75+ Gifts for Adult Children (2025)

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Christmas | Gift Guides

One thing I’ve noticed in my Instagram DMs over the last few years?

Shopping for adult children is HARD!

It’s hard if money is tight and you want to make sure they get a lot of value out of whatever you gift them.

It’s hard if they have plenty of money because what do you buy someone who could buy themselves whatever they want?

I asked on Instagram for suggestions about what to gift adult children and so many recommendations came in both from parents doing the gifting and from adult children themselves!

If you’re shopping for an adult child this year, I hope this gift guide will be helpful to you – there are so many gift ideas for adult children of all ages and all budgets!

Money/Gift Cards

Restaurant Gift CardWhether it’s a gift card to their favorite restaurant or to somewhere new you know they’d love to try, this is a really fun gift (we did this for my parents a few years ago and loved seeing their photos of their fancy dinner out!)

Door Dash, Uber Eats Gift CardThere is nothing quite like seeing 5:30 roll around and having no idea what to make for dinner. A dinner delivered would be such a treat – and you don’t even have to change out of your slippers!

UberFor someone who lives in a big city, travels a lot, or doesn’t have their own car, and Uber gift card would be such a life saver when trying to get from place to place.

NikeNike makes some of my favorite shoes (running shoes and casual sneakers) and I know that I could always find another great pair if I had a gift card! You can email their gift card, or if you have it mailed, they come in cute little mini Nike shoeboxes!

Xbox, PlayStationFor the adult child who is still a kid at heart, I’m sure they wouldn’t complain about a little more time playing their favorite video games.

GasWhether it is for daily driving or going on a trip, help them get from place to place with a gas gift card. This one would be an especially great gift for a college student. Regardless, you know this one will get used!

Grocery Store Gift CardThis one may not seem very exciting, but it is one of those gift cards that will get used up REALLY quick. You can get them one to their usual grocery store, or to a more specialty grocery store they don’t frequent much.

Dave & BustersDave & Busters is like an amusement center and arcade…but for adults! They also have a restaurant inside, so this would be such a fun date night or evening out for any adult kid.

AmazonThis might be one of the most versatile and sought-after gift cards on this list. They can buy clothing, housewares, tech, and even groceries! And it will be delivered to their doorstep in record time.

Coffee ShopI don’t drink coffee myself, but for those that do, there is nothing like a hot cup of joe in the morning, or a cozy outing to the coffee shop.

Movie Theater TicketsI love a movie at home on the couch as much as anyone, but you just can’t beat the fun of going to an actual movie theater!

Tickets to Plays or ConcertsYou can’t beat live theater / music and having tickets for a great production or a favorite artist is a really fun thing to look forward to.

Beauty ServicesI do not go to the spa often (I usually get a pedicure just for my birthday), but if someone gifted me a gift card, I would definitely take advantage of a little self-care time. Whether it’s for the hair salon, a facial, pedicure, or a massage this gift would feel like the perfect luxury.

Subscriptions/Memberships

Gym MembershipsFor those who are into fitness or want to be, a gym membership would be such a luxury! I exercise 6 days a week and I love having the option to go to the gym.

Netflix/Hulu/AppleWe aren’t huge tv watchers in our house, but I really love turning on a show to watch with Bart or the girls. You can give them the gift of movies and shows at their fingertips for cozy nights in.

Costco Membership Deal This is such a smoking deal – it’s $65 and you get an annual membership AND a $45 gift card!

Favorite ProductDid you know that you can subscribe (and save) for most consumable products? If you know their favorite beauty item, household cleaner, snack item, etc. surprise them with the gift that continually shows up on their doorstep. Amazon and Sephora have great auto-replenish and subscribe and save options.

Monthly Sock SubscriptionI thought this was a fun and unique subscription box. This company will send out a new pair of socks every month, you can customize sock style and size. No more days of boring socks or cold feet!

Meal Kit Subscription If you have an adult child who is extremely busy or needs a little support in the kitchen, a meal kit would be a great gift! There are tons of options out there that deliver preassembled meals, ingredients to make meals, or fully prepared meals to your doorstep, for all dietary preferences.

National Parks PassThis might be something I add to my Christmas wish list! For one year, you have access to all National Parks and Federal Land as long as you have your pass with you. Fantastic for the naturalist, traveler, and hiker!

Audiobook SubscriptionOf course this has to be included in this post! Both Audible and Libro.fm are great ideas (they’re similar audiobook subscriptions, but Libro.fm supports the local bookstore of your choice as an added bonus). I always recommend giving this gift with a list of recommended books because their library can be a little overwhelming. Here are some of my favorite non-fiction titles(especially good for men), myten most recommended books, and25 of my favorite audiobooks for a variety of ages! And my ten favorite audiobooks for adults here.

