This holiday season, we’ve found the gifts that feel great to get and even better to give. Shop our collection of editor-approved holiday gift guides here.
As a Gen Z editor, I’ve heard that us 13-to-27-year-olds are intimidating and hard to shop for. Well, fear not: I’ve curated holiday gift ideas that your coolest, youngest giftee will not only not hate, but actually really like.
There are a few things to remember when you’re shopping for Gen Z, which I’ve channeled into this gift guide. We’re tech-savvy, self-deprecating, confident, and passionately outspoken. We care about wellness and sustainability (because we were born into a dying planet), we live on TikTok (no explanation needed), and we definitely love to feel appreciated via a good present (just like everyone else).
Flip through the following slides for a lesson in what’s at the very top of my generation’s wish list this holiday season — there’s everything music-themed gifts, cutesy tech, trending handbags, viral beauty sets, and even BookTok suggestions. And lucky you, a ton of them come in under $50! (Just be sure to order ASAP so they arrive by Christmas.)
So, I present to you the best gifts for Gen Z that won’t gain an eye roll, and will grant you best gift-giver status.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
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Free People Wrap Me Up Hooded Scarf
Knit hoods and balacavas are the ultimate cool-girl winter accessory, and this festive speckled under-$100 style from Free People is at the top of my list.
Shop Free People
Free People Wrap Me Up Hooded Scarf, $, available at Free People
The Woobles Zero to Hero Beginner Gift Box
For knitters and crocheters, help spark joy in their lives with adorable mini crocheted characters that they can feel pride in putting together. This bundle is one of a few that’ll arrive by Christmas Eve.
Shop The Woobles
The Woobles Zero to Hero Beginner Gift Box, $, available at The Woobles
Kate Spade Duo Crossbody Bag
The new bag taking over the fashion scene? Kate Spade’s Duo bag, which can be worn four ways: as a crossbody, shoulder bag, clutch, or belt bag, as seen worn by Gen Z stars like Laufey, Ice Spice, and Charli D’amelio. With so many styling possibilities, the hardest decision will be choosing which colorway or print to buy.
Shop Kate Spade
Kate Spade Duo Crossbody Bag, $, available at Kate Spade
Lululemon Mini Double Roller
Whether they’re a Pilates princess or a gym rat, this stylish set of foam rollers from Lululemon is a thoughtful and practical gift that’ll help release tension and improve post-workout recovery.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Mini Double Roller, $, available at Lululemon
DedCool x Calpak Boarding Bundle
When your favorite fragrance brand and travel brand merge (like for the sold-out Béis x Rare Beauty collab), it’s a no brainer to cart up. This DedCool and Calpak bundle is travel-ready, including the bestselling clear cosmetic case along with mini-sized spray, body wash, lotion, and even air fresheners for the road trip lovers.
DedCool x Calpak Boarding Bundle, $, available at Calpak
Camkory Digital Point and Shoot Compact Camera
Feel like you just jumped backwards 20 years? Gen Z is obsessed with the digital cameras of yesteryear. This nostalgic present promises to get you on the nice list, and to capture their most important moments.
Shop Amazon
Camkory Small Digital 44MP Point and Shoot Compact Camera, $, available at Amazon
Hello Joy Lab The Life of a Showcat Coffee Mug
This one’s for the Swifties (and cat owners). This Life of a Showgirl-inspired mug reimagines Taylor Swift as a funny feline, and it’s sure to make your giftee’s coffee drinking experience a bit more cheerful.
Shop Etsy
HelloJoyLab The Life of a Showcat Coffee Mug, $, available at Etsy
Damson Madder Reversible Jerry Crop Trench Coat
If you’re looking to impress your hard-to-shop-for Gen Z giftee, any style from viral British brand Damson Madder will get you cool-friend status. Right now, I’m really into this reversible coat with a detachable triangle scarf for maximum versatility.
Shop Damson Madder
Damson Madder Reversible Jerry Crop Trench Coat, $, available at Damson Madder
Sunday & Clay DIY Air Dry Clay Pottery Kit
Whether pottery is already their favorite hobby, or you’re looking to invigorate this hands-on passion, an air dry clay kit is a generous gift. Because while not everyone will be able to afford or have time for pottery classes, they can easily create bowls or figurines in the comfort of their own home.
Shop Etsy
Sunday & Clay Mini DIY Air Dry Clay Pottery Kit, $, available at Etsy
Pop Mart Crybaby Love Makes Us Cry Earbud Case
For those still all in on the Labubu craze, I recommend checking out Pop Mart’s other popular series like Crybaby and Skullpanda to grow your Gen Z giftee’s collection. This Crybaby plushie doubles as a keychain or bag charm and earbud case, making the adorable accessory actually functional.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Pop Mart Crybaby Love Makes Us Cry Earbud Case, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Touchland Juicy Bloom Discovery Duo Set
Listen, Gen Z loves their hand sanitizer. And they especially love Touchland, which almost serves as a status symbol now. This hand sanitizer and body mist duo is a personal fragrance favorite, and always comes with me no matter how many times I change out my bags.
