Abstract DIY coasters, $15: They'll love how relaxing it is to work on this craft kit while they watch a favorite show—and in a screen-driven world, it's so satisfying to create something beautiful and functional with your own hands! Comes in seven other designs including dogs, cats, and butterflies.
Stackable cookware set, $40: We have this compact nonstick set in our Garden District apartment and love it. It works beautifully, looks beautiful, and the removable handle is ingenious for space-saving stacking of the pieces. They can also use the components without the handle as serveware. An excellent full cookware set for a starter household; it also comes in a different finishes and colors (after using the one featured here, we also purchased the stainless version!).
Cash plus something silly like this positive potato, $8: The kind of boring truth is that many young adults need and want cash more than other gifts. If you decide to give money, you can still pair it with something fun and personal. For my college-age nieces and nephews, I've slipped gift cards into this cute crochet potato. There are several other characters in this collection, including an emotional support pickle, ha.
Mini portable charger, $27: No matter their personality, your young adult definitely has at least one device they need to charge. This portable charger has integrated cables that fit a variety of inputs and is compact enough to throw in a pocket or purse. Choose from five colors including black, white, and pastels.
1000 Record Covers book (hardcover), $14: An excellent collection of album cover art that makes a wonderful tactile alternative to scrolling. Each full-color illustration is accompanied by a brief historic tidbit about the album, with French and German translations included (which just ups the cool/ fun factor).
Soft blanket,$17: This blanket has been a huge hit with our family's young adults. Never underestimate the power of the softest fleece in a stylish check pattern. It comes in 21 colors, so you can definitely find something for everyone here (pro tip: consider colors that connect to their favorite team, alma mater, sorority/ fraternity, or apartment decor).
Electric kettle, $40: The uses for a really great electric kettle are countless, from making coffee and tea to oatmeal and ramen. This one is beautiful enough to keep on display—my favorite combo of form and function (we have this exact one). It also comes in polished or brushed stainless steel.
Nativity set, $99: This beautiful, minimalist nativity set is an unexpected gift that will become a cherished tradition and fits with any aesthetic. This is also one of my favorite gifts to give for weddings and showers. Here's12-piece mini version under $35.
Stadium bag, $16: If there's one thing young adults do, it's go to places that require clear bags. This one has an always-stylish camera bag shape and comes in 20 colors, with strap options ranging from minimalist to embroidered to chain strap.
Mini blender, $26: Another compact but hard-working helper to round out their kitchen equipment. This one can whip up smoothies, cocktails, soups, hummus, desserts, and more with 12 pieces including two blade options and three to-go tumblers with lids.
Catholic Geaux Bag, $20: Give them a collection of essential sacramentals to take wherever they roam and roost. This set comes from our dear friends' non-profit and includes essentials like a crucifix, holy water, blessed salt, a brown scapular, and more.
Knife set, $35: We have this petite knife set in our apartment and I am always shocked at how excellent it is for the price, easily holding its own against the more expensive knives we received for our wedding. These knives are small scale, but handle almost any job in a new apartment or dorm. You could also include a magnetic knife strip to complete the gift.
Air tag, $23 (also in a four-pack, $90): Airtags are worth every penny to track your luggage, purse, laptop bag, car, expensive equipment and tools, or even your dog. Be extra awesome and throw in some cute air tag holders.
Hey Dudes, $46: These comfortable, slip-on shoes are having a moment because they are versatile enough to wear to the beach with shorts, to stroll the French Quarter with a casual dress, or out to dinner with a polo. The lightweight, airy structure comes in a plethora of colors and fabrics for unisex wear.
Butler's Lives of the Saints: Modern Edition book (paperback), $20: Butler's work is the gold standard reference for brief, accurate biographies of hundreds of saints. This updated edition streamlines some of the old-fashioned language for modern readers. The biographies are arranged by feast days according to months of the year; each one runs less than a page, so it's accessible enough for busy young adults to pick up here and there. Updates also include recently canonized saints, more obscure saints, and those still on the path to official canonization.
My all-time favorite backpack,$37: This backpack offers tons of pockets and compartments to keep them organized and has smart features like security pockets, water-resistant exterior (wipes clean!), and comfortable straps. They can use this backpack as a carry-on personal item for longer trips, but it also suffices on its own for a weekend getaway. Plus, the zippers are beautiful and function smoothly. Details!
Amazon Prime subscription: This annual subscription is the gift that keeps giving! Members have access to seemingly infinite video and music streaming options, countless free Kindle books, fast and free shipping, and other special offers. There are special rates for young adults and students.
A note about Amazon
These links connect mostly to products sold on Amazon. This is not the only place you can buy most of these items, but I set it up this way because of Amazon's ubiquity (everyone I know already has a Prime account). You can also try finding the items you like at other retailers, local shops, or even use these ideas as a springboard to create gifts.
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