In the United Kingdom, the 21st Birthday is considered to be very special. In the past, the 21st Birthday was the age at which a young person is considered to have fully become an adult and they would be given a front door key to the family home. This is often why you will see lots of cards and mementos for celebrating the 21st birthday featuring small silver keys.

In the UK, the 21st Birthday, and to a greater extent these days the 18th Birthday, are considered the traditional ‘coming of age’ birthdays. To a less extent, some people are making the 16th birthday more important, and in the Jewish faith, boys come of age at 13 and girls come of age at only 12. Whatever age the important person in your life has reached, make it a distinctive occasion for them with a great gift.

Of course, with it being a particularly special birthday for many people, buying a very special 21st birthday gift can be nightmarish. Parents, family and friends wrack their brains thinking of a unique and distinct way to celebrate the occasion. Some parents still buy their son or daughter a car, but the most common way to celebrate the occasion is by throwing a big party. Obviously, some people want none of the above, and simply opt for a nice meal together with close friends or family.

The aim of the 21st birthday present is to remind the recipient how special they are to you, but also serves as a keepsake, something to remember for years to come. A family meal or party are very nice occasions, but nothing is quite as good for looking back on in ten years time, than a special personal gift that they received from you.

For those of us whose budget does not run to thousands, and who can’t afford to buy the 21st birthday boy or girl a car, or some other luxury item, here are some suggestions for fantastic little gifts that will make them smile and give them something lovely to remember:

FOR HIM:

• For his 21st birthday, why not make him Captain of his own boat? No, don’t go splashing out on a yacht just yet. Give him a bath time FM radio that’s shaped like a big yellow submarine.
• For something a little more meaningful, Hinz and Kunst of Germany, hand make their Nuts and Bolts Metal Men, there’s bound to be a figure within their collection that reminds you of the birthday boy at any age!

FOR HER:

• Everyone loves the little grey, blue-nosed Me to You Bears. You can’t go wrong with one of these to let your friend or loved one know how you feel.
• Help her save some money for a car or house of her own. Give her a posh pig. These colourfully decorated pigs are strikingly eye catching but also function as a piggy bank! What could be better than a gift that makes her money for her important birthday!

If you need ideas for gifts for a 21st birthday boy or girl, All Things Gifts has the widest selection of unique gifts around. Why not browse our pages until you find just the right gift for your friend or loved one. There are hundreds of gift ideas available for the birthday boy or girl on the special 21st birthday.