Turning 21 is a big event in most Western cultures and is considered a milestone birthday, preceded only by the sweet 16th and succeeded by the 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60th. It’s very important to pick the perfect gift for 21-year-olds to commemorate this big moment.
Choosing the Best Gifts for 21-Year-Olds
Not only does turning 21 mean you’ve reached the legal drinking age in the U.S., which in itself holds a lot of significance for many at this age, but it also marks the official start of the journey into adulthood. At this age, they’re either finishing college, already setting foot in the job market, or putting off adulthood a little longer by traveling and seeing the world. Choose your gifts wisely by zeroing in on items that celebrate this newfound freedom and future potential, and embracing the perks of being an adult.
How We Identified the Best Gifts for 21-Year-Olds
It wouldn’t be a gift guide for 21-year-olds without gifts inspired by the obvious legal drinking-age theme. So naturally, we added alcoholic beverage paraphernalia here and there such as a beer glass or a bottle of wine. But we focused mainly on the idea that 21-year-olds are practicing to become fully-fledged adults and that it’s an age that symbolizes new beginnings (entering the labor force and/or moving out of mom and dad’s house). We, therefore, selected gifts that complement this, such as cookbooks, tool sets, and kitchen appliances.
Tips for Buying the Best Gifts for 21-Year-Olds
- Celebrate their maturity
Since turning 21 signifies a coming of age, steer clear of gifts that are too childish and instead aim for gifts that epitomize sagacity and sophistication.
- Assist them in adulting
Although they’re no longer children, 21-year-olds still have a lot to learn about what it means to be an adult, and all the sudden responsibilities that come with it can be overwhelming. Get them more practical gifts that will help them be prepared.
- Remind them to have fun
The 20s are some of the best years of a person’s life. It’s a time when you can still have the most carefree adult-like fun before adulting gets more real in your 30s. Find gifts that evoke the whimsical, airy nature of being 21.
