Whether she’s in college or not, your 19-year-old is likely living on her own for the first time. With this new stage in her life come many new needs and wants. But hey, that makes shopping for her really easy!
Toys are a thing of the past for this age group, unless you consider all of the electronics we use, which are basically toys for adults. New living arrangements mean new decor items, providing an opportunity for her to express her individuality and unique style. As she goes out into the world, she’ll want new accessories that either make her feel confident or make her life easier. She’ll also need to make sure she makes time for herself with the best health and beauty items out there. And finally, she’ll want to take the time to relax, have fun, and enjoy some leisure time.
Things to Consider Before You Buy
As a girl transitions from a teenager to a young adult, many things are changing for her. The fluid nature of her life can make it feel daunting to select gifts for her, but asking the following questions about each potential gift can help guide you to the perfect one.
Is it her style? Remember that it doesn’t matter if you like something if she doesn’t. If she’s more of a tomboy, perhaps something pink, glittery, and frilly is not her speed. Try to pin down her style before you shop. Is she traditional? Modern? Trendy? Minimalist? Knowing the answer will make the difference between giving her something she’ll use and giving her something she’ll store under her bed when you aren’t around.
Does she have room for it? If she’s moving into her own space, it’s not likely to be a large one. So even if she would love it, an item that physically won’t fit or will make her space cluttered should definitely be avoided.
Is it too young for her? Too old? During this transitional age, many young adults are caught between acting too young and trying to be too old. As is often the case, the sweet spot is somewhere in the middle. Look at every potential purchase with a critical eye to make sure that it straddles the line between childish and old. You want the gift you give to last for a long time without her outgrowing it, but it also can’t be something she won’t be able to use for a few years.
Once you have a sense of the direction you’d like to head in, check out the following items. They’re guaranteed to cover many of the bases for the 19-year-old girl in your life, wherever she may be and whatever she may be doing.
25 Gifts A 19-Year-Old Girl Will Love
Product | Features |
---|---|
Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera Kit | |
Acer Aspire 5 A515-55-75NC | |
Apple AirPods | |
Beats Solo Pro Noise Cancelling Headphones | |
INSMY Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker | |
INSTAX SHARE Smart Photo Printer | |
Letsfit Fitness Tracker | |
Cooluli Mini Fridge and Warmer | |
LED Photo String Lights | |
iHome Bluetooth Clock Radio | |
Realer Faux Leather Hobo Purse | |
Inverted Umbrella | |
KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm | |
Syhood Faux Leather Belts | |
Bed Head A-Wave-We-Go Adjustable Waver | |
Utilyze Electric Manicure & Pedicure Set | |
Hydro Flask Water Bottle | |
PIXNOR Facial Cleansing Brush | |
Dead Sea Mud Mask | |
YnM Weighted Blanket | |
AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger | |
Amazon Prime Membership | |
Code Names Game | |
BalanceFrom Yoga Mat | |
Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up |
Electronic Gifts
1. Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera Kit
This is an exciting new time in life for a young woman, and documenting all her new adventures is important. A great digital camera can not only help her preserve her memories, but it can also help begin a new hobby. Complete with all the bells and whistles, this camera has everything a young woman needs in a camera. It’s also easy to use, so you don’t have to worry about her being overwhelmed trying to figure it out.
With two lenses and autofocus, the Nikon D3500 is perfect to shoot all different sorts of photos. It’s great for still shots, action pics, and video. The 1080/60p video can capture all the awaiting activities. Time-lapse and slow motion capabilities make videos even better!
Photos can be automatically transferred to a phone or tablet, and cloud storage makes it easy to keep all photos and videos organized.
2. Acer Aspire 5 A515-55-75NC
Most colleges now require laptops for every student. This highly rated computer has everything a college student or young working adult will need. The Acer Aspire 5 contains a powerful 10th generation Intel core processor and super fast 512 GB solid-state drive. A 8GB DDR4 memory means she can watch videos or play games with no problems. A 15.6″ full HD widescreen with LED backlight makes it easy to see and enjoy using.
