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, which leaves them with a unique set of wants and needs.
Although finding the perfect present may feel tough, there are lots of great gifts that will appeal to 20-year-olds. Shop TODAY has curated a great list of them, offering options for both men and women with varying interests.
So, whether you’re seeing them in person or shipping off a care package, your 20-year-old is sure to appreciate receiving a thoughtful gift from this list.
For on-the-go organization$undefined$8.98
Gifts for 20-year-old men
Have their home smell amazing with this new scented wall plug-in from Mrs. Meyers. It has scents of a rainy day with a clean scent that can continuously be pumped into the air.
Chances are, a quality belt is missing from his wardrobe right now. This sleek, durable option makes a neat gift, with a ratchet web design that automatically closes at precisely the right spot and can easily be adjusted throughout the day. It's stylish enough to go with a variety of outfits, from casual to dressy, and has over 17,000 ratings on Amazon.
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.
Are they always making a mess at the counter? This knife will keep their table free of lingering food residue thanks to the innovative design. The knife sits upright without falling thanks to its weighted bottom, so it's a convenient option for jam, peanut butter, honey or another favorite spread.
If he enjoys America’s favorite pastime like many sports lovers do, gift him with a map of his favorite baseball stadium, whether it be Wrigley Field or Fenway Park. “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.
Odds are, the almost-20-year-old in your life hasn’t yet landed on his signature scent. Nudge him in the right direction with this “exploratory set” from Gen Z-approved brand Boy Smells, which includes six trial-sized vials of the brand’s bestselling scents. Reviewers say there’s something for everyone in this set, so he can try them all on and find out what scent profile he likes best.
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!
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!
If he lives in loungewear, gift him with these joggers from Mark Wahlberg's performance and athleisure brand, Municipal. These joggers are made out of a cotton and polyester blend fabric and also includes five different pockets.
Reviewers rave about this pair of pants, noting that they're "lightweight and warm at the same time," making them perfect for winter runs.
Gifts for 20-year-old women
Trust us, this brand is all over their social media at the moment. With ingredients that leave your lips feeling moisturized and glossy, without the stickiness, it's an obvious choice when it comes to their new go-to lip oil.
This adorable strawberry-shaped vase is not only a great conversation starter, but will look great on her tabletop. It would even be cute if you gifted her this vase with a bouquet of her favorite flowers inside!
Finding your signature scent takes some time, but you can give the 20-year-old in your life a head start with this set from Gen Z-beloved brand DedCool. The sustainably packaged tin includes six trial-sized vials of the brand's bestselling scents, so she can experiment with the kind of fragrance she likes best. Plus, it comes with a code for 20% off of a full-sized fragrance, so she can get her hands on her favorite after trying them all.
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. It even has several compartments to hold a tablet and a phone.
Have a whale of a time with your skin care routine by adding these hydrating, sea-inspired eye patches. The formula is completely cruelty-free and vegan and includes hyaluronic acid to add moisture to tired eyes.
For the young adult who needs time to unwind, this pair of socks will target the right areas. The socks feature a map and come with a wand which can help you improve circulation, regulate the nervous system and reduce overall stress — a gift for those looking for calm and a cozy feel.
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.
For a dainty addition to their current bracelet stack, gift them with this gold plated bracelet from Gorjana, who promises that its lightweight feel makes it easy to wear 24/7.
Help her put her best foot forward as she heads into next decade with these cool sneakers. The iconic triple stripe shoe is all over Pinterest right now, and this version is built with a platform sole. It's available in several on-trend colors, some of which are even on sale right now.
If they love the look of vintage photos, but know how expensive it can be to have film developed. This camera can take 500 shots in one charge!
If they love Aritzia, have them try this popular boat shoe collaboration they have with Sperry. The collection sold out when it first dropped, and now they are back with colors. These are the perfect shoes to send them off to job interviews.
Gifts for the 20-year-old fitness lover
For at-home workouts or pilates classes at their favorite studio, this 15-inch pilates ring offers a ton resistance for every workout. “The non-slip handles are easy to use and kept the ring in place during my workout,” Charisse Larado, senior producer at TODAY All Day, said when reviewing the ring for the Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards, adding that the ring is “super high quality.”
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.”
Another previous Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Award winner for the best sock to wear during any and all activities, it’s no secret that Feetures are well-loved throughout the Shop TODAY team.
