The Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide for Young Adults

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Looking for the perfect gift for the young adult in your life? Look no further! This holiday gift guide has got you covered. Whether they're into tech, fashion, or something totally unique, I’ve curated a selection of must-have items that are sure to impress. Whether you are shopping for someone you love or looking for your own ideas to put on your wishlist, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite gift ideas for young adults and college students!

 
 

Gift Ideas for Young Adults

I’ve rounded up lots of gift ideas for young adults and college students! Use this gift guide to shop for someone on your list or to add items to your own wishlist for this year!

Click to jump to any of the following categories or scroll on through to see all of the gift ideas for young adults!

Accessories / Books & Notes / Clothing / Decor / Food & Drink / Gadgets / Games & Hobbies / Tech / Travel / Subscriptions & Gift Cards

Accessories

BeeGreen Reusable Grocery Bags

these reusable shopping bags fold down super small to fit into another bag and take with you on the go

Backpack for Commuters

a stylish backpack with lots of pockets for a laptop and other devices - great for taking your studies or work on the go.

Backpack for Sports

A quality backpack for sports games or workouts at the gym is a great gift idea for any college student or young adult that loves being active!

Gimme Beauty Starter Set

i LOVE these gimme beauty hair ties! they are so soft and don’t pull on my hair like traditional hair ties

Makeup Eraser

this makeup eraser is designed in a dark color and fabrics specifically for removing your makeup every day

Travel Manicure Set

a convenient little case with all of your manicure necessities, perfect for packing when you travel

Boho Sticker Pack

stickers are all the rage these days - i don’t think you can go wrong with a set of stickers that they can place wherever they want - water bottles, notebooks, phone cases, etc.

Men's Fossil Watch

this stylish men’s watch will upgrade any outfit

Nylon Crossbody Bag / Fanny Pack

These bags have been super popular - I have one and love it for running out the door and not taking a full purse. This style actually works for guys or girls! There are tons of colors to choose from.

Pura Vida Bracelet Club

love how you can show off a bit of your personality with these bracelet sets - even better, gift a subscription for a new bracelet set every month for a year! it’s like having your birthday every month - if a subscription is out of your reach, there are lots of beautiful bracelet sets for every personality!

Wristlet Lanyard

I have a similar lanyard for my set of keys and love how easy it is to grab

Books & Notes

Alabaster Bibles

These stunning and beautiful Books of the Bible are laid out in a magazine-like format, perfect for your coffee table and your own reflection time.

Use code alb-simplemodestmom for 15% off your purchase

Bible Study Sticky Notes

these little sticky notes are designed specifically for leaving notes in your Bible

Muted Pastel Highlighters

These highlighters are a beautiful muted pastel color palette that would be great for taking notes in your Bible or are a unique aesthetic touch for study notes.

One Line a Day Journal

leave notes about every day - this is also so fun to look back on and see what you did throughout the year(s)

Personal Library Kit

For a book-lover, there's no greater pleasure than sharing beloved books, but no crueler pain than losing them for good! This personal library kit has everything you need to start your own card catalog for your favorite books.

Prayer Request Journal for Men

a journal specifically for keeping track of prayer requests - a great way to reflect back on how God has been working throughout the years

Prayer Request Journal for Women

a journal specifically for keeping track of prayer requests - a great way to reflect back on how God has been working throughout the years

Reverse Coloring Book

this book is so fun and unique - the color is already on the pages, you just add the lines!

Sketchpad Block

a simple little sketchpad block for someone who loves to draw or scribble down notes

Weekly Goals Notepad

a great jump at next year’s goals or to help stay on track of a weekly task list

Clothing

Elastic Shoelaces

Turn any shoes into slip-ons with these elastic shoelaces!

Quilted Lined Flannel Shirt

This quilted, lined flannel shirt combines classic style with cozy warmth. This shirt is crafted with care from durable fabric. Whether he's outdoors or indoors, it's a stylish and practical choice with a plaid pattern and buttoned chest pockets.

Flannel Shacket for Women

sweater jackets are super popular this year and there are lots of great options on Amazon

Fleece-Lined Beanie

simple, practical, & cozy - a great gift for guys who are outdoors a lot in the winter

Knitted Beanies with Faux Fur Pom

Looking for the perfect warm and stylish gift? Check out these knitted beanies with faux fur pom! They're cozy and fashionable, made from high-quality yarn. With a faux fur pom, they add glamour to any outfit.

Ponyback Hat

I love this hat for anyone who loves to wear a ponytail or messy bun - the Ponyback Hat has a magnetic closure along the back seam that allows you to open and close it around any hairstyle! Lots of color options are available and several different hat styles and materials.

