MoneyMagpie Editor and financial expert Vicky Parry shares her picks for long-lasting gifts perfect for new adults this Christmas
Christmas is a great time of year to help new adults set themselves up for life.
Buying gifts that are an investment will save them money in the long-term, and you can be satisfied that they will use it for years and years to come.
Gifts that last a lifetime don’t have to cost the earth, either. Remember to check out the money-saving tips at the end to get luxury presents on a budget.
World travel gifts
Whether they’re fresh out of university or going on a gap year, or even newly-engaged and planning a honeymoon, travel is an exciting part of your twenties. But it can quickly get expensive!
One of the best things you can give someone who is an avid traveller is a set of luggage that will last a lifetime. The Gomatic Method Luggage is incredibly light yet strong, and has a huge interior space even in the cabin bag, and like their backpacks, comes with a lifetime warranty for repairs on manufacturing issues (such as zip replacements).
For those wanting to travel the world longer term, consider gifting an Interrail ticket or vouchers for an airline so they can go on the trip of a lifetime. Many young adults want to work while they travel as digital nomads, which is where the Nighthawk M7 Pro comes in handy, providing reliable internet anywhere in the world.
Day-to-day travel gifts
Perhaps you want to help a loved one travel around more easily on the day-to-day. Jorvik Tricycles electric tricycles offer a stable and reliable way to get around, even for those with mobility issues. A monthly payment plan makes them very affordable (and they are VAT-free if purchased for someone with a disability).
You could also always gift someone Uber vouchers for taxis home, or a season ticket for the train to work. Or, if they need to learn to drive, invest in their first block of lessons to get them started.
For those with little ones in the family, a SmarTrike Ride On is an ideal gift that grows with them, designed for ages 12 months to 12 years – it’s the only scooter they’ll ever need!
Furniture and homeware gifts
As young adults set up their first home, it’s easy to go for the cheapest option of everything. But this is where ‘buy cheap, buy twice’ is often seen, with cheap homewares breaking after a season of use. This ends up costing them a lot more in the long term.
Buying gifts that will last a long time can save money for the recipient for years to come, and also helps them take pride in their home space no matter their budget. The Adjustable Honey Foam Pillow from the Fine Bedding Company is perfect for a long-lasting gift that can go with them to every new home, and the adjustable filling means it’s always just right whether they prefer something soft or more supportive.
The Hug Rug Eco Washable rug is another example of a long-lasting homeware that will spruce up any home space. It’s made in Britain from recycled materials and is machine washable at 30 degrees, available in a range of beautiful patterns and sizes.
For something that will last seemingly forever and provide comfort in any home, the Ultra Rise and Recliner chair by Fenetic Wellbeing is an ideal luxury gift to set up a new adult in their first home. It has multiple motors for a truly customised recline, a heated seat to save on central heating costs in winter, and a massage function. And it’s VAT-free if it’s for someone with a disability, such as someone with chronic fatigue, or back pain that makes it hard to stand out of a chair.
Finally, for a gift that they can fit into any room, consider gifting a projector. The Dangbei Atom is perfect for home use, with a crisp image and great sound, with a screen size up to 180 inches. It’s plug-and-play, with 3D readiness, and built-in apps such as Netflix. Unlike a TV screen, which might not fit in every space, a projector is an ideal solution.
Kitchenware and gadgets
Long-lasting kitchenware and gadgets are ideal for those learning to cook or who need to equip their first home. It’s hard to go wrong with gifts like the Tefal XXL Dual Drawer Air Fryer, with the largest cooking space available on the market, which comes with a 15-year repair warranty.
Or, sticking with Tefal, the Ingenio pan set will fit in any kitchen cupboard and comes with a non-stick action suitable for every hob type. It’s affordable and durable, and comes in a range of colours and options.
For something that they’ll get joy from using every day, visit the Japanese Knife Company. The superior quality is noticeable with these knives, and they will last a lifetime – especially if paired with the Tormek Knife Sharpener to keep them sharp over the years.
Serious cooks or those who love the outdoors will make the most of a Weber E235-W gas BBQ which comes with a 12-year repair warranty and is perfect for cooking on all year around thanks to the gas connection for instant heat.
For a smaller, but no less lasting, gift, the new Smol aluminum refillable bottles are brilliant plastic-free way to use household cleaning products. Package them up with a bunch of Smol products for the perfect new-home gift.
Experience and education gifts
Sometimes, a gift is more than a physical thing. From creating memories by buying theatre gift vouchers from London Theatre Direct or taking a cookery class together, time invested is just as important as physical gifts. You could also gift a few nights’ accommodation at a hotel like the Radisson Blu to make it a mini holiday.
Gifting an annual subscription to an online course such as BBC Maestro or Masterclass gives them a whole year to learn new things. Or, a membership to creative networks like Jericho Writers, Writers HQ, or guilds like the Royal Photographic Society can be incredibly valuable and appreciated by those who want to develop their skills.
You could also consider annual or even lifetime memberships to the National Trust or English Heritage, or a National Art Pass, or a Merlin Pass – something that gives free or discounted entry to places, venues, or attractions that you know they will revisit time and again for memories with you, their families, and friends.
Finally, consider gift vouchers for subscriptions like Readly to give them access to newspapers and magazines at their fingertips, or a subscription to their favourite print magazine to have the treat of something arriving regularly in the post.
Save money on luxury gifts tips
Many of these gifts are on the higher end of most people’s budgets – but they are the kind of present you give once, to last a lifetime (or at least many years). However, there are some quick ways to make sure you’re saving money when buying luxury gifts.
- Find out if you’re eligible for discount schemes like Boundless
- Use cashback websites to earn a small percentage of purchases back
- Search for online discount codes before you buy
- Sign up to newsletters to make sure you don’t miss deals
- Use websites like Brand Alley and Secret Sales for big discounts
- Club together with friends and family for big gifts.
Lifetime gifts are something that the recipient will always think of you when they use it. But make sure you don’t put yourself into debt to get it – there are always other ways you can celebrate Christmas without breaking the bank if things are tight.
For example, it’s easy to get nearly-new tech products and gadgets from CEX, which are in perfect condition just a lot cheaper.
- Some of the brands and websites we mention may be, or may have been, a partner of MoneyMagpie.com . However, we only ever mention brands we believe in and trust, so it never influences who we prioritise and link to.
