As a person born in 1997, I heard about millennials buying avocado toast instead of houses while I was still in high school. And now, post-college at the spry age of 25, I hear about Gen Z teens making six figures by dancing on an app that the government almost canceled. Suffice to say, I’m an in-betweener on the cusp of two generational extremes. Although generally confused about which side of this social-construct spectrum I actually lie on, if we’re getting technical, I’m a Gen Z through and through — especially on the predominantly millennial Shopping team. So, for the upcoming holiday season, I fully harnessed all of my tech-savvy, self-deprecating-yet-confident, and passionately outspoken attributes to curate the ultimate Gen-Z gift guide.
Take notes: We like sustainability (because we were born into a dying planet), we live on TikTok (no explanation needed), AND we definitely love a good gift (just like everyone else). Flip through the following slides for a lesson in which presents are at the very top of my generation’s wishlist. There’s everything from a potato plushie to a crystal cleansing kit and a literal box of emotions — in other words, there’s bound to be a thing or two worth buying for your favorite early 2000s baby.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
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Some Gen Z-ers are more focused on bedroom aesthetics than home decor — after all, many of them are still living with their parents. These pressed-flower-filled resin letters are a unique, stylish addition to anyone’s nightstand or desk.
Shop Etsy
AlmarilloCreations Pressed Flower Resin Letter, $, available at Etsy
A simple and chic silk mini slip is a worthwhile gift to any Gen Zer looking to elevate their style. Quince’s silk dress just happens to be the most affordable of them all.
Shop Quince
Quince 100% Washable Silk Mini Slip Dress, $, available at Quince
Each graphic, funky rug sitting in Snack Break’s inventory can easily spice up a lackluster bathroom. If your Gen Zer is furnishing their first apartment or looking to add a little color to their living space, a quick-drying and commendatory bath mat should do the trick.
Shop Snack Break
Snack Break Show Time Innovative Quick Dry Bath Mat, $, available at Snack Break
Seeing how many of us are starting careers, college, and the like, self-care often takes a back seat. Therefore, some luxurious essentials like those featured in Public Goods’ sustainable set make excellent presents.
Shop Public Goods
Public Goods Self Care Set, $, available at public goods
This hodgepodge of healing crystals, sage bundles, and gemstones is the perfect starter box for newbies. It includes seven chakra tumbled crystals; four individual specimens, including clear quartz, sage, selenites; four rough stones; chakra descriptions; and detailed instructions on how to make the most of your new ethereal goodies.
Shop Etsy
Worldincensestore Crystal Healing & Cleansing Kit, $, available at Etsy
First comes crystals, then comes tarot cards. Instead of adding another deck to your giftee’s massive collection, help them get organized with a groovy tarot card box.
Shop Amazon
Hecate’s Light The Moon Tarot Card Box, $, available at Amazon
Although not Gen Z in age, I can confirm that our Senior Life Editor Hannah Rimm is truly Gen Z in spirit — she effortlessly sports glam makeup looks on the daily just like today’s youth does on TikTok. Her face gem rec? Half Magic’s 12-pack. She says, “I love half magic rhinestones. A. Because they’re iridescent so they’re many colors and not just silver B. They’re reusable, like actually reusable. This is the fifth time I’ve used this pack. I even wore them for Halloween and they’re still good. I’d say they have a lifespan of five to six time than average.” Magical indeed.
Shop Half Magic
Half Magic Face Gems, $, available at Half Magic
Brought to you by the Latinx LGBTQ+ retailer House of Intuition, this book is your go-to guide to ritual tools and resources. Founders Alex Naranjo and Marlene Vargas detail the art of tapping into one’s intuition, intention, and self-empowerment in its pretty pages.
Shop House Of Intuition
House of Intuition Your Intuition Led You Here, $, available at House of Intuition
Although the early 2000s resurgence started over a year ago, it’s still going strong and Gen Zs are flaunting glossy lips more than ever before. NYX’s Butter Gloss trio brings the glamour without the icky sticky feeling — and all for under $20.
Shop Amazon
NYX Butter Gloss Brown Sugar Lip Gloss Trio, $, available at Amazon
2021 was the year of the sweater vest while waistcoats ruled 2022. If you’re completely clueless about what to buy your stylish loved one, you can’t go wrong with a chic waistcoat from the tried-and-true clothing brand Free People.
Shop Free People
Free People Charley Cord Vest, $, available at Free People
Generational divides aside, if you buy someone this Tayto Potato Mochi plushie and they don’t like it — let’s just say, we don’t like them.
Shop Smoko
Smoko Tayto Potato Mochi Plush, $, available at Smoko
Apple’s take on over-the-ear headphones doesn’t only adds futuristic flair to Gen Z’s outfits, but it also blocks out the din of everyday life.
