21 Best Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Son’s 21st Birthday (2022)

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Your son is turning 21… woohoo!

He’s waited for so long for this day… the day he can FINALLY have his first (legal) drink!

A young man’s 21st birthday is no ordinary birthday. I’m sure you’re aware of that…otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this.

Now you might be thinking: “What gift should I get for my son’s 21st birthday?”

The young man’s special day deserves special treatment, and therefore a special 21st birthday gift your son will actually enjoy and cherish for many years to come…

A few years from now, your son should be able to remember his 21st birthday (unless he drinks too much, but that’s another story)… and thanks to these unique 21st birthday gifts, you can help make that happen and guarantee he’ll remember it for many years to come…

Top 21st Birthday Gifts for Your Son

There are a lot of cool gifts on this list. But wouldn’t you like to know which are the best ones?

Say no more! 

We gave awards to the top 21st birthday gifts your son will absolutely love.

Here they are:

Tech & Gadget GiftsMen's AccessoriesMen's Grooming GiftsCool & Fun GiftsPersonalized GiftsAlcohol Gifts
Top Tech Gift Top Men's Accessory Gift Top Men's Grooming Gift Coolest Gift Top Personalized Gift Top Alcohol Gift
Apple Macbook ProApple Macbook ProRay Ban 3025 Aviator Large Metal Mirrored Non Polarized SunglassesRay Ban 3025 Aviator Large Metal Mirrored Non Polarized SunglassesDolce & Gabbana The One 3 Piece Gift Set For MenDolce & Gabbana The One 3 Piece Gift Set For MenGopro Hero5 BlackGoPro Hero5 BlackMilestone Acrylic Birthday Plaque Blue Marble FinishMilestone Acrylic Birthday Plaque Blue Marble FinishShot Glass Roulette Drinking Game SetShot Glass Roulette Drinking Game Set
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Tech & Gadget Gifts

Remember the good old days? All you had to do was buy your son a nice pair of shoes or jeans, and he’d be the happiest young man in the world. Times have changed, haven’t they? These days, it’s all about owning the latest piece of technology & cutting-edge gadgets. 

But instead of getting your son another useless gadget, you can get him a tech gift that’s both cool and extremely useful for any young man turning 21.

Apple MacBook Pro

Top Tech Gift
Apple Macbook Pro

It would be a crime not to start with the #1 gift ANY 21-year-old student can hope for: Apple’s phenomenal MacBook Pro.

I got my first MacBook Pro when I was 22, and it has been truly transformative. It’s one of those things that after you start using it, you wondered how you ever managed to live without it (especially for a tech geek such as myself).

The beautiful interface, sleek design & intuitiveness helped skyrocket my productivity (and reduced my back pain). The investment has definitely paid itself off, and then some… I only wish I had gotten one sooner… better yet, I wish my parents would have bought it for me sooner!

A true game-changer for a 21-year-old student.

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Apple iPad 

Apple Ipad

While we’re still at Apple, I would be remiss not to mention Apple’s latest iPad.

These days, a tablet has become an indispensable tool for any 21-year-old, especially if he’s a student.

The ease-of-use, portability and beautiful design of the iPad make this supercomputer a must-have in any young adult’s toolkit.

It’s definitely the best investment I made in the past few years… I literally can’t imagine myself living without my iPad…both for business and pleasure.

And you probably don’t need me to tell you this, but Apple’s iPad is by far the best tablet available in the market.

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Beats Studio Wireless Over-Ear Headphone

Beats Studio Wireless Over Ear Headphone

Beats are probably the most popular brand of headphones there is on the market right now. The sound produced by these headphones is truly amazing; even more so for the studio version.

These are the same headphones used by music producers while at work, so high-quality is guaranteed. If he’s always listening to music like I am, then this is might just be the ideal 21st birthday gift you were looking for your son.

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Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband

Fitbit Charge 2 Heart Rate + Fitness Wristband

By now, I assume you’ve heard about Fitbit. In fact, there’s a good chance you own one yourself.

But for the few of you who’ve never heard of it – gather around, the class is in session.

