Courtesy of Urban OutfittersWith trend cycles constantly moving, brands constantly launching, and our phones constantly on Do Not Disturb, shopping for Gen Z can be a truly daunting task. People outside of this generation are always confused by our constantly chaotic vibe. Luckily, I’m your insider source. While technically on the cusp of the generational divide, this ’97 baby is chronically online enough that I have all the tea on what we actually want under the tree.
Believe it or not, gifting us is actually easy. While most of us yearn to own a home or a stable economic landscape, gift shopping for us comes down to knowing our true selves and making that present as tailored to us as possible.
We’re talking an Oud hair perfume for those fragrance girls, travel-friendly skincare sets for those always on a solo trip, blind boxes for the collectors, intricate-looking press-on nails for the maximalists, and so much more.
Keep scrolling to shop our gift guide for the best gifts Gen Z actually wants, according to a Gen Z writer.
- Best Under $30 Gen Z Gifts: Sonix X Sanrio Hello Kitty & Friends Latte Bear Peeker Flocked Blind Box Figure, LANEIGE Gingerbread Lip Sleeping Mask, & Glamnetic STAR WARS Press-On Nails
- Best Under $55 Gen Z Gifts: DREAM PAIRS 100% Genuine Suede Women’s Platform House Slippers, CÉCRED Temple Oud Hair Perfume, & OLAH Calla Lily Silk Hair Tie Scrunchie
- Best Bags for a Gen Z Gift: Vera Bradley Small Original Vera Tote & Coach Outlet Nolita 19
- Best Deal for an Editor-Loved Gen Z Gift: 47% off EUCALYPSO Heavenly Duver Cover
- Best Beauty Gift Sets for Gen Z: Summer Fridays Jet Lag Essentials & WONDERSKIN The Signature Stay All Day Lip Kit
Shop Best Gen Z Gifts
Editor’s Pick
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
Featuring an adorable 3D embossed design, this limited-edition version of everyone’s favorite LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask features a gingerbread man, a magical custom spatula, and a cozy spiced cookie scent (that isn’t strong or artificial). It’s the perfect holiday gift for your lips.
Sonix X Sanrio Hello Kitty & Friends Latte Bear Peeker Flocked Blind Box Figure
Any blind box is a no-brainer favorite for Gen Z, but especially if you manage to find an authentic Sanrio Peek-a-Boo blind figure to stick on your phone or laptop. Hello Kitty and her friends are a favorite among blind-box aficionados.
Editor’s Pick
CÉCRED Temple Oud Hair Perfume
Gen Z doesn’t just love fragrances; they love body and hair mists that smell luxurious—and Cécred’s hair perfume is exactly that. It features notes of bergamot, neroli, spice blend, violet leaves, night-blooming jasmine, Mediterranean lavender, Haitian vetiver, oud, Australian sandalwood, and warm musk.
Editor’s Pick
OLAH Calla Lily Silk Hair Tie Scrunchie
Gen Z loves a hair accessory that is both good for your locks and looks whimsical, romantic, and delicate. This hair scrunchie is not like other scrunchies on the market, with its 100% mulberry silk, blush pink calla lily blooms, and sculpted leaf details.
MAED Revive Lip Balm for Barrier Repair
This lip balm is constantly selling out at Sephora. The MAED tinted lip balm is a luxe experience in a tube. The formula features the brand’s signature complex that supports lip barrier repair, as well as raspberry seed oil and squalane for antioxidant-rich moisture.
Vera Bradley Small Original Vera Tote
You’re either a Vera Bradley girly or you’re not. The brand’s original tote bag has a variety of whimsical patterns and bold colors, but this apple-red, floral pattern with a teddy bear motif is an instant favorite for the holidays.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Essentials
Have a bestie who travels a lot? Say goodbye to jet-lagged skin with this 4-piece set featuring mini serums, mists, and masks from Summer Fridays’ most iconic line.
Editor’s Pick
Glad & Young Studio Refillable Leather Traveler’s Journal
For the junk journal enthusiasts or analog fanatics, this refillable leather journal is designed to hold up to three A5-sized notebooks and has a pink metallic cover that will have any Gen Z simply obsessed (I know I am)!
Glamnetic STAR WARS Press-On Nails
Gen Z is obsessed with press-ons. They’re not all created equal, though. Opt for ones that feature a French tip design, so they look more realistic. These from Glamnetic’s collaboration with Star Wars are lovely and make sure the Force is always with us.
DREAM PAIRS 100% Genuine Suede Women’s Platform House Slippers
You can never have too many cute slippers that look stylish and feel extremely comfy at home and while on the go. The DREAM PAIRS’ slippers feature a genuine suede upper, faux fur lining, a soft foam platform insole, and a cream colorway with pink trim.
WONDERSKIN The Signature Stay All Day Lip Kit
There are plenty of iconic beauty brands that are perfect for Gen Z. But if you’re looking for something viral that actually works without spending the designer price tag, WONDERSKIN is a perfect option. This set comes with two of your choice of the viral stain lip liner and a brush.
Coach Outlet Nolita 19
Most (if not all) Gen Z are obsessed with Coach. Gift them a chic bag option for a night out. The brand’s outlet offers this small shoulder bag, Nolita 19, in a maple brown embossed crocodile and gold details that we’re in love with.
Tasunom Angel Number Necklace
Make sure your giftee connects with their divine energy with this angel number necklace. Made with stainless steel plated with 18k yellow gold (or not if you opt for a silver version), the necklace comes in multiple triple-digit options that all have different spiritual meanings.
ALDO Eloewiel Boot
A good pair of knee-high boots is always an investment—but what’s currently trending in the boot world are chic, fold-over biker ones. These boots from ALDO would make a beautiful gift with their trending relaxed shaft, buckle-strap detail, brown shade, and block heel.
Editor’s Pick
EUCALYPSO Heavenly Duver Cover
Does the Gen Z in your life adore their bed? There’s no better gift you could give them than a luxe duvet cover. Made from 100% Eucalyptus TENCEL, this duvet cover from EUCALYPSO is this Gen Z writer’s favorite pick. It’ll transform your bed into a soft and cooling cloud for way less.
Fairy Tales by Petra Collins & Alexa Demie
Gen Z adores physical media. If they already have a full vinyl collection, a good gifting option is an art book by their favorite photographer, director, or designer. Fairy Tales is a creative part photo book, part collection of folktales by photographer Petra Collins and Euphoria actor Alexa Demie.
Looking for more gifts? Shop the best gifts for the NYC girl in your life!
