40 Of The Best 21st Birthday Gift Ideas to Kick Off Adulthood

There are milestone birthdays, and then there's your 21st birthday. Turning 21 is a day many people dream about, and with good reason. While your 18th birthday officially marks your independence from your parents, the big 2-1 comes with additional benefits that make it feel like the true entry point into adulthood. The doors are open for you to buy whatever with want, go wherever your heart desires, and do whatever you want (as long as it's not against the law, of course.) with no supervision or permission required. That's right. You can jet-set across the world, book your own hotels, and party all night if you so choose.

For many 21-year-olds, this milestone birthday represents new beginnings. Some celebrate graduations from college, while others are moving into their first apartment or settling into a career. Not to mention the elephant in the room, 21 marks the legal drinking age, so along with #adulting, you can indulge in boozy beverages (responsibly, of course).

There's no right or wrong 21st birthday present. In fact, options abound. Lighthearted greeting cards can make jokes about the memories they're leaving behind, while thoughtful cookbooks and travel hacks can help them prepare for the future that awaits them. If you're on the hunt for a practical, nostalgic, or personalized present to mark the occasion, these 21st birthday gift ideas will make the celebration truly unforgettable.