100 Christmas Gift Ideas for Adult Children to Surprise & Delight

Let’s take a look at the best Christmas gift ideas for adult children.

It’s never too early to plan for the best Christmas gifts, but have you found that Christmas shopping for your grown-up children can be a challenging task since they’ve left the nest?

When they were young, you probably knew exactly what they wanted every year (and months in advance, at that). But now their tastes have changed, their own personal styles have developed, and they’re a little harder to shop for.

That’s why we’ve got 100 of the very best presents listed here so you can find the perfect gift in something they’ll love. 

So, breathe easy! These are some of the best Christmas gift ideas for grown-up kids, whether they’re simply young adults, or have children of their very own.

1. Family Recipe Book

Keep your recipes all in the family with a recipe book filled with all of their childhood favorites! 

This notebook comes with your family name printed on the front and includes 200 blank pages for recipes so they’ll have space to record their own go-to meals.

Perfect for the grown-up son or daughter who has just moved out of the house or gotten married.

2. Cozy Weighted Blankets

A blanket is always a thoughtful gift, especially in winter.

Weighted blankets are a perfect choice for Christmas presents since their padding feels like a comfy hug and can quickly calm you down. 

Give them some extra warmth and comfort in the winter season, especially if they are far from home. 

3. Experience Package

Fun new experiences always make the best gifts. 

With this experience package from Giftory, you can give them the adventure of your choice at different locations across the country, with choices ranging from indoor skydiving to horseback riding.

Each adventure has detailed descriptions on the website so you know every detail of the experience in question.

You can choose the date and time of your adventure to fit their schedule, too. 

4. Indoor Gardening Herb Kit

With this AI-powered indoor garden kit, they could have an endless supply of fresh veggies and flowers. 

This would be a useful gift for your adult kid if they have a green thumb or even if they just like using the best ingredients for cooking. 

The kit comes with the smart Gardyn Home Device, your choice of 30 types of seeds, plant food, and everything else they’ll need to grow their food in the comfort of their home. 

You can choose seeds of all sorts including banana peppers, sunflowers, green beans, and more. 

They’ll have their first crop in 5 months, and fresh food to share with their family members for many years to come.

5. Bar Carts

Make their next house party a success with these bar carts. With its classy marble finish and gold paint coating, this cart is sure to elevate a room. 

It has wheels to make it maneuverable, and locks on the wheels so it stays in its place. 

This is a wonderful gift option for the holiday season when they may be having some friends over to enjoy drinks or any other special occasion. 

6. Designer Fire Extinguishers

Although a fire extinguisher is an unusual Christmas present, these decorated fire extinguishers from Northwest Gifts would make an excellent choice for a housewarming gift. 

Whether they’ve just moved out for the first time or if they’ve been out of the nest for a while, this is one of those items they definitely need, but probably don’t want to spend their own money on.

These fire extinguishers are a bit fancier than your typical red can so they not only keep your adult kids safe, but they make a statement, too. 

Available in all sorts of different colors, the designs for these range from wine bottles to tomato soup cans, so you’re sure to find one that suits them.

7. High-End Vacuum Cleaner

Everyone could use some help around the house, and most people hate vacuuming. 

Why not give your adult child the best of the best so they can get those chores done as quickly as possible? We think it’s a great idea.

The best part? This high quality Dyson vacuum cleaner is battery-powered and bagless, so there’ll be no pesky cord to mess with. 

With the Motorbar vacuum, they’ll be able to pick up pet hair better than ever before, and cleaning will be a breeze with this functional gift.

8. Movie Night Box

Invite them over for some fun with the entire family with this movie night box! This box comes with everything you’ll need to enjoy a special night with your adult children. 

You can choose different boxes with different price ranges to suit your family’s needs.

At a minimum, you can order a personalized popcorn tub with popcorn provided, and other boxes come with boxes of randomly assorted delicious candies. 

If you’d like, the box can include one or two free Redbox codes, too, so you can sit back and enjoy one of their favorites.

Related: Movie Lover Gift Ideas

9. Smart Home Devices

There are so many smart home devices that can help them stay organized, stay safe, and control different interfaces in their home, so consider buying them one of these nifty gadgets!

For example, the Echo Show can serve as a music player and also can connect to cameras to help them know what’s going on at home.

Smart wi-fi lights, on the other hand, can be controlled with their phone so they can have the perfect mood for every occasion.

And of course the popular ring camera is a great choice to keep them and their family safe. 

10. Their Own Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree would be an excellent gift for your adult child if they’re about to move out, or have just established their own family.

This pre-lit, artificial tree is four feet tall and hypoallergenic, so it will be the perfect pick for their first Christmas in their new living room.

The tree also comes with warm lights, so it’s easy on the eyes. Maybe you could make a day out of decorating it together?

11. My Life So Far Book

Whether they’re into journaling or not, this “My Life Story So Far” journal could present them with a great opportunity to reflect on their life, especially if they’re a young adult. 

After all, if you don’t make the time now, when will it happen? 

This includes 106 pages and 36 photo corners so they can keep their favorite pictures inside the journal. It also contains writing prompts so they’ll have some guidance in reflecting on their life. 

