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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, things get a lot easier once your favorite ~youth~ hits 21. They’re officially the age where you can legally give them the (let’s be honest) cop-out bottle of vino and call it a day!! But if you wanna get creative, we have boozy gifts and wine-themed gifts galore. And FYI, your options aren't limited to alcohol (especially if drinking isn't their thing). They’re probably really close to graduating college and are in need of Real Life Things—i.e., kitchen essentials, a toolbox, and a nice blazer for work—that’ll get a reaction that’s less “Partyyyy!” and more “TYSM, I was dreading buying this necessary thing.”
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. Ahead, the best 21st birthday gifts to help them celebrate this milestone birthday in style.
SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS
1
this instant-print camera
Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera
1
this instant-print camera
Kodak Printomatic Digital Instant Print Camera
Make sure their memories are being captured with a dependable camera. This version from Kodak requires no ink cartridges, toner, or film and will print out pics just moments after you take them.
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!
3
this 21+ card game
Buzzed - The Drinking Game That Will Get You & Your Friends Tipsy
3
this 21+ card game
Buzzed - The Drinking Game That Will Get You & Your Friends Tipsy
From the people who brought you the one and only What Do You Meme? comes Buzzed, a hilarious drinking card game that’ll get everyone laughing and thoroughly tipsy. Important!
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4
these intricate birthstone necklaces
Local Eclectic Shades of You Ombre Birthstone Necklace
4
these intricate birthstone necklaces
Local Eclectic Shades of You Ombre Birthstone Necklace
These unique 14k gold plated necklaces feature pretty gemstones in ombre colors for each month of the year. “Even more beautiful than the pictures,” one reviewer writes. FYI: They come in ring form, too!
5
these boozy gummies
Sugarfina Rosé All Day Gummy Candy Bento Box
5
these boozy gummies
Sugarfina Rosé All Day Gummy Candy Bento Box
This sweet rosé-infused treat is the perfect non-alcoholic nod to their newly legal status. The giftable set comes with a box of light pink rosette candies and a box of rosé-infused gummy bears.
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9
this convenient kitchen gadget
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
9
this convenient kitchen gadget
Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Mini Electric Pressure Cooker
Turning 21 means they won’t be able to hit up the college dining hall for much longer. Gift them an Instant Pot, which does everything from steaming to sautéing to boiling.
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10
this handy cookbook
The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook: 75 Internet-Breaking Recipes
10
this handy cookbook
The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook: 75 Internet-Breaking Recipes
Now 31% Off
Help them transition into cooking their own meals with this guide to making yummy viral recipes like pancake cereal, whipped matcha lattes, and pizza in a mug.
Petite, leak-proof, and oh-so-pretty, this duochrome flask is sure to become a 21-year-old's new fave accessory.
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14
this coffee maker perf for small spaces
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
14
this coffee maker perf for small spaces
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
Now 15% Off
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 $$ on coffee from the cafe!)
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16
this clutch handheld vacuum
eufy by Anker Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
16
this clutch handheld vacuum
eufy by Anker Cordless Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
Now 25% Off
They've officially reached the age where they will get excited over home/cleaning gifts. And I already know they're gonna be pumped to see this cordless handheld vacuum cleaner once they open their prezzie!
17
this retro air fryer
DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer
17
this retro air fryer
DASH Tasti-Crisp Electric Air Fryer
Now 16% Off
So they're probs still not that great at cooking (speaking from personal experience) and need a lil help. Enter: this cute and affordable air fryer that'll do all the chef work for them (with practically any food) in minutes.
18
this kiss-proof lip stain
Wonderskin Peel and Reveal Lip Stain Kit
18
this kiss-proof lip stain
Wonderskin Peel and Reveal Lip Stain Kit
A regular lip gloss will disappear after a co*cktail or two, but this TikTok-approved lip stain will last all night long (it’s drink-proof and smooch-proof, just FYI).
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20
this popular speaker
Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker
20
this popular speaker
Bose SoundLink Micro Bluetooth Speaker
What's a 21st birthday celebration without a dance party? Make sure the music is taken care of by gifting them this five-star rated (!!) speaker. They'll be using it alllll night and for years to come!
Hannah Oh
Assistant Shopping Editor
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.
Megan Uy
Associate Shopping Editor
Megan Uy is an associate 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.
Alexis Bennett
Alexis Bennett is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan. She lives for a good sale. You can follow her shopping obsession here and on Instagram.