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The 18th birthday is a major milestone in any young person’s life: You can legally make a ton of life-changing decisions on your own—like voting for elected officials (democracy FTW), getting a tattoo (sorry, not sorry, Mom), suing someone (Big Legal Energy), or purchasing a lotto ticket (one can dream, right?). Not to mention, the big 1-8 is also a year filled with transitions, whether that’s making the leap from high school to college, taking a gap year, or starting to work on your passion. So, when coming up with 18th birthday gift ideas, you have a *big* responsibility to ensure that your present falls in line with everything happening in the life of an 18-year-old Gen Z-er. No pressure!!
But before you start to panic, take a deep breath. While the thought of shopping for your Gen-Z sibling, friend, cousin, niece, or really any ~cool, hip teen~ may be a bit overwhelming, we’ve done all the digging for you. The list ahead includes some seriously cute—and definitely cool—18th birthday gift ideas. There’s a little something for every type of personality because, as we all know, no two 18-year-olds are the same. Trendy, timeless, or OTT—this little gift guide has everything you need to make anyone’s 18th birthday their best one yet. Awwww.
this stylish speaker
Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker
this stylish speaker
Marshall Emberton Bluetooth Portable Speaker
No matter which kind of music they're into, they'll make good use out of this stylish portable speaker. It charges very quickly, and the material is water resistant so you can submerge it in three feet of water for up to 30 minutes. Perf for all those summer pool parties!
this astrology-inspired necklace
Astrid & Miyu Bold Zodiac Pendant Necklace
this astrology-inspired necklace
Astrid & Miyu Bold Zodiac Pendant Necklace
This chunky gold chain is versatile enough to wear with both everyday casual looks and boss babe outfits at the office (and yep, it's available for every zodiac sign, as well as both sterling silver or 18-karat gold).
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this sizable supply of energy drinks
Red Bull Energy Drink Pack
this sizable supply of energy drinks
Red Bull Energy Drink Pack
Idk about you, but energy drinks were a MUST back when I was 18. How else was I gonna pull an all-nighter before a big midterm?? Make sure the new adult in your life is all stocked up for their new chapter!
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this cloud-like workout dress
Eleven by Venus Williams Skater Rib Tennis Dress
this cloud-like workout dress
Eleven by Venus Williams Skater Rib Tennis Dress
The cherry on top of any athleisure-filled wardrobe is a casual-yet-cute workout dress that will double as their daily uniform. This one is made with a soft lightweight knit fabric and features an easy-to-wear pull-over design.
this all-in-one makeup kit
Les Filles en Rouje The Full Look Kit
this all-in-one makeup kit
Les Filles en Rouje The Full Look Kit
Thanks to this kit, their makeup routine only has to be a couple steps. The palette works for lips, eyes, and cheeks, and once they add a super-quick cat eye, they'll be ready to face the day (pun intended) (sorry).
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this effortless graphic tee
Sézane La Chamade T-Shirt
this effortless graphic tee
Sézane La Chamade T-Shirt
Fun fact: I own this graphic tee, and when you put it on it's like wearing a good mood. It's perfect with all of denim, and the design is just enough to elevate a boring outfit to ~effortlessly cool~.
this badass keychain
In Good Company One Hell of a Lady Motel Keytag
this badass keychain
In Good Company One Hell of a Lady Motel Keytag
Now 56% Off
I mean. It's true, is it not?? This keychain works for adorning a backpack, a purse, a fanny pack—even a wallet. Whatever they're using to carry stuff around it, remind them how much of a badass they are.
these classic sneakers
adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneaker
these classic sneakers
adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneaker
Plain white sneakers FTW! These timeless Stan Smiths by adidas Originals are a street style favorite for reason: They go with absolutely everything and are comfortable enough to walk miles in (trust me, I've logged lots of mileage wearing my own pair).
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this arsty watch
Swatch Reverie by Roy Lichtenstein, The Watch
this arsty watch
Swatch Reverie by Roy Lichtenstein, The Watch
If the teen in your life is the too-cool-for-school type, impress 'em with this wrist watch that's literally museum-worthy. This collab between Swatch and various art institutions has tons of styles inspired by iconic art, including this one featuring a reproduction of Roy Lichtenstein's work "Reverie" that has a printed face with a pop art detail.
this gloss bomb
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
this gloss bomb
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Honestly, is there any better gift than something from Fenty Beauty? This lip glosses is so dreamy that I want to send it to myself (and maybe I already have, so what??).
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ICYMI, bucket hats are back and Gen Z is loving this '00s fashion favorite. The more colorful and eye-catching, the better, so you can't go wrong with this number from Roxy. It's made out of super soft cotton canvas and was designed in collaboration with the Blue Crush queen herself, Kate Bosworth! Did I mention it's reversible??
this multi-purpose bag
Peugeot Voyages Backpack Tote Bag
this multi-purpose bag
Peugeot Voyages Backpack Tote Bag
Anyone about to embark on adulthood needs a ~serious~ multitasking bag that can work for school, travel, etc. This one's incredibly versatile because of the removable straps and the zip closure with an extra wide opening, so stashing things in and out is a breeze.
Mekita Rivas
Editor
Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can't put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper's BAZAAR, Women's Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you'll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.
Alexis Bennett
Alexis Bennett is the Shopping Editor at Cosmopolitan. She lives for a good sale. You can follow her shopping obsession here and on Instagram.
Katherine J Igoe
Contributor
Katherine J Igoe (she/her) was a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan and is a freelancer covering style, lifestyle, culture, and beauty (she's obsessed with gift guides, best-of movie lists, and beauty products). She's been a freelance writer and editor for over a decade, previously working for Marie Claire (2018 to 2021) and Bustle (2021), with bylines in the The New York Times, Parents magazine, and elsewhere. She lives in Boston with her family, and you can follow her on Instagram or Twitte. It's "I go to dinner," not "Her huge ego," but she responds to both.