Turning 21 is the first milestone of adulthood and it’s symbolized beautifully by the key often given as a gift. The importance of the event means that 21st birthday gift ideas should be in a class of their own.
The gift you give should be thoughtful and unforgettable, but you also can have a lot of fun with it – a 21st birthday means it’s time to party! Your early 20s are when you let your hair down before the heavy responsibilities of adulthood set in.
When looking for the perfect gift, be mindful of whether the birthday girl or boy is still studying or whether they have already entered the working world. Consider whether they still live at home with mum and dad, live in a house share or shared apartment, or have a home of their own. Most importantly, choose a gift that appeals to their individual tastes. You could also look at one that helps them discover new aspects of their adult selves or of the wider world.
We’ve put together a selection of high-end gifts that will spoil the 21-year-old in your life.
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What Do You Get A Boy For His 21st Birthday?
Boys – or men – are not always that easy to buy for, but this gift guide should cover all your bases.
Bluetooth Speaker
For someone who likes it loud, the Marshall Kilburn portable Bluetooth speaker would be a great and practical gift for their 21st birthday. Marshall is one of the most trusted names in audio equipment, and its products are used by some of the biggest bands in the world. This little baby gives the birthday boy a taste of what makes the brand so popular. Plus, it looks like a mini version of a classic amp.
Premium Whisky Tasting
If your 21st birthday gift ideas include the possibility of something eminently drinkable, opt for a premium whisky tasting. We’re talking about sipping 18-year-old scotch, rather than the cheaper stuff that gets downed because sipping it would be unbearable. For something truly special, even for 21 year olds, opt for the Ultra-Premium Whisky Tasting at Merchant House, home to over 500 types of whisk(e)y. This won’t be his first legal drink I guarantee you.
Bamboo Record Player
In keeping with the music theme, the House of Marley Stir It Up turntable is a stylish option that delivers top-quality audio. The bamboo turntable would be a birthday gift that anyone would be happy to show off to their friends. It’s a perfect choice for someone who loves the unique qualities of vinyl and is getting into collecting records.
A Bartender Kit
There’s much less time to enjoy a good party after you turn 30, so help the person celebrating their 21st birthday to do some spectacular hosting. Cocktails are always popular, so consider getting them the Zappoware Bartender Kit. It has a cool, modern design, and it includes all the bits and pieces they need to develop their mixology skills and make an array of delicious cocktails.
What Do You Get A Girl For Her 21st Birthday?
Stay away from boring 21st birthday gifts. You want to make her feel pampered and spoiled. It’s her special day. Help her to feel that.
Luxury Bath Bombs
She’ll love a long soak in the bath before preparing for all the activity of her 21st birthday celebrations. Make her bath times indulgently luxurious with a bath bomb gift set from House of Organics. You can choose from Berry, Chill, Exotic, Fruit, and Flower collections. With lavender, lily, rose, and tulip bombs, the Flower collection is our favourite.
A Set Of Gorgeous Glasses
Rather than shot glasses, a set of beautiful wine glasses is not only practical, but it also adds a sense of style to her celebrations and social gatherings. Of course, that should not be just any old nondescript drinkware. The best 21st birthday gift ideas in this department are the set of four stunning Sara Miller London Portmeirion Chelsea gold leaf stemless wine glasses. If she loves splashes of vibrant colour and quirky design, wineglasses by Lolita would be a better idea. They’re sold individually, so choose a few to create a unique set for her.
A Cute Travel Bar
The Legacy Hamilton Travel Bar looks like a cute carry case, but it opens and folds out into a fabulous little bar that contains everything she needs to take the party with her, including shot glasses and a bottle opener. It would make a great gift for the budding hostess.
A Retro-Style Phone
If her home has a landline, put it to good use with the Crosley Princess phone. It’s a reproduction of a model designed in 1959 in soft pink, and it’s perfectly functional. If she loves the vintage life, she’ll love to get this as a birthday gift on her 21st.
A Luxe Skincare Set
By 21, she no doubt knows the importance of a good beauty regimen and taking care of her skin. Add a deluxe home facial set to Add a deluxe home facial set to one of the many ways you can say happy birthday to that special 21 year old girl. We love the Platinum At-Home Facial System by Sarah Chapman. It includes all the devices and products from the premium skincare range.
What To Get A Girlfriend For Her 21st Birthday
Her 21st birthday is a fantastic opportunity to show your girlfriend how much she means to you. Think about getting her a gift that will make her feel like a princess, if not a queen, for the day.
