We all know that 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
While shopping for teens is next to impossible (srsly), things get a lot easier once your favorite ~youth~ hits their 20s. For their 21st, you can always get ’em a boozy gift or a wine-themed gift, but your options aren’t limited to alcohol (especially if drinking isn’t their thing). From luxe pajamas to a literal statement-making piece of jewelry
Ahead, the best gifts you can get a soon-to-be 21-year-old to help them celebrate this milestone birthday in style (and don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to snag a few of these gifts for yourself!).
1
a set of rosé gummy bears
Sugarfina Rosé All Day 3 Piece Candy Bento Box®
If you’re dealing with a sweet tooth, these rosé-infused gummy bears are the way to go. Promise.
2
a bottle of bubbly
La Marca Prosecco Rosé D.O.C.
Or, y’know, a real bottle of rosé works too. La Marca’s Prosecco Rosé is bright, fruity, and oh-so-refreshing—aka fun in a bottle.
3
some gorge wine glasses
Estelle Colored Glass Set of 2 Stem Wineglasses
Turning 21 calls for chic wine glasses. Treat them to these colorful ones that come in 12 other gorgeous hues.
4
a versatile bra
Skims Fits Everybody Scoop Neck Bra
TBH, getting them a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g from Skims will put the biggest smile on their face. But I say go for this versatile scoop neck bra that can also be worn as a top.
5
a top-rated speaker
Beats Pill+ Portable Wireless 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!
6
a luxe cooking pan
Our Place Cast Iron Always Pan
Upgrade their flimsy pan with this do-it-all cast iron one that they can use to grill, sear, braise, fry, sauté, roast, bake, broil, and stew. Adulting just got even more fun!!
7
some adorable bottle openers
JXS 3 Pack 7″ Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Flat Bottle Openers
A must-have in their home: multiple bottle openers. Get them these pretty pastel ones that’ll look so cute on their bar cart.
8
a fun pair of sneakers
Comme des Garçons PLAY
Have them enter 21 ~in style~ with these stylish pair of sneaks. They can easily dress ’em up or down.
9
a fab tool set
Cartman Pink 39Piece Tool Set
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!
10
A funny card
SierraDesignsStudio RIP Fake ID Birthday Card
Birthday cards can get really cheesy. But this one has a funny message that’ll make them LOL and want to save it forever.
11
a boozy ice cream pack
Tipsy Scoop Boozy Ice Cream Get Lit Birthday Party Pack
What better way to say happy 21st birthday than with a four-pack of boozy ice creams? Flavors include cake batter vodka martini, raspberry limoncello, spiked hazelnut coffee, and dark chocolate whiskey salted caramel, and they’re all just as good as they sound.
12
a faux leather mini
Souk + Sepia Borjomi Mini Bag
Hello, how precious is this faux leather mini bag? It’s ideal for a night on the town, and just peep that $29 price tag!
13
a sparkly flask
Brümate Glitter Flask
Petite, leak-proof, and oh-so-pretty, this rose gold flask is sure to become a 21-year-old’s new fave accessory.
14
a custom book
TheBookOfEveryone Personalized 21st Birthday Book
There’s no better way to celebrate the big 2-1 than by taking a look back over the best moments from the last 21 years.
15
a sophisticated jammie set
Eberjey Gisele Shortie Short PJ Set
These temperature-regulating PJs are not only ridiculously comfortable, they’re also guaranteed to make anyone feel totally ~adult~ as they snooze.
16
a classic lip set
Yves Saint Laurent Mini Rouge Pur Couture Exclusive Set
Bold lips never go out of style, and this set of four best-selling lippies (which are all super hydrating) will ensure their lips look 100 percent kissable.
17
a pair of oversized hoops
Emma Pills Extra AF Her Hoops
Complete with a stunning 14k gold plated hammered finish, these giant hoops are light, sensitive ear-friendly, and seriously chic.
