Designer bag for 21 year old

[Gigia]

Hi
I am looking to buy a designer handbag for my step daughter who will be 21 in a few weeks. She is returning to university overseas where lots of the girls have plenty of cash. She is really down to earth, sporty and quite practical but also would like to fit in. Am flexible on everything really and budget is max £1000 preferably less as it's just from me, her dad is buying her something special as a joint gift from him and his ex wife. Any ideas?

What sort of handbag? Backpack? Is she studying? I’d go for a mulberry like this... Will last her a long time too and won’t go out of style:

www.mulberry.com/gb/shop/women/sale/sale-bags/bayswater-backpack-oak-classic-grain

Do it in black or brown. Both lovely and really a classic style.

What a lovely gift!

I would recommend a used Chanel Wallet on a Chain - it should be right around your budget and is a great bag for going out. There are lots of great sites you can browse, let me know if you need help.

If you want something new, there is a Gucci bag that comes in a mini size that has a chain strap. I use mine all the time- the only problem is it doesn't fit a phone as it's too small.

From a practical standpoint, I love all my Disco Gucci bags especially in navy or red. They're indestructible, hold their shape and are a perfect size to fit everything.

If you want to give her something for work, I bought a Bottega bag at the outlet for around that price point and 5+ years later it's still going strong!

This is the disco bag: www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/pr/women/handbags/shoulder-bags-for-women/soho-small-leather-disco-bag-p-308364A7M0G1000

And the super mini

www.gucci.com/uk/en_gb/pr/women/handbags/mini-bags-for-women/dionysus-leather-super-mini-bag-p-476432CAOGN8176

Please don’t choose something yourself - you’ll get it a little bit wrong and this is such a generous present. Let her choose.

@PersonaNonGarter

Please don’t choose something yourself - you’ll get it a little bit wrong and this is such a generous present. Let her choose.

I agree, let her choose.

At 21, I'd have wanted something that's obviously designer rather than something subtle.

Thanks for all the comments and suggestions. I have asked her and she is so sweet she didn't want to suggest anything at first but I finally got out of her that lots of the girls at her uni (in the USA if that helps) have really nice handbags. She isn't hugely into fashion so would like me to pick but as I am nearly 40 I guess my taste and those of her peers are somewhat different. I will take a look at all the links etc, I think she wants a going out bag.

I love both the Gucci bags and will show then to her and see what she thinks! Thanks

What a thoughtful gift.

I love the first Gucci bag (it's on my wishlist, I'm 29, not hugely into fashion but do like bags / purses / accessories if that helps).

You could also get this Gucci belt to go with it perhaps? But will push you slightly over budget.

Do you know what kind of handbags she already uses and we can try to find something similar?

I got a Mulberry Bayswater for my 21st (my choice) but the Alexa or Amberley would be other lovely options.

Such an exciting gift!

Chanel wallets on a chain are closer to 2k & shes 21 & at uni so wants to actually wear it out & not stress too much.

well what is she going to use it for? going into uni? day to day use? going out?
i wouldnt use the same bag for all 3 occasions, so maybe its best finding out what she would use it for before splashing

I would go for Gucci too, something fun & casual.

www.mytheresa.com/en-gb/gucci-gg-marmont-mini-leather-bucket-bag-1272403.html?catref=category

www.net-a-porter.com/en-gb/shop/product/gucci/ophidia-textured-leather-trimmed-printed-coated-canvas-shoulder-bag/1203263

www.mytheresa.com/en-gb/gucci-ophidia-mini-round-shoulder-bag-1137407.html?catref=category

Personally I think the Disco is a bit ubiquitous.

How about this sort of thing?

www.mytheresa.com/en-gb/prada-nylon-backpack-1245645.html?catref=category

www.mytheresa.com/en-gb/saint-laurent-loulou-toy-leather-shoulder-bag-888342.html?catref=category

uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/speedy-bandouliere-30-damier-azur-008778

I have the speedy, fits loads, easy to carry.

Or perhaps a neverfull, also a good bag great for travel extra.

uk.louisvuitton.com/eng-gb/products/neverfull-gm-monogram-007652#M41180

Etc not extra 🙄

Oh yes Prada backpack is a great choice! I want one, have done for decades 😆

Oh yes Prada backpack is a great choice! I want one, have done for decades 😆

If I were you I'd pick three or four and send her links. Even if she doesn't like any of them specifically, she will see the sort of budget you are open to and she will be likely to suggest.

Personally, I'd either want a Mulberry or a Kate Spade, But I'm not a 21yo woman

If I were you I'd pick three or four and send her links. Even if she doesn't like any of them specifically, she will see the sort of budget you are open to and she will be likely to suggest.

THIS! Definitely a good idea

@Gigia if she is looking for an iconic bag that she can take to class and to her first job I would second the Louis Vuitton Neverfull or the Goyard GM or the medium size

I travel to NY a lot and see lots of young girls carrying both around the city! With the Goyard, they do personalised initials and stripes so could make it even more special.

Just an FYI, there is a London auction house called Fellows that routinely has auctions of luxury handbags. I bought a Neverfull at a fraction of the "new" price and to my eyes it looks in great condition on the outside with just a few pen marks on the inside. If you want, you could probably do a combo of a brand new Disco bag and a slightly vintage Neverfull and still end up at your budget!

Thanks for all the great suggestions and links, so many nice bags! I'm eyeing up a couple for myself as suggested I will send her a few of the links so she can see what I have in mind budget wise which might encourage her to let me now what she likes. I really appreciate everyone's input, it is so hard to get these things right and I just want to get her something that will be special but also that she will use.

Thanks for all the great suggestions and links, so many nice bags! I'm eyeing up a couple for myself as suggested I will send her a few of the links so she can see what I have in mind budget wise which might encourage her to let me now what she likes. I really appreciate everyone's input, it is so hard to get these things right and I just want to get her something that will be special but also that she will use.

Sorry to answer the questions: she uses just a standard black handbag at the moment. She feels like most of the girls on her course are very stylish and she struggles to fit in. I have encouraged her to just be herself but she does want to try to blend in too, I assume she will use it for night time mainly but I am not sure.

The Gucci plus the belt is a good option and I don't mind going a little over budget, will also suggest that to her, thanks!

@Gigia I'm excited for your dsd I hope you come back and let us know what she decides to go for