Alexa, play “Happy Birthday.”
As one of the most celebrated birthdays in all of existence, the big 2-1 is extra special for gifting.
Sure, in the US the legal drinking age is 21, so you may want to consider one of our favorite wine delivery services for your best friend or brother. But, there are so many more sought-after items the birthday guy or gal will love.
For the TikTok-obsessed, you may want to consider the consistently viral Gisou Honey-Infused Hair Oil ($46 to $87). Or, for the jet-setter you know, anyone would love a tech-forward Apple AirTag ($29). But, there are countless direct-to-consumer brands and buzzy products that will make you want to celebrate every day of the year.
We created a crafty edit of the 50 best birthday gifts for the 21-year-old you know (consider us your personal shoppers for every type of 21-year-old out there). And as the saying goes, age is but a number, so we encourage you to shop some of these gifts for anyone who’s birthday is on the horizon — yourself included.
Click to jump to a specific category of birthday gifts:
Best 21st Birthday Gifts
1. H-PROOF The Anytime You Drink Vitamin Bottle (40-Pack), $59
Give the now-21-year-old something that’s actually practical. New York Post Shopping recommends H-PROOF, the tasty chewables that help support alcohol metabolism, promote liver health and restore vital nutrients if you had a night with a little too much of the bubbly. Even better, they contain zero calories, carbs, sugar and gluten.
Upon purchase, you can also select your preferred flavor: black cherry, lemonade or tangerine. All in all, H-PROOF will have you waking up “feeling better than you should.” It’s the up-and-coming ‘Anytime You Drink Vitamin’ that the 21-year-old will be grateful to have on deck.
2. Baked by Melissa Birthday Gift Box 25-Pack, starting at $47
You can’t celebrate your a 21st birthday without some Baked by Melissa cupcakes (at least that’s our MO). The brand is well-known for its itty bitty bites that are oh-so-delectable. Prices vary depending on the box you choose, but a 25-pack of the brand’s best-selling flavors starts at less than $50.
Not to mention, it’s perfect to celebrate a long-distance birthday and one of the best cupcake delivery services we rounded up.
3. Birthdate Co. Birthdate Candles, $50, original price: $60
We have a Birthdate Co. candle and it’s one of the most unique and personalized gift options you can purchase. Who doesn’t want a candle with their birth chart on the label, after all? It’s great for the horoscope reader you know, especially, and was hand-poured in the U.S.
Plus, its clean scent is bound to be loved by anyone for a luxe addition to their space.
4. Shutterfly Birthday Celebration Shot Glass, $10
To ring in the big 2-1 in classic fashion, pick up this personalized shot glass for just $5 right now at Shutterfly. Where else can you find a custom shot glass — with a personalized picture and name, no less — for just $10? We’re colored impressed.
5. Uncommon Goods Instant Birthday Celebration Drink Kit, $30
If you can’t celebrate with the 21-year-old you know, then celebrate from afar with the Uncommon Goods Instant Birthday Celebration Drink Kit. Simply drop one of the Confetti Cake or Chocolate Birthday Cake cubes into your drink of choice — boozy or not — and it’ll create a celebratory beverage as it dissolves.
The kit also includes a recipe kit to help make a Birthday Latte, Confetti Birthday Martini or Chocolate Birthday Martini. Cheers!
6. Milk Bar 6″ Birthday Cake, $62 to $140
When we think of birthdays, we think of cake — and what better way to celebrate another year than with Milk Bar? The flagship brand is one of the best for on-demand dessert deliveries, especially with its 6″ Birthday Cake that’s the ideal photo-op.
This sweet treat is made with sweet vanilla, was inspired by the boxed vanilla Funfetti cake the brand loves and is characteristically delicious with creamy frosting at each layer. BRB, ordering…
7. lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, $38
Let’s hear some applause for the lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L. If you desire to be hands-free every time you’re traveling or at the mall, this is the perfect wrap-around carry-all for you. Plus, we recommend grabbing it ASAP while it’s still in stock (it flies quickly).
For more options, check out our guide to the best belt bags.
8. CALPAK Portable Charger, $32
We’re firm believers that the CALPAK Portable Charger is one of the greatest inventions and perfect for the 21-year-old who loves to travel. It’s a luggage tag but inside, you’ll find a slim portable charger. It’s nifty, practical, comes in an array of lovely colors and will be one of their most used-items. Seriously, we used it on a recent trip and it’s a complete game-changer.