The HD webcam is great for video conferencing or just interacting with friends and family. An 8-hour battery life means this laptop for teens can be used on the go. It is thin and light so transporting it is easy. And the computer is secured by a fingerprint reader. This is sure to be a favorite gift!
3. Apple AirPods with Wireless Charging Case
What young lady doesn’t like listening to her favorite tunes? On the go or while studying, she will love listening to her music with these Apple AirPods. They are comfortable and easy to use! When removed from the charger, the earbuds automatically turn on and connect to the paired device.
As you would expect with Apple, AirPods have excellent sound quality. A 24-hour battery life provides up to 5 hours of listening time with each charge. Be aware that Apple AirPods can only be used with iOS (Apple) devices, so make sure the young lady you are buying for has one of these devices before purchasing AirPods.
4. Beats Solo Pro Noise Cancelling Headphones
Let’s be honest: apartment living and dorm life is loud and chaotic. Your girl will need to find a good way to escape the noise so she can focus. A good pair of noise cancelling headphones makes it possible to study or work even in the midst of distractions.
These Beats Solo Pro Noise Cancelling Headphones are just the right option. Choose to listen to music or just have silence. Either way, these headphones will filter out the background noise. The come in 6 colors and are water and sweat resistant, so they can even be used during a workout.
Compatible with iOS and Android, these headphones are wireless, making them convenient and easy to use. They have a 22-hour battery life and 3 listening modes. Noise cancelling mutes background sound. The Transparency mode filters out some of the noise but still allows you to hear a bit of what’s going on around you. The Extended power mode doesn’t filter the sound, but it does extended the battery life to 40 hours. If you need a quick battery boost, the Fast Fuel option takes 10 minutes and gives up to 3 hours of battery life.
5. INSMY Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Singing in the shower is a time-honored tradition. And with this waterproof bluetooth speaker, vocalists can now have background music to accompany them! This circular speaker measures just under 4″ in diameter, making it perfectly portable. A suction cup on the back allows it to stick to tile or mirrors, or it can be hung by the included lanyard.
Best of all, this speaker is completely waterproof, making it ideal for showering but also hiking, camping, boating, kayaking, and swimming. It can actually be immersed in water as deep as three feet for up to 30 minutes. Bluetooth-enabled devices can connect to the speaker from 66 unobstructed feet away, and it comes with a rechargeable battery that will last for 12 hours at 70% volume.
In addition to sending sound out, this speaker also receives sound through a small microphone to enable hands-free calling. That’s multitasking at its finest.
6. Fujifilm INSTAX SHARE SP-2 Smart Phone Printer
We could all probably be better about actually printing our photos, and this little device makes it easy to do so. In a way similar to the Polaroid photos of old, this printer uses laser exposure technology to print photos from a smartphone in just 10 seconds. It’s compact–just 7.12″ by 5″ by 3″–but it prints 320 dpi high-resolution images with print pixels of 800 by 600.
In addition to being able to print photos from a person’s phone, this printer can also print images from Instagram or Facebook. If photos need editing before being printed, the free app that communicates with the printer lets you darken or lighten images before printing. The printer comes with a rechargeable battery and micro USB cord and is available in either silver or gold.
Bonus: This would be a great combination gift with the photo string lights described below. Check them out!
7. Letsfit Fitness Tracker
These days it seems like everyone has or wants a fitness tracker. This one from Letsfit tracks all of the usual categories, including steps taken, calories burned, mileage traveled, and sleep quality. The data is then transmitted to the VeryFitPro app. The tracker can also control your music apps as well as receive text messages and notifications from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more.
This tracker comes in several colors and is sweat-proof and waterproof. Its full-color touchscreen measures 1.3″ across, and its battery can last for up to 10 days on a single charge.
Decor Gifts
8. Cooluli Mini Fridge and Warmer
In addition to being super cute, this little refrigerator is very practical. At 7.25″ wide, 10.75″ tall, and 10.25″ deep, it fits perfectly into small places, like a dorm room or small apartment bedroom. Whether your daughter is using it to store drinks, snacks, skincare products, or medications that need to remain cold, she’ll love the versatility of this mini fridge’s storage options. It has both a removable shelf and a small in-the-door basket to accommodate different sized items. Additionally, the fridge can actually be used as a warmer instead, should your teenager find a need for that.
