While shopping for toddlers and teens may seem easy, buying for those who have recently made the jump from young adults to just adults may feel a bit more challenging. If you've got a 21-year-old to shop for and you're struggling to find the perfect gift, don't fret. Shop TODAY has got your back.
This is typically the age when most not-so-young adults are trying to find their footing in the world, moving into their first apartment, finishing college and diving even deeper into their personal interests. Help them embark on their new life journey with these useful (and may we say mature?) gift ideas for their home, kitchen, wellness routine and more.
Best home gifts for 21-year-olds
A new blanket is a great way to stay cozy and warm, especially for the 21-year-olds in your life who have moved away or are living in dorms. The blanket also comes in 10 different colors to make the gift more personalized.
Whether they’re new to the cocktail world or are already a certified mixologist in the kitchen, these cookies are fun for everyone. Editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson says, “They’re such a fun concept, made with zero-proof alcohol and are dairy-free and nut-free, according to the brand.”
One of the most popular tumbler brands, HydroFlask’s ombré bottles are limited edition, and come in 24, 32 and 40 ounce tumblers. We’re huge fans of the brand, and even bigger fans of the range of colors available. Their drinks will surely stay as cool as they look.
Your twenties are full of moments that become your favorite memories years later in life. Help them keep those memories close with these cute Polaroid photo frames, which they can use to decorate their space.
If they love seltzers, normal koozies just won’t do. Available in three colors, this accessory has nearly 36,000 five-star ratings on the brand’s site, with most raving about how it keeps their drinks “super cold.” It’s specifically designed for slim cans and is super easy to use — just slip the can in and go!
Available in four sizes (small to extra large), Dagne Dover’s newest travel accessory will be a hit for any jet-setting 21-year-old. The brand says they are “practically weightless,” made with flexible materials so they can easily stack inside suitcases.
Like the rest of us, 21-year-olds are always looking for a way to charge their devices. This charging station allows them to charge their phone, smartwatch and Apple AirPods all in one convenient spot.
If they love fashion and history, then this book set — which includes the stories of four major fashion houses — is the perfect gift for them. Plus, the books are pretty enough to be used as home decor individually.
For the 21-year-old who’s always busy, help them make mealtime easier with these meal prep containers. This set comes with five containers each of two different sizes. They’re easy to stack and store, making food organization simple.
If they are a coffee snob, they’ll appreciate this old school-style espresso maker. It can brew two shots on your stove in just minutes. An added bonus? It takes up so little counter space and is pretty enough to be decor when not in use.
For the traveler in your life, this carry-on luggage is a perfect gift that they will use on every vacation. It’s hard-sided and features a 360-degree spinner wheel system, so mobility is as easy as possible. When it’s not filled with clothes and souvenirs, it can slide easily under a bed or in a closet, which is perfect for 21-year-olds living in dorms or small apartments.
A good set of pots and pans is a useful gift for anyone, especially 21-year-olds who are setting out on their own. This set is nonstick and dishwasher-safe, making it ideal for beginners in the kitchen.
If the 21-year-old in your life has already developed a budding interest in mixology, they’ll appreciate this espresso martini kit. It comes with a shaker, strainer, two glasses and six tubes of coffee grounds to make the most flawless cocktail.
For the coffee lover who wants express brews at home, this machine is a must-have. It comes with a professional Italian pump and a milk frothing system. Plus, it’s a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon in the semi-automatic espresso machines category.
Celebrate their first “adult” apartment post-grad with this gift box from Big Night. It includes everything they need to not only host but also clean up afterward. Big Night offers a variety of fun home products that add whimsy to activities like cooking, cleaning and hosting.
If they have trouble falling asleep or waking up, this gift will change their life. The machine works as a sunrise alarm, a meditation app, smart light and sound machine. It's the perfect sleep assistant for those who need a push in the right direction for their sleep routine.
The right music can make any new space feel like home. This one from Balmuda will not only help them pump the tunes, but also set the vibe with LED lights that move in time with the music. So they’ll get a 2-in-1 speaker and mood light!
Best clothing gifts for 21-year-olds
For their sleepless nights, gift them this pajama set for added comfort. This set is ideal for those who want to be stylish but also comfortable at the same time.
A classic gift for a 21-year-old woman, this statement initial necklace made the Shop TODAY list of Gifts We Love last year. You can gift it in gold, rose gold or silver to the young lady looking for a timeless necklace to add to her wardrobe.
When you’re in college, receiving items that you wouldn't usually buy for yourself is a game changer. We’re talking Starbucks gift cards, extra layers and socks. Bombas socks are a favorite among Shop TODAY editors for the comfort and support they provide feet. This four-pack includes subtle, solid pairs for the classy young man.
Shop TODAY staffers love Quince because of its high-quality garments that don’t break the bank. This cashmere sweater has all the benefits of cashmere — warmth, softness and more — without the high price tag. Plus, it’s available in 17 colors. "I loved this sweater from the moment I put it on," says editor Rebecca Brown. "I've worn it dozens of times and it's still just as soft — no pilling."
To celebrate their special milestone, why not mark it with an elegant piece of jewelry they can wear every day and treasure forever? In either gold or silver, you can pick up to 6 stones to create a truly unique piece.
