I’m looking for ideas that won’t be as fun as the ones the college friends will come up with, but memorable nonetheless 
We did a cycling wine tour in Napa and Sonoma. She flew from school for the weekend and we rented a cottage, which I decorated. Because of the pandemic, we ended up on private tours (for group price), e-bike upgrades, and very generous pours. We wore cute 21st birthday t-shirts. It was fabulous!
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Birthday in a box. We sent party hats, decorations, candles, and a gift certificate to the favorite pizza place. Had a cake delivered.
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Where does kiddo reside? My D and her buddies who were also turning 21 opted to all go to Vegas for a weekend. They had fun!
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East Coast and leaving campus is not an option this year.
Pizza party with legal beer? All can be delivered.
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Can they go for outdoor brunch? A gift card to a local place for them and a few of their friends would be fun. If they can’t go out, they could do pick up or have it delivered.
I like the party in a box idea and the cake delivery too.
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Coordinate dinner with his/her friends to go to a local favorite restaurant. Maybe make a it a surprise? I’m guessing the friends can take it from there for after dinner fun. 
My S will turn 21 in Feb and he’s hoping to be studying in Spain at the time. Thinking he’ll figure out some good ways to celebrate but still wish I could do something nice for him.
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There is a fun event space on Main Street in my D’s rural college town. When we were visiting in April we could see a 21st birthday party going on… about 40 kids, I’d guess, all dressed up and enjoying a cocktail party.
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Could deliver a bunch of desserts from local bakery and beverages and have a dessert party—really depends with your bday kiddo likes.
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Also just remembered that last year my S (who is good at video editing, adding music etc.) coordinated a great video for his best friend/roommate. He was able to secretly get video birthday greetings and memories from many of the roommate’s high school and college friends as well as parents and siblings, and they showed it to the birthday boy at a gathering. My S also did one for my husband’s big birthday this summer and we showed it at the party. It was so meaningful, funny, and such a nice thing to have for the future. If you are in touch with any of your kid’s friends at school, maybe one of them could coordinate?
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If someone is very creative, make an escape room for your kid and group of friends which ends in Bday feast.
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