Turning the big 2-1 is a pretty huge deal. In fact, it might be one of the most exciting birthdays of them all. Not only does the world see you as an even adultier adult—but drinking alcohol is now legal, too! That's big time! (Yes, your 18th birthday technically means you're an official grown-up, but 21 just hits...different, ya know?) So, if you have a person in your life who is about to hit this riveting and, er, semi-chaotic age, we've got the perfect 21st birthday gift ideas for you to choose from that are useful, sentimental, and ofc, party-appropriate.
While shopping for teens is next to impossible (srsly), things get a lot easier once your favorite ~youth~ hits their twenties. For their 21st, you can always get 'em a boozy gift or a wine-themed gift, but your options aren't limited to alcohol (especially if drinking isn't their thing). They’re probably really close to graduating college and jumping into the world of adulthood, and are in need of Real Life Things—ie. cooking essentials, a toolbox, and a nice vacuum. From homeware to sophisticated fashion pieces to a book about dating in your twenties, any gift that makes your newly-minted 21-year-old feel grown is sure to be a win. You only turn 21 once, after all, so you wanna make it memorable.
Ahead, the best gifts you can get a soon-to-be 21-year-old to help them celebrate this milestone birthday in style.
So they're probs still not that great at cooking (speaking from personal experience) and need a lil help. Enter: this cute and affordable air fryer that'll do all the chef work for them (with practically any food) in minutes.
If they've been wanting to get a coffee maker for their home but felt like they didn't have the space for it, treat them to this one from Keurig. It's literally less than five (!!) inches wide and it'll make them a mean cup of Joe whenever they please. (Also, goodbye to spending hella $$ on coffee from the cafe!)
When in doubt, get them a pack of hydrating face masks. This fan-fave set comes with five that cater to different wants and needs. It features two brightening masks, one detoxifying mask, one mask to enhance glow, and one rejuvenating mask.
They're more than likely obsessed with trying out different cocktails now—I get it! But do they know how to properly make one? Maybe not. This cool cocktail kit will do all the hard work for them. All they have to do is pour the contents of the kit into a glass and then fill it with their choice of ~liquor~. In seconds, they'll have a profesh drank!
Upgrade the worn-out comforter that they've likely had since their freshman year of college, for this luxe down beaut from Brooklinen. It's lightweight, perfect for all seasons, and will surely keep them warm and snug whenever they hit the hay.
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7
this clutch handheld vacuum
eufy by Anker HomeVac H11,Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
7
this clutch handheld vacuum
eufy by Anker HomeVac H11,Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
They've officially reached the age where they will get excited over home/cleaning gifts. And I already know they're gonna be pumped to see this cordless handheld vacuum cleaner once they open their prezzie!
Whether they're a new plant parent or a vet in the game, they'll love this itty bitty succulent that'll add a sweet green touch to their space. (And they only have to water it every two to three weeks!)
TBH, getting them a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g from Skims will put the biggest smile on their face. But I say go for this versatile scoop neck bra that can also be worn as a top.
What's a 21st birthday celebration without a dance party? Make sure the music is taken care of by gifting them this five-star rated (!!) speaker. They'll be using it alllll night and for years to come!
Upgrade their flimsy pan with this do-it-all cast iron one that they can use to grill, sear, braise, fry, sauté, roast, bake, broil, and stew. Adulting just got even more fun!!
Being 21 means they're really grown now. And if they don't have a tool kit yet, first off, OMG. Second, buy them one STAT. It may not be the cutest gift, but trust that they'll be super appreciative of it!
This cookie shot glass kit—which includes six pre-made cookie cups and plenty of edible decorations—will make their first birthday shot tastier than ever (especially if they top 'em off with some cream liqueur).
18
this useful read
Chronicle Books Twenty Guys You Date in Your Twenties by Gabi Conti
18
this useful read
Chronicle Books Twenty Guys You Date in Your Twenties by Gabi Conti
Dating in your twenties is...something else, to say the least. Help them navigate this interesting time with this lighthearted read that's full of ~wisdom~.
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19
this sleek wallet
Mrac Jacobs The Slim 84 Croc-Embossed Zip Card Case
19
this sleek wallet
Mrac Jacobs The Slim 84 Croc-Embossed Zip Card Case
21 is definitely the age to upgrade your wallet. If they've been rocking the same one since their high school days, snag them this sophisticated wallet that'll fit in any type of purse. (We know how important that is.)
Okay, this isn't just any dainty necklace, but it's one with SO much meaning behind it. Gift the 21-year-old in your life a reminder to always stay positive.
Megan Uy is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.