This holiday season, we’ve found the gifts that feel great to get and even better to give. Shop Well-Received, our collection of editor-approved holiday gift guides, here.
As a Gen Z editor, I’ve heard it all — especially that us 12 to 27-year-olds are hard and intimidating to shop for. But fear not, because I’ve curated gift ideas that Gen Z won’t hate, and dare I say… actually like. I’ve fully harnessed all of Gen Z’s tech-savvy, self-deprecating yet confident, and passionately outspoken attributes to curate the ultimate 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 viral celebrity perfumes and cutesy tech to delicious drink sets and statement shoes — in other words, there’s bound to be a thing or two worth buying for your youngest and coolest giftee.
So I present you with 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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Ariana Grande LOVENOTES Pink Woods Eau de Parfum
Round out their Ariana Grande perfume collection with the triple threat’s newest fragrance. The warm, woodsy, and citrusy scent is a bit more grown-up than her previous perfumes, maturing through the years like your giftee.
Shop Ulta
Ariana Grande LOVENOTES Pink Woods Eau de Parfum, $, available at Ulta
Camkory Point and Shoot Digital Camera
Feel like you just jumped backwards 20 years? Well, you haven’t, but I can assure you that Gen Z is obsessed with the digital cameras of yesteryear. This nostalgic present promises to get you on the nice list, and to capture the most important moments.
Shop Amazon
Camkory Point and Shoot Digital Cameras with 32GB SD Card, $, available at Amazon
KirkGiftsStore Midwest Princess Graphic T-Shirt
At this point, I’m sure you’ve heard of Chappell Roan no matter your age or music preference, and I assure you that your giftee is likely a fan of the “HOT TO GO!” singer. In that case, cart up a not-so-kitschy graphic T-shirt inspired by Roan’s The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess album.
Shop Etsy
KirkGiftsStore Midwest Princess Graphic T-Shirt, $, available at Etsy
Laneige Candy Cane Divine Lip Duo
Laneige’s celebrity-, editor-, and Gen Z-approved lip masks are sure to put a smile on your giftee’s face, especially if it’s peppermint-flavored. This sweet beauty bundle also includes the brand’s popular Lip Glowy Balm in candy cane to ensure lips stay soft and sweet all day and night.
Shop Laneige
Laneige Divine Lip Duo, $, available at Laneige
Coachtopia Checkerboard Leather Small Wavy Shoulder Bag
Coach’s newer brand, Coachtopia, is its younger, cooler sister, so if you have a young, cool giftee you’re shopping for, keep your eye on this Y2K-inspired brand. I’m particularly loving this nostalgic checkered shoulder bag.
Shop Coach
Coachtopia Alter/Ego Small Wavy Shoulder Bag In Checkerboard Upcra, $, available at Coach
Chamberlain Coffee Matcha & Mason Jar Bundle
As one of the faces and queens of Gen Z, Emma Chamberlain is always at the top of her game, from her vulnerable vlogs and quirky red-carpet interviews to her cutesy coffee brand. Chamberlain Coffee has a host of flavored coffees beans, canned cold brews, and drink accessories, but if you’re looking to stay with the times, gift a matcha bundle that’ll make everyone else green with envy.
Shop Amazon
Chamberlain Coffee Matcha & Mason Jar Bundle, $, available at Amazon
Wicked x Shark Limited-Edition FlexStyle
The upcoming Wicked movie has garnered a new generation of fans since the Broadway show debuted 21 years ago, and Wicked collaborations are everywhere, making for excellent present ideas. For the giftee who always has great hair, get them a green-and-pink ombre FlexStyle tool that’ll grant them curls as voluminous as Glinda’s.
Shop Shark
Shark WICKED x Shark FlexStyle® Limited-Edition, $, available at Shark
CerezaStudios X Pearl Movie Franchise Pin Set
I promise you that most of Gen Z are obsessed with A24 movies, especially with releases like Love Lies Bleeding, We Live In Time, and MaXXXine making waves in 2024. The X horror trilogy (which includes Pearl and MaXXXine) brought us frights and viral “I’m a star” memes. And since personalization is in, cart up this three-pin set to upgrade your giftee’s jackets and totes.