9. Book of the Month Subscription, $50 for three months or $180 for a year
As avid readers, Book of the Month is a god-send. For any reader you know, treat them to a bookworm-minded membership of your choice, depending on how much you’d like to spend. You’ll receive one credit each month and, if extra credits spillover and there’s another book you’d like to read, you can always add more à la carte.
10. Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler, $600
This list would be incomplete without a mention of the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler. We reviewed it and can sense what all the hype is about (in short, it’ll save you much time blow-drying and styling your hair — whatever hair type you may have — thanks to its vast array of attachments). For a gift she wouldn’t necessarily splurge on, this is true gold in hair-styling form.
For more options, check out our guide to the best Nordstrom gifts.
11. J.Crew Slim Untucked Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt, $70, original price: $98
When in doubt, we always gift the J.Crew Slim Untucked Baird McNutt Irish Linen Shirt. It’s always the item we purchase for our brothers, boyfriends and in-laws for any time of year, much ado to the shirt’s classic and flattering fit. It’s a wardrobe staple, to say the least.
For more options, check out our expert-backed guide to the best men’s dress shirts.
Best Amazon 21st Birthday Gifts
1. Jergrim White Tequila Bottle Piñata, $30
Buy this Tequila Bottle Piñata. Enough said.
2. 21st Birthday Sash & Crown, $13
Offer the gift of royalty for your loved one’s 21st birthday with this sash and crown. For less than $15, it makes for a stunning and full-on-glam photo-op, especially when paired with this rose gold balloons kit ($17).
3. Apple AirTag, $29
With more than 93,000 rave reviews (and counting), it’s safe to say the Apple AirTag (which picked up much steam when it was first released, and continues to) is an Amazon best-seller. This pocket-sized tech device helps keep track of your items across your Apple devices with the Find My app.
Even better, you can drop it into your checked luggage to help locate your missing bags if bad luck gets the best of you.
4. Herschel Novel Duffel Bag, $64
We gifted the Herschel Novel Duffel Bag a few years ago and it continues to be one of the most appreciated and practical gifts for anyone in your life. The sleek and minimalist traveler comes in an array of novel tones and leather strap options — for less than $75.
5. BANBALLON 30-Piece 21st Birthday Cake Topper, $16
Now this is a trendy way to ring in 21. The BANBALLON 30-Piece 21st Birthday Cake Topper will keep you create an Instagram-worthy dessert for you and your besties, even if you grab Funfetti cake right from the box. For just $16, this Amazon buy will be a hoot.
6. 2021 Apple 10.2″ iPad, $269, original price: $329
We recently converted to the iPad way of living and it’s brought much productivity, modernity and convenience to our working and personal lives alike. As the 21-year-old you know may be embarking on a new job, college class or side hustle, the 2021 Apple 10.2″ iPad is one of your best bets, especially with the Apple Pencil ($113).
For more options, check out our guide to the best Amazon tablets.
7. Flexispot Comhar Electric Standing Desk with Drawer, $400
On work-from-home days, we appreciate our Flexispot Comhar Electic Standing Desk, namely because of its wide surface area and with-drawer design. It’s of the best quality, has a stunning and smooth oak surface and is height-adjustable. Plus, it comes with ports for you to charge your laptop, phone and other devices. It doesn’t get much better.
For more options, check out our guide to the best standing desks.
8. Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill, $340, original price: $360
To pair with that new standing desk, how about an under-desk treadmill? The Goplus 2-in-1 Folding Treadmill is one of the hottest ones on the market, thanks to its flatbed design for productive work-from-home walking or pop-up rail to tend to your cardio in full force. We’re eyeing one right now, too.
9. Google Pixel Buds A-Series, $99
We recently gifted a pair of the Google Pixel Buds A-Series and were told they have the best noise-canceling abilities ever (that’s pretty good for these nifty, tiny buds!) In a sleek case, you’ll appreciate how they’re Bluetooth-compatible and boast a flush-to-ear design.
For more options, check out our guide to the best wireless earbuds.
10. JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $90, original price: $130
Even though we’re talking about 21st birthday gifts over here, the JBL Flip 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker is an Amazon electronics essential we recommend for any age. Not only is it slim but it’s one of the best gifts ever, especially if the 21-year-old you know (1) loves music or (2) enjoys exceptional sound by the pool or at a park picnic.
For more options, check out our guide to the best Bluetooth portable speakers.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.