An 18th birthday officially marks the beginning of adulthood. At 18, you can finally vote, buy a lottery ticket, book a hotel room, and get a tattoo without parental consent. To honor this monumental birthday, your loved one deserves a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. However, teens are notoriously hard to shop for, especially those who are straddling the line between being a teen and an adult. What do you get a newly-minted adult who already has everything she needs? That’s where this list comes in. We’ve scoured the internet looking for the best birthday presents for someone who’s still a teen, but also an adult. Here are the best 18th birthday gift ideas for your loved one:
1. Sweetest Bouquet Alive
This gift combines a delectable fruit arrangement, four delicious cupcakes, and a beautiful bouquet of fresh-cut blooms. Plus, a portion of your purchase will be donated to Random Act Org to support relief projects for those in need.
Cost: $89.98
2. Best Birthday Ever
Featuring an arrangement packed with chocolate dipped strawberries, white and semisweet dipped pineapple cupcakes, and a variety of fresh fruit, this treat is sure to impress your newly-minted adult. It also comes with a bundle of festive birthday balloons for an instant celebration.
Cost: $93.99
3. GlowCity Glow in The Dark Basketball
Take the game outside at night with this glow-in-the-dark basketball. It features two LEDs for up to 30 hours of evening play, automatically shuts off when not in use, and handles like a real regulation ball.
Cost: $17.99
4. Wekapo Inflatable Lounger Air Sofa Hammock
With no aggravating pumps or tools required, this handy lounger easily inflates with just a flick through the air. Plus, it features anti-deflation technology that allows it to stay inflated for at least five to six hours.
Cost: $39.98
5. Hang On Let Me Overthink This Classic T-Shirt
For those who chronically overthink everything, this t-shirt is a cute way to honor their overthinking. It’s made with heavyweight 100% preshrunk cotton and features a classic, boxy fit that’s great for everyday wear.
Cost: $21.45
6. DIY Gift Kits Hot Sauce Making Kit
For the 18-year-old that loves all things spicy, this DIY hot sauce kit includes everything you need to make great-tasting hot sauce in endless varieties of heat and flavors. It’s packed with fifth-generation heirloom peppers, recipes and flavor guides, label stickers, bottles, a funnel, and more.
Cost: $69.95
7. JBL Flip 5
This speaker lets your loved one take the party with her wherever she goes. It’s compact and waterproof, with booming bass and over twelve hours of playtime. Plus, it’s lightweight enough to slip on your wrist and go.
Cost: $129.95
8. MYNT3D Professional Printing 3D Pen with OLED Display
Her imagination can come to life with this 3D pen. It features an adjustable feed that lets you regulate speed and flow for optimal control while you’re drawing. It also lets you adjust the temperatures in one-degree increments from 250 to 450 degrees for even more fine-tuning.
Cost: $59.99
These headphones feature custom-tuned HyperX 7.1 surround sound to truly immerse you in the world of your video games. They feature a detachable noise cancellation mic that lets you communicate with your teammates and is easily removed when not needed.
Cost: $69.99
These lightweight knit joggers are the perfect blend between comfort and style. They’re cut in a versatile, slim profile that looks pulled together but are made with the most comfortable Zeltek moisture-wicking fabric.
Cost: $59.00
Give your loved one a subscription to a book of the month delivery club. She’ll be able to choose from five juicy reads each month and have her favorite delivered right to her doorstep.
Cost: $49.99
12. Birth Month Flower Grow Kit
Did you know that every month has its own birth flower? This kit features everything your loved one needs to grow her own birth month flower, including seeds, a glass bottle, growing medium, and instructions.
Cost: $35.00
13. Magneto 44 inch Kicktail Cruiser Longboard Skateboard
This 44-inch longboard skateboard has been designed for casual skating around town. The wheels are made of high-quality urethane and the deck features a bamboo veneer with a maple core to add strength and stiffness.
Cost: $89.99
14. The Cozy High Pile Eco Fleece Half-Zip
This adorable sweatshirt holds an eco-friendly secret: it’s made out of polyester made out of more than 50 recycled plastic bottles. You would never know, however, as it has a cozy fleece on the outside and a super plush and soft microfleece on the inside.
Cost: $95.00
Ideal for the newbie plant owner, these hand-selected plants adapt to nearly any available light and are extremely forgiving as far as watering is concerned. The set includes Hoya, Sansevieria, and ZZ plants.
Cost: $69.00
Heathered stretch-jersey PJs are just what your loved one needs for a good night’s sleep. They feature a cute and cozy style with a front button closure, notched lapels, a chest patch pocket, and an elastic waist.
Cost: $98.00
17. Sierra Naturals Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set
This kit includes a curated selection of hair care products that can help restore scalp health and repair your hair. It features a moisture-rich shampoo, a leave-in conditioner, a daily elixir and scalp oil, and a plant protein moisturizing hair mask.