This fridge is designed to be portable for added convenience, so it has an inset handle on the top and weighs just four pounds when empty. It also comes with both AC and DC power cords, allowing it to be used indoors or outdoors. Wherever it gets used, it boasts a very quiet and environmentally friendly operation. You can buy it in black, blue, pink, fuschia, red, white, or–my personal favorite–cow print.
9. LED Photo String Lights
Decorations are key for a new space, and these photo-holding string lights are the perfect combination of youthful and classy. They come in all different lengths, from 7.2 feet to 33 feet, and you can choose either white or multicolored lights to fit the girl’s style and other decor choices. The cable itself is transparent, as are the clothespin-style clips that hold the photos. The clips contain LED light bulbs, which serve to not only illuminate the photos they are holding but also provide a soft, romantic light to the room.
The whole thing is battery powered, which allows it to be easily taken outside to set the mood for a relaxed evening with friends, a dinner party, or even a date (that is, if she’s allowed to date before she’s 25). The lights have eight different modes–steady on, twinkle/flash, slow fade, chasing/flash, slo glo, in wave, sequential, and combination. A remote is included for changing the settings and turning the lights on and off with ease. Photos from an instant camera fit perfectly on these string lights, though any photos would work.
10. iHome Bluetooth Clock Radio
Without Mom and Dad around to make sure she gets out of bed on time, every 19-year-old girl needs a good, solid alarm clock. But “good” and “solid” don’t have to mean “boring,” and this iHome clock is anything but! First off, it has five color options and and six wake-up color modes that include different combinations of pink, yellow, green, and blue. Your girl can set the color to fit her mood or the time of day. Or, if she’s not feeling colorful, she can turn the color setting off completely.
In addition to functioning as an alarm clock, this baby uses Bluetooth technology to perform all kinds of different jobs. It can stream music wirelessly from any paired device as well as be used to answer phone calls, with the aid of its built-in microphone. An FM radio with six available presets is also included, and on-board controls allow for skipping tracks, changing stations, or adjusting the volume.
While the clock has built-in alarm tones to choose from, you can also wake up to the radio or to a song found on a paired device. A dual alarm feature even makes it possible to set two different alarms at once. And finally, a built-in USB charging port allows for overnight charging of a phone, tablet, or other device.
Accessories
11. Realer Faux Leather Hobo Purse
I’ve heard it said that a woman can’t have too many purses, in which case this one would make a particularly excellent gift. Its versatile design allows it be carried as an over-the-shoulder purse using its short handle or as a cross-body bag using the removable long shoulder strap. Its large size (15.2″ long, 5.1″ wide, and 13″ tall) accommodates nearly anything a 19-year-old girl might need, and its six pockets help keep everything organized. The entire thing zips closed at the top to keep items from spilling out.
Made from quality faux leather that is both water- and fade-resistant, this purse comes in 17 different shades and can also be purchased in a slightly smaller size if preferred. With its subtle metal hardware and hanging tassle details, it’s every bit as stylish and beautiful as a designer purse but at a fraction of the cost.
12. Inverted Umbrella
Every adult needs a good umbrella, and an umbrella that is functional and fashionable is even better. This inverted umbrella folds the opposite way of a normal umbrella so all the water stays on the inside, keeping the user dry when folding it up. Additionally, the C-shaped handle can go around the user’s wrist so hands can be free for other things.
Waterproof, windproof, and UV-protectant, this umbrella for college students is a great option. The quality is excellent, and the umbrella stands up on its own when it’s closed. Best of all, there are dozens of fun prints to choose from.
13. KOSIN Safe Sound Personal Alarm
While it may not be a fun and exciting gift, this emergency alarm can provide an ever-important sense of security, both for you and the girl in question. No woman should have to feel afraid when she is out by herself at night! When triggered, this alarm makes a painfully loud sound that can be heard from as far as 600 feet away and can last for 40 minutes.
