The best 18th birthday gifts that they'll actually use and appreciate
Nailing the best 18th birthday gifts for every type of soon-to-be adult can be tricky. But whether they're beauty lovers, have a penchant for perfumes, or need to spruce up their wardrobe, these top picks have you covered.
Turning 18 is a major milestone—it's the first stage of adulthood where you can finally vote, get a tattoo, and even skydive. Inevitably, gift-givers are responsible for finding a present that's several notches above what their teen already has, whether that means investing in one of the best perfumes or a much-coveted designer bag to start their collection.
We've put together our picks of the best 18th birthday gifts, which can be purchased online and shipped straight to your front door. Our curation offers both timeless and trendy finds for their pursuits—from starting university to travelling solo for the first time to filming the latest TikTok dance.
With guidance direct from Gen-Zers, this 18th birthday gift guide will ensure your beloved giftee won't deem you as cheugy (aka out with the times) and will love their present.
The best 18th birthday gifts to make an impression
Where to find the best 18th birthday gifts
Amazon: Best for last-minute gifts including bestselling books and the latest tech
Anthropologie: Find unique and trendy gifts, homeware and accessories
ASOS: Retailer offering a range of gifts, clothing and accessories from big brands
Free People: Bohemian clothing and accessories, plus homeware items
John Lewis: Shop big name brands across fashion, beauty and tech
Not On The High Street: Gift them something thoughtful and personalized
Papier: Browse a wide range of stationery, planners, journals, diaries and more
Selfridges: Choose from designer handbags, accessories, make up and more
Sephora: Popular destination for makeup, haircare, fragrance and skincare
Urban Outfitters: A wide range of unique gifts, trendy clothing and accessories
Vestiaire Collective: Second-hand designer pieces that will last a lifetime
Beauty gifts
Glossier You Eau de Parfum
RRP: From £57 at Glossier
Glossier You is a long-lasting perfume that's fresh, floral and peppery. It's a unique scent that smells different on everyone and is packaged in a gorgeous pink bottle your 18-year-old will recognize instantly.
Dyson Airwrap Origin Multi Styler
Whether they're 18 or turning 40, the Dyson Airwrap is a luxury beauty gift any gal would be ecstatic to receive. This new Dyson multi-styler comes with three styling attachments to curl, wave, dry and smoothen many hair types.
Dior Lip Glow Oil
Gift them one of the best lip oils that's well-loved on TikTok and at w&h. The Dior Lip Glow moisturises, adds a hint of colour to the lips, and feels luxurious. It may be a little pricey, but it's a special present for a special milestone birthday.
The Rhode Kit
Help the soon-to-be 18-year-old kickstart their skincare routine with Hailey Beiber's Rhode kit. This full-size, four-piece set includes the brand's hydrating glaze milk, a gel serum, a cream moisturiser, and the fan-favourite lip treatment.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
A liquid blush might seem like a small gift, but when it's one from Rare Beauty, don't be surprised if it's already on their beauty wishlist. This blush is vibrant in colour, long-lasting, blendable, and known for its extreme pigment. It's a well-loved blush that any beauty lover will be thankful for.
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask
The Laneige lip mask is one of the best lip balms and a favourite of the w&h team. It keeps your lips nourished throughout the night with its buttery, rich formula and is long-lasting. It's a sweet gift they'll thank you for, especially during the cold winter months.
Fashion gifts
M&S Nylon Quilted Shoulder Bag
Puffer bags are in, and M&S has a £35 lookalike of the COS puffer bag. It's the perfect purse for a young adult, as they can store their iPad and personal items while toting this stylish bag around campus or during a night out with friends.
PDPAOLA Letter Necklace
A sweet personalized jewellery gift, this initial letter necklace is subtle enough to be worn for school or college but still special enough for an 18th birthday gift that is grown-up and on-trend. This gorgeous necklace is made from sterling silver, with an 18-karat gold plating and stones including violet crystal, mother of pearl, tiger eye, labradorite and more. It's a gift that your recipient will love for years to come.