Shop Target
Apple Airpods Max, $, available at Target
Second to Apple AirPods, fuzzy hats are the hottest (and coziest) accessory.
Shop Princess Polly
Princess Polly Theo Plush Bucket Hat, $, available at Princess Polly
Parents: look away. But, fellow Gen Z friends and millennial besties, keep your eyes on the slides. Laundry Day’s collection of fashionable and chic pipes make great holiday gifts for your favorite stoners (21+, of course). The geometric Tanjun pipe is one of the brand’s bestsellers — for the ultimate gift, pair it with one of the brand’s equally cute and top-rated lighters.
Shop Laundry Day
Laundry Day Tanjun Pipe, $, available at Laundry Day
Selena Gomez’s blush famously heats up faces with the tiniest amount of product. With flushed cheeks being a major beauty staple, any Gen Z makeup fan would be happy to add this to their bag (even if it’s already in there).
Shop Rare Beauty
ColourPop Fade Into Hue Eyeshadow Palette, $, available at Ulta
From my observations, Gen Z pulls no emotional punches. If we’re sad, we’re going to cry in public. If we’re mad, we’ll probably yell about it on a 30-second TikTok (with the Light Makeup filter, of course) or write a passionate-yet-eloquent think piece for an online publication. So, let the Gen Z in your life explore even deeper into the world of feelings with these best-selling info cards. (Bonus: This is also great for young writers working on fictional character development!)
Shop Amazon
Uncommon Goods The Box of Emotions, $, available at Uncommon Goods
One of my favorite niches on the world wide web ever since joining TikTok is ecosystem-in-a-jar internet. Although a bustling micro-Atlantis it is not, this aquatic garden will sprout a lush field of underwater greenery that looks fantastic on top of a desk or on an empty window sill.
Shop World Market
World Market Noted Water Garden Glass Plant Aquarium Set, $, available at World Market
These claw clips are a surefire way to keep hair at bay whether you’re running to class, catching the bus, going out for the night, and the list goes on. Practical Gen Z gift of the year.
Shop Etsy
Lolalet 8 Claw Clips, $, available at Amazon
Love the luxury of Diptyque but not sure which timeless scent you want to invest in? Try this candle set with five popular scents, including Baises, Roses, and Tubéreuse.
Shop Diptyque
Diptyque Mini Candle Set, $, available at Nordstom
The Nintendo Switch officially launched in 2017 but it seems to grow in popularity every year, especially once Animal Crossing launched a brand new game in 2020. This Animal Crossing: New Horizons special edition console is perfect for anyone else obsessed with Tom Nook and friends.
Shop Nintendo
Nintendo Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons Edition, $, available at Target
From trendy house paint to colorful (and, most importantly, removable) wallpaper, the world is our oyster when it comes to revamping a room — especially with some quick and easy guidance from YouTube or TikTok tutorials. Dormify’s newest eye-catching collab with Roller Rabbit is perfect for making over your living space without having to fight your landlord, super, or RA.
Shop Dormify
Roller Rabbit Disco Hearts Removeble Wallpaper, $, available at Dormify
For the days when you’re feeling a little too fancy to settle for an Eggo waffle, this mini iron is an adorable essential for stay-at-home brunches.
Shop Amazon
Dash Mini Heart-Shaped Waffle Maker, $, available at Amazon
Package Free, the ultimate online hub for zero waste essentials, is home to this thoughtfully harvested incense sampler set. Inside, you’ll find eight sticks of classic Brazilian Breu Resin blends paired with two Pure Palo Santo cones and a high resin Palo Santo wood stick all hand wrapped in Lokta paper and twine. For a full dossier on how each plant is grown, harvested, and produced, head over to Package Free’s site now.
Shop Package Free
Incausa Sampler Incense Bundle Set, $, available at Package Free
— PAID —
For the sk8ter gurl in your life — a fuzzy oversized jacket in this year’s trendiest print.
H&M Faux Fur Hooded Jacket, $, available at H&M
Older Gen Z’s like myself who are freshly living on their own and buying furniture they actually care about can keep their investments in mint condition with an adorable knit coaster set.
Shop Urban Outfitters
BDG Urban Outfitters Eggs ‘N’ Toast Crochet Coaster Set, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Our other resident Gen Z on the Shopping team, Mercedes Viera, put their stamp of approval upon this contemporary and beginner-friendly tarot deck. According to them, the “magic lies in [the deck’s] representation,” which helps people form a deeper connection with the cards (and makes it a crowd-pleasing gift!).
Shop Amazon
Lisa Sterle The Modern Witch Tarot Deck, $, available at Amazon
We can’t talk about Gen Z’s embrace of Y2K fashion without a mention of the legendary handbag retailer, Coach. You’ll find these affordable-luxe accessories on the shoulders of today’s influencers, complementing showstopping scroll-stopping outfits everywhere. Your giftee and their future Instagram pics will thank you.
