Cool Gift Ideas for Young Adults

Finding the perfect gift for tweens, teens, and even young adults can be especially tricky. Consider skipping the trends that will quickly fade, and check out Consumer Reports’ expertly curated list of gifts that can keep on giving for the young adults in your life. 

Consumer Reports says shopping for teens and young adults this holiday season might be easier than you think: Think about useful splurges—things they wouldn’t necessarily buy or think of for themselves but would love to have and use anyway.

If your young adult likes to “chef it up” in the kitchen, an air fryer would be the perfect gift. The Dash Digital Tasti-Crisp Air Fryer 2.6 Quart, starting at $50, earns top scores in Consumer Reports' tests and will add a pop of color to any kitchen. 

If they’re always wearing a different hairstyle, consider a good-quality hair tool. The Bio Ionic Long Barrel Curling Iron, $150, created bouncy, shiny curls that lasted days for most of Consumer Reports' panelists.

And the Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer, $429, is absolutely a splurge. It was the top performer in Consumer Reports' lab tests for dry speed, and it’s one of the quietest, too. What’s also nice is that it comes with a variety of accessories.

Whether your recipient is traveling the world or just waiting for the bus, Consumer Reports says the Patagonia Black Hole Mini MLC, $199, is a go-to among the travel backpacks Consumer Reports has looked at. You can take it on a plane or to school, and it can fit a lot of stuff inside. It’s also comfy enough to wear for a while.

And maybe you can’t buy them a car, but how about an electric bike? E-bikes can pedal just like a regular bike but with an added assist. They are a great option for getting places without a car. However, they can be expensive, so they’re something you’ll want to consider carefully.

Consumer Reports says the Blix Aveny Skyline, $1,800, does well in its tests and costs less than some other E-bike models.

Electric bike regulations differ from state to state, so you’ll want to find out whether you need an operator’s license to use one on public roads in your area. For safety, Consumer Reports says you should always wear a bike helmet, whether it’s required or not.