Shopping for 20-year-olds can be a bit tricky sometimes. After all, they're often in that in-between phase where they're either attending college or just settling into the working world, so they have a unique set of wants and needs. But there are a few basic gifts that appeal to every 20-year-old, and Shop TODAY has rounded up 38 of them with options for both men and women.
Whether you’re seeing them in person or shipping off a care package, there's a gift for everyone on this list.
To quickly jump to the category you're looking for, click on the links below or keep scrolling to see all of our finds.
Gifts for men | Gifts for women | Gifts for fitness lovers | Gifts for travelers | Gifts for coffee lovers
Gifts for 20-year-old men
Rocketbook Fusion Plus
Note taking just got a whole lot easier with this reusable notebook. An upgraded version of the brand's Fusion style, this new release has 60 pages and 11 different templates for planning, meeting notes, sketching, brainstorming and project management. All they have to do is scan the page on the connected Rocketbook app to digitize their notes. When they're done, they just have to spray the page with water, wipe with the included microfiber cloth and start fresh!
MLB Park Pint Glasses
If he enjoys America's favorite pastime like many sports lovers do, gift him with a map of his favorite baseball field, whether it be Wrigley or Fenway. "Love that the design of these glasses focuses on the design of the map of the park and the sports logo is on the bottom of the glasses. It makes the glasses look more graphic and expensive," said one reviewer.
Jack Black Improve & Protect Set
For the guy who needs something quick to swipe on before he catches some zzz's, this three-piece set comes with protein serum, glycolic acid treatment and a moisturizer.
Unstable Unicorns Card Game
Know a guy who loves card games? He's sure to get a laugh out of this one. Here's how it works: You build a unicorn army and try to be the first person to collect seven of them before your friends do. There's betrayal, destruction and a fun dose of healthy competition, and it's a nice way to pass some time with your best pals on a Friday night in.
8Bitdo Sn30 Pro+ Bluetooth Controller
Guys who love to game are passionate about their controllers, and this versatile model is compatible with several systems, including the Nintendo Switch, Steam, PCs, macOS, Android and Raspberry Pi. The Bluetooth controller offers rumble vibration and motion controls and lets guys customize their gaming experience to suit their unique needs. Plus, it comes in three designs that range from sleek to retro!
Paravel Fold Up Bag
Want to help encourage your college student to come home for more frequent visits? Paravel’s Fold-Up Bag makes it easy for guys to store their luggage while living in a cramped space. It folds into a tablet-size pouch when you don’t need it and comes in six colors. You can even monogram it!
Instacart Gift Card
"Ugh, I just got a gift card for my birthday" (said no one ever). If you're not sure what the 20-year-old guy is into these days, an Instacart gift card gives him the option to shop for everything from groceries to electronics and everything in between. The site works with more than 300 vendors and major retailers (think Best Buy, Target, Sephora, The Container Store), meaning it's impossible for guys not to find something they'll love.
Gifts for 20-year-old women
Ban.do Strawberry Field Vase
This adorable strawberry-shaped vase is not only a great conversation starter, but will look great on her tabletop.
Birdy Grey Crew Neck Sweatshirt
They'll love to cozy up in this crew neck sweatshirt. It's cute enough to wear while lounging around at home, hanging out with friends or running errands. Plus, you can customize it for just $6 more.
Kate Spade Medium Zip Wristlet
Functional, durable and portable are just three features of this wristlet from Kate Spade. Able to hold cash, change, cards and a phone, this wristlet proves to be small but mighty. It's the "perfect clutch for an evening out," according to one reviewer, but also works when you only need to pack the necessities.
Florence by Mills Swimming Under the Eyes Gel Pads
Have a whale of a time with your skin care routine by adding these hydrating, sea-inspired eye patches. The formula is completely cruelty- and vegan-free and can included hyaluronic acid to add moisture to tired eyes.
Tarte Shape Tape Bestsellers Set
Tarte's bestselling Shape Tape concealer has become a bit of an icon among makeup mavens over the past few seasons, and this set includes the popular complexion savior and two of the brand's other bestselling products: a travel-size mascara and lip gloss. It's great for on-the-go gals who want to keep a few beauty essentials in their clutch.
