-old granddaughter started with a charm bracelet that can hold future memories — because your 20s are often full of big milestones and achievements.
12
Jewelry for Your Daughter
Kendra Scott Elisa 14k Gold-Plated Brass Necklace
12
Jewelry for Your Daughter
Kendra Scott Elisa 14k Gold-Plated Brass Necklace
Layering Kendra Scott necklaces is all the rage with the young women. This classic chain holds a gem that's available in Night Opal (shown), Amethyst, Abalone Shell, many different reds — there are plenty to choose from so you can find the color that suits her.
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13
Just Add a Bottle of Wine
21st Birthday Wine Bag
13
Just Add a Bottle of Wine
21st Birthday Wine Bag
Give the gift of a red, white or rosé you think they'd like tucked into this 21st birthday decorative wine bag. It will make the bottle more special!
14
Kitchen Helper
How to Cook Everything by Mark Bittman
The title really says it: This classic cookbook covers all the basics and might even keep your 21-year-old from searching the internet for "how do I make mashed potatoes?" This version is updated with photography and will load a new cook with confidence.
If beer is more their thing, and they have a favorite current city or hometown, we love these sets of two beer glasses that that come printed with an American city's skyline. There are 16 to choose from including Boston, Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles and Seattle.
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16
Gift This to Your Best Friend
Reusable Cooling Gel Eye Mask
16
Gift This to Your Best Friend
Reusable Cooling Gel Eye Mask
If they do hit the bars, they might need this the next day to calm a headache, de-stress or de-puff. It's got more than 18,000 five-star Amazon reviews and comes in 11 colors. To make it work they just need to store it in the freezer for about a half-hour before using.
17
Buy a Round (or Nine)
VINEBOX Dinner Party 9-Pack
17
Buy a Round (or Nine)
VINEBOX Dinner Party 9-Pack
Lean into them being legal with this fun way to taste nine different very grown-up wines.
RELATED: The Very Best Wine Delivery Services
18
For Their First Apartment
Bissell AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum
18
For Their First Apartment
Bissell AeroSlim Lithium Ion Cordless Handheld Vacuum
They've officially reached the age when they'll be excited to receive a cleaning appliance as a gift. With over 10,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, this handheld vacuum is ideal for quick pick-ups on hard surfaces and comes with a two-in-one brush and crevice tool that can swiftly take care of crumbs on their laptop or in between couch crevices.
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19
Fancy (Unbreakable) Glasses
Bellaforte Shatterproof Crystal Cut Drinking Glasses
19
Fancy (Unbreakable) Glasses
Bellaforte Shatterproof Crystal Cut Drinking Glasses
Now 15% Off
Save the real crystal for later (maybe as a wedding gift) and give your newly minted 21-year-old beautiful cut-glass-replica tumblers that can't break if they, well, tumble or need to survive a few moves. They'll feel fancy without any of the worry!
20
Affordable Gift Under $10
Clear Stadium Bag
20
Affordable Gift Under $10
Clear Stadium Bag
Whether they go to big concerts or big sporting events, many arenas and stadiums require clear bags for security. So this will likely be put to good use — and you could tuck a birthday card or tickets inside!