Use code SIMPLEMODESTMOM for 10% off your order!

Hoodie Blanket Sweatshirt

a unique way to stay extra cozy and warm

Sherpa Hoodie for Women

You can’t go wrong with something extra cozy like this sherpa hoodie

Sherpa-Lined Pullover Hoodie for Men

love this version of a sherpa hoodie for guys - the inside is lined with sherpa, but the outer part of the pullover is a normal hoodie

Retro Sneakers

love a pair of classic retro-style sneakers - so many options for guys & girls.

Sperry Men's Winter Boots

a great pair of winter and rain boots for men

Sperry Women's Saltwater Duck Boots

a great pair of winter and rain boots for women - i have a pair of these and love them for winter snow and rain in other seasons!

Vintage Winter Socks

pretty sure these vintage socks are “in” and these colors sure are fun!

Decor

100 Things To Do Scratch Off Poster

this scratch-off poster would be a super fun addition to any bedroom with lots of great ways to combat boredom!

Bedside Essentials Pocket

love this easy way to keep things right next to your bed, especially if you have an upper bunk or no room for a nightstand

Burrito Blanket

this blanket is so fun - wrap yourself up just like a burrito! it’s hilarious but also practical

Color Changing Cinema Lightbox

a bright alternative to a letterboard

First Edition Book Cover Art Print

artwork for any book lover

Knot Pillow

i love this little decorative pillow. so colorful and fun, but also comfortable.

Scratch Off World Map

for someone who loves to travel - scratch off everywhere you have been!

Food & Drink

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

this water bottle is super popular and has lots of colors to choose from

Lego Coffee Mug

an interactive coffee mug with lego pieces

Microwave Popcorn Bowls

These single-serve silicone microwave bowls are so fun!

Mini Keurig Coffee Maker

instant coffee that is perfect for small rooms

Portable Cereal Cup

this portable cereal cup is so funny to me, but also so convenient!

Stanley Water Bottle

These water bottles are super popular right now and for good reason! I’ve been a long-time Stanley fan and really love these new tumblers and colors that they have.

Yeti Coffee Mug

this coffee mug can keep your drink hot or cold for hours

Gadgets

Beachwaver Rotating Curling Iron

This Beachwaver rotating curling iron has been going viral - and for good reason! The Clamp and Curl feature makes this the perfect on-the-go tool. With both curling and straightening capabilities, you will be obsessed immediately. Perfect for short hair, touch-ups, or travel. 5.5 inch ceramic barrel. 1-inch barrel width. 30-min automatic shutoff

Birdie Personal Safety Alarm

The Birdie Personal Safety Alarm is a game-changer for women's safety. It's sleek, compact, and easily attaches to keychains or purses. With a simple pull, it emits a powerful 130-decibel siren that demands attention and scares off threats. It also has a bright LED flashlight for visibility and an emergency contact system. Gift this Birdie Personal Safety Alarm for confidence, security, and control.

Flexible Tripod for Phones

this flexible tripod is super versatile and can be placed almost anywhere - great for those IG stories or TikTok videos 😅

Friendship Lamps

these friendship lamps are such a fun idea for best friends or anyone in a long distance relationship - or for moms who really miss their kids while they are away in college!

Hatch Sound Machine & Alarm Clock

I have and love this sound machine alarm clock combo - I think any young adult or college student would love to have this to help them sleep better at night and have the scheduled sunrise feature for the mornings.

Phone Charging Cable

a bit of luxury for your phone charging cable. bonus that it is weighted at one end

Portable Tool Kit

an easy to take with you tool kit

Ring Light with Tripod

A ring light is the perfect gift for any young adult who loves taking selfies, creating content, or just wants to improve their lighting for video calls.

Selfie Ring Light for Phone

This small ring light is the perfect size for your phone, tablet, or laptop.

Games & Hobbies

Backpack Beach Chairs Set with Cooler Bags

I know it might seem odd for the season, but these chairs are great for any beach lover and the unique style will make sure their chairs are easy to spot on the beach!

Camping

If you know someone who loves camping, don’t miss out on my Camping Gift Guide - it has amazing gift ideas for campers and hikers!

Clue Escape Game

This is a great party game where friends can work together to solve this escape room version of the classic game of Clue.

DIY Screen Printing Kit

A DIY screen printing kit is a fun way to start making your own shirts or art prints at home! This kit has everything you need to design and print your own cool T-shirts, totes, and more.

Embroidery Starter Kit

This embroidery starter kit is perfect for young adults who want to learn a new craft or hobby. It comes with everything they need to get started, including a pattern, embroidery hoop, needles, thread, and fabric. The pattern is easy to follow and includes instructions for different stitches, so they can create a beautiful piece of embroidery art.

