No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (2024)

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (1)

We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.

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?!”

1

This digital camera

CAMKORY Digital Camera

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (3)

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.

2

This roomy cosmetic bag

Abiudeng Makeup Bag

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (4)

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (5)

Now 14% Off

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!

3

this projector

AuKing Mini Projector 2022 Upgraded Portable Video-Projector

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (6)

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (7)

No TV, no problem: This portable projector will do the trick and it’ll save their eyes from staring at the laptop screen, too.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

4

This recipe notebook

Papier Recipe Journal

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (8)

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.

Yes, it is now socially acceptable to wear boxers as shorts outside of the house, and I’m honestly not complaining. This breezy pair is perf for all their casual outfits, or to wear to bed! No judgment here.

6

This smart ring

Oura Ring Gen3

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (10)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

7

This phone case

You are exactly where you need to be

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (11)

A phone case with a message will make them smile, along with the supremely aesthetic design.

8

This ice cream machine

Ninja Creami 11-in-1 Frozen Treat Maker

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (12)

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (13)

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.

9

This hair tool

Shark Beauty FlexStyle Hair Dryer

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (14)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

10

This trinket dish

Samchilderlan Ceramic Dish

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (15)

If their desk is cluttered to the point of no return, at least make it chic with this small plate.

11

These trendy sneakers

adidas Samba Classic Shoes

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (16)

No closet is complete without a pair of fashionable sneakers and these go with just about everything. They’ll love how easy it is to dress these up and down.

12

these pretty (and v famous) earbuds

Beats Fit Pro x Kim Kardashian – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (17)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

13

this cocktail set for tequila lovers

Casamigos Cocktail Gift Set

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (18)

This cocktail mixer set will easily win the heart of your giftee if they claim themselves as a tequila person.

14

This chunky ring

BaubleBar Bridget Ring

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (19)

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?

15

These Mary Janes

Sam Edelman Micaela Flats

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (20)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

16

This beauty duo

Rhode Pocket Blush and Peptide Lip Tint

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (21)

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.

17

This workout unitard

Alo Yoga Airlift Disco Daze Onesie

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (22)

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.

18

This chic candle

Boy Smells LES Candle

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (23)

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.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

19

this air fryer with glowing reviews

Instant Po Instant Vortex 4-in-1, 2-QT Mini Air Fryer Oven Combo

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (24)

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (25)

Now 17% Off

Make their lives easier with an air fryer. It'll do wonders for a bunch of their hard-to-make meals (and it'll save them soooo much time in the kitchen).

20

This alarm clock

Hatch Restore2

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (26)

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (27)

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..

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (28)

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.

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (29)

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.

No Joke, These Are the Best Gifts for Anyone in Their 20s (2024)

FAQs

What is the best gift that you have ever received why is it special for you? ›

Among of all the gifts I have ever received, the first one is the best. The best gift I ever received is none other than my parents, given to me by God on my birthday. Nowadays, not every child is fortunate enough to have both parents to nurture them. As for me, I am lucky to be raised by two loving parents.

What is the greatest gift you can give to anyone? ›

The greatest gift you can give to another human being is to Accept, Respect, and Love them.

What's the most thoughtful gift you've ever received? ›

To me the best gift of all is time and unconditional love. But if I had to pick a physical gift, I would say my tan slippers from my sons. I love slippers, and my boys bought me the most comfortable, beautiful pair knowing I live in them once I am home.

What do grown men like for gifts? ›

While golf gifts or grilling presents are no-fail choices, we've also thrown in a few luxury finds as well as unique items like a smartphone-controlled paper plane and a bobblehead that can be customized just for him.

Why 20th birthday is so special? ›

20 is the age we wave goodbye to childhood and begin embracing the excitement, opportunities and responsibilities associated with adulthood. Finding the right gift for your loved ones, friends or employees is vital. It's a time to start making big decisions and taking control of our own lives.

What is the saying for 20th birthday? ›

Roaring twenties. 2.0. Cheers to 20! Goodbye teens, hello twenties!

What to ask for a gift? ›

Asking for a birthday gift that aligns with a newfound hobby might inspire you to keep that hobby up. Another birthday gift idea is something that reflects your personal goals. Maybe you want to travel, run a marathon or learn to cook.

What is the most important gift you can give is your time? ›

Time is your most precious gift because you only have a set amount of it. You can make more money, but you can't make more time. When you give someone your time, you are giving them a portion of your life that you'll never get back. Your time is your life.

What is the best gift in your life? ›

Giving is the ultimate gift of life – and you don't need money or special skills to do it. The best way to give to others is to be fully present. To give deeply of yourself, your time and attention. The gift of presence, of experiencing every moment fully, is also the greatest gift you can give yourself.

What is considered the greatest gift? ›

As we follow Jesus Christ in faith, we look forward to the time when He will return to earth. We know that He will come again and that someday we will receive the greatest of all the gifts of God—eternal life.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Maia Crooks Jr

Last Updated:

Views: 5791

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Maia Crooks Jr

Birthday: 1997-09-21

Address: 93119 Joseph Street, Peggyfurt, NC 11582

Phone: +2983088926881

Job: Principal Design Liaison

Hobby: Web surfing, Skiing, role-playing games, Sketching, Polo, Sewing, Genealogy

Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.