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40 Gifts for Young Women We're Personally Asking For

Straight from the source!

By , and Francesca Krempa
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Mary Fama

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The way to any young woman's heart is a perfectly-curated, can’t-believe-I-ever-lived-without-it gift. No pressure! It's not like we're terrifying to shop for or anything!! I know the joy/chaos of being a 20-something-year-old woman, and while it can look incredibly fun and cool (hi, late nights dancing, new jobs, and first apartments), most of us are just starting to figure this adult thing out. And gifts make everything better, right? When a bestie, significant other, parent, or loved one takes the time to find a present they know we’ll like and actually use, it’s a big deal.

The holidays, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries—a lot happens between 20 and 29. Whether you want to make their 21st the most amazing day, or you're grabbing a present for your 25-year-old niece who is chronically online, you’re in luck.

The best gifts for young women at a glance:

The ultimate list of gift ideas for your post-grads, baby adults, and young professionals has arrived. Take a peek at the best gifts for young women below that will actually impress them—no matter what the too-cool millennial or Gen Z gal wants you to think.

But first, what's the shipping deadline for Christmas?

'Tis the season to be shopping. If you’re here because you're trying to get a holiday gift for your favorite young gal on time, consider this your friendly nudge to stop procrastinating. For USPS, the general cutoff for Christmas delivery lands around December 17–18 for Ground, First-Class, and Priority Mail shipping. FedEx and UPS have similar mid-December cutoffs for their ground services, but the exact dates can shift depending on where you live and what you’re shipping. Both offer faster options—like 2-day or overnight—that can buy you a little extra time, but they’ll cost more.

Bigger retailers (hi, Amazon Prime) sometimes play by their own rules, so always double-check the shipping deadline on the specific item you’re buying. Whatever you do, check the shipping deadline at your retailer before you order, preferably earlier than later.



1
this two-in-one pouch

lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet

Dual Pouch Wristlet
Credit: lululemon

Whenever they don’t want to carry a full purse and just need the essentials, this dual pouch is the perfect solution. It holds cards, cash, keys, and a handy lip gloss—everything they need in one compact, grab-and-go holder.

A custom gift is always 100x more thoughtful than a regular gift, and this initial necklace is just so chic. The fashionista and accessory-lover in your life will adore this funky accessory.

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3
this small but mighty ice cream maker

DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine

My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine
Now 15% Off
Credit: Amazon

Twenty-somethings love a sweet treat (trust me, I can attest!). This easy ice cream maker whips it up in a single mug—perfect for when they’re craving a little indulgence. Just freeze the mug, prepare the mixture, pour it in, press the power button, let it churn… and voilà!

Everyone deserves a cozy sweater in their wardrobe, and luckily Quince makes luxe cashmere as affordable as possible. This buttery-soft cardigan will be their new cold-weather staple, and they’ll def think of you everytime they get a compliment on it.

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They’ll always appreciate jewelry that feels truly personal. This necklace, crafted with a 14k gold-plated brass chain, can be customized with five cute charms that reflect their style and personality.

Step Instant Color Photo Printer with Bluetooth
Credit: Amazon

If they love photography or capturing memories, this compact printer is perfect. It connects to a phone or tablet to instantly print photos, with up to 25 prints per charge. When they pair with the Kodak app, they'll be able to edit their photos before printing.

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TikTok loves this puffer, and so will she. It comes in a rainbow of colors, so you're sure to find one to match her personality perfectly. And when she's not wearing it, it stuffs into a pocket to double as a travel pillow. Cozy and chic, just like any good gift should be.

8
this compact towel warmer

Keenray Towel Warmer

Towel Warmer
Now 36% Off
Credit: Amazon

This thing is about to do wonders for their self-care routine. A towel warmer will have their towel hot and ready for them when they get out of the shower/bath. With this, you're basically gifting them an in-home spa experience. They can throw in bathrobes and blankets, too!

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It's not the most glamorous gift, sure, but it's one that'll keep them safe when they're out and about. Whenever feel unsafe, they can activate this device by removing its top pin plus a loud siren and strobe light will go off. Because it fits in most purses and pockets, they can have it with them at all times.