Worn primarily when running, these socks constrict around certain parts of the foot, in order to prevent blisters and sliding down while moving. They’ve proven to hold their shape and structure no matter how many times you wash them, a true testament to their longevity.
This cap is ideal for individuals with long hair who frequently struggle with their workout updo. The hat features a low crown and curved brim to fit a bun or ponytail, while keeping your hair tangle-free.
Pack everything you need — from an extra pair of shoes to a change of clothes — in this spacious bag. Photo editor Kara Birnbaum tested the tote out both as a workout bag and as a weekender bag for the Start TODAY x Shop TODAY Wellness Awards.
“The neoprene is flexible and comfortable when carrying. The strap doesn’t hurt your shoulder,” Birnbaum notes. “The size is also great. I was able to pack multiple outfits in the bag for a weekend and multiple pairs of shoes for the gym.”
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!
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.
One thing about Gen-Z is for sure: they love athleisure. Whether they're wearing it to workout or to lounge in, why not gift them with one of the comfiest pairs? Our editors agree — this pair ranks high in terms of leggings, thanks to their versatility, comfortability and the wide range of colors and sizes they're available in.
These everyday running shoes from a podiatrist-loved brand are a great choice for the active 20-year-old. They're available in twelve colors and happen to be a favorite of production associate Audrey Ekman.
"I feel like I could walk a zillion miles in these sneakers," Ekman gushes. "I recently wore them on a vacation and took over 30,000 steps in a single day, with no blisters or soreness to report whatsoever. They're like walking on clouds... I never want to take them off."
Gifts for the 20-year-old traveler
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.
Water bottles are the key to staying hydrated on college campuses. Shop TODAY editors recommend this Owala water bottle for people who are on-the-go.
“I love the built-in straw and enjoy sipping and then having the option to chug. It keeps my water pretty cold for a few hours and the bottle itself is easy to grip. I also love the flip cap, which prevents my straw from being out in the open,” says production associate Jill Ortiz.
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.
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.
If they are traveling a lot, this train case is a great personal item for them to travel with. It fits on top of the suitcase and has a strap to stay secure. It can be wiped clean, and it has organizers inside of it for beauty, tech and more personal items you need when you travel.
A new travel bag is a major upgrade for any 20-year-old. At 30 liters, this weekender bag is designed to fit a ton of stuff. The brand says that the unisex hold-all can be carried in three ways: by the top handles as a simple carry-all, as a crossbody bag with the large sling strap or as a backpack by turning it on its side and using the padded shoulder straps. It comes in an array of colors and promises to last them many years.
Gifts for the 20-year-old coffee lover
Deputy editorial director Alexandra Deabler says this milk frother wand with over 88,000 ratings on Amazon changed the way she makes coffee. Give the gift of leveling up their home barista experience and open up a world of possibilities: frothy lattes, cappuccinos, whipped coffee and more beverages are all on the menu when they've got this gadget on hand.
“Yellowstone” fans, this ones for you! Born straight from the heartland of Texas, Cole Hauser’s new coffee and lifestyle brand wants customers to wake up on the right side of bed and get after it with unbeatably smooth and flavorful coffee.
If they're a bonafide book lover AND coffee drinker, there's no doubt that they'll enjoy this history on how their favorite beverage managed to make it into their mug this morning.
The coffee lover who is always in a rush to get out the door will appreciate these coffee packets. And while aficionados might be tempted to roll their eyes at “instant coffee” one of our editors says this is the real deal.
“Flavor-wise, this is one of the better — and more complex — instant coffees I’ve had. The advertised tasting notes (hints of pecan and blueberry pie) come through boldly and full-bodied but without any semblance of artificial sweetness that are evident in other kinds of instant coffee on the market,” shares deputy managing editor Jess Bender.
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.
If iced coffee is more their speed, this is the gift to get. The HyperChiller claims to chill coffee in under 60 seconds, so they can be out the door in no time with their favorite beverage at their side.
These eco-friendly espresso capsules are compatible with Nespresso’s original machine and the L’Or Barista System. Former production coordinator Bella Druckman loves these capsules because they are 100% biodegradable, deliver long-lasting energy and taste delicious. She loves sipping on her homemade iced latte as she bounces between classes and meetings.
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.
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.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers searched the internet to find the best gifts out there for 20-year-olds. We interview expert sources and use our own personal experiences with bestselling products and trending brands to make shopping easier for our readers.
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 21-year-olds.
