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
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.
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 9 different colors to make the gift more personalized.
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 they can use to decorate their space.
One of the most popular tumbler brands, HydroFlask’s ombré bottles are limited edition, and come in 32 and 40 ounce tumblers. We’re huge fans of the brand, and even bigger fans of this color way. Their drinks will surely stay and look cool.
If they love seltzers, normal koozies just won’t do. Available in over 20 colors, this accessory has over 35,000 five-star ratings on the brand’s site, most raving about how it keeps their drinks “super cold.” It’s specifically designed for slim cans and just needs to be slipped on to their drink.
Wine nights at home just got a lot more relaxing thanks to this insulated wine tumbler from Hydro Flask. Not only does it keep your drinks at a temperature you desire, but it also has a splash resistant lid so your drink is portable and secure.
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.
For the 21-year-old who’s always busy, help them make mealtime easier with these meal prep containers. This set comes with two different sized containers and comes in multiple colors. They’re also easy to stack and store, making food organization simple.
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. This book set can also be used as home decor.
For a different take on the traditional copper Moscow Mule glasses they’re used to seeing, gift them with these (still copper!) mugs that will fit in on any bar cart.
Sizing in at 16 ounces, reviewers love these “great quality” mugs even more so because they “really keep your drinks cold,” as the brand promises.
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, 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.
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.
If they just moved into their first apartment and are limited on bathroom space (especially if they have roommates), this shower caddy is a great addition to their home. It fits on the shower spout and holds everything from razors to heavy shampoo bottles.
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 those who are just starting out in home cooking.
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-auomatic espresso machines category.
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 that need a push in their sleep routine.
This rug will last them through multiple moves, roommates and furry friends. It is spill-proof and even if a spill does happen, you can throw the rug in the wash.
Start their wine collection off strong with this 9-bottle bundle of fresh, organic reds. This set allows them the chance to test out a variety of wines for the first time, so they can find out what they like.
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 comfortable at the same time.
A classic gift for a 21-year-old girl, 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 girl looking for a timeless necklace to add to her wardrobe.
Whether they're out working out or running around doing errands, this belt bag provides casual style and storage needs. This stylish belt bag will fit whatever you need to leave the house, and it comes in 13 different colors to choose from.
When you’re in college, receiving items that you would typically have to pay 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."
Everyone needs a comfortable scarf to keep them warm during cool summer nights. This one from Quince is made from 100% silk and features fringe detail for a bohemian feel
Get them ready for fall with this light striped cardigan from a brand that has been wildly popular in 2024 and 2025. They can wear the cardigan open or layer it under larger sweaters and jackets.
Whether they're a runner, walker or lounger, this long sleeve from Planet Nusa is a closet staple for them. Shop TODAY editorial assistant, Annie Shigo has this and says, " It is so breathable, the little holes in it make me feel cool and protected even in very cold morning workouts."
This jacket is very useful because it has snap-off sleeves, which make it perfect for hotter hikes and morning runs. It also has UPF protection to make sure your safe from harmful UV rays. Shigo has this and says, "I wear this all the time, anytime I am outside, it is always in my bag."
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.
A great penny loafer can take you from the office to long walks and little adventures in between. If there is one shoe they need for their early twenties in their careers, it has to be a loafer. This pair from Vagabond is made from real leather and feels butter-soft.
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 a pigmented color on the lips. Plus, there are scents attached to each color of lip balm.
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.
Rich, buttery and sensorial are three ways we can describe Sol de Janeiro's Bum Bum Cream. This Brazilian-inspired lotion comes in a duo and contains smoothing ingredients like coconut oil, Brazil nut, Cupuaçu butter and more for soft skin. Your 21-year-old will appreciate this luxurious beauty treatment in time for summer.
A great hair tool can last them a long time, and this one from Wavytalk is able to give you a salon-style blowout in a fraction of the time. It also helps reduce frizzy hair.
Best entertainment gifts for 21-year-olds
Waiting for classes to start just got a lot more fun with this controller — it looks and feels just like an Xbox one. All they have to do is plug their phone into it to play. The controller will also charge their phone so there’s no need to worry about a drained battery.
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.
Let your loved one stream all of their favorite Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and Disney+ shows with the Fire TV Stick. The stick uses Alexa technology to instantly start shows and movies at the sound of their voice.
Record players are still a popular gift. We like this one because it’s got Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair it with a speaker or your phone and listen anywhere in your house.
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.
Over-ear wireless headphones are a must-have for any 21-year-old with an office job. They will love the Beats Solo3 Wireless version because they are incredibly comfortable and allow in outside ambient noise so the entire world isn’t completely blocked out.
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 to your shoulders. 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.
Gift the gift of a one-year subscription to this highly-rated app named Calm. It focuses on teaching you how to meditate, relax and sleep better — things all college students could use even if they don't realize it yet.
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 engravable 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.
