Choosing 21st birthday gifts

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The 18th and 21st birthdays are key milestones in the transition we make from childhood to adulthood. Some people like to celebrate when they reach 18 but, for many people, 21 is the birthday that they really celebrate. This may involve a large party, a small family gathering or simply a night out with friends. As a present giver, you can make someone's 21st birthday even more special with some care and thought.

Traditionally, the gift given for a 21st birthday was the key to the door, denoting the person's move into full adulthood. It is, of course, still possible to give a key as there are many presentation box sets that contain a key and a 21st birthday message. That said, there are a variety of different and exciting options to choose from for this milestone birthday.

Popular 21st birthday presents

There is a seemingly endless choice of gifts that claim to be suitable to be given as 21st birthday presents. As with any form of gift selection, a good knowledge of the recipient's likes and dislikes, together with some thought and innovation will go a long way. In many cases people will buy presents that contain some form of birthday or personalised message. So, for example, you could buy a photo album that has Happy 21st Birthday printed on the front or a bottle of champagne that comes with a personalised label containing a message from the present giver.

Champagne is always a popular gift for a milestone birthday, as are matching champagne flutes. Other options here include bottles of wine or brandy and accompanying wine and brandy glasses. More unusual gifts in this genre include hip flasks, mugs and tankards which could come with -- or without -- a special 21st birthday message. All of these represent durable 21st birthday gifts.

Another popular option for a 21st birthday present is a photo frame with a birthday message engraved on to it. As an alternative some people prefer to give a photo album or a photo canvas of photos from the person's life. It is also possible to buy a photo frame with room for several photos, together with a personalised poem.

Commemorative newspapers and books have also grown in popularity in recent years. A commemorative newspaper, for example, will provide the recipient with a copy of a newspaper from the date of their birth, whilst a newspaper book will include the newspaper and selected headlines and stories from the year of their birth. For footie fans, another option may well be a commemorative football book which contains facts and history of a specific football club (but do make sure you choose the right club!).

Buying a present for a 21st birthday can be quite difficult for many people. Most of us would dearly like to give something special that the birthday boy or birthday girl can keep as a memento. One solution can be to give something that also has a long-lasting practical use such as a cufflinks and tie-pin set that comes with a subtle birthday message engraved on it. Or, as an alternative think about some of the more unusual presents that are available nowadays. These include buying a plot of land in the Scottish Highlands that also gives the gift recipient the right to call themselves a Laird or a Lady, an acre of land on the Moon or a star that you can name on their behalf.

Whatever you ultimately choose, always bear in mind that tastes differ greatly. Some young people will appreciate modern or fun style 21st birthday gifts such as a cartoon photo frame, while others may prefer a present with a more classical style such as a silver photo frame. It is well worth taking some time to think about and understand the recipient's likes and dislikes. If you are not particularly close to them, ask other friends and family members. This will not only provide guidance and ideas but may also help in avoiding duplication in choosing their 21st birthday present. View 21st birthday gifts