Hammock

A hammock is the perfect gift for any young adult who loves the outdoors. This hammock is both lightweight and durable, making it perfect for camping, hiking, or just lounging in the backyard.

Harry Potter

If you are shopping for someone who loves the magical world of Harry Potter, don’t miss this Gift Guide for Harry Potter fans of all ages!

Incohearant Game

This is a new version (different company) of the game Mad Gab - one of my favorites! Compete with friends (& maybe family!) to make sense out of gibberish from pop-culture categories.

Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa

take a couch with you wherever you go! great for the beach, parks, or outdoor sporting events.

Light & Airy Photo Presets

These photo presets would be a great gift for any young adult who loves sharing photos and wants a consistent and beautiful look for everything! These are my absolute favorite presets and they have so many different preset options!

Use code SIMPLEMODESTMOM for 20% off your order!

Mini Cruiser Longboard

This mini cruiser longboard is designed to be fun to ride and easy to carry around - a go-to board for anyone who skates everywhere. The small size of the board makes it easy to carry and take on the go while still being a great board for cruising and riding everywhere!

Outdoor/Indoor Beach and Picnic Blanket

I have this blanket for trips to the beach, and let me tell you - it. is. incredible! This blanket is so soft and can also be used for picnics or lounging outdoors.

Get 31% off with code SIMPLEMODESTMOM

PaddleSmash

What do you get if you combine pickball with spikeball? PaddleSmash is an exhilarating outdoor game that combines racquet sports with team competition. With paddles and a soft ball, players battle it out over an adjustable net. It's entertaining for all ages and skill levels, promoting fitness and camaraderie. Portable and easy to set up, PaddleSmash can be played anywhere. Durable and lightweight, it provides hours of intense play and creates lasting memories. Get ready for the unforgettable outdoor experience of PaddleSmash!

Pickleball Set

Pickleball has been super popular lately and this pickleball set would be a great gift for someone who loves the sport or wants to get into it with friends!

Portable Ping-Pong Set

Turn any table into a ping pong table! The retractable ping pong net fits any table up to 72" wide and 2" thick. Suitable for indoor & outdoor play. Use the portable ping pong set to play at home, parks, picnics, work events, beach, or anywhere for hours of fun.

Rumpl Outdoor Puffy Blanket

This blanket is a great gift for anyone who loves the outdoors or camping! The Original Puffy outdoor blanket from Rumpl is a packable, portable, warm blanket that you can take just about anywhere. With a ripstop shell and insulation made from 100% recycled materials, it’s a cozy experience that’s better for the planet, too. Plus, this blanket is machine washable.

Succulent & Cactus Seed Kit

This is a great gift for someone who loves succulents and plants - let them grow their own succulents.

TableTopics

This is a fun icebreaker or conversation starter to keep around for some time with friends or new acquaintances! With more than 2 million copies sold, TableTopics is the #1 best-selling conversation starter.

The Adventure Challenge - Friends

This scratch-off adventure challenge is geared towards friends to make lots of new memories together! It’s an invitation for friends who are tired of sitting around trying to come up with something fun to do. The Adventure Challenge Friend Edition can help your crew create lasting memories that are out of the box, nostalgic, and inspiring.

The Adventure Challenge - Solo

This scratch-off adventure challenge is a solo edition, so you can make lots of memories and try new things by yourself! This version is designed for time to yourself - sometimes you just need some alone time. The Adventure Challenge Solo Edition is here to make ordinary become amazing. Turn any regular weeknight (or heck, entire weekend) into an extraordinary memory.

Unsolved Case Files

I love this murder mystery game - it’s so fun to play detectives with your friends and try to figure out all of the clues and solve the mystery before the end of the night.

What Do You Meme? Card Game

Perfect for parties, family game nights, holidays, reunions and more. Everyone gets to be the judge, and everyone will get lots of laughs competing to be meme queen or king!

Tech

Apple Airpods

Apple AirPods are the ultimate listening experience. With active noise cancellation, transparency mode, and customizable fit, you can immerse yourself in your music or take calls without any distractions. The earbuds are sweat and water-resistant, making them perfect for workouts or outdoor activities. And with the wireless charging case, you can easily recharge your earbuds on the go.

Mesh Matte AirPods Case

The Mesh Matte AirPods Case is slim and protective, which is the perfect way to keep your AirPods safe and secure while on the go. This stylish case also comes with a convenient keychain gold hook, making it easy to attach it to your bag or keys for easy carrying.

Beats Wireless Headphones

Beats Solo3 Wireless on-ear headphones immerse you in rich, award-winning sound, everywhere you want to go. They have a sleek, streamlined, and foldable design and are durable and portable enough to stay on-the-move with you.

