Nailing the best 18th birthday gifts for every type of soon-to-be adult can be tricky. But whether they’re tech-obsessed, have a penchant for perfumes, or need something practical to store essentials in, these top picks have you covered.
Turning 18 is a major milestone—it’s the first stage of adulthood where you can finally vote, get a tattoo, and even skydive. Inevitably, gift-givers are responsible for finding a present that’s several notches above what their teen already has, whether that means investing in one of the best perfumes or a much-coveted designer bag to start their collection.
We’ve put together our picks of the best 18th birthday gifts, which can be purchased online and shipped straight to your front door. Our curation offers both timeless and trendy finds for their pursuits—from starting university, to traveling solo for the first time, to filming the latest TikTok dance.
With guidance direct from Gen-Zers, this 18th birthday gift guide will ensure your beloved giftee won’t deem you as cheugy (aka out with the times) and will love their present.
Best 18th birthday gifts to make an impression
Where to find the best 18th birthday gifts in the UK
- Amazon: Best for last-minute gifts including bestselling books and the latest tech
- Anthropologie: Find unique and trendy gifts, homeware and accessories
- ASOS: Retailer offering a range of gifts, clothing and accessories from big brands
- Boots: The go-to destination for affordable beauty brands
- Cult Beauty: A hub for prestige makeup, haircare, skincare, fragrance, and more
- Currys: Shop top-rated smart tech, kitchen gadgets, and more
- Etsy: The ultimate marketplace for unusual and quirky gifts
- Feel Unique: A beauty hotspot featuring over 1,000 cosmetics brands
- Free People: Bohemian clothing and accessories, plus homeware items
- John Lewis: Shop big name brands across fashion, beauty and tech
- Not On The High Street: Gift them something thoughtful and personalized
- Papier: Browse a wide range of stationery, planners, journals, diaries and more
- Selfridges: Choose from designer handbags, accessories, make up and more
- Sephora UK: Popular destination for makeup, haircare, fragrance and skincare
- Urban Outfitters: A wide range of unique gifts, clothing and accessories
- Vestiaire Collective: Second-hand designer pieces that will last a lifetime
- Waterstones: One-stop shop for books, literary gifts and stationery
Our pick of the best 18th birthday gifts in the UK
Where to buy the best 18th birthday gifts in the US
- Amazon: Score discounts on tech, beauty, fashion, books and more
- Anthropologie: A variety of quirky and unique gifts from this retailer
- Best Buy: Shop discounted tech products from TVs, phones, and more
- Etsy: Expansive selection of handmade and bespoke gifts
- Everlane: The ultimate clothing destination for eco-conscious teens
- Flannels: Browse designer and luxury products that every teen will appreciate
- Free People: Boho-inspired clothes and accessories
- Macys: Snag the best Chanel perfumes, Coach handbags, and cute fashion pieces
- Net-a-Porter: Shop books, home accessories, fragrances and more
- Nordstrom: The ultimate hub of both high-end and affordable gifts
- Saks Fifth Avenue: High-end gifting including fragrance, beauty and clothing
- Sephora: Get the newest and best in beauty—from fragrance to skin, hair and more
- Target: The ultimate one-stop-shop for affordable gifts in home, tech, and more
- Ulta: Shop the best Olaplex sets, Dyson hairdryers, and cult-favorite skincare
- Urban Outfitters: Explore quirky women’s fashion and trendy lifestyle finds
Our pick of the best 18th birthday gifts in the US
How do you make someone’s 18th birthday special?
According to Wizz Selvey, retail expert and consultant, “18-year-olds are part of a savvy generation of consumers, and many are seeking to change the world. Think about the values of the person you’re gifting to – can you buy from a brand that aligns with their values and interests?”
Selvey adds that research shows “consumers this year are shopping less, but spending more on their purchases”, adding that splashing out for a gift that may have a slightly higher price tag, but will last the teen for years to come, is a better idea than spending money on several small items: “choose something they’ll love, use and keep”. Retailers such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Flannels allow you to shop designer clothes, homeware and accessories as well as beauty and skincare treats that will be loved by your giftee.
Dayna Isom Johnson, Trend Specialist at Etsy, recommends a more personal gift for an 18th birthday. “There’s nothing more special than gifting a personalized item – like a custom piece of jewelry such as an engraved necklace, or a ring with their birthstone or flower – to commemorate such an important milestone. The best personalized jewelry gifts are perfect for showing the recipient you’ve put thought and time into their present, and it’ll be treasured for years to come.
This gift guide is reviewed and updated monthly by woman&home’s Shopping Writers and resident Gen-Z contributors to ensure that all of the products are still available and that we’re featuring all the latest and best 18th birthday gifts this month.