UGG Classic Mini II Boot
A pair of UGG Classic Minis is the ultimate fashion gift and a cosy present any 18-year-old recipient will love rocking this winter. They can style them with joggers and a jumper or with jeans. Our shopping writer was gifted a pair in high school and still wears them at 25.
Apple Watch Series 8 GPS
This luxe and stylish Apple Watch is perfect for the 18-year-old starting their fitness journey and wanting to keep track of their health or simply hop on the Apple Watch wave. She can answer her texts and calls and monitor her sleep with this fancy smartwatch.
Skims Round Neck Cotton Jersey T-shirt
Skims is Kim Kardashian's fashion brand filled with cosy loungewear and the best shapewear loved by many, including the w&h team. This round-neck cotton jersey t-shirt feels great against the skin and is a simple top any giftee will love adding to their capsule wardrobe.
Coach Pillow Tabby Shoulder Bag 18
If your teen is on social media, there's a high chance they have seen this Coach purse on their feed. Worn by many Gen Zers, the Coach Pillow Tabby is known for its soft leather and gorgeous colour options and is the perfect size for all your necessities. What better way to kick off their designer bag collection?
Wellness gifts
Lumie Bodyclock Shine 300
Your soon-to-be-18-year-old has likely seen sunrise alarm clocks all over TikTok, as many have stated they're the key to waking up earlier, feeling less tired, and overcoming seasonal affective disorder. With the sunrise beginning 30 minutes before your set alarm time, the clock will slowly wake your teen up as well as providing a soft light for evening wind-downs.
Papier Wellness Journal
Papier's wellness journal is not only super cute on the outside, but it's filled with pages for your giftee to jot down their goals, reflect on their daily wins, and read articles by wellness authors. It's a thoughtful gift they'll love using as they embark on their new chapter.
Aeyla The Mela Weighted Blanket
I was gifted one of the best weighted blankets for Christmas, and it quickly became like an emotional support throw. This Aeyla weighted blanket is one of the top picks in our guide and will definitely give your giftee a better night's rest. It's made with 100% cotton at the bottom and a soft and cosy fleece top.
Lululemon Align High-Rise 25" Pockets
Lululemon is on just about every 18-year-old's wishlist, so why not surprise them with a pair of the brand's best workout leggings. Rated the best leggings in our guide for yoga, these super soft pants features three pockets, are buttery soft, and impressively opaque.
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
If you're looking for the best self-care and wellness gift with an affordable price tag, this sleep pillow spray is a small yet impressive option that's also one of the best sleep aids. With scents of lavender and chamomile, your giftee will be in deep slumber in no time.
Ariat Women's Bootie Slipper
These sherpa-like slipper booties are a cosy self-care gift any gal would love lounging in all day. With a warm fleece lining and a suede trim, these will be the only shoes your giftee will want to wear inside and outside the house.
How do you make someone's 18th birthday special?
According to Wizz Selvey, retail expert and consultant, "18-year-olds are part of a savvy generation of consumers, and many are seeking to change the world. Think about the values of the person you're gifting to - can you buy from a brand that aligns with their values and interests?"
Selvey adds that research shows "consumers this year are shopping less, but spending more on their purchases", adding that splashing out for a gift that may have a slightly higher price tag, but will last the teen for years to come, is a better idea than spending money on several small items: "choose something they'll love, use and keep". Retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Flannels allow you to shop designer clothes, homeware and accessories, as well as beauty and skincare treats that will be loved by your giftee.
Dayna Isom Johnson, Trend Specialist at Etsy, recommends a more personal gift for an 18th birthday. "There's nothing more special than gifting a personalized item - like a custom piece of jewellery such as an engraved necklace or a ring with their birthstone or flower - to commemorate such an important milestone. The best personalised jewellery gifts are perfect for showing the recipient you've put thought and time into their present, and it'll be treasured for years to come.
