Ali + Julie
Co-Founders, GroupTogether.
Life’s busy. That’s why we’re here to make it easy for you to collect money from a group. Less wasted time, less packaging waste, and spending a little less but giving a lot better!
Gift Ideas
Trending 21st Birthday Gifts That'll Make Their Big Day Unforgettable
If you’ve landed on this page your bestie, sibling, friend or some distant family member that your parents are making you get a gift for is turning 21! It’s a huge milestone, they’re seen as literal adults in society but are still oh so young at heart which makes 21st gifts tricky to get. So we’ve curated a few of our go to 21st birthday gift ideas to help you find the perfect present.
By Ali + Julie
May 14, 2024
Gifts Under $50
CIRCA Jasmine and Magnolia Bath Salts
Who doesn’t love a moment of peace and quiet? It’s a fact that no one can annoy you whilst you’re submerged in water. So for those who love a bath, winning 21st birthday gift ideas for a bath-lover are things that enhance the experience, like bath salts. This mixture includes Himalayan Pink Salt and Aloe Vera amongst other ingredients and is said to reinforce recovery and boost relaxation.
Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing - A Memoir by Matthew Perry
Are you buying for a Friends-aholic? We can’t think of a better gift than Matthew Perry’s memoir. The beloved Friends star details his intimate life experiences and imparts invaluable wisdom on topics including relationships, life and his struggle with addiction. 21st present ideas like this are incredibly thoughtful and the lessons inside could stay with them for a lifetime.
Rip Curl 24L Cooler Bag
Rip Curl makes winning gift ideas for 21st birthdays. Your outdoorsy friends probably love their days by the beach in summer or going for long hikes and taking a picnic. This cooler bag will be a crowd fave, keeping their snacks and drinks cool.
Beaded Cupholder by Tanchen Studio
Now this is niche, but could make a unique 21st birthday gift idea. A cupholder for their morning cup of coffee, or drink bottle at festivals. We love the super cute and convenient handle. The holder is woven with wooden beads that are hand-painted. It might be extra, but we are here for it.
HelloFresh 3 Recipes Per Week Plan
HelloFresh is all over Instagram and for good reason, they have a huge marketing budget… We’re just kidding! Their meals are amazing, healthy, easy and quick. Healthy habits are created in early adulthood and now is the perfect opportunity to gift healthy recipes made by quality chefs to your child. HelloFresh offers fresh and healthy recipes with good-quality ingredients, shipped directly to your door. Let’s face it, the worst part of feeding yourself is writing the list and traipsing off to Woolies to get it, which is why most young adults obsess over UberEats. This three meal per week plan is a GOAT for 21st gifts.
Atlas Bucket Hat
This bucket hat from Sheike is in collaboration with local Aussie artist Adrianne Dimitrakakis who is the artist behind Atlas. Mums, for ladies' 21st birthday gifts this bucket hat is a great hack because it’s cute and keeps their faces out of the sun. We love that Atlas’ designs are heavily influenced by the founder’s travels around the world. This piece is a work that has been inspired by fruit stands Adrianne has happened upon on her travels. Oh, and you can pair it with a matching sarong, beach bag and shirt found on the Sheike website.
Gifts $50 - $100
Slow Down Wellness Journal
Unique 21st birthday gifts like this Journal are a great way to support your friends hobbies and passions. Journaling has so many incredible benefits such as an increase in gratitude, supporting mental health, forming positive habits and so much more. This journal from Papier is for those who want to start journaling but perhaps need a bit of structure. It features prompts such as ‘what’s your intention for the day?’ and ‘what went well today?’. A gorgeous thoughtful gift for your friend.
White Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
21st present ideas don’t get boujier than this! We love silk pillowcases because they look cute, protect your hair and do wonders for your skin. They’re even better than cotton or linen pillowcases because they prevent friction and irritation, plus they don’t absorb any of the oils from our face. This 100% silk pillowcase from Pillow Talk is breathable to give them a comfy nights rest and would look fab on their bed.
Oils of Life Sleeping Cream
Sleep is the most important part of everyone’s day so we love suggesting 21st present ideas around sleep because let’s face it they aren’t going to be investing in their sleep while they’re out partying all night. This sleeping moisturising cream by Oils of Life boasts ingredients such as black cumin, organic olive oil and more and provides a much-needed boost for dehydrated skin. They can pop it on before bed while they catch up on some z’s and wake up in the morning feeling a million bucks.