Touchland Juicy Bloom Discovery Duo Set, $, available at touchland
Prep & Savour 7-Piece Japanese Matcha Tea Set
This set is a thoughtful present for all matcha lovers, whether they’re Gen Z or older. Pair it with powder from your giftee’s favorite matcha brand and you’re set to earn best gift-giver status.
Shop Wayfair
Prep & Savour 7-Piece Japanese Matcha Tea Set, $, available at Wayfair
Puma Speedcat Ballet Sneakers
One of the hottest sneakers on the market is the Puma Speedcat; more specifically the ballet sneaker adaptation. Choose between several funky colors, like metallic silver, and even prints, like leopard print for a funky and unexpected addition to your giftee’s shoe collection.
Shop Puma or Anthropologie
PUMA Speedcat Ballet Sneakers, $, available at PUMA
r.e.m. beauty x Wicked Elphaba Makeup Set
If your giftee hasn’t already carted up limited-edition sets from r.e.m beauty’s Wicked collaboration, this is your chance to make their day. Ariana Grande’s makeup brand is already popular among young people, but this tie to the artist’s new blockbuster film Wicked: For Good is even more sought-after and gift-worthy.
Shop Ulta
r.e.m. beauty x Wicked Elphaba Makeup Set, $, available at Ulta
Studs Pearl Essentials Set
I love Studs for its gold hoops, dainty studs, and comfortable flat backs, which don’t poke me while I sleep. I recommend gifting an earring bundle to get the most bang for your buck. This chic pearl set is sure to bring a smile to your giftee’s face and extra sparkle to their earscape.
Shop Studs
Studs Pearl Essentials Set, $, available at Studs
Game Changer
One of the most viral shows popping up is Heated Rivalry, which is based off of the Game Changer book series. So if your Gen Z giftee is into the steamy queer romance story, the first book is a no-brainer for the reader in your life.
Shop Barnes & Noble or Amazon
Rachel Reid Game Changer Book, $, available at Barnes & Noble
Aerie Flannel Pajama Set
Aerie is a beloved shopping destination for Gen Z, especially for loungewear, underwear, and activewear. If you know their clothing sizes, consider carting up a cozy matching pajama set.
Shop Aerie
Aerie Flannel Pajama Shirt, $, available at Aerie
Aerie Street Flannel Trouser PJ, $, available at Aerie
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker
Dust-, rust-, and water-proof, this portable speaker has a 12-hour battery, which means it’s built for all-day play from the city to the sea. That’s a whole lot of Spotify “daylists” to help soundtrack your giftee’s everyday adventures.
Shop Bose
Bose SoundLink Flex Portable Speaker, $, available at Bose
Bubble Dazzling Days Set
Bubble is an inherently Gen Z-coded brand thanks to its playful packaging and budget-friendly pricing. I use several of its skincare products because they’re soothing on my sensitive skin — and will be asking for a refresh of this three-step routine, which includes a limited-edition sparkling moisturizer bottle and festive candy cane lip balm.
Shop Bubble
Bubble Dazzling Days 3-Step Refresh Routine, $, available at Bubble
Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag
Cool-kid brand Baggu is beloved for its joyful designs, from reusable shopping totes to nylon crescent bags. You can’t go wrong with any of the brand’s styles, but we’re eyeing this festive style for the holiday season.
Shop Baggu
Baggu Small Nylon Crescent Bag, $, available at Baggu
Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal
With the importance of wellness top of mind for most of Gen Z, a journal makes for a thoughtful gift. This five-minute journal is intended for the busiest giftee, and includes short prompts to help practice gratitude and improve well-being. It’ll become their new routine and bedside table staple.
Shop Intelligent Change
Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal, $, available at Intelligent Change
8 Impressions Do You Want a House Tour Graphic Tee
Last year, our addition of a Chappel Roan graphic tee was the most scooped up gift. And this year, we’re leaning into the Sabrina Carpenter It-girl mania. This tee, which conceptualizes the singer’s song “House Tour” and her concert tour stage is bound to be a favorite among your Gen Z friends and family.
Shop Etsy
8 Impressions Do You Want a House Tour? Graphic Tee, $, available at Etsy
Chillhouse Minimalist Bundle Chill Tips
Elevate your gift recipient’s manicure game with these chic subtle nail designs. Chillhouse’s press-on nails are bestsellers, and these minimalist designs are sure to complement anyone’s style or vibe.