Home/Kitchen Items

Kitchen Knife SetIt’s hard to get much done in the kitchen without a good set of knives! This set will have everything you need to help you chop your way to a good meal.

Pots & PansA well stocked kitchen has a great set of pots and pans. I love that sets offer everything needed, from sauce pans, pots, and sauté pans – perfect for your kids who have their own place. If you are more into non-stick, this set is great for that!

Crock PotWe use our crock pot a lot on our busiest days. With just a little bit of legwork in the morning – it makes evening meals go so smoothly, and the clean up is pretty minimal. You could even throw in a box of these crock pot liners to make clean up even easier.

Ooni Pizza OvenI don’t know who doesn’t have this on their Christmas list, but be prepared to be the best parents in the world if you gift this to your adult child. It’s a little pricey, but I’ve heard it makes some fantastic authentic Neapolitan pizza!

Ninja CreamiThe Ninja Creami is one of those things that’s hard to explain without trying it yourself, but we’ve had ours for almost a year now and it gets used virtually every day! Here are my favorite Ninja Creami recipes if you need ideas!

Folding Table and Chairs I absolutely love hosting (all of my best hosting tips here) and I don’t want to be limited on how many people we can invite based on chair and table space. We always have folding tables and chairs on-hand so we don’t run into this problem and I’m happy every time we pull them out!

Single-Serve BlenderPractical, convenient, and fun – this gift is the triple threat! Whether they need a quick breakfast before running out the door, or wanting to make a post-workout protein shake, this compact blender does it all without the hassle of cleaning a large blender (and it’s dishwasher-safe).

Meat ThermometerIf you’re looking for a gift for someone who love to cook or grill, this meat thermometer is a terrific gadget – we’ve had one for probably ten years and it still works perfectly. And don’t just take my word – it has over 100k great reviews and it’s a great price point! (If you want to go all out, this one is incredible, but a little on the pricier side. It’s bluetooth and links to an app on your phone).

Ember MugThere is nothing worse than cold coffee or tea, when it should be nice and warm. This mug, nestles in on a little hot plate designed to keep the mug (and its contents) the perfect temperature.

Cookbook and IngredientsI own my fair share of cookbooks and love them all for difference reasons. Here are my favorite cookbooks if you need some ideas.

Laundry Basket filled w/ detergent, dryer balls and other laundry itemsIf you have been here a while, you know that I am very passionate about my laundry routine! Regardless of your laundry routine, it is one of those chores that always needs to get done, and what a gift to have all the supplies to get it done.

Bulk Supply of Paper Products (toilet paper / paper towels/ Kleenex)It’s so delightful to have a nice soft tissue or paper towel to use when in need. It’s even nicer to not have to buy them yourself!

Heirloom Household ItemsThis would be such a thoughtful and long-lasting gift that could be passed down to their family. It could be anything that is unique, hand-made, or just really high quality – think furniture, dishes, serving ware, quilts, art, etc.

Tool SetWhether they plan to be a DIYer or not, this basic tool set would come in handy for just about anyone at some point in their life.

Spices + Glass Spice JarsIt is so nice to open up your spice cabinet and have everything that you might need! Stock them up on spices, or if they are well stocked – these glass spice jars are perfect for organizing a spice cabinet.

Cozy BlanketI haven’t met anyone who doesn’t love a cozy blanket to wrap up in a watch a movie, read or just relax. Use the codeBRADSHAW45for 45% off! (If you are looking for a more inexpensive option – these look super cozy, with plenty of color options.)

Air FryerIf they don’t already have one, these things are fantastic! They make all of your favorite foods crispy without all the oil. Veggies, salmon, hash browns, red potatoes- all big winners in the air fryer. They are also great for reheating pizza, or any leftovers really. It makes them taste just as good as the first day without making them tough or soggy like the microwave will do.

Kitchen ApplianceMy most used kitchen appliance is my Kitchen Aid, hands down! It definitely is a bigger ticket item, but would get used all of the time.

Pyrex Set with LidsGlass storage containers are great to have on-hand because they don’t discolor, melt, or absorb smells like plastic ones sometimes can. You can’t go wrong with Pyrex – plus, these click-lock lids are great for really sealing things in and preventing spills.

Heating Pad/Heated BlanketI know most houses have colder areas (couch right by a window) and having a heating pad or blanket around makes the biggest difference. This would be a fun idea to give to a reader, puzzler or even tv watcher.