Drone with Camera

Who wouldn’t have fun with a drone?! Perfect for young adults who love adventure and capturing stunning aerial shots, this drone is easy to operate and comes with a range of features to enhance your flying experience.

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 Instant Camera is the perfect gift for young adults who love capturing memories on the go. With its retro design and easy-to-use features, this camera is perfect for taking instant photos at parties, events, or while traveling.

Mini Photo Printer

this mini photo printer allows you to print any photos from your phone right away!

Portable Mini Bluetooth Speaker

The legendary JBL signature sound delivers surprisingly big audio and punchy bass from Clip 4's small size. This little speaker comes in some really fun colors!

Portable Movie Projector

This portable movie projector allows you to turn any room (or side of a building outside!) into your very own movie theater.

Portable Record Player

I’ve always loved vinyl records and I think any college student or young adult who loves music would think this is a great gift.

Record Album Storage Crate

Perfect for young adults who love collecting vinyl and want to keep their collection in top condition!

Travel

Backpack Duffel Bag

I love that this duffel bag has backpack straps - perfect for anyone that is often on the go - school, trips home, the gym, sports practice, and more.

Backpack Laundry Bag

great for carrying all of your laundry to and from the laundry room (or home for mom)

Canvas Weekender Bag

This canvas weekender bag is stylish, versatile, and durable. It's perfect for getaways or trips to the gym. With ample room and sleek design, it combines fashion and functionality.

Car Emergency Kit

this car emergency kit is a great essential for any young adult’s trunk!

Luggage Set

A luggage set is a great gift for young adults who love to travel! Practical and stylish for young adults on the go. Surprise them with style and convenience. Make their travels hassle-free and fashionable.

Monogrammed Toiletry Bag

This is a beautiful option for a makeup bag or toiletry bag that is super unique and would look elegant in anyone’s luggage or backpack.

Passport & Vaccine Holder

This sleek Passport and Vaccine Holder keeps wanderers organized. It securely holds passports and vaccine records, with slots for cards and an ID window. The innovative Vaccine Holder section tracks immunization records. Suitable for solo or group trips, this stylish accessory combines function and style. Surprise young adults and encourage their dream adventures with this thoughtful gift. Safeguard their documents, safeguard their dreams!

Travel Cord Roll

this simple leather travel case helps to keep all of your cords and cables organized

Promptly Journals - Travel Journals - Deep Blue

Travel Journal

This would be such a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves to travel or has a big trip that they are planning!

Use code JEN15 for 15% off at PromptlyJournals.com

Subscriptions & Gift Cards

AirBnb Gift Card

give the gift of a vacation!

Amazon Gift Card

give the gift of anything!

Amazon Prime Membership

this membership can be an incredible gift for fast and free shipping, free books on Kindle, and more

Apple Gift Card

give the gift of Apple - can be used for iTunes, the App Store and any Apple products

Audible Subscription

give the gift of audiobooks

Bracelet Subscription Box

I love the Ink + Alloy collections of bracelets and earrings - and would love to get a monthly box in the mail with new bracelets! If you don’t want to do a subscription box, they also have lots of beautiful bracelets, necklaces and earrings.

Birchbox Beauty

Birchbox is a simple way to update your beauty routine. When you subscribe, you’ll receive a monthly package of 5 deluxe samples from a variety of categories - all handpicked by their team, matched to your unique needs, and paired with helpful tips on how to use them. Then you can shop for full-sized products of your favorite items.

Birchbox Grooming

Birchbox is a simple way to update your grooming routine. When you subscribe, you’ll receive a monthly package of 5 deluxe samples from a variety of categories - all handpicked by their team, matched to your unique needs, and paired with helpful tips on how to use them. Then you can shop for full-sized products of your favorite items.

Once Upon a Book Club

Book Club Box (Young Adult Edition)

This is a reading experience like no other! Once Upon a Book Club is an interactive and unique monthly book subscription! Each month, you'll receive a newly released book and 3-5 wrapped gifts that are labeled with page numbers. As you read, you'll be directed to open the gifts at the most important moments to bring the book to life!

Doordash Gift Card

give the gift of takeout

Starbucks Gift Card

Give the gift of coffee with a Starbucks gift card!

SnackSack

SnackSack Subscription Box

This monthly discovery box helps you discover and enjoy healthier snack options. And to make it even more fun, each box is centered around exciting seasonal themes & flavors to try.

Stitch Fix Subscription

give the gift of fashion - available for men’s and women’s styles

 

I hope this blog post has given you some inspiration for gift ideas this Christmas!

 

see more gift guides