Shop Chillhouse
Chillhouse Minimalist Bundle Chill Tips, $, available at Chillhouse
We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game
This card game is great for bringing couples, families, and friends together beyond a superficial level. These core cards are especially suited for Gen Z, who want to get below any superficial levels and have vulnerable conversations.
Shop Amazon
We’re Not Really Strangers Card Game, $, available at Amazon
Columnsprints The Art of Loving Poster
The people’s princess Olivia Dean is a fan-favorite artist among Gen Z listeners, and she’s only getting more and more popular by the day. So we promise that a poster pulling lyrics from the singer’s latest album The Art Of Loving will be a welcomed addition to their walls.
Shop Etsy
Columnsprints 16″ x 20″ The Art of Loving Poster, $, available at Etsy
Free People Suki Sparkle Bonnet
Knit hoods and balacavas are the ultimate cool-girl winter accessory, and this sparkling under-$100 style from Free People is at the top of my list.
Shop Free People
Free People Suki Sparkle Bonnet, $, available at Free People
Lululemon Double Roller
Whether they’re a Pilates princess or a gym rat, this stylish set of foam rollers is a thoughtful and practical gift that’ll help release tension and improve post-workout recovery.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Double Roller, $, available at Lululemon
Pop Mart Crybaby Sad Club Series Plushie Earbud Case
For those still all in on the Labubu craze, I recommend checking out Pop Mart’s other popular series like Crybaby and Skullpanda to grow your Gen Z giftee’s collection. This Crybaby plushie doubles as a keychain or bag charm and earbud case, making the adorable accessory actually functional.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Pop Mart Crybaby Sad Club Series Plushie Earbud Case, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Touchland Whipped Bliss Discovery Duo Set
Listen, Gen Z loves their hand sanitizer. And they especially love Touchland, which almost serves as a status symbol now. This hand sanitizer and body mist duo is a personal favorite, and always comes with me no matter how many times I change out my bags.
Shop Touchland
Touchland Whipped Bliss Discovery Duo Set, $, available at touchland
A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set
One of the most popular book series on the market (with a resurgence from BookTok) is A Court of Thorns and Roses. The fantasy romance series is a no-brainer for the reader in your life, who will appreciate this generous box set.
Shop Barnes & Noble
Sarah J. Maas “A Court of Thorns and Roses” Paperback Box Set, $, available at Barnes & Noble
Olivia Dean The Art Of Loving Vinyl
The people’s princess Olivia Dean is a fan-favorite artist among Gen Z listeners, who’s only getting more and more popular by the day. So we promise that a record of the singer’s latest album The Art Of Loving will be a welcomed addition to their vinyl rack.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Olivia Dean “The Art Of Loving” LP, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Woobles Pearls of Woobledom Bundle
For knitters and crocheters, help spark joy in their lives with an adorable mini crocheted character that they can feel pride in putting together. This specific design is also perfect for plant parents. It even comes with a tiny hanger to proudly display it like an actual string-of-pearls plant.
Shop Woobles
Woobles Pearls of Woobledom Bundle, $, available at Woobles
We’re Not Really Strangers Core Game + Honest Dating Edition
This card game is great for bringing couples, families, and friends together beyond a superficial level. These core cards and extra dating cards are especially suited for Gen Z, who want to get below any superficial levels and have vulnerable conversations.
Shop Amazon
We’re Not Really Strangers Core Game + Honest Dating Edition, $, available at Amazon
r.e.m. beauty x Wicked Glinda Makeup Set
If your giftee hasn’t already carted up limited-edition sets from r.e.m beauty’s Wicked collaboration, this is your chance to make their day. Ariana Grande’s makeup brand is already popular among young people, but this tie to her Wicked character, Galinda, is even more sought-after and gift-worthy.
Shop Ulta
r.e.m. beauty x Wicked Glinda Makeup Set, $, available at Ulta
Coachtopia Shoulder Bag In Upcrafted Haircalf With Cow Print
Coach’s sub-brand, Coachtopia, is like its younger, cooler sister, so if you have a young, cool giftee you’re shopping for, scope out its Y2K-inspired shoulder bags.
Shop Coach
Coachtopia Shoulder Bag In Upcrafted Haircalf With Cow Print, $, available at Coach
Studs Bow Starter Set
I love Studs for its gold hoops, dainty studs, and comfortable flat backs, which don’t poke me while I sleep. I recommend gifting an earring bundle to get the most bang for your buck. This adorable bow set is sure to bring a smile to your giftee’s face and extra sparkle to their earscape.
Shop Studs
Studs Bow Starter Set, $, available at Studs
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