30 Best Gifts for Guys in Their 20s, According to Actual Young Men
Unique, useful and unusual finds for the dudes who have everything ahead of them.
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Finding the best gifts for men can be a challenge — especially if they are young men. They may be the most difficult to buy for because guys in their 20s could be anything from recent graduates to new dads to guys moving into their first apartment or buying a home (FYI: we have so many great housewarming ideas) — it’s a transitional age for many. Whether he’s finishing up a degree or learning how to change a diaper, twenty-something men can be picky about what they want and need. Thankfully, there's a wide world of great gifts for men in their 20s no matter where that man is in his life, from new tech to cool kitchen gadgets, to new clothes, cologne and alcohol-free spirits perfect for the sober-curious.
Our top picks:
I’ve talked to guys, read reviews and remembered what I wanted back when I was a fresh-faced twenty-something to recommend 30 of the best gifts for guys in their 20s. No matter what he loves to do — cook, travel, exercise, play games or entertain — your son, boyfriend or best friend will love to receive any one of these affordable gifts. Then, before you know it, you'll be on to looking for gifts for men in their 30s.
Drift Car Air Freshener
Many men in their 20s consider their car a sacred space. It’s where he thinks, screams and sings along with his favorite tunes. Help it smell sublime with this classy, affordable scented wood car air freshener starter set.
This is the gift I wish I got in my 20s to chart my travels over the years. This large map poster also includes flags for him to reveal after he checks and scratches off each new country.
If he plays D&D, he'll be comfy for his next campaign in these soft lounge pants, which feature the famous D20 in its design.
RELATED: The Best Dungeons & Dragons Gifts
Fries, wings, even corn on the cob — there’s nothing this air fryer can’t do! And it does it all quickly and cleans up easily. As he starts his adult life, give your man in his 20s the ultimate gift of kitchen competency! The Good Housekeeping Institute Lab experts appreciates the Cosori brand for its sleek, small footprints.
RELATED: The Best Air Fryers
AirFly Pro Bluetooth Audio Transmitter
My 20-year-old is making her first transatlantic flight solo this summer and the gift I’m sliding into her backpack is this AirFly gadget that’ll let in-flight movies play through Bluetooth AirPods. No one should travel without this!
RELATED: The Best Travel Gifts for Men
It’s never too early to get him started with a skincare routine. I wish someone had given me this gift when I was in my 20s to care for, exfoliate and moisturize my face while I struggled for confidence as I made my way into the grown-up world.
Golden Grooming Co. Solid Cologne
Not every man wants to smell like smoke, wood or bourbon. And no guy wants to smell like everyone else. This small batch of solid cologne is compact enough to travel with and distinctive enough to help him carve his own path.
AstroAI Mini Drinks Fridge
This compact drinks fridge is the perfect addition to his room, garage or basement and because it's portable, for his next tailgate party or trip to the beach as well.
Today's world is loud and hectic which means finding a quiet moment is getting harder. Fishing provides the solitude and serenity that may be exactly what he needs to reduce stress and spend quality time outdoors.
He most likely has his favorite earbuds already but they're probably filthy. When it comes to gifts for men in their 20s, this clever affordable tool will let them easily clean their AirPods, phones and other impossible-to-reach spots on their expensive tech gadgets.
These polarized sunglasses not only let him see true vibrant colors, they reduce eye damage and reduce distractions and temporary blindness caused by glare. They also look great and will help him run and cycle safer, and fish more effectively while looking awesome in the process.
When he wants a clean-shaven dome atop his handsome head, there's no better, safer or truer shave than this brand-new Manscaped Dome Shaver Pro.
"Kidults" never leave their love of LEGO sets behind, and interest in LEGO for adults is on the rise. This is a perfect set for any Star Wars fan. When it's built, it has a head that really swivels and details like a detachable periscope. It also comes with collectible minifigures.
RELATED: The Best 'Star Wars' Gifts
Amazon Basics Carry-on Luggage
For my money, there’s no better gift than the gift of travel. This hardside, carry-on size suitcase will store all his stuff and let him skip the luggage carousel after he clears customs, meaning he’ll have more time to see, do and experience the world. The Good Housekeeping Institute experts were please that it was light, easy to maneuver and spacious.
RELATED: The Best Carry-On Luggage
He's in his 20s in the 21st century so he's using Spotify to blast his favorite songs, listens to audiobooks, has smart devices like light strips and fans and has his essentials set up on subscribe and save. Now, this awesome low-profile Echo from Amazon lets him control his digital life with his voice from anywhere in his apartment or home.
If he loves live music, this cool concert journal is where he’ll jot down venues, dates, headliners and opening acts and give star ratings for sound quality, audience energy and more, so he can always remember the best nights of his life.
Speaking of tailgating and nights out, if he’s still building his tolerance for alcohol, give him the gift of fast-acting hangover relief backed by science and recognized as effective by the FDA.
The best new party game available today tests his ability to "name that tune" and figure out when those tunes were originally released to build a winning musical timeline. And the best part is it can be played by a couple or with a huge party of music lovers.
This 3-in-1 breakfast station not only has retro vibes, it’s got a coffee maker, toaster oven and a griddle to help him make a good breakfast and get out the door on time for work.
TheraICE Rx Migraine Relief Cap
He might be young but migraines and headaches don't discriminate, especially if he's looking at, playing on or working in front of a screen all day. This fantastic cooling cap will soothe him and mend his headache pain. Amazon reviewers say it really does provide relief!
Jeff is a dad of two daughters, an avid traveler, a photographer, an author and a freelance writer who lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with his wife and their cats. In addition to Good Housekeeping, he's written for Parents, Fodor's, Food and Wine, Real Simple and Reader’s Digest, among other print and online publications. Jeff is the publisher of the quarterly literary magazine, Stanchion, and his book, Streets Cats and Where to Find Them, will be published by Running Press in the Summer of 2025.
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