Luxurious Spa Day
Treat her to the pampering she deserves with a full day of indulgence at a premium spa for her special day. You can spend quality time with her before her birthday party if you purchase a package for two. Bespoke facials, luxurious massages and a fine-dining spa luncheon will have her wishing every day was her 21st birthday!
A Smartwatch
If she’s a girl who’s into gadgets, get her a state-of-the-art smartwatch. The Apple Watch Series 5 could be the perfect gift. It’ll certainly help make her special day a memorable one. Plus, she’ll think about you every time she checks the time or uses one of the smartwatch’s many other functions.
An Amazing Perfume
If you think that perfume may be the perfect gift for your loved one’s 21st birthday, choose a fragrance that offers a youthful introduction to the true classics. There’s no better perfume for this than Coco Mademoiselle by the iconic fashion label Chanel. It’s simple, pure and playful.
Take Her On A Shopping Spree
What better way to indulge your girlfriend on her 21st birthday than by taking her on a shopping spree at one of London’s most sophisticated department stores? We’ll tell you. Take her shopping at Harrod’s and follow it up with an amazing meal. It certainly beats a regular gift card!
21st Birthday Jewellery
The traditional 21st key is usually given to the birthday girl or boy by their parents, but there’s nothing stopping you from paying tribute to her milestone day with a key she’s sure to treasure. You are sure to find an array of options in the best jewellery stores, but we’ve fallen in love with the Tiffany & Co’s Victoria Key Pendant in platinum with diamonds. It looks like it could open the gateway to an enchanted life.
Sherry-Infused Spanish Getaway
If you want the ultimate ideas for a 21st birthday celebration, take her on a getaway that offers sun, fun, and a splash of sherry. Spend time in beautiful Jerez, Spain. The historic city offers endless exploration, the best sherries, and unbelievable dining. All in all, it’s bound to be a luxurious few days in an ultra-chic destination.
What To Get Your Boyfriend For His 21st Birthday
Your boyfriend is standing at the threshold of true adulthood, but no doubt he still has a sense of boyish playfulness about him. Whatever side of his character you appeal to when choosing a 21st birthday gift, choose a gift that will put him in good stead for the amazing year of memories to come.
An Electric Scooter
Electric scooters are a hugely trendy way to travel now. If whizzing around on two wheels is something that he would love, give your boyfriend one for his 21st birthday. The Model One from Unagi is one of the most stylish models out there with its lightweight, slick design. Customize it with artwork like Monochro-Camo and he’ll love you forever!
A Roll-Up Cocktail Kit
If your boyfriend is a budding mixologist, get him a 21st birthday gift that offers hours of creativity. A stylish option is the Root 7 cocktail kit. It includes several titanium tools in a roll-bag, which makes it durable and portable. Add something extra to the gift in the form of rocking whisky glasses. They’re literally tumblers that rock on a curved bottom, making it difficult to spill drinks.
Gentleman’s Pamper Session
Let your boyfriend be pampered on his 21st birthday. Send him for a hot shave and haircut, massage, manicure or any other treatments that you know he’ll enjoy. It’ll be the perfect way for him to prepare for his birthday party.
21st Birthday Watch
Looking for 21st birthday gift ideas that take things up a notch? Get your boyfriend a top-quality watch. The Hamilton Jazzmaster collection is stylish and understated. The watches garner attention without being flashy or showy. If he would prefer a timepiece that makes a bolder statement, take a look at the Rolex Oyster Perpetual or one of the Alpine Seastrong watches.
A Whisky & Cigar Pairing
Let your boyfriend get into the spirit of his 21st birthday with a decadent whisky and cigar pairing. Join him in learning about one of the most popular drinks on the planet in a beautiful setting of the Herb Garden at Hotel Xenia, Autograph Collection. Create new memories while you sip on the amber liquid and puff hand-rolled Cubans. The perfect way to commemorate this milestone occasion and the beginning of his journey into adulthood.
Swedish Ice Driving Break
Treat your loved one to an unforgettable trip. If he’s the adventurous type, he’ll love an ice driving break in Sweden, where he’ll have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with a world rally driver. You can spend the rest of the time doing activities that will get your hearts racing in other ways.
Whatever you choose, remember that turning 21 is a milestone occasion. Now’s the time to splash out and celebrate the newly adult status of the person you love in just the right way.