The Fitbit wristband, along with its high-tech OLED display, allows you to track your fitness progress with its step counter, heart rate, exercise, nutrition, water intake and sleep monitoring, among others…

This neat little watch acts as a heart rate monitor while you’re exercising to make sure you keep track of just how well you’re performing while working out.

It’s also capable of keeping track of calendar events and handles calls and texts just like a regular cell phone. So if you’d like to help your son getting fit and take his health & well-being seriously, then a Fitbit is a great place to start.

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Men’s Accessories

Okay, so maybe he’s not into technology or perhaps he already has every gadget you can possibly imagine. In that case, you might want to consider getting him a few men’s accessories for his 21st birthday… After all, turning 21 is more than just being eligible to drink alcohol. Your young boy is a man now, so it’s time to treat him as one…

Ray-Ban 3025 Aviator Large Metal Mirrored Non-Polarized Sunglasses

Top Men’s Accessory Gift
Ray Ban 3025 Aviator Large Metal Mirrored Non Polarized Sunglasses

Even though sunglasses aren’t really my thing (the cold climate I live in makes them pretty much useless), I would be remiss if I didn’t mention a pair of good-looking sunglasses. And when you think sunglasses – there’s one brand that immediately jumps to mind: Ray-Ban.

Ray-Ban is known to create the most popular & fashionable sunglasses and is considered by many the “Nike” of sunglasses.

Their signature aviator design is what they’re most known for… Particularly the 3025 model… it has a cool, sleek design that can upgrade the look of any young man and give him the confidence boost he needs. 

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JORD Wooden Watches – Dover Series Skeleton Automatic

Jord Wooden Watches Dover Series Skeleton Automatic

JORD’s remarkable wooden watch also deserves a special spot in the men’s accessories section. Sure, it may not have the same level of elegance as a chrome or gold Rolex but it’s got a charm all of its own with its different and premium design. JORD, in particular, is renowned for watches of this type and their quality never disappoints.

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Men’s Stainless Steel & Black Ceramic Bracelet Diamonds

Mens Stainless Steel Black Ceramic Bracelet Diamonds

Here’s another amazing present I’d put my own personal stamp of approval on.

This masculine, stainless steel ceramic bracelet just shines with style and refinement.

It’s made of 1/10 carat total weight round diamonds, set in stainless steel and ceramic.

I’m normally not a big fan of bracelets. But this one is an exception and a very big one. If the idea of getting your son a bracelet at some point crossed your mind, then you might want to revisit that thought.

Looking back a few years ago, I would definitely love to get this bracelet for my 21st birthday.

A very meaningful (and popular) present for your 21-year-old son…

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Men’s Grooming Gifts

In today’s age, you’ll find there are more and more guys out there who care a lot about their external appearance (almost half of all men shave their freakin’ legs!). Gone are the days of young men walking around with ungroomed beards and messy hair. There’s hardly any 21-year-old guys out there who would dare step outside without having at least taken a shave putting on some cologne.

That’s how you impress the ladies… Your gift can help him attract a lovely girl he can bring to your next Thanksgiving table.

Calvin Klein OBSESSION for Men Eau de Toilette

Calvin Klein Obsession For Men Eau De Toilette

Calvin Klein does more than clothing, in case you didn’t know. And just like their clothing line, their colognes are actually pretty amazing as well.

This tremendous cologne, in particular, carries a spicy & rugged scent with it that oozes passion when worn so you will definitely want to save it for special occasions. It will also turn a few heads every now and then if you know what I mean (there’s a reason it’s called “OBSESSION”)…

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Dolce & Gabbana The One 3 Piece Gift Set for Men

Top Men’s Grooming Gift
Dolce & Gabbana The One 3 Piece Gift Set For Men

In case a single bottle of “OBSESSION” doesn’t cut it… how about a 3 piece gift set? Dolce & Gabbana 3 piece gift set is loaded with a shower gel, after shave, & cologne… so you also get “quantity” on top of the quality. Plus, it’s always nicer to give someone a gift set rather than a single product.

Tip: The cologne is recommended for casual wear.

