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Turning 21 is a major life milestone, so we know the pressure is on to find a 21st birthday gift that doesn’t disappoint. Not only are they now legally allowed to drink, but are taking another step into adulthood. From tackling the last year of college to sipping on fancy co*cktails with friends to starting their first grown-up job, this year promises moments they won’t forget, making it even more important to celebrate this trip around the sun with the perfect gift.
To give you a head start on this gifting journey, we gathered the best 21st birthday gifts for every recipient, even if alcohol isn’t their bevvy of choice. If they’re moving into a new apartment, heading into their senior year, or in need of some creative hangover cures, we know they’ll need more than a bottle of bubbly to get through this next chapter of their life.
Alongside astrological-themed goods, personalized jewelry, and a birthday cake kit, we feature gifts that’ll help them including a 39-piece toolbox, an academic planner set, and a small coffee maker they’ll be thanking you for during finals week. Whether you’re shopping for your best friend, sister, or a gift under $100, these 21st birthday gifts will usher them into adulthood and make it a birthday they will remember for years.
1
For Tasty Hangover Cures
‘The Hungover Cookbook’ by Milton Crawford
1
For Tasty Hangover Cures
‘The Hungover Cookbook’ by Milton Crawford
They’ll never struggle to come up with the perfect hungover meal, thanks to this book. The recipes are inspired by P. G. Wodehouse’s six hangovers, so your recipient can find a delicious, comforting recipe that fits their specific hangover. It also has quizzes, mind games, and graphic jokes throughout to help assess and improve their situation.
As this 5-star Amazon reviewer shares, “I bought this for my nephew’s 21st birthday and he LOVED it!”
More: 60+ Gifts for Her That She'll Absolutely Love
2
For the One Who Lights Up a Room
ManhattanNeons Custom Neon Sign
Brighten up their room with this custom neon sign. From their name to an inspirational phrase, consider this gift a blank canvas for you to personalize just for your recipient.
“I bought a neon sign with my daughter’s name for her dorm room. She is in love! It is the cutest color pink and the font is completely legible,” shares this 5-star reviewer.
3
For Astrology Fans
Birthdate Candles
This scented candle is designed specifically for the day they were born and comes in 365 unique fragrance combinations. It combines astrology, numerology, and tarot to give your recipient a one-of-a-kind gift.
Each candle is hand-poured, made of a soy and coconut wax blend, and has a burn time of 60-80 hours to fully enjoy the custom scent that matches their personality.
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4
For a Boozy Game Night
These Cards Will Get You Drunk Card Game
4
For a Boozy Game Night
These Cards Will Get You Drunk Card Game
Now 20% Off
Now that they can legally drink, there’s a whole new world of party games for them to play. With up to eight players, everyone takes turns drawing a card and following the instructions on it. This card game will have your recipient competing, voting, and screwing over their friends while drinking (responsibly, of course) along the way!
As this 5-star Amazon reviewer warns, “I bought this for my son’s 21st birthday party and let me tell you, people were dropping literally. We had a blast, but make sure you’re sleeping were wherever you’re playing. Happy drinking!”
5
For the Dehydrated Recipient
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
5
For the Dehydrated Recipient
Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier
While this may seem too practical to be a 21st birthday gift idea, your recipient will be thanking you profusely for gifting this electrolyte drink mix after a long night of partying. It’s made with five essential vitamins — B-3, B-5, B-6, B-12, and C — and a specific ratio of potassium, glucose, and sodium for maximum hydration.
6
For the Always-Prepared
Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit
6
For the Always-Prepared
Pinch Provisions Minimergency Kit
This handy kit is filled with 17 essentials to ensure any outing — especially a girls’ night out — goes well. This compact, glitter case holds everything she’ll need in case of a mini emergency, including an emery board, hair spray, earring backs, and even a mending kit. It’s a 21st birthday gift she’ll never leave home without.
“I will definitely be buying more of these mini emergency kits. They are very tiny but hold so much and are perfect to put in any bag,” shares this future repeat 5-star Amazon reviewer.
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7
For the One Who's Always Running Errands
lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
7
For the One Who's Always Running Errands
lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag
From music festivals to coffee runs, this Lululemon belt bag will be their perfect companion. It features an adjustable strap and multiple pockets to keep their essentials safe and secure. It’s available in multiple fun colors to go with every outfit.
8
For the Cozy-Obsessed Bestie
Urban Renewal Recycled Heart Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt
8
For the Cozy-Obsessed Bestie
Urban Renewal Recycled Heart Tie-Dye Crew Neck Sweatshirt
Turn them into a tie-dye lover with this cozy pullover they’ll want to wear everywhere. Its oversized silhouette and array of color options make it a fashion-forward, yet comfy 21st birthday gift.
We also love that it's part of UO's Urban Renewal program, meaning that it was remade to extend the life of the garment.