Shop Etsy
CerezaStudios X Pearl Series Horror Movie Pin Set, $, available at Etsy
Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba Sneakers
Sambas were certainly one of the sneakers of 2024, and there’s no sign of them going out of style in the new year. While you can opt for a classic pair, your giftee will truly stand out from the crowd if you surprise them with a pair from Adidas’ nearly-sold-out Wales Bonner collaboration.
Shop Farfetch
Adidas x Wales Bonner Samba “Desert White” Sneakers, $, available at Farfetch
Drunk Elephant Beauty Trunk 8.0
Gen Z is obsessed with TikTok-viral Drunk Elephant skincare, and now they can enjoy all of the brand’s bestsellers with the new holiday trunk. This extravagant gift includes 10 full-size products and several samples, all packaged inside a TSA-approved carry-on suitcase. (Just note that some Drunk Elephant products are not suitable for people 12 and under, so consult the brand’s FAQs page to see if this selection is suitable for your specific giftee.)
Shop Drunk Elephant
Drunk Elephant Trunk 8.0, $, available at Drunk Elephant
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Chances are, if you’ve glanced around a busy gym or school campus, you’ve seen numerous colorful Owala bottles dotted around. The brand, and specifically the bestselling FreeSip bottle that’s constantly released in new color combinations, are Gen Z-approved.
Shop Amazon
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle with Str, $, available at Amazon
Lululemon Fleece Everywhere Belt Bag 1L
One of Lululemon’s hero products is its Everywhere Belt Bag. The athleisurewear-obsessed may already own the brand’s original nylon version, so I recommend adding onto their collection with a more festive fleece style (with new pink and green options available).
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L Fleece, $, available at Lululemon
We’re Not Really Strangers Friendship Edition Card Game
This card game series is great for bringing couples, families, and friends together beyond a superficial level. And this friendship edition is especially great for Gen Z, who know the importance of genuine friends and vulnerable (and fun) conversations.
Shop Amazon
We’re Not Really Strangers Friendship Edition Card Game, $, available at Amazon
E.l.f. Glow for the Holiday Kit
Looking for an under-$50 gift for the skincare- and makeup-obsessed on your list? Then check out E.l.f.’s affordable holiday kit. The combination of these best-selling products — including this editor’s favorite lip oil and face cream — will help make your giftee’s face glimmer and glow throughout the holiday season, and beyond.
Shop E.l.f.
ELF Cosmetics Glow for the Holiday Kit, $, available at ELF Cosmetics
Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Speaker
Dust-, rust-, and water-proof, this portable speaker with a 12-hour battery is built for all-day play and 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 Bluetooth Speaker, $, available at Bose
Mejuri 14K Gold Zodiac Charm Pendant
Whether your giftee is into astrology (or just really into themselves and their own sign), an elevated zodiac constellation pendant will certainly delight them. This luxe gift will upgrade their favorite chain, and keep their birth chart’s stars close to their heart (literally).
Shop Mejuri
Mejuri Zodiac Charm Pendant, $, available at Mejuri
Glossier Birthday Cake Candle
One of Glossier’s most popular scents is Birthday Cake, and although I’m pretty confident that you’re browsing for holiday gifts rather than birthday presents, your giftee will love having their space to smell like funfetti cake all year long. Rather than gifting them another Bom Dotcom in the signature scent, cart up this 10th anniversary special-edition candle instead.
Shop Glossier
Glossier Birthday Cake Candle, $, available at Glossier
Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal
With the importance of wellness top of mind for most Gen Z, a journal is 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. I promise that it’ll be your giftee’s favorite thing on their bedside table.
Shop Intelligent Change
Intelligent Change The Five Minute Journal, $, available at Intelligent Change
Uncommon Goods Bubble Tea Kit
Save your giftee a few dollars from their constant runs to the bubble tea shop with an at-home kit. This Refinery29 reader-favorite one comes with two loose leaf teas, tapioca pearls, and two reusable stainless steel straws.