VacuumI like to think of myself as very unlazy and the difference between having to plug in a vacuum and not having to plug it in should be virtually nothing. Turns out . . . it was a LOT different. I usethis vacuumnearly daily. It’s just so easy to pop on and vacuum the playroom, the kitchen floor, the couch, or wherever else needs a quick spiff-up. Even my kids choose it every time over using a broom and get it out all the time. Plus, having a dock for it means it gets quickly and easily put away after use. It’s pricey but it’s been worth every penny so far.

BBQOur BBQ is a work horse during the summer months. This would be the perfect gift for those who love outdoor entertaining!

Washer and/or DryerWow! The way that I would be forever grateful if I received a new washer/dryer for Christmas! It’s something that gets used on a weekly basis, and should last for a long time.

Matching DishesIf I could buy tons and tons of something it would dishes. I love a great dish set and feel like it really elevates and makes a gathering so much more special!

Food ProcessorThis little item is a kitchen powerhouse! Grate cheese and veggies, make pie dough, whip up a hummus dip, and more with just the press of a button.

Pasta RollerMaking fresh pasta is definitely something on my to-do list, but I can imagine it would be much easier with a pasta roller. What a fun gift for a foodie or your adult kids who like to have fun in the kitchen. If they already own a Kitchen Aid, this pasta attachment would be a great add-on.

Immersion BlenderOkay, I always thought these were just another appliance, especially since we already have a standard blender. But these things are fantastic! They can make soup right in the pot, easy quick whip cream, and more!

Microwave SteamerIs there anything a microwave can’t do? These little containers can steam up vegetables in just the press of a button – and it’s top rack dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.

Clothing SteamerIf I had to choose between ironing and steaming clothing – I would pick steaming every time! It is so easy and you don’t need an ironing board to use it. Perfect for someone living with limited space and typically has clothing to iron.

Dutch OvenI LOVE my Dutch oven and use it for soups, stews, braising, and sauteing. It can go from the stovetop to the oven, and it comes in so many fun colors. It’s a true kitchen essential perfect for those adult kids who spend a lot of time in the kitchen.

Tech

Nice HeadphonesI’m an avid earbud user and I also know that others are very passionate about their luxury headphones, like these. They have great battery life, are noise canceling and come in a lot of great colors.

Portable ChargerThese are lifesavers when we are traveling – we use them NONSTOP (to be honest, I use mine at home all the time too because my phone battery is getting worse by the moment).

Apple AirTagsIf they’re constantly misplacing their keys or phone or purse, this is a perfect gift! I could use some myself!

JBL Flip SpeakersBringing a bluetooth speaker along on adventures can take it from being a fun experience, to a really fun experience. Minimum effort, maximum output. Bring it along to the beach, on a hike or something that initially isn’t fun (yard work, I’m looking at you) and it makes the entire experience better!

KindleIf you’ve been around here for awhile, you know that I love paper books, audiobooks and I LOVE my Kindle! I bought a new one this summer (read all about why here) and I use it on a regular basis! It’s so easy to take tons of books on vacation with you, the library is at your fingertips, there are no distractions…I could go on and on! Also, if you aren’t sure which one to buy, this post can help!

Raycon Everyday Earbuds I have been using these wireless earbuds for years and I cannot rave about them enough! You can read all of the reasons I love them here!

Wireless Photo FrameThis is a personal and thoughtful gift, especially if they don’t live close. Set it up in minutes and then you can add new photos for them whenever you want – selfies, fun adventures, or sweet old memories you’ve dug up!

Bluetooth Shower SpeakerNow you can listen to your favorite podcasts or music while you shower! Or use it outdoors without worrying about rain or snow.

Hobbies

Pickleball EquipmentPickleball is SO popular right now and I 100% understand why. All you need are paddles and balls, there are free courts popping up everywhere, and it’s a really easy game to learn. This set is a great beginner set, but if they are a more serious player, these are the paddles that Bart use.

Camping EquipmentFor all of those adventure, nature enthusiasts – this would be a fantastic gift. Some camping items that make sleeping in the great outdoors even better are a jet boil, a solar powered lantern, and a nice sleeping mat.

Special/deluxe edition of a bookOwning your very own copy of your favorite book is great. But owning a deluxe/special edition of said book is downright amazing.

LEGO Icons SetSome people like to build Legos to play with them after and some like to build and put them on display. These icon sets definitely fall into the later – perfect for adults who still have a love for LEGOS.

Their own copy of a family favorite gameThis is such a fun idea! We are a really big game family (see our favorites here) and I know my girls would love to have their very own copy to take with them.