Shop Coach
Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26, $, available at Coach
Package Free Zero Waste Starter Kit, $, available at Package Free
There’s a whole lot of science that goes into this kit but we’ll let you in on the basics — place a pretty object atop the special paper provided, plop both in the sun, rinse the paper in water, and you have yourself a permanent piece of art. It’s a fab activity for you and a loved one to do together on a lovely day or a nice assignment for anyone in need of a little creative spark.
Shop Friends NYC
Friends NYC Sunprint Kit – Small, $, available at Friends NYC
Later-in-life Gen Z-ers have taken “wanderlust” to a whole new level after we lost almost two years of our precious early twenties to a global pandemic. Rather than taking the risk of nonrefundable plane tickets, give them the gift of travel AND decision-making with a fully loaded Airbnb gift card.
Shop Airbnb
Airbnb Customizable Gift Card, $, available at Airbnb
A mini-movie theater in the palm of your hand? Yes please. These gadgets project in high-definition widescreen format, connect directly with USB drives, and are perfect for traveling.
Shop Kodak
Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector, $, available at Amazon
As I scoured the #christmaslist hashtag on TikTok, I noticed that almost every single video featured an item from activewear brand Lululemon. So, you can’t go wrong with buying a pair of their cult-favorite leggings.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Instill High-Rise Tight 25″, $, available at Lululemon
Colourpop’s rainbow palette really knows how to spice up a makeup bag. For just $34, your giftee will be able to churn out hundreds of vibrant beauty looks that last all day thanks to the brand’s quality formulas. Seriously, I have a palette myself and these shadows blend like butter.
Shop Ulta
ColourPop Fade Into Hue Eyeshadow Palette, $, available at Ulta
It’s 2021 and it is no longer taboo to have a full ring light set up in a corner of your room. This is the perfect beginners kit for anyone interested in diving into the world of YouTube, Tik Tok, etc.
Shop Sensyne
sensyne 10” Ring Light with 50” Extendable Tripod Stand, $, available at Amazon
Collina Strada’s first collab headphones with Skullcandy literally thump to the beat thanks to their adjustable bass setting. Their tie-dye design is truly one of a kind and they are super comfy to wear. I’m obsessed with my pair.
Shop Skull Candy
Collina Strada Collina Strada Crusher® Evo Sensory Bass Headphones, $, available at Skullcandy
This 100% silk tee pajama set is the perfect cross between bougie and casual.
Shop Lunya
Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set, $, available at Lunya
Whether it’s TikToks or Instagram ads, social media continues to ignite my passion for arts and crafts. This kit comes with everything you need to create an embroidery masterpiece, even for beginners.
Shop Gingiber
Gingiber Easy To Be Kind Embroidery Kit, $, available at ban.do
String lights go under room essentials for bedrooms, dorms, and anywhere else you want to amp up the ambiance.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Pompom String Lights, $, available at Urban Outfitters
The liquid inside this Storm Cloud will crystallize as the air pressure changes. It’s cool, it’s science, and it would look great on a desk.
Shop Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods Storm Cloud, $, available at Uncommon Goods
Shop Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens 2976 Leonore lined leather ankle boots in black, $, available at ASOS
Travel sets also make great gifts because they are all in one! This makeup brush set from IT cosmetics has rave reviews and would put a smile on any beauty-obsessed Gen Z teen.
Shop IT Cosmetics
It Cosmetics Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set, $, available at Ulta
Nike joggers are a total upgrade from the average sweatpant and make great gifts for the athleisure Gen Z liners.
Shop Nike
Nike Fleece Pants, $, available at Nike
Converse’s effortlessly cool style is everlasting. Even now, the sneaker brand remains at the top of tons of Gen Z wish lists whether they want to add more to their collection or try the cool kicks out for the first very first time.
Shop Converse
Converse Converse Chuck 70 Organic Canvas High Top Sneaker, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Accessories seem to make or break a mirror selfie these days. Adding a sweet and simple necklace to a Gen Z jewelry collection is an excellent gift idea.
Shop Mejuri
Mejuri Layered Moon Necklace, $, available at Mejuri
These mini corduroys bags are just as useful as they are fashionable.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters Corduroy Mini Backpack, $, available at Urban Outfitters
For the days when you’re feeling a little too fancy to settle for an Eggo waffle. This mini iron is an adorable essential for stay-at-home brunches.
Shop Dash
Dash Mini Waffle Maker, $, available at Urban Outfitters
As I scoured #christmaslist on TikTok almost every single video featured an item from the famous activewear brand, Lululemon. So, you can’t go wrong with buying a pair of their cult-favorite leggings.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon lululemon Align Pant II 25″, $, available at Lululemon
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