18
a cookie shot glass kit
Shahira Marei DIY Birthday Cookie Shot Decorating Kit
This cookie shot glass kit—which includes six pre-made cookie cups and plenty of edible decorations—will make their first birthday shot tastier than ever (especially if they top ’em off with some cream liqueur).
19
this LBD
Princess Polly Earth Club Recycled Fibers Charvi Mini Dress
Everyone needs an LBD in their closet, and this gorg mesh dress (which is made from recycled fibers and can be worn on or off the shoulder) is the perfect pick.
20
A set of fancy shot glasses
Brett Cramer Set of 4 Himalayan Salt Tequila Glasses
Glasses made from Himalayan salt will help all the guests keep it classy—at least for a little while.
21
a useful read
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~.
22
a nude heel
Rebecca Allen The Block Sandy Ankle Strap Sandal
A sleek and comfy heel is a necessity for going out life. They’ll be obsessed with this one for its foam cushioning and ability to match alllll their weekend outing ‘fits.
23
a stylish bar cart
Laurence Bar Cart
I mean, this is the age where they can legally drink now—so, I’m sure they’ll be stocking up on some bottles. And in order to have space for those, they will for sure need something
24
a solid pair of jeans
The ’90s Cheeky Jean
Those jeans that check all the boxes? Yep, they’re these ones from Everlane. Get ’em this pair that they’ll always reach for.
25
a sleek wallet
Small Classic Zip Around Wallet
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.)
26
a mimosa-making kit
Minute Mimosa Sugar Cube Trio
Plop these bbs into a flute and you’ve got a mimosa in s-e-c-o-n-d-s. Your newly-minted 21-year-old will loveee this genius invention.
27
a meaningful necklace
Move Mountains Necklace
Okay, this isn’t just any dainty necklace, but it’s one with SO much meaning behind
28
a wine stain remover
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!
29
a neon sign
Personalize LED Neon Sign
If they’re looking for some home décor pieces, this neon sign is the way to go.
30
a bottle of tequila
Tequila Blanco
Everybody needs a high-quality tequila on deck in their house, IMO. Grab them this tequila blanco from Volcán that’s def a crowd-pleaser.
31
an 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.
32
a fashionable tote bag
Small Le Pliage Tote
Nothing says, “I’m 21, and I’m an adult!” like a mature, chic tote.
33
a makeup set
Soft Matte Complexion Essentials with Brush
You can never go wrong with a makeup set! This foundation set by THE Rihanna is actually worth over $100 but is going for $80 at the moment. Talk about a win-win—a budget-friendly and thoughtful gift!
34
a record player
3-Speed Bluetooth Portable Record Player
Got a music lover in your hands? Buy them this precious blue record player with built-in speakers. It’ll be a hit when they host parties at their house!
35
a bougie candle
Santal 26 Classic Candle
IYKYK, Le Labo is part of candle royalty. And if they’re into candles, they’ll freakin’ adore this refreshing scent from the brand.
36
a skincare kit
Radiance Routine Kit
This ultimate glow set from TULA comes with top-notch goodies that’ll have their skin feeling brighter and better than ever. (Plus, it’s majorly discounted!)
37
pretty bracelets
Patchwork – Set of Twelve Bracelets
The adult version of friendship bracelets is always a smart move that’ll make them think of you every time they slide one onto their wrists.
38
A plant that’ll never die
Rustic Succulent Arrangement Planter Decoration
Alright, nobody but you will ever have to know that their succulents are fake. This one is pricey, but it could legit fool anyone.
39
A fun fragrance
Extra Concentrated Eau De Parfum
Bet they’ve never seen a perfume bottle cuter than this one. It’ll remind them of the days as a kid sippin’ on a carton of apple juice. Oh, and it smells very glamorous and decadent just like the flashy gold finish.
Megan Uy
Assistant Shopping Editor
Megan Uy is the assistant 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.
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