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Panasonic ES-LV95-S Arc5 Electric Razor

Panasonic Es Lv95 S Arc5 Electric Razor

I’m going to guess it’s been a while now since your son started shaving; having already gone through puberty and all of its stages. Still, shaving can be seen as a tedious challenge by some guys (at least for me it is).

Panasonic’s Electric Razor offers a solution by being a very comfortable, efficient, and speedy razor that gets the job done. And if you’re not interested in getting it as a 21st birthday gift for your son, then could you at least get one for me?

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Cool & Fun Gifts

Maybe you’d like your son’s 21st birthday present to be something cool he can enjoy as the young adult he is. You know, something he can have a lot of fun on the weekends or when he’s traveling.

Don’t worry, I’m not about to suggest a children’s play-toy, as fun as that might be…

GoPro HERO5

Coolest Gift
Gopro Hero5 Black

Ladies and gentlemen, introducing: the GoPro HERO5.

There’s a reason we chose it as the coolest gift for a 21-year-old young man: with GoPro’s latest edition, your son will be able to take stunningly beautiful high-quality videos and pictures in 4K quality.

Whether he’s into video editing, traveling, or just loves taking pictures & videos –  then we’ve got a winner right here.

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DJI Phantom 4 Quadcopter Drone 

Dji Phantom 4 Quadcopter Drone

While we’re on the topic of cameras, videos, and pictures – I can’t afford NOT to mention the biggest trend in the past few years: drones. DJI’s Phantom 4 Quadcopter Drone, is an intelligent drone that can reach high altitudes while avoiding obstacles all on its own. Did I mention it has a camera attached to it for those perfect angles for your awesome videos and pictures showing off where you’ve been?

The perfect present for a young explorer who wants to capture his experiences from the best possible angles, and in the highest quality imaginable.

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Oculus Rift + Touch Virtual Reality System

Oculus Rift Touch Virtual Reality System

Is your son a bit of a gamer or tech-fanatic? In that case, you might want to give him a taste of the future with Oculus Rift’s touch virtual reality system.

Virtual reality is trending everywhere these days in the technology space. Having tried it out myself, I can safely say that it’s a fun, immersive & one-of-a-kind experience everyone should have. Oculus Rift creates the cutting edge Virtual Reality technology (there’s a reason Facebook bought them for 2 billion dollars), and they’re the ones leading us to the future of virtual reality.

You can give your son a front seat to the future with Oculus’  latest virtual reality headset.

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Personalized Gifts

You want to get your son something with a personal touch… A gift that fits your son’s nature and personality. Something that he could form a deep bond with because it was special and meaningful to him.

I get it… That’s exactly why I created this section of personalized birthday gift ideas.

Remember, the big two-one only comes once and the goal here is to give your 21-year-old son something he’ll cherish for a very long time.

Monogrammed Black Blade + Wood Grip Pocket Knife

Monogrammed Black Blade With Wood Grip Pocket Knife

A personalized  Monogrammed Pocket Knife is a wonderful way to welcome your son into manhood. It’s a symbol of responsibility and trust, two important messages you’d want to send your son on his journey into adulthood.

This pocket knife has a lovely smooth wooden grip with a black blade that catches the eye at a quick glance. And to make it extra special, you can even get your son’s initials engraved on the handle.

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Milestone Acrylic Birthday Plaque + Blue Marble Finish

Top Personalized Gift
Milestone Acrylic Birthday Plaque Blue Marble Finish

A 21st birthday is an important milestone, there’s no doubt about it… Everyone remembers their 21st birthday – the day they became adults (except if you had a few extra drinks, in which case you don’t remember much).

This Milestone Acrylic Birthday Plaque is a great way to cherish this special milestone. Your personalized message on the plaque, along with the stunning blue marble finish gives this present a breath-taking appearance and guarantees your son will remember it for a long time.

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Personalized 21st Birthday Glass Beer Mug

Personalized 21st Birthday Glass Beer Mug

Your son is turning 21… Let’s be honest here: there’s probably one thing on his mind right now (OK maybe two, but I won’t discuss the 2nd in this forum): alcohol.

