35 Creative 21st Birthday Gifts That are More Than a Bottle of Bubbly

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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 cocktails 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.

‘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

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.

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.

These Cards Will Get You Drunk Card Game

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!”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Champagne Bears

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.

Carter Move Mug (16-ounces)

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).

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.

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.

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.

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!"

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Day You Were Born Star Map Night Light

If your little one is all grown up, send them off into adulthood with this sentimental gift from parents. From their nightstand to their desk, this star map light will remind them of the night sky when they were born and how much they mean to you.

“I bought this for my daughter's 21st birthday. It was perfectly unique and everyone admired how special it was,” shares this 5-star reviewer.

Tiny Birthstone Stacking Ring

If you’re looking for a gift that strikes a balance between sentimental and stylish for your bestie, this dainty birthstone ring is just the thing. Each ring is handmade with a natural gemstone and a hammered band.

If you’re feeling generous, pair it with this set of three gold stacking rings from the seller for the perfect ring set.

As one 5-star reviewer shares, "This jewelry is beautifully crafted and looks so dainty and classy. These are perfect for gifts or if you’re just treating yourself!"

Instax Mini 11 Instant Camera

This instant camera will capture and immortalize their most memorable moments on film, retro-style. The Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 has an automatic exposure function and a selfie mode to snap the best pic without the need for a close-up lens attachment.

The Skincare Set

If she’s a fan of Glossier or just straight-up obsessed with skincare, this is the gift for her. This three-step skincare set includes their popular conditioning face wash, lightweight moisturizer, and best-selling lip balm to keep her feeling fresh and dewy after a big night out.

14k Gold Alphabet Necklace

This 21st birthday gift for your daughter will stand out amongst the bottles of bubbly. This beautiful necklace from Gorjana is made from 14-karat gold, has a spring ring closure, and can be customized with the birthday girl’s initial.

RIP Fake ID Card

Now that they’re 21, they can finally toss that fake ID. This greeting card will help them shed a tear for their beloved fake ID and celebrate turning an adult.

Sugar Rush

Ring in their new year with a 21st birthday gift that’s as sweet as candy. This eye-catching festive bouquet is filled with hot pink and yellow roses alongside pretty pink carnations.

Instagram-Friendly Books

Bring their Insta page to life with this softcover photo book. This 21st birthday gift can be filled with your favorite Insta pics of them, printed on 100% recycled interior pages and designed to fit the square shape.

Silicone Shot Glasses Set

We know celebrations can get a little wild. And while a set of shot glasses made of, well, glass would make a superb 21st birthday gift idea, these silicone shot glasses are a much safer bet. These shot glasses are easy to grip, sturdy, and unbreakable, making them the best option for a long-lasting gift.

Under-Eye Mask

Let’s be real: After a night out, your under eyes could use a total reset. Made with hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, these cooling under-eye masks help combat dark circles and reduce puffiness to have you looking refreshed and ready to take on whatever is next in just 20 minutes.

"I put these masks on after a girl’s trip and let’s just say it was a loooong night. Had an event to go to the next day and I felt like I looked brand-new thanks to these! Plus, they make me feel so cute and fancy," shares this 5-star Amazon reviewer.

Steel Single Wall Cocktail Shaker

While a bar set is a reliable 21st birthday gift idea, this OXO cocktail shaker will help them make delicious cocktails with just three pieces. It includes a single wall shaker, a strainer, and a multifunctional cap with measurement markings. Pair it with these ice trays for a gift set that'll make them skip going out for drinks.

I own this shaker and absolutely love it. It takes the hassle out of making cocktails at home and comes in handy when hosting.

"This is the first cocktail shaker I have owned in 40 years that does not leak when you shake or pour, not even a little," shares this impressed 5-star Amazon reviewer.

Studio Buds

A great pair of wireless earbuds is always a welcomed gift. These Beats Studio Buds allow you to tune out the world with up to eight hours of listening time. Best of all, they come in six different colors to match their style.

Our senior tech editor, Stefan Vazharov, recommends this pair for their compact design, comfortable fit, and reliable noise cancellation. "They bring characterful design, impeccable comfort, good sound, solid noise cancellation, and big-name brand recognition, all at an agreeable price point," shares Vazharov in the review.

Gift Card

Now that they can legally explore the world of wine, this gift card from Winc will provide them with premium vino to enjoy. Your recipient will simply take the Palate Profile quiz to determine what experts recommend based on their tastes and then choose their wine from there.

Pair this gift card with these drops in case they have any wine sensitivities.

Monthly Membership

Whether she’s looking for an outfit for her new office job, a unique fit for a night out, or something in between, Rent the Runway has her back. Rent the Runway has pieces for a variety of occasions and allows you to rent up to four items at a time with the option of buying the items you absolutely love.

Subscription Box

If you can’t decide on just one gift, this subscription box is your answer. FabFitFun is a 21st birthday gift that covers all the bases. This monthly subscription box is jam-packed with up to eight full-sized products for beauty, fashion, home, and much more, that are sure to be her new favorite items.

Sparkling Rosé

If poppin’ bottles of boozy bubbly isn’t their thing, this non-alcoholic wine is a tasty alternative. With notes of strawberries and ruby red grapefruit, this Sparkling Rosé is dry, bright, and great for any time of day.

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