Shop Uncommon Goods
Uncommon Goods Bubble Tea Kit, $, available at Uncommon Goods
Sabrina Carpenter Sweet Tooth Eau De Parfum Fragrance
The “Espresso” singer recently released the third iteration of her Sweet Tooth fragrance: Cherry Baby. It can be a bit difficult to track down the popular scent, but we found it just in time for the holidays.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Sabrina Carpenter Sweet Tooth Eau De Parfum Fragrance, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Ugg Classic Chillapeak Boots
Ugg boots have been a tried-and-true holiday present for a while, and Gen Z have certainly latched onto them. Since puffer boots and furry boots are trending, consider carting up this new plush platform pair, and prepare to become the most popular gift-giver.
Shop Ugg
Ugg Women’s Classic Chillapeak, $, available at Ugg
String Ting Steel My Heart Midnight Wristlet Phone Strap
Give the gift of arm candy this season with a TikTok-approved wristlet strap. Your giftee can hook it onto their phone case or digital camera, serving as a stylish and functional tech accessory to match their personal style.
Shop String Ting
String Ting Steel My Heart Midnight Wristlet Phone Strap, $, available at String Ting
Summer Fridays The Holiday Lip Butter Balm Set
Help keep chapped winter lips at bay with Summer Fridays’ viral vegan butter balms in a new trio of festive scents and tints. They’ll gain permanent spots in your giftee’s makeup bag, work bag, and gym bag.
Shop Sephora
Summer Fridays The Holiday Lip Butter Balm Set, $, available at Sephora
Ticketmaster E-Gift Card
This editor spends most of her money on concerts, like most Gen Z who prefer spending their money on experiences rather than products. And with live events costing a pretty penny these days, a Ticketmaster gift card at any dollar amount will help secure tickets to the best concerts, sports games, comedy shows, and more.
Shop Ticketmaster
ticketmaster E-Gift Card, $, available at Ticketmaster
Lululemon Large Everywhere Belt Bag
You can’t go wrong with gifting this Gen Z-approved Lululemon belt bag. Even if you aren’t sure if your giftee already owns one, you can give them an extra-large (this!) or mini version in a festive color.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Large Everywhere Belt Bag, $, available at Lululemon
Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Platform
Gen Z has taken to UGGs, and this platform style is a cozy season essential. Just make sure you get them before they inevitably get back-ordered or sell out again!
Shop Ugg
Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Platform, $, available at Ugg
CustomExcellenTee Taylor Swift Albums As Books Sweatshirt
Taylor Swift mania isn’t stopping anytime soon, and the Swiftie in your life will go crazy over a classy sweatshirt designed after one of the singer’s popular songs.
Shop Etsy
CustomExcellenTee Taylor Swift Albums As Books Sweatshirt, $, available at Etsy
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump Shimmer Glass
We love Tarte’s OG Maracuja lip plump products, and now the brand has released shimmery versions that are perfectly festive and whimsical for beauty lovers.
Shop Sephora
Tarte Maracuja Juicy Lip Plump Shimmer Glass, $, available at Sephora
Handmade Bubble Tea Kit
Bubble tea drinkers rejoice! Now you can have your favorite drink at home with this kit of delicious chai tea, milk, and, of course, tapioca pearls.
Shop Uncommon Goods
Katie and Dustin Watts Handmade Bubble Tea Kit, $, available at Uncommon Goods
FP Movement Overachiever Sherpa Sling Bag
Fuzzy purses are in, and our eyes are on Gen Z’s preferred bag style: a sling. Gift this cozy-meets-activewear bag to fashion trendsetters and outdoorsy folk.
Shop FP Movement
FP Movement Overachiever Sherpa Sling Bag, $, available at FP Movement
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long
This Dyson bestselling hair tool is sure to bring a smile to any Gen Z’ers face while they meticulously style their hair. Plus, it’s on sale right now!
Shop Dyson
Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long, $, available at Dyson
Midnight Rider The Carolita Zodiac Sweatshirt
Gen Z certainly loves connecting through astrology and especially loves showing off their zodiac signs. This playful crewneck is available in all 12 signs, and it’s sure to be worn around proudly.
