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Turning 18 comes with a lot of free gifts, like the right to vote in national election, to get a tattoo without a parent’s permission, and to serve on a jury. You know, the ~super fun~ present that is adulthood. It's no wonder grown-ups deserve the best gifts. And if you know someone who's about to turn the big 1-8, you need this guide to the best 18th birthday gift ideas to give them something truly special.
The best things in life might be free, but I think any 18-year-old will tell you they want more than a heartfelt birthday card to celebrate their entry to adulthood. That’s where we come in. These 18th birthday gift ideas are all super cute, cool, and, best of all, actually useful. Most importantly, there’s a little bit of something for everyone because we know that no two 18-year-olds are the same. So, whether you’re shopping for someone who's going off to college, prepping for backpacking abroad, or diving headfirst into work, look no further. These gifts will make anyone’s 18th birthday their best one yet.
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a compass necklace
Artizan Joyeria Herradura Layered Necklace Set
a compass necklace
Artizan Joyeria Herradura Layered Necklace Set
Help point a new adult in the right direction with this layered necklace set that's complete with a compass charm. Is the message a bit on the nose and cheesy? Kinda, but it's also really cute.
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this cute gel manicure kit
Le Mini Macaron 1-Step Gel Manicure Kit
this cute gel manicure kit
Le Mini Macaron 1-Step Gel Manicure Kit
18-year-olds might think they want to go to the salon for a new gel mani every other week, but once they see the bill, they'll be thankful for this at home kit, trust me.
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this astrology necklace
Astrid & Miyu Bold Zodiac Pendant Necklace
this astrology 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).
this fancy phone charger-lamp-speaker combo
EZVALO Bedside Lamp with Wireless Charger
this fancy phone charger-lamp-speaker combo
EZVALO Bedside Lamp with Wireless Charger
Now 30% Off
This is the one gadget to rule them all: It's a phone charger that's also a dimmable LED nightlight and a portable bluetooth speaker. It's also got a super sleek design that won't look clunky on a bedside table. 10/10
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a gorgeous eyeshadow palette
PAT McGRATH LABS Mothership V Eyeshadow Palette
a gorgeous eyeshadow palette
PAT McGRATH LABS Mothership V Eyeshadow Palette
If you know someone who's into makeup, odds are they're wishing for a Pat McGrath Mothership palette. The palettes, known as the holy grails of shimmery pigments and smooth mattes, is so iconic even Taylor Swift is a fan.
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A teen needs all the sleep. Thanks to this three-piece set, they can also protect their hair, face, and eyes (oh, and it comes in a few colors to match their *specific* vibe).
This is the unicorn of tote bags. It's cute and has enough room to fit your laptop, a bottle of water, your wallet, and other daily necessities.
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a pair of super professional pants
FUNYYZO Wide-Leg Pants
a pair of super professional pants
FUNYYZO Wide-Leg Pants
One of the hardest transitions into adulthood is going from comfy clothing to professional (aka uncomfy) styles. These trousers are the perfect transition pant because they look super profesh, but have a hidden elastic waistband for comfort.
18-year-olds may not have a lot of money, what with their status as baby adults and all, but that doesn't mean they don't deserve a chic place to keep their cash!
Olivia Truffaut-Wong
Editor
Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers beauty, entertainment, and lifestyle. She loves finding and testing the best skincare products to recommend, like the best tinted sunscreens, and is always researching the best cat accessories for her fur baby. She has over 10 years of experience as an entertainment and culture writer and editor, and her work has been featured in The Cut, Refinery29, Teen Vogue, Polygon, Bustle, and more.
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.