Holiday Gift Giving Ideas for Young Adults

The holiday season is here, and finding the perfect gift for young adults can sometimes feel like a challenge. With new trends {the power of TikTok shop!}, changing lifestyles, and unique interests, it's important to choose gifts that resonate and offer something meaningful or useful. Whether you're looking to surprise a college student, a new grad, or a young professional, I've got a curated list of the best gifts to inspire, entertain, and support the young adults in your life. There's something here for every personality and budget!

HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING IDEAS FOR YOUNG ADULTS


Holiday Gift Giving Ideas for Young Adults

holiday gift guide for young adults



I've got three young adult children myself, and while your kids will always be your kids, no matter their age, their life circumstances and tastes evolve, so you'll probably find yourself dumbfounded from time to time on what to gift them. Have no fear, I've gathered some ideas for you!


Don't miss this post: Gifts Teens and Young Adults Really Want



Why Gifting Experiences Matter


While material gifts can be exciting, gifting experiences can be even more meaningful, especially for young adults. Experiences-like concert tickets, a weekend getaway, or even a cooking class-can create those lasting memories and offer unique experiences for growth and connection. Young adults often value new experiences as a way to learn, relax, and connect with others, which can be far more impactful than items that might lose their appeal over time. By gifting and experience, you're offering them a chance to explore their interests, create memories, and develop skills that can have a lasting impact on their lives.

Experiences to Gift:


  • Concert Tickets
  • Cooking Classes
  • Cocktail/Mocktail Making
  • Weekend Getaway
  • Hobby Classes {like pottery, woodworking, and flower arranging}
  • A Spa Day or Massage Session
  • A Discovery Flight or Ride in a Flightseeing Plane
  • Museum Membership
  • Buy a Voucher for Indoor Rock Climbing or Skydiving
  • Better yet, pay for them to go skydiving!
  • Get a Pass to an Amusement Park
  • Give a Gift Card to a Local Sports Rental Shop for Kayaks and Paddleboards
  • Lift Tickets for skiing

Need some tips? How to Celebrate the Holiday Season on a Budget


If you're gifting an experience, I totally understand the desire to want to have something tangible to open. Consider something that goes along with the experience. For instance, if you are gifting a cocktail or mocktail making class, why not pair it with a book {This I Love Trader Joe's Cocktail Cookbook is young adult approved!} and a mixology kit

Giving a gift certificate for a massage? Add in something they can use at home too like these shower steamers. 

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE YOUNG ADULTS



The Value of Practical Gifts for Young Professionals


For young adults stepping into the professional world, practical gifts can be both empowering and encouraging. Items like a high-quality planner, noise-canceling headphones, a professional bag, or a coffee subscription can make the transition smoother and support them in their new routines. These thoughtful, practical gifts show that you're mindful of their journey and committed to their success. Providing them with tools they'll use every day can boost their confidence, keep them organized, and make the adjustment to work life just a little easier.

On the more practical side, young adults are just stepping out into adulthood and finding that some of the things they've known and loved can be quite expensive! Subscription services are at top of my mind {Netflix, Apple TV, Spotify, etc...}, and will always be appreciated as an expense they don't need to cover for the year.

My experience is with young adults in these areas. These are a few of their favorite things that they have asked for, or are practical gifts to give as they venture further into their training and careers.

New Grad Nurse


Monogramed scrubs with their new grad letters: My healthcare daughter has loved the FIGS brand for many years! They hold up well, and have lots of current styles.

A large tote bag
Stethoscope charm: everyone's stethoscopes look similar, adding a charm helps to distinguish it!
Alarm Clock: this one lights up and has white noise to help with all those weird shift hours.


Pilot


Headset: These are the gold standard in aviation headsets. It will likely be a graduation gift down the line. Right now, we have these for the whole family for our general aviation flights, and they work just fine for now for flight training.
iPad mini
Aviation backpack

Got a wanna be pilot in the family? Check out this post: My Teenager Wants to Be A Pilot: Now What?

Business


Comfortable socks: My two college grads exclusively wear Feetures socks. They aren't cheap, but new grads are often on their feet a good portion of the day, and these are the best socks out there that we've found. They also have a lifetime guarantee, but in all my years of wearing these, I don't think I've had to take advantage of their lifetime guarantee once.

Good Coffee Machine
Apple Watch

Travel Gift Ideas for Adventurous Sprits

travel gift ideas for young adults



If the young adult in your life loves to travel, gifts that cater to their wanderlust are sure to be appreciated. Consider items like a durable travel backpack, packing cubes, or a portable charger to make their journeys easier. You could also gift experiences like an Airbnb gift card, a national parks pass, or tickets to a unique destination experience. These travel-inspired gifts can enhance their explorations, helping them to make the most of every trip while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

In case you missed it: Cultivating Wanderlust: Raising Kids Who Love to Travel


Travel Gifts to Give:


Don't Miss this: Travel Gadgets that Really Are Worth the Hype

Favorite Travel Items I Won't Get on a Plane Without


When it comes to holiday gifting, the thoughtfulness behind the gift is what truly makes it memorable. By considering their hobbies, aspirations, and lifestyle, you can find a gift that's both practical and heartwarming. Hopefully, this guide has inspired you with some ideas to help make your young adult's holiday season a bit brighter. With a little creativity and insight, you can show them how much they mean to you, one thoughtful gift at a time.





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