9
For the Forgetful Traveler
Beis Travel The Jewelry Case in Beige
9
For the Forgetful Traveler
Beis Travel The Jewelry Case in Beige
This 21st birthday gift will keep your recipient’s jewelry in one safe and stylish place. It features a metal snap closure and is made completely from recycled water bottles. It's the perfect travel jewelry case for their delicate accessories, including compartments for rings, watches, and more.
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10
For Glossy Lips
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper
10
For Glossy Lips
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Heat Universal Lip Luminizer + Plumper
Give them a beauty gift from you (and Rihanna) that they’ll never want to take off. Gloss Bomb Heat combines Fenty Beauty’s best-selling Gloss Bomb with an innovative Plump Job Complex for a lip gloss that’ll add a bit of tint and leave them with fuller-looking lips.
11
For the One True to Their Sign
GOOMI Zodiac Blanket
11
For the One True to Their Sign
GOOMI Zodiac Blanket
Add a little warmth to their dorm or new digs with this woven throw blanket. One side has a sherpa-like feel, making it the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for movie nights or Fridays in.
12
For the Sweet Tooth
sugarfina Champagne Bears
12
For the Sweet Tooth
sugarfina Champagne Bears
Now 25% Off
We've tried these gummy bears ourselves and can attest that they're sweet and delicious. It's the perfect nod to a 21st birthday without actually gifting champagne. Plus, this pack comes in a set of four, so they can extend their birthday as long as they don't demolish all the gummies at once.
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13
For the Coffee Lover
Fellow Products Carter Move Mug (16-ounces)
13
For the Coffee Lover
Fellow Products Carter Move Mug (16-ounces)
Now 41% Off
If the 21-year-old in your life is constantly on the go, gift them this sleek travel coffee mug that allows them to enjoy their coffee without fear of spilling. It fits in most cup holders, comes with a snap-in splash guard, and can keep hot beverages warm for up to 12 hours (and cold ones cold for up to 24).
14
For the Sneakerhead
PUMA Carina Sneaker
One of our most popular white sneakers for women, PUMA's Carina sneaker is half the price of Nike's Air Force 1 and looks just as cute. The sneakers are super comfortable and durable, and scuffs are easy to wipe off, too.
15
For Some Bubbly
Usual Brut Wine (Pack of 6)
15
For Some Bubbly
Usual Brut Wine (Pack of 6)
Usual Wines offers single-serve bottles that have a super cool design. They use bottle caps to keep the wine fresh, and each bottle contains a little over 6 ounces. This brut variety is the perfect 21st birthday gift — it's light and effervescent, and contains notes of lemon, elderflower, and bergamot. They'll like that they can share a bottle with their friends, no solo cups needed.
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16
For the One Who's Always Losing Their Phone
Quince Italian Pebbled Leather Phone Crossbody
16
For the One Who's Always Losing Their Phone
Quince Italian Pebbled Leather Phone Crossbody
Made from Italian leather, this crossbody phone case is the perfect size. It's lined with pockets to hold cards and it comes with a snap closure to keep their things safe. This cute accessory comes in seven colors that will go with any outfit.
17
For Their Inevitable Hangover
LeaWildflower This is My Hangover Hoodie
Ah, the dreaded hangover. This 21st birthday gift will come in handy when all they want to do after a night of drinking is just stay in bed with a comfy hoodie and order takeout. It features a kangaroo pocket on the front and a drawstring hoodie.
As this enthusiastic 5-star reviewer says, "I bought this for my daughter’s 21st bday. It is so cute and soft! She loves it!"
18
For the Younger Siblings
theprettylittlemess 21st Birthday Wine Label
18
For the Younger Siblings
theprettylittlemess 21st Birthday Wine Label
Older siblings, rejoice! You’re no longer the designated alcohol buyer. Put this label on your favorite bottle of vino for a 21st birthday gift that’s sure to get a laugh.
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19
For the One Who Wants a Sweet Home Celebration
Milk Bar The Happy Birthday Kit
19
For the One Who Wants a Sweet Home Celebration
Milk Bar The Happy Birthday Kit
If they prefer to keep the festivities low-key, this kit from Milk Bar has all they need to commemorate their special day at home. It includes six crowns, a happy birthday wall banner, a pack of candles, a cowbell, and a 6-inch vanilla Funfetti cake that’s perfect for a small celebration with loved ones.
20
For the Friend Who's Always Planning
Papier Academic Planner & Notebook Set
20
For the Friend Who's Always Planning
Papier Academic Planner & Notebook Set
Help them make 21 the year they finally get organized with this set from Papier. It includes a lined notebook and academic planner so they never miss an exam or internship application deadline. Plus, you can personalize the covers for a personal touch.
Elisabeth Narine
Elisabeth Narine is the Associate Editor, Reviews at Best Products, where she spends her time interviewing experts and scouring the internet for the best gift ideas for every occasion. Her work can also be found on BuzzFeed and Forbes Vetted. She uses her love of shopping, pop culture, and cooking to help guide her search for the perfect gift.