But alcohol doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing. With a pinch of personalization, you can turn an alcohol gift into one of the most thoughtful gifts any 21-year-old man will appreciate… In case you haven’t figured it out by now – I’m talking about a personalized 21st birthday glass beer mug.

What better way to introduce him to the world of alcohol than with a personalized beer mug carrying a special message for him… Trust me, there’s no better way to have your first few beers than in your very own customized beer mug.

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Revolving Poker Player Gift Set

Revolving Poker Player Gift Set

Guess when I started playing poker on a regular basis?

You guessed it – after I turned 21. 

Why? Well, let me give you poker analogy: Playing poker without a glass of beer next to you is like having a poker hand of “2” and “9”. It SUCKS.

And after you turn 21, drinking alcohol is no longer considered rebellious… so instead of binge drinking and waking up in a random bar in the middle of the night – your son now has a “healthier” alternative: a lovely poker night with his buddies.

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Alcohol Gifts

At 21, alcohol is going to be at the top of the list of your son’s To Do list. You can’t deny that, so you might as well play along… in fact, that will put you in the driver’s seat, and give you an opportunity to highlight the importance of responsibility for the young man. 

That said, let’s find a few alcohol gift ideas your son will definitely appreciate.

Shot Glass Roulette – Drinking Game Set 

Top Alcohol Gift
Shot Glass Roulette Drinking Game Set

Drinking games are a fine tradition in a young man’s 21st birthday. But there have to be other drinking games besides the same old beer pong.

There sure is…

Shot Glass Roulette is an interesting take on the traditional gambling game with glasses of alcohol players try to shoot a ball into. With a group of friends, it’ll be sure to get any party started and keep it going too.

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DRINK-A-PALOOZA Board Game

Drink A Palooza Board Game

Let’s cut to the chase here: your son would probably want to drink alcohol with his friends, especially if they’re in college.

That’s exactly what the DRINK-A-PALOOZA set is for. It includes all the “old school” and “new school” drinking games, including Beer Pong, Flip Cup, Kings card game and other party games for adults.

Note: DrinkaPalooza is known by college students as the best drinking game.

A fun 21st birthday gift idea for your son’s party & alcoholic desires.

Let the games begin!

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Barman’s Barware Kit

Barmans Barware Kit

For the more sophisticated guy who actually wants to experiment in making his own drinks, we have Barman’s, Barware Kit.

This awesome barman’s set comes with the tools used by professional bartenders, so your son will be able to start mixing the drinks he wanted to drink for such a long time but couldn’t. Now he can, and thanks to his new barware kit, he’ll be able to make it himself.

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1st Legal Shot Glass

1st Legal Shot Glass

How should you take your first EVER legal shot? In a random shot glass?

Hell no!

If you’re about to have your first shot, do it right…

With this “1st Legal Shot” glass, your son will without-a-doubt remember his first shot, and in case he doesn’t – he’ll keep the shot glass to remind him exactly how it was.

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Summary

If you reached this far, I bet you just found quite a few unique 21st birthday gift ideas for your son.

Thanks to these great gifts, there’s a good chance your son will remember this special day for longer than you initially expected… just make sure he doesn’t drink too much on his birthday, otherwise, he won’t remember anything 🙂

I wish your son a happy birthday! And don’t forget to come back here for his 22nd birthday gift 🙂

21st Birthday Gifts For Son
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5 thoughts on “21 Best Birthday Gift Ideas for Your Son’s 21st Birthday (2022)

  • October 19, 2017 at 10:04 am

    Thanks for this amazing list of gifts!

    Reply
  • December 24, 2017 at 12:38 am

    This was fantastic, thank you!

    Reply
    • May 1, 2018 at 1:46 am

      You’re very welcome Jonah!

      Reply
  • December 28, 2018 at 7:11 am

    If your son is more of the nerdier/geeky sort (like mine) – Bluetooth headphones are a great idea

    Reply
    • February 5, 2019 at 7:06 pm

      100% agree Mark!

      Reply

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