Perfect for Christmas gifts, but these also make great milestone birthday gifts, too! 

12. A Large Box of Candy

If they have a sweet tooth, why not send them a year’s worth of candy instead of just at Christmas? With this 6-pound box full of candy, you can!

This box comes with a large assortment of candy, from sour smarties to cotton candy gumballs, so you know there are plenty of options!

13. Custom Pet Portrait

For the proud fur parents in your life, a personalized, custom pet portrait would make an unforgettable gift.

All you need to do is send the artist a photo of the pet and choose the background color and font in which their name will be written. 

You will receive a JPEG file which you can then print out and frame in whatever dimensions you like! Commemorate their precious pet this Christmas with this meaningful gift.

Related: Best Gifts for Pet Owners

14. Personalized Heart Locket Necklace

A tasteful piece of jewelry is always a thoughtful gift for your adult daughter.

This personalized heart locket necklace can be personalized with her birth flower design on the front, a picture of your choice for her to treasure on the inside, and a special message on the back of the necklace.

A wonderful memento which she can cherish for a long time. 

15. Needed Home Decor & Furniture

If they’re moving out or if they’ve lived alone for a while, they could use some high quality furniture. 

Furniture is such a special gift that can be stewarded and passed down with love.

With sustainable home decór products from The Citizenry, you can ensure that they’re receiving handcrafted furniture items while also supporting craftsmen across the world.

16. Engraved Cutting Boards

Are they cooking on their own for the first time in this season of their life? Then they’ll need a cutting board for slicing and dicing their way to self-sustainability.

This custom bamboo cutting board comes personalized with a beautiful laser engraving of your family name. A great gift idea that is equally practical and pretty.

17. Online Classes

Is your adult child looking for a new hobby?

Buy them a subscription to Udemy, where they can find courses on how to do almost anything under the sun. 

From workplace skills like different coding languages and graphic design, to hobby courses like music or cooking courses, they’ll be sure to find something that strikes their fancy.

18. Silk Pillowcases

A silk pillowcase does more than make your pillow smooth and cool. 

It can also help you avoid getting a bedhead, and the luxurious texture prevents wrinkles over time and keeps the skin hydrated.

19. Spend Time With Them

Perhaps, the best option for a gift this Christmas season would be the gift of quality time with your older children. Things are so busy nowadays that we often don’t take the time to slow down and reconnect.

Make time (a lot of time, if possible) to reconnect with your adult child this Christmas.

You could go out for dinner at their favorite restaurant, go to a favorite childhood haunt, enjoy hot cocoa in the park, spend a weekend at the cabin, or spend the day doing whatever fun hobby they enjoy. 

The possibilities are endless!

20. Fitness Tracker

If they love working out and they don’t have a Fitbit yet, this would be the perfect practical gift. 

A Fitbit includes a clock, tracks their heart rate, stress levels, and calories burned. It can also make texts and phone calls so they don’t have to worry about missing any important contacts when they’re active.

Level up their next workout or run with a Fitbit.

21. Fun Can Koozies

If they’re the quirky kid in the family, these koozies from Puffin Drinkware will make them smile. They look like mini clothes for your drink and are super cute! 

From puffy jackets to Hawaiian shirts, these koozies are a one-of-a-kind Christmas gift.

22. Digital Photo Frame

Stay connected and share your favorite family photos with them via this digital Skylight frame. 

This digital photo frame does more than display pictures: you can also send pictures to your adult children by emailing the email address associated with their Skylight. 

Even if they’ve moved out, you can continue to update them about your new adventures. It’s great for sharing photos during the holiday season and every other day of the year.

23. Instant Coffee

They’re so busy with work nowadays that they probably swear by their morning coffee.

Some premium, sustainable, Vietnamese-style instant coffee from Copper Cow Coffee would hit the spot if they’re in a rush to get out the door in the morning. 

The coffee in these only has natural ingredients, so you know you’re giving them something truly tasty and special. 

24. DIY Aprons

Some of the most meaningful gifts you’ll ever give are the ones you make yourself.

This DIY apron would be a much-appreciated gift to make (or that you could make together!) for your whiz in the kitchen. 

25. Ceramic Teapot

Do they enjoy their afternoon tea? This lovely handmade ceramic teapot can take their afternoon self-care routine up a notch.

Related: Must-Have Gifts for Tea Lovers

26. Whiskey Glasses Set

Give your adult son or daughter a luxurious present with this pair of crystal whiskey glasses from Waterford, a sustainable, Irish craftsmanship company. 

Bring on the next round and elevate their whiskey experience with this perfect Christmas gift. You can both share a fine whiskey in front of the fire this holiday.

27. Ice Cream Subscription

They’ve loved ice cream since they were little, so make sure they always have a pint for when they want to indulge with this monthly ice cream subscription from the E-creamery! 

They’ll get the company’s flavor of the month for however long the subscription lasts (for 3, 6, or 12 months). It may be colder outside, but any time of year is ice cream season.

28. Calendars

Help them get a head start on planning for next year with this quality wall calendar from Pinchoco! 