Modern Marble Personalized Lap Desk
For those times when your favorite 20-year-old doesn't feel like sitting at a desk, this lap desk helps her get comfy on the couch as she types away term papers or polishes off her resume. You can personalize it with her name and a color of your choice, making this one custom gift that she'll definitely adore.
Dormify Over the Door Vanity Organizer
If you know a college student whose dorm is a bit cramped, giving the gift of organization will help her make better use of her space (and help maintain her sanity). This over-the-door organizer from Dormify includes multiple pockets of varying sizes so she can store all her favorite beauty products, accessories and more so everything is right within reach.
AirCandy Faux Fur Inflatable Chair
Decorating a dorm room or apartment is half the fun of living on your own, and this faux fur inflatable chair is a quirky addition to any space. The clear chair comes with a faux fur cover that you can easily attach when you feel like getting comfy. You can also control how firm the chair is by adjusting the air pressure. Whether she uses it to study, chill with friends or get some gaming in, the 20-year-old in your life will no doubt dig it.
Davie Sterling Silver Stud Earrings
Stumped for gift ideas? You can never go wrong with a little bling! These stud earrings from Kendra Scott come in every birthstone, making them a sweet and personal option that she’ll treasure forever. You'll win major brownie points with this one!
Goldbelly Gift Card
Traveling has been a bit challenging over the past year, so if you know a gal who's itching to try some of the best food across the country but hasn't had the chance just yet, a Goldbelly gift card will definitely make her day. The site partners with hundreds of restaurants, chefs and food makers and offers nationwide shipping so you can try everything from pizza and sandwiches to cakes and cookies. They also offer a monthly subscription.
LifeStride Karter Riding Boots
We love it when shoes combine fashion and function and think your favorite 20-year-old will appreciate the fact that these stylish boots are also water-resistant. Lifestride also added in a memory foam footbed and an insole with shock absorption, so you'll feel good knowing that your favorite gal will be comfy while she's showing off one of the season's hottest styles.
Gifts for the 20-year-old fitness lover
Bearback Ultimate Self-Care Bundle
Instead of trying to contort their bodies to hit those hard-to-reach spots, this Bearback bundle makes it easy to take care of an itch. It comes with a handle and four different attachments including a lotion roller and massage roller. Shop TODAY editor Rebecca Brown says she had no idea how much she'd love using this. "It does wonders on the back—gets those places that are perpetually neglected. I use it all over before jumping in the shower and it’s my favorite quick self-care routine," she raved.
Bloch Flex Studio Shoes
Described by the brand as "better than socks" and "better than barefoot," these slip-ons are designed to provide full support with grippers on the bottom that'll keep them grounded during Pilates, yoga and barre workouts.
Tavi Kai Grip Socks
If they prefer tall socks for floor workouts, these bestsellers are an easy choice. The classic black-and-white style will go with any workout 'fit and the bottom of the foot is covered in small triangle-shaped grips to keep them sturdy.
Fitness Dice
Is workout block a thing? Even fitness enthusiasts need inspiration sometimes! Thanks to these dice, they are able to roll one of or all of the seven dice, look to the explanation booklet for insight and begin their workout. "I especially like that I can have a different workout every day," said one reviewer, adding "I highly recommend these especially for someone who gets bored easily. You can just roll the dice again and get a new thing to try."
Bala Bangles
Wear these one-pound Bala Bangles around your wrists or ankles during your next "hot girl" walk or when working out to elevate your fitness experience. These steel bands wrapped in a soft silicone are adjustable, allowing you to customize your fit for maximum comfort. "The weight is evenly distributed and they add a killer kick to any workout," one reviewer said.
Nutribullet Personal Blender
This personal blender is just the right size for a dorm room or their first apartment. It comes with a 600-watt motor base for powerful blending, a to-go cup, a recipe book and more. Pair with their favorite protein powder, and they're all set next time they want a post-workout pick-me-up!
Gaiam Fitness Mat with Sling
For at-home workouts or yoga classes at their favorite studio, this extra-thick fitness mat offers a ton of cushion and support, according to the brand. It provides "great cushioning for floor exercise as well as grip for standing yoga," according to one reviewer. Included is a sling, made for easy carrying to and from the gym.
