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

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!

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’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.

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.

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..

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?

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!

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.

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.

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.

Heads up: It's time that the charcuterie connoisseur in your life gets a personalized cheeseboard. Not only can you have it monogrammed with their initial, but it also swivels (!!) and comes with its own knife set. Talk about fancy!

Whether they love jamming out to music during their me-time or they're always playing tunes at their get-togethers, this small but mighty speaker will come in clutch.

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.

Because why did arts and crafts stop at a young age?! Help them pick up a new hobby with this cute crochet set.

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.

Listen, being in your twenties is probably one of the most confusing, stressful, and messy time in your life. Get your giftee this robe so they can (do their best to) chill at home and just relax.

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

It’s puffer season, folks! This gorgeous one from Aritzia dominates my TikTok FYP and I’m sure it’s the same for your giftee. It’s cute and comfy and will keep them warm all winter long.

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).

Trust: Their bar cart is begging for these stunning vintage-inspired martini glasses. Thank me later.

Remember when Gen Z TikTokers claimed that skinny jeans are out and baggy denim is in? Just give the people what they want. (These loose-fitting jeans are too cute to pass up anyway.)