The alarm is small, so it can easily fit on a ring with a person’s keys. It also has an LED light, allowing it to be used as a flashlight. To prevent damage caused from falling, being crushed, or experiencing high temperatures, it is constructed from durable ABS plastic, and its batteries can last for a whole year before they may need to be replaced.
14. Syhood Faux Leather Belts
Sometimes the best present for a teenage girl is something simple and pretty. Perfectly enough, these faux leather belts are both. But even in their simplicity, these accessories lend a subtle elegance to any outfit. Double O ring buckles add a classy touch. They are also versatile enough to be worn with dresses, jeans, or dress pants and in any season.
Each package includes two polyurethane leather belts in different color combinations–black and white, black and brown, black and khaki, black and leopard, and double black. The belts run a bit small, so be aware of that when selecting a size. When in doubt, too big is always better than too small!
Health and Beauty
15. Bed Head A-Wave-We-Go Adjustable Waver
The wavy beach hair look is as popular as ever, and it seems there are a million different ways to achieve it. This waver iron from Bed Head is very popular because it creates a variety of looks and waves that last for days. Its adjustable barrel plates are controlled by an easy-to-use dial, allowing users to achieve different levels of wave all over their heads, from tight and defined to loose and touseled.
Designed with tourmaline ceramic technology to reduce frizz and increase shine, this iron reaches a high heat of 400 degrees but has multiple heat settings. And, like all good hair irons, it has an auto-off function to keep people from accidentally burning their houses down. Lastly, a 6-foot swivel cord and dual voltage feature allow it to be used in a variety of settings and even in different countries.
16. Utilyze Electric Manicure & Pedicure Set
Every woman deserves to feel confident in her appearance, and having excellent fingernails and toenails is a great place to start. This electric manicure and pedicure set gives the results of a professional salon without the price tag. You can give your favorite young lady the nails she wants without her having to keep paying for the service.
This 10-in-1 set will buff, file, shape, shape and shine. It also trims cuticles and removes callouses. With a 10-speed motor, this machine allows the user to be comfortable and happy with the result. An LED light helps to highlight each area, making it easier to get just the right finish. The carrying case makes traveling with this set easy.
The 100-240V AC adapter means you don’t have to worry about batteries and gives consistent power. Any girl will love this manicure set.
17. Hydro Flask Water Bottle
Every young lady needs a great water bottle, so why not get her the best? The Hydro Flask is a very popular option and for good reason. This insulated water bottle for teens comes in 10 different colors. It’s great for keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold. Your girl could even use it for lunch–pour in a smoothie or some soup and she’s good to go.
Cleaning is easy, as it’s dishwasher safe. The coating doesn’t sweat so it won’t get a purse or backpack wet. It’s BPA-free and phthalate-free. Available in 32 ounce or 40 ounce sizes, it’s perfect for taking to school, work, or wherever else a young lady wants to go.
18. PIXNOR Facial Cleansing Brush
The world can be pretty harsh on our skin, so having a good skincare routine is very important. There are a ridiculous number of products on the market, and they all seem to do different things. It’s impossible to have one of everything (Who has the storage space for that?), so an all-in-one item like this system from PIXNOR is the perfect solution.
Designed to be waterproof for use in the shower or bath, this handheld device has seven different brush heads, each with its own function. There is a sponge head for removing makeup, a soft brush for general cleaning, a coarse brush for deep pore cleansing, an ultra-fine brush for exfoliation, a polish accessory for smoothing rough skin, a pumice stone for removing calluses from the feet and elbows, and a rolling massage head to increase circulation.
This cleansing brush has both high and low speeds and is safe for sensitive skin. Users report visibly brighter and more even skin, with reduced acne and less visible pores. Where was this thing when I was a teenager?
19. Dead Sea Mud Mask
Every girl deserves some pampering now and then, and a mud mask is a classic pampering technique. This particular mask is made with natural dead sea mud, which is full of minerals and salts that are proven to provide deep pore cleansing as well as detoxify and revitalize skin to decrease acne and protect skin against the effects of aging.
Users report that a little of the product goes a long way, allowing for a good number of uses per jar. (I sense some spa-themed girls nights on the horizon!) Reviewers also boast of the mask’s ability to reduce redness, remove blackheads, and leave behind firmer, smoother skin. It even smells good, making its use both an effective and enjoyable experience.