Travel Edition Photo Journal
Is your 21-year-old about to embark on a life-changing journey around the world? We all know how invaluable memories and life experiences are, but it can get hard to keep track of them. We think there’s no better way to document their travels than with this Travel Edition photo journal from the Adventure Challenge. It encourages new experiences and will give them the ability to reflect on their memories for years to come. 21st gifts for her - tick!
Issey Miyake for Men Eau de Toilette
21st gifts for men can be tricky to find, we get it. Men always love a new fragrance, especially if its partner approved. This fragrance from Issey Miyake is one of the best on the market and features notes such as citrus, amber, cinnamon and more.
Cos Striped Padded Tote
21st gifts for her that are versatile and great quality are the best gifts in our book. One affordable and stylish fashion brand that has emerged as a powerhouse is Cos, the brand born out of London. This 100% cotton tote is generous in size and has an inner pocket, perfect for their phone or those extra personal products. It’s the perfect addition to any outfit and is perfect for beach days, weekend getaways and trips to uni or work.
Limited Edition Gold Luna: Buddha Wood Candle
21st birthday gift ideas don’t have to be complicated, this gorgeous candle smells divine and would look gorgeous in their room. This candle from Leif smells the way it looks: it’s classy, with a pop of edginess. It will envelop their room with its woody, earthy and smoky scent. Put this one up on the shelf. Or on the bedside table. Or wherever it will be seen. It’s a gorg piece that will help them keep things smelling fresh.
Jai Soif Carafe and Glass
Unique 21st birthday gifts for him can be tricky because what do guys really like? Well if they’re into alty things this carafe and glass is the ultimate luxury drinking experience. It’s the perfect way to stay hydrated at home and trumps any water bottle. We can vouch that any form of liquid (yes including wine) looks great in these hand-blown glasses and pairs well with the other colours Maison Balzac has designed.
Artisan Sweet Treats
Are we buying a gift for a foodie with a sweet tooth? Perfect, this is it for 21st present ideas then! This is the perfect gift for them. The Artisan Sweet Treats from Country Culture include mouth-watering products such as Honey Crunch Rocks coated in chocolate, Anzac Biscuits and more.
Gifts $100 - $200
Crocs Echo Clog
We’re not going to lie, this was a tough one to include. The team are definitely in two minds about Crocs coming back, we’ve been inundated with Crocs sightings, so I guess they’re ‘in’. People LOVE these Crocs clogs, we think because they look slightly more elegant and, well, they’re in. These ‘Latte’ coloured Crocs are a more supportive and sturdy version of the classic Croc and would be a winner for your friend.
Roman Palm Visa 0C Sleeping Bag - Lime
Are we buying a gift for the adventurous soul? 21st gifts for men who like camping and generally running around in the bush are some of our faves to buy for. There’s nothing more important to camping than a good-quality, warm sleeping bag. This sleeping bag by Roman is recognised as one of the most lightweight and compact sleeping bags on the market. Weighing at only 1.4kg, this ultra-versatile sleeping bag can withstand temperatures as low as 0°C, so Melbs and Tassie this one's for you! It also boasts a hidden inner storage pocket and fits in the palm of your hand. Plus, the colours are pretty cool, if you ask me.
Charcoal and Green Zip Through Outdoor Oodie
If you thought Crocs were controversial then Oodies are a whole different ball game. You either love em or hate em - there’s no in-between. This blanket cross dressing gown, random Australian invention make great 21st birthday ideas for your friends who love camping in winter. This Oodie has it all: it’s reversible so you can choose between charcoal or green. It has thumb holes to keep your fingers warm and is waterproof. It’s the perfect thing to throw on after a swim at the beach or camping.
Jet Setter Travel Pillow
Are aeroplanes getting smaller? It feels like it. One way to beat what feels like literally breaking your neck on a long flight is a travel pillow. It prevents neck breakage and lets you catch two minutes of sleep so you aren’t totally wrecked with jet lag. This Jet Setter Travel Pillow by Slip is stylish and comes in its own carry bag. This pillow makes a neck saving 21st gift for your jet setting friend.
Hommey Robe Sundae Stripes
We love Hommey at GroupTogether, all their pieces are just so functional and gorgeous which is why they make great ladies 21st birthday gifts. This plush, 100% cotton bathrobe from Hommey exudes resort-style luxury and comfort. These cute colours reminiscent of a 1950s diner will give them a world of warmth and relaxation, without compromising on style.
