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There's no birthday more iconic than the big 2-1, and I stand by that. 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 wonderful and, er, semi-chaotic age, we've got a big list of 21st birthday gift ideas (boozy gifts and wine-themed gifts included) that are useful, sentimental, and ofc, party-appropriate.
When your favorite ~youth~ hits 21, they’re officially the age where you can legally give them the cop-out bottle of vino and call it a day—but you can do better than putting a bow on a $14.99 bottle. We recommend a drinking card game and a hangover kit to celebrate their first legal sip, but your options aren't limited to alcohol especially if drinking isn't their thing. You could also help them stock up on Boring But Necessary Things for their new apartment or ~blossoming~ career like a coffee maker, a tool kit, a nice blazer, and a designer tote bag.
Basically, 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.
This little pouch contains everything they’ll need to stave off a hangover—gum, mints, sanitizing wipes, electrolytes, Advil, and more.
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.
This scrunchie drink cover (as seen on Shark Tank!) pops right onto a cup to prevent spiking and comes in the cutest shades of pink, purple, and blue. It’s not the most fun, but it’ll definitely give the user some peace of mind.
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!
The iconic Lululemon belt bag is the perfect gift for a 21 year old. They'll love using it for hikes, hot girl walks, and hands-free beer crawls!
This little bag (seriously, it can probs fit in the palm of their hand) contains everything from extra earring backs and buttons to safety pins, stain remover, double-sided tape, and deodorant towelettes for any and every emergency that comes their way.
Just because they aren't a big drinker doesn't mean they can't pop some bubbly to celebrate 21! This alcohol-free sparkling wine won an award at the 2023 World Sparkling Awards and has notes of pear, white flowers, and spicy citrus.
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!
Buzzed - The Hilarious Party 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!
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!
Wonderskin Peel and Reveal Lip Stain Kit
A regular lip gloss will disappear after a cocktail or two, but this TikTok-approved lip stain will last all night long (it’s drink-proof and smooch-proof, just FYI).
Keurig K-Mini Coffee Maker
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 $$ on coffee from the cafe!)
Chateau Spill Red Wine Stain Remover
They will be FOREVER GRATEFUL and (semi-indebted) to you when you get them this life-saver. There's no question that they'll be drinking red wine like water this year, so, might as well make sure they're safe from spillage!
Twenty Guys You Date in Your Twenties by Gabi Conti
Dating in your twenties is...something else, to say the least. Help them navigate this interesting time with this lighthearted read that's full of ~wisdom~.
Complete with a stunning 14k gold-plated wavy finish, these statement earrings are so wearable and seriously chic.
The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook: 75 Internet-Breaking Recipes
Help them transition into cooking their own meals with this guide to making yummy viral recipes like pancake cereal, whipped matcha lattes, and pizza in a mug.
Petite, leak-proof, and oh-so-pretty, this sparkly flask is sure to become a 21-year-old's new fave accessory.
Nothing says, “Congrats on the grown-up job,” like a blazer that brings all the profesh office vibes but (and this is non-negotiable!) still looks super cute.
21 is definitely the age to upgrade your wallet. If they've been rocking the same one since their high school days, snag them this sophisticated wallet that'll fit in any type of purse. (We know how important that is.)
This sweet champagne-infused treat is the perfect non-alcoholic nod to their newly legal status. The giftable set comes with three boxes of gummy bears and bubbles.
Hannah is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from chic home decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, 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 pictures of her office outfits that nobody asked for.
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.
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