Unique Leisure Gifts
20. YnM Weighted Blanket
Young adults and college students are notorious for not getting enough sleep. While a weighted blanket can’t increase the hours of rest, it can improve the quality of sleep. Weighted blankets have been shown to have a calming effect and help people fall asleep faster.
The YnM Weighted Blanket is made of quality glass beads and cotton material. Its 7 layer structure and excellent stitching make this a high quality product. It comes in 28 different colors and patterns. YnM also has duvet covers for weighted blankets, which are sold separately.
To know what weight is right, take 10% of body weight and add 1 pound. For example, a 140 pound woman would need a 15-pound weighted blanket. If you know anyone who has used a weighted blanket, odds are they will recommend it!
21. AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger
Real furniture is expensive, heavy, and hard to move around. This inflatable lounger is a great alternative and can be used anywhere. Use it in a dorm room, on the beach, at a tailgate party, or anywhere else! It’s great for stretching out on or sharing with someone else.
Inflating the lounger is easy; no pump is needed. Simply scoop the material through the air and it fills up. It sounds too good to be true, but trust me, it works! This popular inflatable couch folds up small and is easy to transport.
Available in 10 different colors and able to hold up to 400 pounds, this is a great solution to a lack of furniture. It has a built in headrest as well as mesh pockets. An included stake can be used to secure the lounger when used outside.
22. Amazon Prime Membership
Seriously, who doesn’t want an Amazon Prime membership? You really can’t beat the convenience of shopping online at any time of day and in nearly any place, with reviews to inform your decisions, and receiving your items on your doorstep in just a few days. In addition to providing fast and free shipping of thousands of items, a Prime membership opens the door to special shopping deals and provides access to music, movies, television shows, and books.
Amazon Prime also includes free grocery delivery, a try-before-you-buy wardrobe program, and an assortment of discounted rates for other programs and benefits. While the cost of a membership is fairly low–$12.99 per month or $119 per year–even small, non-essential costs are often too much for college-aged kids. So if they can have the benefits of Prime but not have to pay for it themselves? Win-win.
23. Code Names
My husband and I are major game players, and this is one of our favorites for when company comes over. Designed for two to eight players, this word association game provides great opportunities for social interaction and brain exercise in a short (15 minutes or so) game playing time.
According to the game designers, the premise of the game is this: “Two rival spymasters know the secret identities of 25 agents. Their teammates know the agents only by their codenames. The teams compete to see who can make contact with all of their agents first. Spymasters give one-word clues that can point to multiple words on the table. Their teammates try to guess words of their color while avoiding those that belong to the opposing team. And everyone wants to avoid the assassin.”
The game is simple and easy to learn, but playing it well involves an understanding of nuance–and the minds of the people you’re playing with–resulting in an engaging game that is perfect for the young adult crowd.
24. BalanceFrom Yoga Mat
Nothing relieves stress and improves focus like yoga, and anyone who has moved away from home knows how much stress comes from learning independence! Your girl will love having a portable yoga mat to use in her apartment or at the gym. This mat measures 71″ long and 24″ wide and is 1/2″ thick. It comes in 6 fun colors.
The included strap makes it easy to carry the mat anywhere. And it’s easy to keep the mat clean by simply wiping it down with soap and water. A 2-year warranty assures that this mat will be just what you’re looking for!
25. Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 535 Easy(ish) Steps
If your daughter enjoys reading–and honestly, even if she doesn’t–this fun yet informative book would make a great gift as she sets out on her own. Based on the author’s popular blog, this easy read contains a wealth of information that all adults-in-training should know, such as finding an honest mechanic, what things to look out for when searching for a new apartment, and how to properly stock a kitchen with what you really need.
The style of writing is light and conversational, like reading advice from a close friend. It deals with both the practical and the personal, giving tips on how to navigate both professional and personal relationships, effectively network, console someone who is grieving, and manage finances. It also offers the very tongue-in-cheek advice to never put a taco in your purse. So yeah, it doesn’t take itself too seriously.