Clothes/Accessories

Cute Claw ClipsWhen claws started coming back in, I was NOT on board. The styles have evolved though and it’s hard not to love this pack of matte ones.

Baublebar Stacked NecklacesBaublebar has a wide variety of customizable necklaces that make great, thoughtful gifts for anyone who loves jewelry or personalized items.

Tshirts That Match InterestsTee Public has t-shirts containing graphics for pretty much any interest you are looking for. Gift a t-shirt with someone’s favorite band, hobby, food, etc. and show them you DO pay attention to their interests.

SocksI bought Bart a four-pack of these dress socks for Christmas a few years ago and I swear, these were his favorite gift. They are seriously the best socks and he comments on them every single time he wears them (so. . . .multiple times a week). Whether you buy dress socks, ankle socks, or wool socks – they are just a nice high quality sock!

Really Nice PJsNot all pajamas are created equal. Tommy John’s Second Sleep Skin are my absolute favorite pajamas, no question about it. These are NOT cheap, but for a hot sleeper like me, they are magical and basically the onlypajama setI can actually sleep in without tossing them off in the middle of the night. They carry men’s and women’s! See my other favorites here.

SneakersI wear sneakers a lot (my most beloved pair are these), so this would be a homerun gift for me. You really can’t have too many pairs!

Self Care/Beauty

Electric ToothbrushBart and I have tried quite a few electric toothbrushes and nothing stands close to the Suri. Use my code JANSSEN20 for 20% off your order!

Teeth Whitening StripsIs there anything better than a nice, white smile? I think not. My favorite brand of teeth whitening strips is Lumineux because they are non-toxic and incredibly gentle (my teeth don’t hurt after using them).

Silk PillowcaseGiving someone items that are used every single day is always a win in my book. I switched to a silk pillowcase a couple of years ago to prevent my hair from breaking as much, especially in the dry Utah air and I’m never going back! Plus, it comes in a million colors.

Lip and Hand CreamThis lip sleeping mask lives up to the hype. If you don’t believe me, read all of the reviews. Pack it along with some of their hand cream and you have yourself a very nice spa day at home gift.

Skin CareI’ve been using Dime Skin Care since January of 2021 and I cannot rave enough about it. I use THE WORKS package morning and evening and I’m also obsessed with their Blue Facial Oil and the Super Firm Serum (which I told my mom was like Botox in a Bottle). My full review of it is here. You can use my code BRADSHAW20 for 20% off.

Nice ShampooI used to use just any kind of shampoo, but my sister told me to try this one by Pureology to extend my time between washes. It really is far better than any other shampoo I have ever used and I’m okay paying the price tag because I use it way less than your average drug store shampoo.

Emergency Preparedness

Portable Air Compressor This was one of the most popular items in 2023 and it’s still going strong! This cool gadget is perfect for bike tires or car tires! I gave one to Bart for Christmas a couple of years ago and he’s absolutely loved it.

Car Battery Jump KitBart’s brother and sister-in-law gave us this for Christmas several years ago and I thought it was the COOLEST gift. It can jump start your vehicle(no other car needed) multiple times on a single charge and you can use it to charge your electronics on the go. If you have road trips coming up this year, you’ll definitely want one of these. Also, it’s so compact!

Food StorageGlamorous? No. Something everyone is dying to buy? Also no. Something that everyone should have a little bit of. Absolutely.

Miscellaneous

Home Cooked Meals Frozen for LaterRemember when you moved out of your house and became an adult? Along with that you had to take care of all of your own meals. It’s at this point in your life you realize how much a home cooked meal means. As I approach 40, I would still love this gift.

SnacksThis is in no way a silly idea. Having snacks on hand, especially if you are busy is essential to keep going. Some of my favorites are these Paleo Valley beef sticks, G2G protein bars (use the code READ for 15% off) and these Skout bars!

Coaching in a skill they want to get better atA few years ago I signed myself up for ski lessons because I didn’t want to get left behind when my family went skiing and it is still one of the best decisions I have ever made. Getting older doesn’t mean you can’t learn new things and buying this for someone gets that ball rolling.

LuggageTraveling plays a huge role in our family, so I love the idea of a gift of travel gear – luggage, a luggage tag, and packing cubes would be a great starting point. (We have these suitcases and they have been fantastic – especially for the price!)

I hope this list of gift ideas for adult children was helpful and I’d love to know what is your favorite thing to gift to adult kids?

If you like this post about gift ideas for adult children, you might also like these other posts:

• 100+ Practical Gift Ideas
• The 2024 $5 Gift Guide
• 20+ Fun Family Holiday Traditions with Older Kids