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As a 24-year-old, I am declaring it unfair to be considered a full adult. Despite having a corporate job, my own health insurance (flex!), and an apartment for three years, as a member of Gen Z, I would still very much like to be given gifts. And because you clicked on this article, I’m guessing you’re having trouble coming up with gift ideas for a similar 20-something in your life.
As one of those Gen-Zers in the flesh (AI could never!), I know exactly what the one you’re shopping for would love as a present. So, I'm officially reigning over Cosmo’s official 20-something curated wishlist. No need to thank me, just scroll!
SHOP EVEN MORE GIFT IDEAS HERE
Ahead, the best gifts for the 20-something year old in your life that will have them saying, “How did you know this has been on my FYP for the last month?!”
No you’re not in a 2007 fever dream, digital cameras are seriously what all the cool kids are using these days. After a million different versions of iPhones, you would think they’d have a solid camera lens by now. But they don’t. And this cheap one from Amazon actually takes great pictures.
I bet they’re probably always on the go and have their stuff everywhere. This makeup bag will help keep their blushes and lip glosses all in one place. Plus, it has a separate bottom compartment to store all of their brushes, too!
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This book is the perf present for the foodie or aspiring chef in your life. They can record all their recipes (yes, even avocado toast counts!) with ease thanks to this detailed book. They can chronicle everything from ingredients and prep time to pairings and tips.
I’m gonna be honest, wearing a screen on my wrist isn’t my fave look. So when I saw that a smart watch existed that blends in the rest of my jewelry, I was immediately sold. The Oura Ring keeps track of heart rate, sleep, steps, and sooo much more. Want more info? Hannah Oh, our lovely shopping editor, has been testing it for months.
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A phone case with a message will make them smile, along with the supremely aesthetic design.
If the young adult in your life is into meal prepping, has a sweet tooth, or simply loves some dessert (because who doesn’t), then this Ninja Creami will earn you the spot as the best gift-giver around. It can turn any mixture of ingredients into sorbet, ice cream, frozen yogurt, and soooo much more.
Do they love a bouncy blowout? I mean, who doesn’t! This multi-use hair tool will give your giftee salon-esque results in just a fraction of the time (and for a fraction of the price) with all the different brush attachments. Trust me, I cannot maneuver a round brush, and this made my blowouts hassle-free.
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If their desk is cluttered to the point of no return, at least make it chic with this small plate.
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these pretty (and v famous) earbuds
Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Just know that a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g Kim Kardashian comes out with will be an absolute hit with the Gen Z'ers. She's proven it with Skims, SKKN by Kim, and most recently her collab with Beats. And if your person could use a new pair of earbuds (and love a neutral aesthetic), these ones were made for them.
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This cocktail mixer set will easily win the heart of your giftee if they claim themselves as a tequila person.
This will probably be the second-best ring they’ll get in their 20s (maybe even the first if they’re single!). It’s super cute and can be worn with any other rings they already have. Plus, it’s only $34. Do you really need further convincing?
If they have an office job or are simply one of the most fashionable people alive, they will treasure a nice pair of leather Mary Janes. You can’t go wrong with this pair from Sam Edelman that comes in a bunch of different patterns and fabrics.
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Don’t know where to start on the makeup front? You can’t go wrong with this blush and lip gloss duo from Hailey Bieber’s beloved beauty line. I know, I know, another celebrity brand. But this one is actually great, trust me, I’ve truly tried ‘em all.
It’s like your mother’s workout one-piece from the ‘80s, but make it less neon and more supportive. This onesie is comfortable enough for any type of workout and is cute enough to take anyone from barre to brunch and then some.
While named after the famous Lower East Side of New York City, don’t worry, this candle does not smell like crowded streets and subway carts. The fruity and floral blend has a burn time of about 50 hours and is sure to bring in the compliments whenever someone enters their room.
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Not to continue to hate on our phones, but I’m gonna. I don’t know what hell is like, but I imagine it’s a similar feeling to waking up to my phone’s built-in alarm. The Hatch seriously changed my morning routine for the better—it wakes me up with a gradual sunlight-esque lamp and a calming flute sound. You can set up the clock via the Hatch app to play rain sounds, some meditation noise, or whatever else your heart desires at 8 A.M..
Jasmine Hyman
Assistant Shopping Editor
Jasmine Hyman is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers all the best things you can add to your cart. She loves writing about everything from fashion to politics, and you can definitely find her listening to Harry Styles' entire discography on loop while doing so. She’s also probably in bed either reading or endlessly scrolling through TikTok (most likely the latter). Feel free to follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
Daisy Maldonado
Associate Shopping Editor
Daisy Maldonado is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan who loves writing about fashion trends, must-have beauty products, and digital culture. When she's not writing, you can almost certainly find her shopping (she knows her credit card numbers by heart) or obsessing over celebrity news. Although she’s acquired an extensive closet over the years, her favorite item she owns is a Harry Styles Love On Tour hoodie she purchased at his concert in Manchester. Daisy's work has appeared on Refinery29, The Daily Beast, E! News, Allure and more. Keep up with all of her chaotic travels, NYC life and fashionable moments on her Instagram.