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26 Best 21st Birthday Gift Ideas That’ll Be Useful for Years to Come

Aka a list of ~adulting~ necessities they probs don’t wanna buy for themselves.

By Megan Uy, Alexis Bennett and Corinne Sullivan
ami suhzu 21st birthday gift ideaspinterest icon
Ami Suhzu

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.

SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS

1
this retro air fryer

DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer

Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer
1
this retro air fryer

DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer

$59 at Amazon$60 at Walmart
Credit: Amazon

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.

2
these top-rated leggings

Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Flutter Legging - Raisin

Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Flutter Legging - Raisin
2
these top-rated leggings

Alo Yoga Airbrush High-Waist 7/8 Flutter Legging - Raisin

Now 30% Off
Credit: Alo Yoga

You can't ever go wrong with leggings from Alo Yoga. Promise! And these pretty flared ones with front splits are going to be their new faves.

3
this coffee maker perf for small spaces

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

K-Mini Coffee Maker
3
this coffee maker perf for small spaces

Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker

Now 40% Off
Credit: Amazon

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!)

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4
this set of face masks

Loops Beauty Variety Loop Mask 5 Pack

Beauty Variety Loop Mask 5 Pack
4
this set of face masks

Loops Beauty Variety Loop Mask 5 Pack

Credit: Revolve

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.

5
this easy cocktail kit

InBooze S Spicy Margarita Cocktail Kit

Spicy Margarita Cocktail Kit
5
this easy cocktail kit

InBooze S Spicy Margarita Cocktail Kit

Credit: Etsy

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!

6
this quality comforter

Brooklinen Down Comforter

Down Comforter
6
this quality comforter

Brooklinen Down Comforter

Credit: Brooklinen

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

HomeVac H11,Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
7
this clutch handheld vacuum

eufy by Anker HomeVac H11,Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

Credit: Amazon

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!

8
this lil plant

The Sill Echeveria Garotto

Echeveria Garotto
8
this lil plant

The Sill Echeveria Garotto

Now 40% Off
Credit: The Sill

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!)

9
this bottle of bubbly

La Marca Prosecco Rosé D.O.C.

Prosecco Rosé D.O.C.
9
this bottle of bubbly

La Marca Prosecco Rosé D.O.C.

Or, y'know, a real bottle of rosé works too. La Marca's Prosecco Rosé is bright, fruity, and oh-so-refreshing—aka fun in a bottle.

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10
these gorge wine glasses

Estelle Colored Glass Set of 2 Regal Goblets

Set of 2 Regal Goblets
10
these gorge wine glasses

Estelle Colored Glass Set of 2 Regal Goblets

Credit: Nordstrom

Turning 21 calls for chic wine glasses. Treat them to these colorful ones that come in four other gorgeous hues.

11
this versatile bra

Skims Fits Everybody Scoop Neck Bra

Fits Everybody Scoop Neck Bra
11
this versatile bra

Skims Fits Everybody Scoop Neck Bra

Credit: Skims

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.

12
this popular speaker

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker
12
this popular speaker

Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker

Now 17% Off
Credit: Amazon

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!

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13
this luxe cooking pan

Skims Cast Iron Always Pan

Cast Iron Always Pan
13
this luxe cooking pan

Skims Cast Iron Always Pan

Credit: Our Place

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!!

14
this fab tool set

Cartman Pink 39Piece Tool Set

Pink 39Piece Tool Set
14
this fab tool set

Cartman Pink 39Piece Tool Set

Credit: Amazon

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!

15
this sparkly flask

Brümate Glitter Flask

Glitter Flask
15
this sparkly flask

Brümate Glitter Flask

Credit: Brumate

Petite, leak-proof, and oh-so-pretty, this rose gold flask is sure to become a 21-year-old's new fave accessory.

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16
this pair of oversized hoops

Emma Pills Extra AF Her Hoops

Extra AF Her Hoops
16
this pair of oversized hoops

Emma Pills Extra AF Her Hoops

Now 20% Off
Credit: Emma Pills

Complete with a stunning 14k gold plated hammered finish, these giant hoops are light, sensitive ear-friendly, and seriously chic.

17
this cookie shot glass kit

Shahira Marei DIY Birthday Cookie Shot Decorating Kit

DIY Birthday Cookie Shot Decorating Kit
17
this cookie shot glass kit

Shahira Marei DIY Birthday Cookie Shot Decorating Kit

Credit: Uncommon Goods

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

<i>Twenty Guys You Date in Your Twenties</i> by Gabi Conti
18
this useful read

Chronicle Books Twenty Guys You Date in Your Twenties by Gabi Conti

Credit: Amazon

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

The Slim 84 Croc-Embossed Zip Card Case
19
this sleek wallet

Mrac Jacobs The Slim 84 Croc-Embossed Zip Card Case

Credit: Marc Jacobs

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.)

20
this meaningful necklace

Bryan Anthonys Chasing Light Necklace

Chasing Light Necklace
20
this meaningful necklace

Bryan Anthonys Chasing Light Necklace

Credit: Bryan Anthonys

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.

Headshot of Megan Uy
Megan Uy
Assistant Shopping Editor

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

Lettermark
Alexis Bennett is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan. She lives for a good sale. You can follow her shopping obsession here and on Instagram.
Headshot of Corinne Sullivan
Editor

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. 

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