Icebreaker Unisex RealFleece Merino High Pile Scarf
We are entering the colder months in Australia, some colder than others - we’re looking at you Tassie. Whilst not everyone is lucky enough to hop over to Europe and chase the sun, it’s important we are well-equipped down under to brave the cold. I know any Canadian is probably laughing reading this but it does get cold! So for winter, we suggest for 21st birthday gift ideas choose them this Merino Wool scarf. It looks cool while beating the cold weather. Icebreaker, the brand born out of our neighbouring New Zealand, has been producing ethical and sustainable clothing since 1995.
Senz Foldable Umbrella
As far as 21st present ideas go this isn’t glamorous, but hear us out. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but rainy season is upon us - ugh! It doesn’t have to be bad news if you are well-equipped with a good-quality umbrella though. This umbrella from Senz boasts several features. It’s able to withstand 80km/h wind, it has covers on the tips to protect eyes, it fits inside most bags and comes with a luxury sleeve. In case you’re wondering about its shape, the Senz umbrella is designed aerodynamically to withstand wind and rain - how cool!
Jacquard Cotton Throw Blanket
Is this 21-year-old moving out of home? We can guarantee you one item missing from every sharehouse is a nice, warm throw. Yes, we know that sounds mumsy but it’s true! You’ll be their best friend by gifting them this gorgeous but warm yet often-forgotten piece. We love that it’s 100% cotton and is versatile so can go on their bed, sofa or over their office chair. A gorgeous yet practical birthday gift idea for 21st birthdays.
Loewe Vintage Sunglasses
There aren’t many designers of sunglasses superior to Loewe. So they’ll be stocked with this 21st birthday gift idea. We love these vintage pairs, they’re in very good condition and are sure to be a wardrobe staple. The perfect addition to any outfit and an eye-catcher - j’adore!
Gifts $200+
UE Boom 3
21st gifts like this will get a lot of use in the sharehouse at pres. Gift them the luxury of listening to Fred Again through a base-heavy, portable speaker - sorry neighbours! Them and their friends are sure to have some fun nights with this powerful little speaker.
Carry On Light
21st birthday gift ideas for your child who is travelling overseas. This carry-on suitcase from Australian brand July is pretty snazzy. It’s incredibly lightweight, weighing in at 1.8kg, and it’s spacious and water and scratch-proof. They can take it to Europe, Bali or around Australia and keep all their essentials safe in it.
Hayashi Hand Painted Bird Bowl
21st present ideas like this ceramic bowl are gorgeous for your friend who has just moved out. The bowl is made in a small, countryside village in Japan by a master ceramicist by the name of Ryoji Hayashi. Each piece is unique and a one-off and is sure to be a favourite fruit bowl or ornament. A gorgeous unique gift for your loved one!
Women’s Cragmont Fleece Jacket
Winter is well, wintering at the moment. So for your friend who was born in the cooler months, 21st birthday ideas like this North Face Jacket are it! This versatile fleece is good for lightly cool days and bloody freezing days. It is loose-fitting, meaning it can fit underneath a puffer. Or it can just be worn on its own.
Dr Martens Dayne Slip Ons
We LOVE Dr Martens at GroupTogether. The brand founded in 1947 has reinvented itself time and again, while staying true to their ethos. Their shoes literally last a lifetime and come with great warranty so once your friend has worn the beejezus out of them, they can fix them up. We love high-quality 21st gifts like this because they’re pieces your loved one will wear for a long time and each time they wear them, they’ll think of you.
Lacoste Tennis Racquet
Are you buying for the next Novak Djokovic? Then this is the best 21st birthday gift idea. Lacoste, the brand that sponsors Novak, has partnered with French racquet maker Technifibre to create this powerful yet effortless racquet for rallying, as well as beating your opponent 6-love. Your friend will be over the moon with this amazing racquet, it makes a thoughtful gift showing that you support their goals and dreams.
If you're buying a gift for your friend's 21st birthday, we understand that your budget might be tight. Why not pool your resources with GroupTogether? Your bestie will be thrilled with a collective gift from the whole group, and it'll ease the financial strain on everyone involved. Setting up a collection is quick and easy, taking just a couple of minutes. Plus, we'll take care of all the logistics, like gathering card signatures and following up with late payers, so you can avoid any awkward conversations!
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