by Katherine Elzer-Peters

Created on: January 30, 2008

Exciting gifts for twenty-somethings abound in every corner of the shopping mall and every site on the internet. How your gift is received-with shouts of glee, or with a contempt-barely-hidden, less than hearty "Thanks," depends on the giver's knowledge and ingenuity. Many in their 20s are just starting out in careers, relationships, and the "adult world." Struggling with bills, responding to lackluster romantic partners and juggling work and a social life are all plagues of the age. The best, and most well received gifts transport recipients of this age swiftly away from these concerns, if only for a moment.

Gifts of Experience

Gifts of Experience is not a code word for "unsolicited advice." A true gift of experience is a gift that involves doing, seeing and experiencing something new. Right out of school, or still slogging through, a twenty-something probably cannot afford an interesting vacation. If within your means, give an all-inclusive trip to somewhere your recipient has always wanted to go. The accommodations, food and travel arrangements need not be glamorous, but must be adequate to promote relaxation and adventure. A break from everyday life, without having to max out their own credit cards is truly an exciting gift.

Gifts of Luxury

Again, unless your recipient has recently won the lottery or has a highly lucrative job at an extremely young age, there are probably items your recipient lusts for, but is realistically unable to afford. A swanky purse, the newest video game console, beautiful shoes, or a gift card to the local mall come to mind. Any gift of luxury, as long as it corresponds to the recipient's taste, will liven up their possibly dull day to day experience.

Gifts of Originality

If money is an issue in gift giving, give your recipient something you created. A photo album (created online, printed and sent to the recipient) of your recent year of fun together will be treasured forever. If you are a great cook, and your friend is not, invite her over for a scrumptious meal.

Gifts of Time

If you are a twenty-something's boss, they would probably love nothing more than a paid vacation day, without guilt. Getting used to a new, routine schedule of long days is rough on the post-college body. A paid vacation day, or days is worth more than a raise to some people.

The above examples are just a few ideas for exciting gifts for twenty-somethings. When giving a gift, the reaction of the recipient will hinge on how well the gift is tailored to him. A generic gift card might be swell, but isn't "Exciting." Think about your friend/daughter/son/ niece/subordinate, and give the person something uniquely suited for his or her own personality. You will be rewarded with joy and thanks, which is a gift to yourself, as well.

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