Cost: $75.00
18. Stitch Your Star Sign Notebook
Your loved one can create her very own personalized journal with this unique kit. It comes with everything she needs to stitch her astrological sign into the perforated cover, including a needle, thread, and instructions.
Cost: $35.00
This sweet floral puzzle features 634 pieces in a beautiful heart design. It provides hours of brain-teasing fun and years of enjoyment if she decides to mount and hang the completed puzzle.
Cost: $27.00
20. Urbanears Alby True Wireless Earbuds with Charging Case
With up to 15 hours of total playtime, these wireless earbuds will let you listen to your favorite tunes all day long. They feature a customizable fit with silicone in-ear tips in three sizes and touch controls so you can easily navigate through songs and phone calls.
Cost: $39.99
21. The Unofficial TikTok Cookbook
From mug cakes to pancake cereal, your loved one can find all the recipes she’s seen on social media in this cookbook. It features simple, easy instructions so she can create her favorite recipes from the internet at home.
Cost: $17.99
22. Wooden Zodiac Constellation Jewelry Dish
Featuring your loved one’s zodiac constellation, this adorable dish is handmade by artisans from mango wood. It’s the perfect place to display her favorite jewelry with an elegant blend of natural wood and shimmery gold.
Cost: $20.00
23. Personalized Box of Birthday Wishes
Show your loved one how much you care with this box of personalized birthday wishes. You can choose from more than 40 different options to create your very own box, with options ranging from heartfelt to hilarious.
Cost: $40.00
24. Cameo
Give your loved one a one-of-a-kind gift she’ll never forget. With Cameo, she’ll receive a personalized video from her favorite celeb, wishing her a very happy birthday and well wishes for the future.
Cost: $99.00
25. TAKEFLIGHT Tactical Pen Survival Gear
Made of aircraft-grade aluminum, this pen has been designed to be lightweight and discrete. It is packed with essentials, including a glass breaker tip, LED tactical flashlight, bottle opener, flathead screwdriver, and more.
Cost: $21.97
26. Cooluli Skincare Mini Fridge for Bedroom
Let your loved one store her favorite skincare, personal care, and beauty products right where she needs them with this mini-fridge. So many beauty supplies require refrigeration, and this convenient fridge eliminates the hassle of walking all the way to the kitchen.
Cost: $49.99
27. DEATH WISH COFFEE Dark Roast Coffee Grounds
For the teen who loathes waking up early for school or work, this extra-strength coffee comes in handy. It delivers a delicious, bold, and intense flavor with about three times the caffeine as a regular cup of coffee.
Cost: $37.58
28. Hydro Flask Water Bottle with Straw Lid
Made of stainless steel that’s both BPA-free and phthalate-free, Hydro Flask water bottles keep drinks icy cold or piping hot for hours. They’re also dishwasher safe to allow for quick and easy cleaning.
Cost: $37.46
This subscription delivers authentic Japanese snacks, candies, and teas right to your loved one’s doorstep. Plus, your purchase supports family-run businesses in Japan and helps keep centuries-old traditions alive.
Cost: $44.95
30. Therapy Dough
This colorful putty has been designed to manage depression, anxiety, and difficult emotions. When you add essential oils, the putty also provides aromatherapy to promote calmness, relaxation, and improve mood.
Cost: $15.00
31. Foreo Luna FoFo Facial Cleansing Brush
Using advanced skin sensors and Bluetooth technology, this handy device analyzes your skin condition and moisture level to provide a personalized skin profile. Plus, it provides a deep precision cleaning where needed.
Cost: $75.65
This zodiac throw pillow will brighten up her room and remind her of her sign. Made from a cotton weave and 100% polyester fill, it provides a cozy place to lay her head and a standout style.
Cost: $49.00
33. Scratch The World ® Travel Map
Get her this extra-large size scratch-off travel map of the world. Every time she visits a new destination, she can scratch off the location to reveal the colorful political map underneath.
Cost: $24.99
Sunography provides a fun and rewarding introduction to printmaking. Place any object on the specialty paper, expose it to sunlight, and rinse with water to produce your own prints. Photo negatives, x-rays, leaves, and everyday objects can combine to create interesting and intriguing images.
Cost: $14.95
35. Catan Board Game
This addictively fun game allows you to trade, build, and settle the island of Catan. Players build their own civilization and spread across the hexagon board in fierce competition with the other settlers.
Cost: $55.00
Choose this denim jacket that’s tailored to provide the perfect fit in a stretch denim that moves with you. Plus, it features a medium wash with contrast stitching for the ultimate in style.
Cost: $128.00
37. LITTIL Selfie One Rechargeable Ring Light Clip-on
This selfie light provides four brightness levels: warm, cool, and natural. This handy light clips onto your cellphone or laptop to take away all your unflattering shadows whether you’re on Zoom or taking a selfie for Instagram.