It includes twin-wire binding and sturdy paper so it’s super durable and will stay on their wall.

Also, consider a DIY option like this one for a more personalized calendar.

29. Cooking Appliances

For your adult child who loves to cook (or struggles to cook), a cooking appliance may be just the thing they need to add some variety to their meal rotation. 

For example, air fryers and instant pots would be great options to help them make delicious food while they’re away. Give the gift of homemade food made easy with these practical gifts.

30. Brass Keychain

For a classy, meaningful, elegant gift option, consider this brass scorpion keychain. It can hold their keys between its claws or function as a necklace. 

Scorpions symbolized protection in ancient Egypt, so this could serve as a symbol of protection over them wherever they go.

31. Personalized Leather Journals

Do they love journaling to unwind? Supply their next one with this personalized journal for Christmas. 

This one features their name on the cover and customizable text under their name so you can give them a special message.

32. DIY Ring Hanger

This ring hanger is another useful DIY gift if you’re into woodworking or learning how to make something new. 

Give them a place to hold their keys and knick-knacks and make their house a home.

33. Classy Tumbler Set

Upgrade their next house party with this fantastic wine bottle and wine tumbler set!

The set features two insulated, dishwasher-safe tumblers and is guaranteed to keep drinks cold. Why not share a drink together this Christmas?

34. Outdoor Gear

If your kids love camping in the great outdoors, give them a crucial tool for their next adventure with this fire-starting gear. 

With this kit, they can start a fire anywhere, even in extreme wet and cold weather. The ferro rods make sparks, and the steel striker can be used as a bottle opener and a wrench. 

They’ll be ready for whatever nature throws at them with this kit.

35. Man Crates

Instead of the traditional Christmas sweets, give your adult son something fun and manly to snack on in the new year instead with this Primal Hunger Crate from Man Crates.

This crate features different kinds of jerky, butter toffee almonds, and chili citrus cashews. It’s sure to satiate his hunger when he needs a snack.

36. Tree Planted in Their Name

If you and your kids like traveling through the great outdoors, have a tree planted in their name so you can travel to it one day.

This company, Trees for a Change, plants trees in specific national forests in need across the US. 

This unique gift won’t fade away and can provide an excellent opportunity for your next unforgettable family road trip.

37. Reading Book Nook

If their reading time is their favorite part of the day, then this nifty wooden book nook can make it even better. 

The wooden book holder has a triangle form to prop an open book, along with a slot for their favorite drink, and even a spot for their readers or pens!

With this handy gift, they’ll be able to relax and read like never before.

Related: Best Gifts for Book Readers

38. Outdoor Fire Pits

This stainless steel bonfire fire pit would be a useful thing to have for their next outdoor gathering. 

They can use this in their backyard, at the beach, or wherever they are in the great outdoors. It also contains an ash pan for easy cleaning.

39. Cocktail Kits

If they’re an aspiring mixologist then the gift of this specialty cocktail kit will give them the tools they need to whip up a few cocktails for family and friends. 

BYOB and let them use the recipes, syrups, bitters, and garnishes to make their favorite drinks or discover some new ones.

40. Luxurious Knife Set

They’ll never have to buy new knives again with this three-piece set of stainless steel, high-carbon knives. 

Make sure they have the very best when they start slicing and dicing in their own place.

They’ll also love these ideas:

• Gift Cards (to a favorite restaurant, clothing store, coffee shop, etc.)
• Photo Session with a portrait photographer
• Virtual Reality Headsets
• Concert or Theater Tickets
• Streaming Service Subscription
• Legos (there are plenty of sets for adults!)
• Purses or Bags
• Luxurious Writing Pens
• Wall Mounted Wooden Travel Maps
• Hobby Supplies
• Board Games
• Card Games
• Books
• Water Tumblers
• Cozy Slippers
• E-Readers
• Brewing Kits
• Record Player
• Adventure Challenge Couple’s Date Night Book
• Coffee Table Books
• Car Detailing Service
• Fitness Equipment
• Concert Tickets (They’ll love this for date nights)
• Polaroid Cameras
• Noise-Canceling Headphones
• High-Quality Luggage
• Grooming Kits
• Massagers
• Calligraphy Writing Kit
• Coffee Subscription
• Wine
• Craft Beers
• Niche Bourbons
• Silk Sleep Masks
• Gift Baskets for Movie Nights
• Wallets
• Jigsaw Puzzle
• Press On Nails
• High-Quality Clothes
• Plant Pots
• Candles
• Watches
• Photo Albums
• Keepsake Boxes
• Rugs
• Toaster Oven
• Essential Oil Diffuser
• Stress Balls
• Spa Day Gift Card
• Video Games
• Coffee Makers & Accessories
• Tea Brewing Accessories
• TV Surround Sound Systems
• Gift Certificate for an Experience Gift
• Personalized Kitchen Towels
• Luxury Sheets
• Tote Bags
• Music Boxes
• Practical Tools
• Trinket Dishes
• Skin Care Face Masks
• Electric Wine Opener
• Heirloom Chess Set
• Desk Organizers
• Humidifiers
• Watch Box