THIS IS ADULTING Gift Guide
The All Around Gift Guide for YOUR TWENTIES
Tis the season for every blog and media outlet to suggest kitchen appliances and a bunch of other shit we can’t afford or use while likely struggling through our TWENTIES. In the spirit of Sweet Brown “ain’t nobody got time for that” and believe me I understand. Also fed up with the yearly tools for guys, oven mitts for girls cliché guide for gifting and receiving I’m here to talk about a few items that are actually in the twenty-something realm of understanding and use. Not only for now but for all year round, from housewarmings to Secret Santa here are some great neutral gifts that are sure to be appreciated when you’re adulting in your TWENTIES!
DRINK COASTERS
A household item so often overlooked but sorely missed once there are rings from drinks past all over your coffee table; most adults with their own space can appreciate a beautiful set of drink coasters. With the innovation of artists such as my good Bison friend @BlacklikeINeverLeft and other online shops such as Etsy and Society6 incorporating fashion into any home décor is made easy with the purchase of this simple, affordable and highly efficient item.
Black Like I Never Left Shop | Howard University coasters (pictured) $20-35
IG BlacklikeINeverLeft
Picture from ProBlkHealth.com
VITAMINS&TEAS
Certainly the most matronly suggestion for this demographic, however giving the gift of good health during these times is probably the best offering you could give. Vitamins, pain medications and teas are the types of items as you’re newly independent you don’t realize you need until there’s a pandemic looming and you don’t have $30 to spare for a multi-vitamin. If you’re not sure what to ask for the few times in your twenties you’ll actually be included in someone’s holiday shopping, essential vitamins are a costly burden to hand off to someone who cares. Supplements for immune support with Zinc, Vitamins A,E,C,D, Iron and Folic Acid are great to add to your daily regimen.
ProBlkHealth Vitamins | SUNNY DAYZ Advanced Vitamin D3 | $25
OIL DIFFUSERS
Recently I stayed with a friend who regularly used an oil diffuser throughout the time I was visiting. Adding to the nice ambiance and pleasant fragrance of the space it was also really tranquil just to have a light mist of Eucalyptus or Lavender lingering in the air as we chilled and caught up. I was surprised to learn that she actually received it as a Secret Santa gift and EUREKA! that is an amazing new idea. Not only can you find oil diffusers reasonably priced, but they are a peaceful offering to a new home’s décor and can remain useful over time.
Target | GuruNanda Essential Oil Diffuser (pictured) $29.99
TOP SUGGESTION: AIR FRYER
The newly popular and highly coveted appliance for amateur home cooks, air fryers are at the top of most twentysomething’s gift list. Born from a global pandemic and some semblance of a lockdown nationwide many people have retreated to their kitchens not just for survival but solace and likely a new hobby. The small mystery machine that has transformed the duty of cooking and dining from home, this is the purchase that could single-handily redirected the diets and eliminate any fear you may have about sending your newly independent loved ones off to fend for themselves. Guaranteed to make you someone’s absolute favorite person of the year, the gift of everyday effortless meals is certainly one that keeps on giving.
Picture from SpikesJoint Shopify
JOURNALS&PLANNERS
Now more than ever we could all use an outlet to organize our thoughts and feelings. Specialty and goal-driven journals and planners may be just the thing you or your favorite person needs to get off of social media and actually sort out their drama and grand ideas. It’s time to put our plans into action and this is the best way to start. Ranging from $5 for cute pocket journals to limited edition Moleskins and designer planners meant to impress in your next meeting; you’ll always have the budget and options needed to offer a little peace of mind as a gift in your twenties.
Spike’s Joint Shopify | MOLESKINE She’s Gotta Have It Journal |$15
FASHIONABLE FACE MASK
I regret to inform any of you who may be in denial but it seems we’re going to be rocking these face mask for quite some time. With no other option but to embrace this new normal, it’s only right that we make it fashion. Now as a major part of our daily outerwear it’s essential to have enough face masks to rotate for safety and aesthetics, so there is no way to ever have too many. This is a gift that doesn't have to be extravagant from a box of disposables to the head wrap and face mask duo handcrafted by shops like Handz and Needlez, face masks are the most forever useful and faultless gift to give or receive in times such as these.
Handz and Needlez | Headwrap with Matching Face Mask | $37.50
Picture from HandzandNeedlez
Picture from Anthropologie
GLASSWARE&MUGS
One immediate signifier of an adulthood home is owning the cups and glassware to accurately accompany your beverages. Getting yourself or someone else the gift of upgrading from plastic SOLO Cups to the big leagues is something every newly independent adult can appreciate. More than essential household items, these sort of fixtures add maturity and pizza not only to home décor but most social situations and gatherings in your twenties. From quirky to crystal you can count on finding something for every personality, making glassware and mugs a top suggestion for gifting on any occasion.
Anthropologie | Lustered Stemless Wine Glasses Set of 4 | $56
CANDLES
One of my favorite items to gift myself and others for any occasion or celebration are beautiful candles, especially at a discounted price. There’s nothing like relaxing to a sweet or soothing aroma in the comfort of your home after a long day; an experience you never know you need until it’s long overdue. Those who are young, fly and frugal like myself know well the expense of splurging on high-end luxury brands but a great compromise for variety, quality and most important cost efficiency are the candles in our good ol faithful such as Home Goods, Marshalls and TJ Maxx. The scent-iments are all the same (LOL).
Spa Science | Sun God Candle | $25
Pictured from My Spa Science
