Being a full-fledged adult means a lot of things — and one of those things is that the holidays usually aren't as fun as they used to be. Holiday gifts for adults just aren't as cool as what we got when we were younger. Being old during the holidays means stress from, well, everything. Whether you're worried about money, freaking out about having company, stressed about finding the perfect gift, or simply trying to get through the month in one piece, it's not the easiest time of the year. But that doesn't mean it has to be the worst! There are tons of fun gifts that all grown-ass adults need ASAP.
So this year, instead of asking for things you don't really need or clothes you'll probably wear once and then get rid of, ask for items that are actually useful. Yeah, that sounds boring, but when the items are as chic and cute as these, you'll definitely be reconsidering your wish list. Who says that adults can't have fun with their presents?!
Looking for a gift for your friend or family member who does all of the grown-up things? Looking for gift ideas for yourself? Either way, you'll find something you need or want (hopefully both) below. Here are 25 gifts every grown-ass adult needs in their life.
1. An Advice Book
Everyone needs a little advice sometimes. This book is helpful without being preachy or annoying.
2. A Sturdy Planner
Kate Spade New York 2018 Large Agenda, $36, Amazon
Our smartphone calendars are useful, but they really can't take the place of an actual planner. There's just something about writing down your appointments and notes you need to remember that makes you feel like a mature and responsible adult. This Kate Spade planner is cute and still professional, and it makes being organized so much easier.
3. A Classy Flask
Salut! Compact Flask, $24, Amazon
If you're going to carry a flask around, at least make it a classy one with a fun message. This is great for the person in your life who is adulting, but still enjoying their alcohol.
4. A Cool Cheese Board
Brooklyn Slate Co. Cheese Board, $36, Amazon
Cheese is the best. Real adults know how to serve cheese to their guests rather than just eat an entire block themselves (actually, they probably know how to do both). This cheese board is simple, but the fact that you can write the different types of cheese on it is really cute.
5. Recipe Book
Bella Pantry Recipe Book, $34, Amazon
What says "adult" more than your very own recipe book? This design is adorable and chic, and this makes it so easy to record all of your favorite recipes. Give this to the aspiring cook in your life.
6. A To-Do List Notepad
Get It Done Notepad, $10, Amazon
Everyone knows that writing and using to-do lists basically means you're a real adult (or at least, this is what I tell myself every morning). In all seriousness, it's a lot easier to write down your tasks for the day when your notepad is this adorable.
7. A Convenient Balm That Protects Against Blisters
B lister Blocker Anti-Friction Balm , $13, Amazon
This little balm is the perfect given for anyone who always seems to be breaking in new shoes. All they need to do is slide on their heels, or anywhere else a shoe is rubbing, and it creates a thin, invsible barrier that protects the skin against irritation.
8. A Desktop Weekly Planner
Desktop Weekly Planner, $11, Amazon
Being an adult with a real job means you have a lot on your plate — so much that some of us need multiple ways to keep track of everything. Desktop planners like these make life easier. Also, they make a boring desk look better. Get this for your friend with an office job.
9. A Coaster Set
Klondermann Coasters Natural Stone Set , $16 (Set of 4), Amazon
I know that coasters sound like a lame gift, but it's not until you're serving drinks to friends that you realize how great they actually are. These natural stone coasters are absorbent, and look great on any table.
10. Diptyque Candles
Diptyque Set Of Mini Candles , $100, Diptyque Paris
If you're willing to spend a lot on someone and you're looking for an impressive gift, get this set of 10 popular Diptyque candles. Seriously, what says "adult" more than expensive candles?
11. An Air Plant
Sea Urchin and Brachicaulos Air Plant, $22, Etsy
Being able to take care of a living plant is a major sign of being an adult, right? Well, make it easy on your friend by getting them a cool air plant. Succulents are super low-maintenance, and there tons of cool options for where to put them. Potted in a sea urchin, they give off a beachy feel.
12. A Charging Station
Wood Charging Station, $50, Amazon
Charging your phone and/or tablet on a desk or crowded bedside table can get annoying fast. Charging stations are great for keeping things organized and a little bit more neat. They bring charging your phone to a new level!