If they travel a lot to and from college or just for vacations, this hoodie is going to make their trips a lot more comfortable. Made in a cozy, cotton rich blend, the hoodie is especially for those long flights. With a built-in eyemask for the perfect snooze, the hoodie features zip sleep pockets to keep earbuds close, and a handy kangaroo pocket for travel essentials like passport, ID, and cash.
For those who like to get outside on hikes, walks or even rock climbing, this tee is for you. ‘Gorpcore’ has been trending recently with the style of athleisure intersecting with fashion. Shop TODAY associate editor Annie Shigo has tried this brand before and says the fabric they use is “great for exercise and being outdoors. They fit so well and are incredibly comfortable.”
The snap-off sleeves on this jacket make it perfect for hotter hikes and morning runs. It also has UPF protection to keep you safe from harmful UV rays. Shigo has this and says, “I wear this all the time... it is always in my bag.”
This brand has been trending on social media for their fun clothing and inclusive sizing. They recently just released this new sweater that has an open-style to it, making it great for the transitional weather we’ll soon be facing.
Gift them with the shoe that's most likely been taking over their TikTok "for you" page. Splurge-worthy, this classic style has outlasted other trends seen on social media for years. These shoes rank high with reviewers because of their comfort, casualness and ability to be worn all year-round.
Best beauty and health gifts for 21-year-olds
Lip care is an important part of a skin care routine and this lip balm from e.l.f cosmetics not only hydrates and glows, but it also leaves behind a pigmented color. Plus, each color has a matching scent that smells just as good as it looks.
Get them ready for early morning wakeup calls thanks to these hydrating eyepatches that are an editor's favorite. They have hyaluronic acid and cooling effects that help decrease puffiness and wake you up.
A great hair tool can last them a long time, and this one from Wavytalk is able to give a salon-style blowout in a fraction of the time. It also helps reduce frizzy hair.
Best entertainment gifts for 21-year-olds
Turn what they thought was going to be a chill movie night into a game night with this Booze Clues set. The cards will give them drinking prompts to act out, such as “something happens in slow motion,” or “a training montage set to music.” Depending on how they do, this game will either leave them completely sober or hungover the next day.
Record players are still a popular gift. We like this one because it’s got Bluetooth connectivity, so they can pair it with a speaker or their phone and listen anywhere in the house.
This little camera fits on your keys, backpack or purse and is great for capturing moments. Plus, it recently won a Shop TODAY Travel Award. Shigo was one of the testers for it and said, “It was so fun to play around with and so many people kept asking me about it.”
If they are serious about gaming, they’ll love this portable console designed specifically for iPhones with a lightning port (iPhone 14 and earlier). This will take their gaming experience to the next level. Two sets of interchangeable magnetic adapters make sure it fits a range of phone cases without having to remove it. All they have to do is plug in and play.
For the 21-year-old who has friends over 24/7 and can’t wait for summer barbecues, this will be a hit. The game stacks to over five feet tall and comes with a carrying bag so they can take it to a friend’s house or store it easily.
If they enjoy outdoor runs, give them peace of mind with Shokz OpenRun Pro headphones. Unlike over-the-ear headphones or earbuds, these leave the ear uncovered so they can hear what’s going on around them. The headphones rest just outside of the ear and music is heard through bone conduction tech.
Best unique gifts for 21-year-olds
For upcoming tailgates, house parties, bonfires and more, gift them with this puffer jacket that might match their own. With 10 colors to choose from and a variety of styles, from hoodies to Hawaiian tees, keeping their drink cold has never looked more stylish.
When you're in your twenties, it feels like you'd lose your own head if it wasn't attached. Relieve some of their stress with this clip-on tag that'll allow them to track all of their valuables, including wallets, bags and keycards.
Wired headphones are a thing of the past, especially according to 21-year-olds. This neat gadget enables any non-Bluetooth device to instantly become Bluetooth-able. It’s great for someone who enjoys traveling, as it works great with airplane screens.
What better way to introduce them to the world of mixology than with their very own, customized recipe book? This book is a great way to celebrate their adulthood and will leave them with a variety of drinks they'll make for a lifetime.
If they're always losing their umbrella, they will want to hang on to this unique one. Made from a checkerboard pattern, this Duckhead umbrella is made from 100% recycled plastic bottles and looks super cute in a bag, too. This umbrella will be their new go-to for rainy days. Shigo calls it "the perfect umbrella for fashion lovers, and one that they'll never lose again!"
If they already have a weighted blanket, consider getting this limited-edition Hugimal that is 5 pounds and brings calmness to their bedroom.
If you’re not going to with them on their big day, then a package in the post is a great way to celebrate them. This box full of goodies is musical and plays the birthday music once opened. You can even add a personalized card for just $5.99.
Give your loved one a stunning custom piece of jewelry with this sound wave necklace. Record yourself saying a personalized message like “I love you” and Sincerely Silver's software will engrave the message in the form of a sound wave on a necklace.
Keep their loved ones close by them always with this locket necklace where they can put their last name initial on the front and on each side of the inside locket, they can add another initial. A sentimental and classic jewelry piece that has a hidden special meaning.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team works hard to find the best products and coolest gifts out there. We use our own personal experiences with brands to find the best gifts for 21-year-olds.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for the tween, teen and young adult on your list including 11-year-olds, 12-year-olds, 13-year-olds, 14-year-olds, 15-year-olds, 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds, 18-year-olds, 19-year-olds and 20-year-olds.
