40 of the Coolest 21st Birthday Gift Ideas, According to People in Their 20s (2024)

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.

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.

Made of stainless steel, this compact flask will slip easily into their bag — and have everyone oohing and ahhing when they pull it out.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you're just looking for something small and funny, this drinking game will definitely get the party started.

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!

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!

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!

They can stream their favorite music through this wireless, waterproof Bose, which is the Good Housekeeping Institute Media & Tech Lab's top pick for best wireless speaker. It's got a long (12 hour!) battery life and a little hook that makes it easy to attach to a backpack.

For every glass of wine, a glass of water! But a Stanley tumbler doesn't have to be about drinking alcohol, even if this is their 21st birthday — people of every age seem to want this durable straw cup. A friend of mine recently bought one for her 21-year-old and then bought one for herself!

If you know the new 21-year-old will be going out with friends, this T-shirt is a cute birthday announcement and a memento especially if everyone signs the shirt. It's more fun than a birthday card!

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.

If you want to be the hero who gifts a young woman with her first real grown-up tote, suitable for taking on job interviews, Longchamp is the current hot brand, according to my 20-something sources. This comes in a beautiful navy version, too.

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.

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.