To quote Miss Taylor Swift: “It’s supposed to be fun, turning 21.” And while the pandemic altered young people’s lifestyles dramatically, this milestone birthday is a good cause for celebration. Gen Zs have their finger firmly on the pulse, choosing more sustainable alternatives where possible and using conscious buying to bring about change. They’re also quite enamoured with the current Y2K style renaissance. Impress them with gifts that are the perfect combination of useful, playful and thoughtful, and speak to their outlook on life.
Flowerbed nail stickers
Sydney brand Flowerbed leans into ’90s nostalgia with its playful nail stickers. Lasting up to two weeks, the pack of 110 stickers includes smiley faces, chilli peppers and disco ball motifs. The team will even write a note or include a blank card with the order if you let them know it’s a gift. $15/flowerbednails.com
In the Roundhouse Ciao Bella plate
In the Roundhouse’s quintessential printed plates will inspire them to set the table for daily meals and dinner parties with friends. The Italian words series, which features phrases like “Ciao Bella” and “Buon Appetito” in colourful lettering, is designed in collaboration with Sydney-based artist Daimon Downey. Kickstart their collection. $29/intheroundhouse.com
Emma Mulholland on Holiday oven mitt
If you know they love Emma Mulholland on Holiday’s printed pants and tongue-in-cheek caps, it’s time to kit out their kitchen. The Sydney brand’s collection of oven mitts comes in signature checked, striped and floral prints. $40/emonholiday.com
Maison de Sabre Airpods case
Never without their Airpods? A personalised case is a great shout. Maison de Sabre’s leather designs come in a range of core and limited edition shades – pick their favourite colour and have up to five characters added in silver or gold foil. $59/maisondesabre.com
The Dairy Soleil phone case
Tech accessories brand The Dairy has collaborated with Brisbane graphic designer and content creator Jasmine Dowling to deliver a dose of sunshine. With options to fit various iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, these phone cases are more than just fun. The dual-layer armoured design offers the most protection – perfect for anyone prone to dropping their phone. $69.95/thedairy.com
Flavedo & Albedo Glow Duo make-up set
Local brand Flavedo & Albedo’s buttery highlighter and cream-to-powder eyeshadow are the ultimate make-up bag additions for low-key glam. The label is committed to reducing the beauty industry’s impact and has worked to remove plastic from its packaging and supply chain, using aluminium, glass and sustainable timber for its products instead. $70/flavedoandalbedo.com
Frank Green On the Road Bundle
The internet asked and Frank Green listened: the brand now offers a water bottle and car cup holder duo. Pick coordinating or complementing colours and help keep them hydrated on road trips and daily commutes. You can add a monogram, choosing up to six characters (including emojis) for an even more personal touch. $74.95/frankgreen.com.au
Sage & Clare Nudie Rudie bath mat
Add a playful pop to their bathroom with Sage & Clare’s Nudie Rudie bath mat. The plush designs are handmade and come in a range of colours. We’re quite partial to the red and blue striped option, which matches well with the brand’s Fresno bath sheet too. $79/sageandclare.com
Bala Bangles wrist weights
Bala’s aesthetically pleasing weighted bangles are the perfect power-up for at-home exercise. If the gift receiver has their Pilates routine down to a fine art or are committed to getting 10,000 steps in each day, the pastel pink, blue and green colourways make for a great workout buddy. $79/shopbala.com.au
Wonki seltzer 16 pack
Wonki takes funny looking produce that would otherwise become food waste and turns it into seasonal hard seltzers. Founded by three Melbourne uni students, it’s a more sustainable alternative to classic ready-to-drink cans. $90/wonki.com.au
Poppy Lissiman Krawsant Satchel bag
Crescent-shaped bags are having a moment. And this blue jacquard design from local label Poppy Lissiman delivers with its ’00s energy. It’s made from 100 per cent recycled post-consumer plastics otherwise destined for landfill and comes with a detachable faux leather strap, as well as a nylon crossbody option. $135/poppylissiman.com
Maison Balzac Pomponette coupes
Champagne glasses are a classic 21st present. Maison Balzac’s multicoloured take offers a more playful perspective than traditional models. Plus, everyone feels fancy when sipping from a coupe. You could pair this set with a bottle of pre-chilled bubbles to really get the celebrations going. $139/maisonbalzac.com
Arms of Eve Summer Bracelet Stack
There’s a carefree attitude that brings endless charm to this bracelet stack from Sydney brand Arms of Eve. The two-piece design features a pearl beaded drawstring style and a golden cuff that can be worn together or alone. $145/armsofeve.com
Hommey robe
Hommey’s plush robes are always a good gift idea. From frosty winter mornings to post-swim coverups, the cotton towelling designs are endlessly practical. We love the bold striped colourways but there are classic shades to choose from too. $149/gethommey.com
Go-to Morning Essentials skincare set
Go-to’s peachy packaging doesn’t just look good on a bathroom shelf: the brand’s glow-giving formulas are made to suit most skin types. And the morning essentials set spotlights four hero products: Properly Clean, Much Brighter Skin, Face Hero and Nifty Fifty. Bro-to also offers a full face set for men’s skin. $162/gotoskincare.com
Crosley Voyager Bluetooth turntable
If they appreciate an analogue lifestyle, Crosley’s Voyager turntable is a thoughtful choice. Budding vinyl enthusiasts can set up the portable device wherever they please. There’s also a built-in Bluetooth receiver to make the most of the record player’s speaker system. $211/the iconic.com.au
Basil Bangs Weekend Beach Tent
Set them up for summer days spent at the beach with the weekend tent from Basil Bangs. It’s made from UPF 50+ canvas with marine grade fixtures, including height-adjustable poles, and can be set up on sand or grass. Bigger than a standard umbrella, this tent is ideal for relaxing with friends and family. $229/theiconic.com.au
I Love Linen double-sided quilt cover set
I Love Linen’s quilt covers are an investment in good sleep. Made from 100 per cent flax linen, they get softer with use and are finished with charming tie-closure details. The double-sided design – which comes in six colours and five sizes – gives two options for styling, so they can mix things up each time they change the sheets. $300/ilovelinen.com.au
Sarah & Sebastian Petite Letter Necklace
Jewellery is a great way to commemorate a milestone birthday – and Sarah & Sebastian’s petite letter necklaces offer an extra special touch. You can choose up to six letters to spell out their name or stick to just initials. The brand offers three lengths of chain, as well as the choice between yellow or white 10-carat gold. From $300/sarahandsebastian.com
Foreo Luna Mini cleansing device
Foreo’s tools are for the skincare fanatic. The Luna Mini works to remove make-up and dirt, specifically targeting oily T-zones, which can be prone to acne. It’s lightweight and perfect for travelling – whether they’re heading on an overseas adventure or throwing it into their bag for a post-workout or pre-work cleansing routine. $329/foreo.com
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