There's no birthday quite like the big 3-0. You're entering a different phase of adulthood, you're solidifying your sense of self, you're developing new and exciting forms of back pain… it's a big deal. So when a loved one is celebrating this momentous occasion, getting them the right gift is essential. Make sure it's something that says, "You're both youthful and mature."
This is an excellent birthday for "upgrade" gifts, or the fancy version of something they already love. If they've gotten really into wine, for example, luxurious new glassware may be in order. Or if they love to read on vacation but struggle to fit multiple books in their carry-on, consider gifting them a lightweight Kindle Paperwhite.
On the other hand, a 30th birthday can also be a good moment to gift something fun and novel. Turning 30 can feel like a lot of pressure, but it's not like people in their thirties are banned from enjoying themselves. (Just look at Jennifer Garner in 13 Going on 30!) If your soon-to-be 30-year-old is stressing too much about entering a new decade of their life, maybe just get them a Tamagotchi or something. They are, after all, still incredibly young.
Here are our picks for the best 30th birthday gifts.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd gen)
For the Apple Stan: With active noise cancellation, great battery life, and a famously comfortable fit, the second edition of the AirPods Pro make an excellent gift for anyone who just can't play the wired earbuds game anymore — no matter how cool it looks.
Shark FlexStyle
For the Revlon One-Step Devotee: Is their Revlon One-Step basically attached to their arm at this point? Gift them an upgrade. If you're not prepared to splurge on a Dyson Airwrap, the Shark FlexStyle is just as magical. Reporter Bethany Allard named this high-tech hair tool the best Airwrap alternative because of its value, quality results, and the fact that it preserves hair health more effectively than traditional heat tools.
Canopy Humidifier
For the Design-Minded: We're not sure a humidifier can be elegant, per se, but Canopy's definitely comes the closest. (In our opinion, this pushes it into "giftable" territory.) It's also dishwasher-safe — and if you've ever cleaned a humidifier by hand before, you know how major that is.
Hallmark Refillable Address Book
For the busy bee: This classic, understated address book also includes sections for important dates, space for passwords (though we don't necessarily recommend keeping those here), and even extra pages if they run out of space. Plus, its pretty gold details will class up their utilitarian standing desk.
Petitfee Gold & Snail Hydrogel Eye Patches
For the Skincare Expert: If you want to give skincare as a gift, opt for something a little novel. Why? 30-year-olds have probably got their core routine already locked in. These gold hydrogel patches fit the bill — they're fun, bright, and look cute in photos.
Le Creuset Stoneware Tea Bag Holder
For the Frugal Friend: If the 30-year-old in your life doesn't treat themselves often, consider gifting them something a little impractical. Is $25 for an object that only holds tea bags a little wild? Sure. But that's exactly what makes it a great gift. Plus, they could also use it as a little spoon rest.
MSRP: $25
Delsey Paris Helium Aero Carry-On Suitcase
For the World Traveler: Mashable's pick for the best spinner, this suitcase is roomy, durable, and affordable. (It often dips below $100 on sale). It's also very pretty and shiny, which means you're essentially giving them the gift of globetrotting in style.
MSRP: $159.99
Kindle Paperwhite
For the Reader: Bookworms with burgeoning back problems — especially those who like to carry multiple books at once — will appreciate a transition to the Kindle lifestyle. This beloved e-reader is ultra-lightweight and has an anti-glare, waterproof screen for reading in the sunshine or by the pool.
MSRP: $149.99
iRobot Roomba j7
For the Overextended Friend: Sometimes the best gift you can give is checking something off their to-do list. If vacuuming their apartment doesn't exactly bring them joy, snag them a Roomba to make their life a little easier. This model is a solid pick for pretty much anyone — and it's been on sale for under $300 for quite some time.
Set of 4 Martini Glasses
For the Martini Drinker: The mark of a true 30-year-old: owning separate glassware for different cocktails. Help them out in the martini department with this modern set of cocktail glasses. They'll also be able to use them for Manhattans, Cosmos, and more. Tip: Pair this set with a bottle of their favorite spirits for an extra-special moment.
Ember Mug 2
For the Coffee Drinker: If they like having coffee around at all times (relatable), ensure it stays warm throughout the day with an Ember Mug. They can set their optimal temperature with the Ember app, but the mug functions independently from the app, too — it even "wakes up" when it detects your favorite hot beverage being poured.
Piecework Puzzle (500 Pieces)
For the Professional Hobbyist: Piecework's lush, lively puzzles come in plenty of fun editions, but we particularly like the dewy, textured splendor of "Tickled Pink." If 500 pieces aren't enough for them (brag), Piecework offers plenty of 1000-piece options.
TriggerPoint 13-inch Foam Roller
For the Athlete: Help soothe their tired, aching, 30-year-old muscles with the gift of a foam roller. This one has a hollow core for increased firmness and density and a textured surface to help target specific places on the body.
Original Tamagotchi
For the Cozy Games Enthusiast: "Stardew Valley" is fun and all, but you'll deliver maximum vintage appeal with a classic Tamagotchi. This version (featuring second-gen programming from 1997) comes in a cloud-print "Sky" shell. Just be sure your recipient doesn't kill it too fast — you don't want them thinking too much about mortality.
Wild One Treat Pouch
For the Pet Parent: Help them — and their dog — look stylish out on the town with this treat pouch from Wild One. It has room for their wallet, treats, poop bags, and other odds and ends — plus, they can wear it as either a crossbody or a fanny pack. Their pup will be so proud of their aesthetic sensibilities!
Bodum Latteo Manual Milk Frother
For the Latte Fan: This easy-to-use manual milk frother will take their latte game to the next level right at home. (This is another one of those "upgrade" gifts we were talking about.) It's also — wait for it — dishwasher-safe.
Cuisinart Champagne Stopper
For the Party Host: If they love to have people over, they've probably run into an age-old dilemma at the night's end: Ditch the bottle of half-drunk sparkling wine or drink it in a significantly less bubbly state the next day? This stopper will make such champagne problems a thing of the past — it'll keep their wine bubbly for up to three days.
Bissell Little Green Cleaner
For the CleanTok Fan: First, a word of warning. This is only a good gift for people who have called cleaning "relaxing" or "cathartic." If they fall into that camp, though, they'll love the TikTok-famous Little Green Cleaner, especially for removing tough stains from carpeting, upholstery, or rugs.
Vitamix 5200 Blender
For the Chef: A Vitamix is basically the Rolls-Royce of blenders. This one has a 64-ounce capacity and can blend hot soups, pulverize ice, and even clean itself in less than a minute. Please have them send us an invite to soup night.
LEGO Dried Flower Centerpiece
For the Wacky Decorator: A Trader Joe's bouquet won't cut it for their dinner table. They need something a little more… unorthodox. Consider gifting them this build-it-yourself LEGO centerpiece, which features an array of "flowers" and a pretty, autumnal color palette.