13. Charging Wallet
Adrienne Vittadini Charging Wristlet, $20, Amazon
The only thing more annoying than your phone dying when you're out is realizing that you forgot the portable charger you wanted to bring with you. A wallet that includes a phone charger makes life easier, because it makes it harder to forget the charger. Get this for your busiest friend.
14. Bartending Glasses Set
Bartending Glasses Set, $20, Amazon
How cool are these glasses? If you're looking for a gift for a friend or family member who recently moved into their own place, these are such a cool idea. Spending $20 for a set of four is a great deal, so throw in a bottle of their favorite liquor ... and then obviously help them break the glasses in.
15. A List Book
The 52 Lists Project, $12, Amazon
In today's tech-friendly world, writing things down is almost unheard of. A book like this reminds even the busiest people to slow down and think about what makes them, well, them every once in a while.
16. A Note Card Set
Fun Puns Assorted Blank Cards For All Occasions , $10 (Set of 10), Amazon
I cannot tell you how many times I've had to run out and scramble to find a nice card for a co-worker, a friend, or a family member. When your parents stop supplying you with these things, the struggle is real. So while a set of note cards might sound boring, it's actually really helpful. And this set could not be cuter: Each one features a silly pun on the front, and the insides are all blank, so they work for every occasion.
17. A Chic Traveler Jewelry Case
Colorfield Travel Jewelry Case, $39, Mark and Graham
Anyone who travels fairly often will appreciate a jewelry case like this one. As someone who goes on a decent amount of trips, I've found that my jewelry case (similar to this one) is a life-saver. It not only keeps nice items safe, but also keeps them from getting tangled together. The personalized monogramming makes it even better.
18. A Funny Throw Pillow
Throw Pillow - The Snuggle is Real, $20, Etsy
There are a lot of cool things about being an adult, but there are also a lot of boring, tedious responsibilities that are kind of soul crushing, if I'm being honest. This pillow pretty much expresses that.
19. A Wine Tote
Apolis + Scribe Wine Tote, $88, Apolis Global
How ridiculously classy is it to buy someone a chic wine tote? I mean, come on. This one is perfect for any situation, and with two pouches made for bottles of wine, it makes toting around your favorite kind that much easier.
20. A Chic Passport Case
Kate Spade Passport Case, $78, ShopBop
A stylish passport case is a nice thing to have, and will make sitting in airport lines at least a little more bearable. No? Not really? Well I don't know; at least you tried. This one is so cute that you'll want to keep it for yourself.
21. A Portable Juicer They Can Use Anywhere
Towabo Portable USB Juicer, $30, Amazon
This portable juicer chargers via standard USB, and it's just the right size to take anywhere. This gift will basically ensure your friend can enjoy a yummy breakfast drink whenever (and wherever) they please.
22. A Money Organizer
Personal Banker Organizer, $15, Modcloth
OK, but for real: Nothing says "grown-ass adult" like keeping tabs on your money. Handling receipts, balancing a checkbook, and keeping note of what you're spending is hard. This little money organizer makes it easier.
23. A Microfiber Towel That Dries Hair Faster
DuraComfort Microfiber Hair Towel, $14, Amazon
Because this towel is made from super-absorbent microfiber, it dries hair way fast than your average bath towel. It's ideal for anyone who likes to blow dry their hair, or curly hair types who prefer to air dry.
24. A Business Card Case
French Bulldog Pop Art Turquoise Case For Business Cards, $21, Z azzle
Looking for a gift for your working friend? This business card case could not be more perfect. Small and easy to carry around, it also reminds everyone that she's a total boss.
25. A Wine Wipes Gift Set
The City Dweller Gift Set, $45, Wine Wipes
What's more adult than enjoying a bottle of wine, am I right? Wine Wipes is a genius idea that every responsible grown-ass adult needs in their lives. This gift set includes Wine Wipes and Pearly White Wipes, along with a tote bag that's perfect for shopping days at the farmer's market and a S'Well bottle that can conveniently fit an entire bottle of wine.
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