Inspire them with any of these gifts and they’ll want to start “adulting” right away no matter which you choose. Whether it’s a custom photo collage from Etsy for their 18th birthday, a smartphone photo printer from Sharper Image for Christmas, or new bedding from Anthropologie as a gift to start their new life at college, we’ve highlighted sentimental and functional gifts for that special person in your life. So keep on scrolling and read up on the best Christmas and birthday gift ideas for 18-year-olds in 2022. Here at Parade.com, we’re all about sharing products we love with our audience. When you make a purchase on an item seen on this page, we may earn a commission, however, all picks are independently chosen unless otherwise mentioned.
Best Gifts for 18-Year-Olds
1. Nomad Airpods Pro Case, $35 at Mark & Graham
The Airpods Pro Case is a best seller on Mark & Graham and is crafted from luxurious USA-made Horween leather in black, dark brown or natural (shown above). This case for wireless headphones is also available for regular Airpods. Add your 18-year-old’s initials for $12 extra to add a personal touch. Nomad AirPods Pro Case, $35 at Mark & Graham
2. Printable Birthday Photo Collage, $18.40 at Etsy
Gift this Birthday Photo Collage to your son or daughter so they can hang it up in their college dorm and smile every time they glance at it. Note: This is a digital custom photo collage that will be emailed to you…no physical item will be shipped to your address. Birthday Photo Collage, $18.40 at Etsy
3. Ninja Foodi Power Blender & Processor System, $199.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
This is the most functional kitchen appliance for any 18-year-old in your life. The Ninja blender has six presets, including smoothie, chop, dough and spread, so you can whip up anything from hummus to green juice to your own acai bowl. Bed Bath & Beyond’s top rated 72 oz. Power Blender & Processor System comes with a to-go cup and bowl with lids included and a cleaning brush. Ninja Food Power Blender & Processor System, $199.99 at Bed Bath & Beyond
4. VITRUVI Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser, $119 at Nordstrom
Take a look at the most popular ceramic aromatherapy diffuser for $119. With an impressive run-time of seven hours and diffusing capacity up to 538.19 ft², the VITRUVI streams essential-oil-infused steam into your home for a calm, relaxing ambiance. VITRUVI Porcelain Essential Oil Diffuser, $119 at Nordstrom
5. Hand-Embroidered June Quilt, Queen Size, $298 at Anthropologie
Bedding is always a good gift option for young adults, so check out this $298.00 Hand-Embroidered June Quilt from Anthropologie that comes in a crisp white to match any bedroom. Available in sizes from Twin to California King, this artisanal cozy quilt made of 100% cotton and poly/cotton fill is a fabulous find. Hand-Embroidered June Quilt, Queen Size, $298 at Anthropologie
7. Now and Always Pouch, $48 at Lululemon
A new arrival on Lululemon is this Now and Always Pouch for women. At dimensions of 8.5" x 1.2" x 4.5", this slim, double-clutch comes in black, gray or a girly pink, has functional interior pockets and a hidden phone slot in the middle. It also has a removable wrist strap that gives you the option to go hands-free… or simply clip it on your keychain with your car keys. Now and Always Pouch, $48 at Lululemon
8. Hero Portable Charcoal Grill System, $149.95 at Nordstrom
So you know a boy who’s turning 18-years-old in 2022? Get him this portable charcoal grill so he can have a blast making burgers, ribs and more tasty eats to enjoy with his buddies. The 100% aluminum with ceramic coating nonstick 15" x 11" x 5" grill comes in a waterproof carry case along with a multi-use thermometer, bamboo spatula and cutting board. Hero Portable Charcoal Grill System, $149.95 at Nordstrom
9. Smartphone Photo Printer, $159.99 at Sharper Image
With 4.6/6-stars on Sharper Image, the Smartphone Photo Printer is the best present for 18-year-old girls or boys. This printer works with all iPhones, iPads and Galaxy/Android devices to instantly make borderless 4”x 6” color prints. Perfect for school projects, collages and scrapbooking, this printer will get a lot of use! Also, get this, it comes with a free app to crop, edit and apply fun filters! Smartphone Photo Printer, $159.99 at Sharper Image
10. Box Of Keepsake Charms, $38.58 at Etsy
Head over to Etsy to snag this special keepsake present for someone’s 18th birthday. Inside this box comes a Happy 18th Plaque along with 5 unique mementos that have different meanings behind them. She’ll receive an old lucky sixpence for luck, a sterling silver heart for love, a baroque freshwater pearl for wisdom, a cowrie shell for wealth and lastly an “I Wish” paper for happiness. Box of Keepsake Charms, $38.58 at Etsy
11. Live Streaming Selfie Light, $25 at Uncommon Goods
Teens love to FaceTime and make TikToks, so get your soon-to-be 18-year-old this live streaming selfie light for an affordable price of $25. They can easily clamp this LED light to the edge of a table and pop their phone into the universal holder. This smartphone light features three different brightness settings so they can find the perfect lighting. Live Streaming Selfie Light, $25 at Uncommon Goods
14. Happy Birthday Donuts from Angel Food Bakery, $85 at Goldbelly
For under $100 you can buy these delicious donuts from Angel Food Bakery that spell out “Happy Birthday.” Just go to Goldbelly and get them delivered to their college so they can enjoy them with all their friends and have an impromptu b-day party celebration! Flavors include chocolate, vanilla, raspberry chocolate chip and more…plus fun toppings like rainbow sprinkles and Fruity Pebbles. Happy Birthday Donuts from Angel Food Bakery, $85 at Goldbelly
16. Nambé Koink Piggy Bank, $67.50 at Saks Fifth Avenue
We love this sleek stainless steel piggy bank from Saks Fifth Avenue. This contemporary design features two slots in the snout and a detachable wooden base so it can be displayed on their bedroom nightstand. Nambé Koink Piggy Bank, $67.50 at Saks Fifth Avenue
17. LOVERY Birthday Gift Basket 20-Piece Set, $99.99 at Lord & Taylor
The ultimate gift for 18-year-old girls is this LOVERY Birthday Gift Basket that includes a total of 20 beauty essentials she can enjoy. This home spa gift set consists of a bubble bath, body lotion, bath bomb, soap, shower gel. fuzzy socks and so much more! This all-in-one gift pack even comes with a Stirling Silver pendant necklace featuring a white dazzling heart-shaped cubic zirconia stone. LOVERY Birthday Gift Basket 20-Piece Set, $99.99
19. BEIS The Hanging Backpack, $128 at BEIS
Here’s a high-quality backpack that’s spacious enough for traveling, especially since it has a built-in strap that can be slipped right onto a carry-on luggage handle. The black backpack made of nylon twill measures 12" W x 16" H x 7" D and has adjustable shoulder straps. The interior is designed with 2 internal slip pockets, 1 clear zipper pocket, 1 zippered mesh pocket, and an internal hanging organizer. BEIS The Hanging Backpack, $128 at BEIS
20. Adult(ish) T-Shirt, $20.38 at Etsy
Buy a novelty gift for someone’s 18th birthday like this “Adult-ish” unisex tee-shirt that comes in 6 colors. The 100% combed ring-spun cotton is “a great quality t-shirt and fits perfectly as described,” according to Etsy reviewers. Adult(ish) T-Shirt, $20.38 at Etsy Up next… stay organized and keep track of your friends and family members’ birthdays with the 50 Best Planners for 2022.