Cost: $39.99
38. UGG Women’s Fluff Yeah Slide Slipper
Combining cozy slippers and comfortable sandals, these shoes feature plush sheepskin with a lightweight platform. They’re made with 100% sheepskin for the ultimate in comfort and softness. Plus they come in 40 bright and lively colors to match any style.
Cost: $59.95
39. Bioluminescent Octopus Orb
Fill this orb with dinoflagellates, a type of marine algae that naturally illuminates all on its own. Just give the orb a gentle swirl and you’ll see the exquisite incandescence light up your room. Feed the algae every one to two weeks and they’ll last up to six months.
Cost: $50.00
40. Adulting Please Wait Pillow
Now that your loved one will have plenty of adulting to do, this throw pillow is the perfect choice. Made with a textured poly pillow cover and synthetic insert, it provides cozy support on your bed or couch.
Cost: $20.00
41. EFYTAL 18th Birthday Gifts for Girls
Help your loved one celebrate her milestone birthday with this simple and elegant gift. Each sparkly bead commemorates a year in the life of an amazing young woman, with 18 beads in total to welcome her into adulthood.
Cost: $38.95
42. Color Map Mug
This ceramic mug allows your loved to chart her travels by coloring in the countries she’s visited with the included vivid markers. Then, she can just pop it in the oven to make the updates permanent.
Cost: $18.00
43. Under Armour Men’s Rival Fleece Full Zip Hoodie
Made of 80% cotton and 20% polyester, this zip-up hoodie features ultra-soft fleece on the outside with a brushed interior for extra warmth. It’s comfortable and cozy whether you’re wearing it to practice or just lounging around the house.
Cost: $41.25
44. UGG Judith Hooded Cardigan
Crafted from a fluffy sweater knit material, this cardigan looks great whether you’re spending the evening in or meeting up with friends at your nearby coffee shop. It’s comfy and cozy, but still looks put together in creamy beige or light blue.
Cost: $138.00
Choose this ultrasonic essential oil diffuser made from the highest quality porcelain. Not only does it scent up to 500 square feet with essential oils, but it also doubles as a piece of décor with its matte ceramic finish.
Cost: $119.00
This handy microphone lets you bring karaoke to wherever the party is. It features a built-in phone holder so you can easily pick your song and read the lyrics so you can belt it out for the whole crowd to hear.
Cost: $30.00
47. L’Ange Hair Le Vite Hair Straightening Brush
Enjoy the look of straight hair without the loss of volume with this hair straightening brush. It works for all hair types, from tightly coiled to wavy, for frizz-free and shiny locks with far less heat damage than a typical straightener.
Cost: $69.00
48. Hygge Socks
These cozy socks feature a lining of otherworldly soft sherpa that instantly upgrades your relaxation game. They’re made with polyamide, acyrylic, and elastane for a stretchy and cozy fit and come in gray, yellow, and cream.
Cost: $39.00
Made of 100% mulberry silk, these hair ties won’t tug or pull at your locks, resulting in less damage and frizz. Plus, they come in 18 fun colors so you can get one that matches every outfit.
Cost: $39.95
50. Birthdate Candle
This candle combines numerology and astrology to deliver a detailed character reading on the back of the candle that can help you unlock the secrets of your personality. Plus, the fragrance has been carefully designed based on your birthdate to enliven your spirit.
Cost: $48.00
These gifts are sure to impress the new adult in your life. Choose your favorite and you’ll be well on your way to celebrating this once-in-a-lifetime occasion.
18th Birthday Gift Ideas FAQs
What is the traditional gift for an 18th birthday?
There’s no universal traditional gift for an 18th birthday. Traditions vary from culture to culture and family to family. Some of the most common 18th birthday gifts include:
- Jewelry (like a necklace or bracelet)
- Flowers
- Fruit arrangements
- Gift boxes or gift baskets filled with favorite treats
- Watches
- Keepsake boxes
- Personalized items
Many people also choose to give practical gifts for upcoming life transitions, such as college or moving out.
How much cash should I give for an 18th birthday?
If you’re planning to give cash for an 18th birthday, the amount depends on your relationship with the birthday person and your budget. Close family members, on average, give somewhere between $50 and $200, while friends and other family members typically give between $20 and $50.
What should I do for my 18th birthday girl?
For an 18th birthday girl, consider organizing a special day that suits her interests. This could be a spa day, a movie marathon, a trip to a concert, or a fancy dinner. Themed parties, surprise gatherings, or a weekend getaway are also popular. Most importantly, ensure it’s something that reflects her personality and preferences.
What to get for an 18th birthday boy?
For an 18th birthday boy, you might consider gifts like tech gadgets, sports equipment, personalized keepsakes, or items for college or their first apartment. Delicious food also makes an excellent gift for an 18th birthday boy. Consider an arrangement of fresh fruit favorites or a box of decadent desserts like gourmet brownies, fresh-baked cookies, cupcakes, and more.
Experience gifts, like concert tickets, adventure activities, or lessons in something they’re passionate about, can also be memorable.