10
this smart plant holder

PLANTSIO Smart Planter

On Sale
PLANTSIO Smart Planter
Now 28% Off
Credit: Amazon

Straight up: 20-somethings have busy lives. They're either out here being a full-time student or employee while trying to survive in the adult world for the first time! And this means that taking care of their plant baby isn't an easy task. Help them out with this smart planter that has automated watering, soil monitoring, and other hi-tech growth settings.

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How to Make a Name-tini Personalized Book
Credit: Wonderbly

A personalized cocktail book is not only a super thoughtful gift, but it'll also look just look so cool and legit on their bar cart. Filled with 29 unique recipes that match their taste and personality, they'll be whipping this out at every one of their house parties.

12
this designer skincare bundle

La Mer Mini Holiday Essentials Set

Mini Holiday Essentials Set
Credit: Nordstrom

La Mer is the skincare brand everyone dreams of adding to their routine. Known for its luxurious legacy and its ability to deliver glowing, hydrated, and firm skin. This kit includes some of their most viral products—all for under $100. Get ready to become their new favorite person!

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13
this convenient travel bag

Calpak Luka Hanging Toiletry Bag

Luka Hanging Toiletry Bag

The travel bag every savvy woman needs when she’s jet-setting, weekend-tripping, or overnighting back to her parents. Calpak's famous Luka toiletry bag is water-resistant, full of pockets, and hangs up for off-counter organization. The next time she travels with all her skincare products, she'll have somewhere store it all neatly.

14
this celeb-fave skincare device

medicube Age-R Booster

Age-R Booster
Credit: Amazon

You're looking at a Hailey Bieber-approved facial tool. (Ahem, and IYKYK, she has that glowy, glazed donut skin we all vy for!) This glow booster essentially helps boost skincare absorption so that all the ingredients in their skincare routine work their way into the skin. It's used to promote smoothing, plumping, and hydration.

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15
this personalized canvas tote

BaubleBar Medium Custom Icon Tote

Medium Custom Icon Tote
Credit: BaubleBar

For any twenty-something on the go, a tote that fits everything—from a laptop and Kindle to clothes and essentials—is a must. This one fits the bill, plus it has five fun embroidery options to match their personality and vibe.

If their apartment or office doesn't allow open flames, a candle warmer comes in sooo handy. It slowly heats the wax of any candle so you get the scent without having to light a match. Win-win.

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This set of pouches will tote around anything and everything they need while on the go. Hair tools? The giant pouch can hold those. An entire skincare routine? Yep, that’ll fit too! They come in a bunch of coquette patterns and are seriously adorable.

It’s safe to say that Gen Z is becoming the most hydrated group out there, thanks to their love for reusable water bottles. I mean, water bottles have become the newest status symbol! This Owala has a built-in straw and spout, plus it'll keep their drinks cold for days on end.

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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.

On Sale
AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter/ Receiver
Now 28% Off
Credit: Amazon

For many 20-somethings, being on an airplane is a very regular activity. Whether they're traveling back to their hometown, traveling for work, or going on a spontaneous vacations, this lil gadget will let them connect their Bluetooth headphones to those outdated plane TVs. Those rinky-dinky, overpriced earbuds got nothing on these!

Headshot of Megan Uy
Megan Uy
Associate Shopping Editor

Megan Uy is an associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, where she searches for the best products in all things fashion, home, beauty, sex, gifts, and more, so you don’t have to. When she’s not writing for the site, she’s whipping up some cool and trendy content for the fashion section of the print magazine. She’s been with the brand since 2019 (when she was an itty-bitty editorial fellow), and she's also written for Delish, House Beautiful, and People. Follow her on Instagram to get some BTS of the editor life and chaotic NYC content. Also, feel free to hit her up if you ever wanna discuss the madness that is TikTok

Headshot of Maggie Griswold
Maggie Griswold
Contributing Fashion Editor
Maggie Griswold (she/her) is a contributing fashion editor for Cosmopolitan and freelance writer and editor based in Los Angeles, covering everything from the latest wardrobe must-haves to interior design trends. Along with Cosmopolitan, you can find her work on Oprah Daily, StyleCaster, Women's Health, and House Digest, among others. She's a big (read: ridiculously huge) fan of the '90s sitcom Frasier, all things Shakespeare, and a good romance-filled YA novel. Follow her on Instagram.
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