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43 Gifts for Young Women We’re Definitely Not Dropping Subtle Hints About

Wink, wink.

By , and Francesca Krempa
a collection of fashion and lifestyle items including a boot beauty products a speaker and accessories
Khadija Horton

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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.

With Christmas coming up alarmingly fast—as in, next-week fast—this is officially not the moment for overthinking or panic-buying something she’ll politely smile at and quietly forget. The good news: Thoughtful doesn’t have to mean complicated, expensive, or planned months in advance. The best gifts for young women are the ones that feel current, useful, and just indulgent enough. So whether you’re shopping for a beauty-loving roommate, a little sister, or a best friend, this guide has got your back.

The best gifts for young women at a glance:

Take a peek at the best gifts for young women below that will actually impress—no matter what the too-cool millennial or Gen Z girl in your life wants you to think.



Any ring with an initial or name instantly makes a ring stack feel cooler and more personal. And I say that as someone wearing 14 rings across both hands, just so you know! I especially love how this one has an antique vibe, with the heart and floral details giving it that timeless, vintage feel.

2
this viral beauty bundle

rhode skin the edits

the edits
Credit: rhode skin

The chances of rhode products flooding her social feeds? More than likely. And the chances she’s dying to get her hands on them? One hundred percent. This set includes the brand’s viral Pocket Blush, Peptide Lip Shade, and Peptide Lip Tint.

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Gilded Graphic Ceramic Mug
Credit: Urban Outfitters

The cat lady in your life will be absolutely obsessed with this hilarious mug. I guarantee it'll become their new favorite.

One thing about pet owners: If it involves their fur baby, it’s an automatic hole-in-one. This personalized sweater, embroidered with their pet’s face, will earn you the cutest reaction.

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5
this fragrance set

Dossier Discovery Set

Discovery Set
Credit: Dossier

There’s a reason everyone loves this fragrance set! It comes with 10 unique scents designed to be worn alone or layered to help them discover their signature fragrance.

6
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.

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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.

8
this small but mighty ice cream maker

DASH My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine

My Mug Ice Cream Maker Machine
Now 16% 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!

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Members of Team Conrad and Team Jeremiah alike will adore this trilogy. It doesn't matter how old she actually is, either—her inner teen will love reading and re-reading all three books.

Cotopaxi's fleece headband will keep their ears warm, and it's bright enough to make winter walks feel like a fashion statement. Perfect for grocery runs, dog walks around the block, and even après ski.

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Jo Malone's luxe scent set is so good, you'll want to keep it for yourself. One mini bottle is Ginger Biscuit and Sandalwood (oddly delicious) and the other is Spiced Apricot (sultry and sweet). Perfect for anyone who is determined to find her signature scent.

Why give one book when you can give thousands? With a Kindle, they can toggle between cheesy beach reads and spooky thrillers with the press of a button. The matcha green colorway is so cute, too.

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This coffee table book will inspire their budding green thumb. It's got tips and tricks for turning her apartment into a real-life jungle—even if she can barely keep her snake plant alive.

Scrolling sucks up a lot of juice, I get it! This sleek charger has built-in cables, so she can juice her phone, tablet, or headphones anywhere—without untangling a single cord.

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15
these gorgeous boots

Frye & Co. Miranda 14

Miranda 14

All the cool girlies want Frye boots. These come from the brand's outlet, Frye & Co., and look just as stunning as the slightly-more-expensive thing. They're comfy enough for all-day wear and will look timeless season after season.

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.

20
this compact towel warmer

Keenray Towel Warmer

Towel Warmer
Now 29% 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!

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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