We all have friends or family that are in that Generation Z category. They are in their 20s and are probably just starting out on their own. And they can sometimes be difficult to buy gifts for.
Well, I have you covered! Here are 20-some gifts for the 20-some year old in your life. Some ideas are practical, some are whimsical or downright goofy, but all are sure to be enjoyed. These gifts can work for guys or girls.
For more information about each item or where to purchase, just click the links or images below.
The links in this post contain affiliate links. At no cost to you, I’ll receive a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my link. I only write about things I love or personally own.
Record Player
Yes, vinyl is hot again. 20-somethings actually enjoy listening to vinyl records – just like we did when we were their age. 😉 A gift of a record player is something that is sure to be a cherished gift.
Step It Up: Pair this record player with a classic vinyl album – AC/DC Back in Black. Trust me on this. They’ll love it.
Ramen Notes
There’s something about 20-somethings and Ramen noodles… they just seem to go hand-in-hand. This Ramen Notes Sticky Note Pad is sure to put a smile on your friend’s face.
Step It Up: To make this gift even more fun, include several packs of real ramen noodles. 
Car Mount Cell Phone Holder
A cell phone car mount is a necessity these days. It will keep your 20-something driver safe, since it’s a hands-off holder. This gravity cell phone mount pops into an air vent and can hold a variety of different phones.
Step It Up: Pair this phone mount with a Swiffer Duster so your friend can keep their dash clean (when they aren’t driving). 😉 A vent clip air freshener is an extra bonus.
Recipe Mugs
This set of microwavable porcelain recipe mugs is perfect for a young adult! Each mug includes three recipes that can be made directly in the mug. There’s a mug for breakfast, one for lunch, one for dinner, and one for desserts!
Step It Up: Add a gift card from your local grocery store so your friend can buy the ingredients they need to whip up something tasty.
Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker
This portable wireless bluetooth speaker by MPOW is sure to be a favorite gift. Since it’s Bluetooth, it works with any smartphone. The speaker has crystal clear sound and can be used pretty much anywhere. It’s splashproof, shockproof, and dustproof – so it’s long-lasting.
Step It Up: Pair this speaker with a music gift card for one awesome gift!
Light Box Sign
Everyone loves to light up their messages! This light box sign is perfect for a dorm room, apartment, or home. The sign can be hung on a wall or placed on a shelf. It can be used with the light on or off. This sign is a fun way to express yourself, and I’m sure your friend will enjoy it.
Step It Up: Pair this sign with the book “365 Best Inspirational Quotes: Daily Motivation for Your Best Year Ever” and your friend will never be at a loss for words.
Stainless Steel Drinking Straws
These environmentally friendly stainless steel drinking straws are sure to be a well loved gift. This set comes with straight straws as well as bent straws. It includes a cleaning brush as well. Because the straws can be used over and over again, they’ll last through years of parties!
Step It Up: Pair this straw set with a bottle of your friends favorite beverage so they can use the straws right away.
Roadside Emergency Kit
Every 20-something should have a roadside emergency kit in their vehicle – despite how lame of a gift they might think this is! This kit makes a great gift for your loved ones to keep them safe in the event of a breakdown. Everything fits neatly in the included storage bag, and can be stored easily in a trunk or backseat.
Step It Up: Pair this set with a box of long-shelf life snack bars, and your friend will be ready for anything.
Escape Room in a Box
For a seriously fun evening with friends, gift this Escape Room in a Box. Here’s a great way to enjoy this popular trendy game without having to leave the comfort of your home. It’s very well written and encourages everyone to work together to escape being turned into werewolves.
Step It Up: Pair this game with a set of Twig Pencils for everyone to use during the game. They’re fun!
Super Small LED Flashlight
We guarantee the techy, gadget-head 20-somethings will love it, but this Hatori Mini LED Flashlight is a must-have for anyone. Because of it’s small size, it can easily fit in a pocket or purse and comes in very handy in emergencies. This flashlight is very bright! It can be clipped to a cap and used as a cap light as well. Whether the flashlight is used in a home, dorm, or apartment or while traveling in a vehicle, it’s a handy tool to have. Makes an awesome gift!
Step It Up: Add a pack of rechargeable AAA batteries and a simple plug-in wall charger, and you’ll be giving a gift that will light up their lives for many many years!
First Aid Kit
This first aid kit is a must have for any dorm, apartment, or home. This emergency kit includes 120 medical grade items and is FDA approved. It also includes a mini first aid kit that you can take with you when traveling.
Step It Up: Pair this first aid kit with a box of Star Wars Band-Aids to make it fun.
Laundry Bag
20-somethings often have to lug their dirty clothes to a laundry room within an apartment building, or to the laundromat. Make it easier for them with this canvas laundry bag. Better yet, buy them three laundry bags so they can sort their clothes into separate laundry bags.
Step It Up: Pair this laundry bag with a box of Dropps laundry pods – their small size make them easier to haul around than a jug of laundry soap – your friend will thank you.
Household Tool Kit
This 144 piece household tool kit is something every 20-something should have. It includes all the basic tools you need for around the house. The tools are stored in a handy molded plastic case, making it less likely to lose a tool. 😉
Step It Up: Pair this tool kit with an assortment of nails and screws and your friend will be ready to tackle any project or repair!
Cold Brew Coffee Maker
It seems every 20-something enjoys their coffee. This cold brew coffee maker is sure to be a cherished (and much used) gift. The coffee maker has an airtight lid, making it easy to store in a refrigerator or take with you when you’re on the go.
Step It Up: Pair this coffee maker with an assortment of ground coffee so your friend can enjoy a cold cup right away.
Make a Decision Checklist Notepad
Sometimes it can be tough for a 20-something to make up their minds about something… or anything! This make a decision notepad will help! It’s fun and functional, and sure to make them smile.
Step It Up: You could always pair this notepad with a rock, paper, scissors game to ensure the right decision is made. 😉
Cast Iron Pans
Cast iron pans are made to last forever. This cast iron combo set will be something your friend uses for many years to come.
Step It Up: Pair this pan set with a set of bamboo utensils and your friend can start cooking right away!
Bed Sheet Set
A nice comfortable set of bed sheets is not something every 20-something rushes out to buy – but everyone appreciates clean, fresh sheets, especially when received as a gift.
Step It Up: Pair this sheet set with a Dreams throw pillow to make their bed complete.
Bath Towel Set
Just like the bed sheet suggestion above, bath towels are probably not on every 20-somethings mind as a must-have item when they start out on their own – until they step out of the shower soaking wet! This set of bath towels is a great start to their linen closet needs.
Step It Up: To sweeten the deal on this gift, include a bottle of all natural shower gel.
Kitchen Towels
Speaking of towels, they’re going to need some kitchen towels, too. Chances are they might not have a dishwasher in their new digs, so that 20-something will be doing a lot of hand washing after meals. Gift several of these kitchen towels for a fun start.
Step It Up: Add a bottle of natural dish soap with a great scent, and they won’t even mind doing the dishes… much.
Cutting Board and Knife Set
A cutting board and knife set is a very practical gift for anyone starting out on their own. The large size of this bamboo board makes it very handy in the kitchen, and the all stainless knife will last for years.
Step It Up: Pair this cutting board set with a classic Betty Crocker cookbook so your friend can start making meals right away.
Click Gift Ideas for even more unique and fun choices for your gift lists. There’s also lots of interesting and unique finds at Fun Finds – check it out!
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