Theragun Mini
For fitness junkies who are always in need of relief, they can pack this portable massage device in their gym bag or save space by storing it in their small apartment or dorm room. "I throw it in my sports bag to use right after my pickleball games," one reviewer said. "It really helps to break up those lactic acids and also gives much relief to my hip issues. Best gift ever."
Gymshark Everyday Gym Bag
Pack everything you need — from an extra pair of shoes to a change of clothes — in this spacious bag. It features a large main compartment, padded handles and a mesh pocket perfect for storing wet swimsuits or sweaty towels. "It’s a perfect size gym bag and I love it. I carry it all the time and [is] very good quality," said one reviewer.
Gifts for the 20-year-old traveler
Kelofon Travel Jewelry Case
Keep track of all your accessories and delicate jewelry inside this organizer from Amazon. The compact box includes three separate areas to strap necklaces, bracelets, rings and earrings. Many reviewers also mention that it's proven to be sturdy and reliable.
Tinggly Premium Collection
For the person who values experiences over things, Tinggly is the perfect gift. The Premium Collection gives them the choice of over 2,000 paid-for activities in more than 100 countries for one or two people. Options include things like a surfing lesson in Maui, a waterfall hiking tour in Wales or ticket to Aladdin on Broadway.
Bombas Running Quarter Sock
Whether they're going by foot or prefer planes, everyone agrees that travel days are tiring. For times when they're on their feet for long, dashing through the airport or hiking on a paved trail, they're going to want a sock that will keep their feet blister-free. Enter Bombas, a widely known and favored sock brand, mostly due to their breathable fabric and cushioning where their feet need it the most.
Parks Project National Parks Fill-In Poster
For the outdoor enthusiast who has goals to see all the sights and hike all the trails the U.S. has to offer, this fill-in poster will help them keep track of what's next on their bucket list. From Acadia National Park to Zion, they'll have all 82 circles checked off in no time.
Away The Insider Packing Cubes (Set of 6)
For the 20-year-old who can never fit everything they need inside their suitcase, gift them these packing cubes to keep them more organized. With over 200 five-star reviews, these organizers are a shopper favorite and a travel enthusiast's best friend. Reviewers rave about how they are "perfect" for carry-ons or medium-sized luggage as well.
CamelBak HydroBak Backpack
Whether you're hiking, biking, running or walking your dog, never worry about running out of water again with this 50-ounce hydration backpack from CamelBak. Reviewers love this pack for how "long-lasting" liquids stay cold and how the pockets can store essentials like keys, phones and wallets.
Gifts for the 20-year-old coffee lover
Keurig Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Coffee Maker
This single-serve coffee maker is perfect for those who need to brew a quick cup before class. The device comes out to five inches wide, making it great for small spaces. It can brew up to 12 ounces and can make coffee in just minutes, according to the brand.
Chamberlain Coffee Cold Brew Mason Jar
For the coffee lover who also loves YouTube sensation Emma Chamberlain, gift this cold brew mason jar so that they can enjoy coffee-on-the -go like their favorite influencer. Shop Chamberlain Coffee for coffee grounds, matcha sets and other accessories, such as a travel tumbler and fun merchandise.
Hearth and Hand Coffee Canister
Complete with a scoop for the right amount of coffee grounds each morning, this coffee canister will keep grounds and beans fresh. Designed with the farmhouse aesthetic in mind, this canister can replace the clunky coffee bags your 20-year-old has cluttering their countertops. "I love the look of this canister and the quality is exceptional. The lid is greatly sealed and keeps the coffee grounds fresh! the scoop is also a great size and does not stain," said one reviewer.
Urban Outfitters City Souvenir Mug
Whether they enjoy a good New York dollar slice or love the western flair of Austin, Texas, they can reminisce on a trip or their favorite city with this souvenir ceramic mug from Urban Outfitters.
Ember 2 Temperature Control Smart Mug
While this pick is a bit pricier than your typical mug, it’s not every day your morning cup of joe can keep itself warm. Add this warming mug to your morning routine and sip it well into the lunch hours, because it won’t go cold. Set it at your preferred temperature so it that it's never too-hot or too-cold.