Shop Anthropologie
Midnight Rider The Carolita Zodiac Sweatshirt, $, available at Anthropologie
Almarillo Creations 6-Inch Pressed Flower Resin Letter
Some Gen Zers 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 6-Inch Pressed Flower Resin Letter, $, available at Etsy
Rhode The Glazing Kit
Hailey Bieber’s viral Rhode skin-care set is once again only available for pre-order, so if you’re looking for a last-minute gift that’ll arrive by Christmas, check out this kit.
Shop Rhode
Rhode The Glazing Kit, $, available at Rhode
Esther Perel Where Should We Begin Game of Stories
Maybe Gen Z doesn’t like icebreakers, but it does like card games, and this one is the best of both worlds. Play it with friends, couples, and coworkers to avoid awkward small talk.
Shop Amazon
Esther Perel Where Should We Begin Game of Stories, $, available at Amazon
For Love & Lemons Vivien Panty
If your fashion-loving Gen Z giftee is thinking of hopping on the “no pants” trend or are as obsessed with nostalgic bows as the rest of TikTok, then these knitwear panties are the perfect (bold) gift for them.
Shop For Love & Lemons
For Love & Lemons Vivienne Panty, $, available at For Love & Lemons
Poppi x InnBeauty Project Sips & Lips Duo
Is your Gen Z giftee also obsessed with Poppi prebiotic soda? Then gift them this lip duo that smells like how their favorite festive, fizzy drinks taste.
Shop InnBeauty Project
Poppi x InnBeauty Project Sips & Lips Duo, $, available at Innbeauty Project
Calpak Water Bottle Holder
As a constantly parched person, I will be carrying this water bottle holder every time I leave the house from now on. The trendy and useful crossbody bag is available in a ton of cute colors and prints.
Shop Calpak
Calpak Water Bottle Holder, $, available at Calpak
Phlur Mood Ring Eau De Parfum
Several of Phlur’s fragrances have gone viral and been accepted as Gen Z fan-favorite scents. And now, its newest perfume is a trip down memory lane to our fruit-gummy eating days.
Shop Phlur
Phlur Mood Ring Eau De Parfum, $, available at Phlur
The Box Of Emotions by Tiffany Watt Smith
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. So, let the Gen Z in your life explore their feelings even deeper with these best-selling info cards. (Bonus: This is great for young writers working on fictional character development!)
Shop Amazon
Tiffany Watt Smith The Box Of Emotions, $, available at Amazon
Princess Polly Theo Plush Bucket Hat
Fuzzy bucket hats are the hottest (and coziest) accessory. This one is chic and can be paired with any winter outfit.
Shop Princess Polly
Princess Polly Theo Plush Bucket Hat, $, available at Princess Polly
Audio-Technica Sound Burger Turntable
Your giftee may already have a record player, but they definitely don’t have a portable one that they can travel with for long weekends. This unique turntable has a 12-hour battery life and Bluetooth connection, so they can play old vinyls and new Spotify tunes.
Shop Urban Outfitters
Audio-Technica Sound Burger Turntable, $, available at Urban Outfitters
Olivia Rodrigo GUTS Vinyl
Gen Z queen Olivia Rodrigo is blasting all over, and your giftee needs her new record. This limited-edition magenta vinyl from Target is also pretty enough to leave on display.
Shop Target
Universal Music Group Olivia Rodrigo GUTS Vinyl, $, available at Target
Truly TikTok Routine Set
We told you we love TikTok right? This Truly body care set contains all the whipped confections and blemish patches that we’ve seen go viral on the app.
Shop Truly
Truly Beauty TikTok Routine Set, $, available at Truly Beauty
Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera
Gen Z has taken to using film cameras to document milestone events and candid moments for some nostalgia. And this reusable, lightweight Kodak camera is a beautiful option to gift.
Shop Amazon
Kodak EKTAR H35 Half Frame Film Camera, $, available at Amazon
Flaire & Co. Dainty Zodiac Gold Necklace
If you’re looking to gift an affordable personalized gift, then take a look at these dainty zodiac sign necklaces that (bonus!) are also water-safe and tarnish-resistant.
Shop Flaire & Co.
Flaire & Co. Dainty Zodiac Gold Necklace, $, available at Flaire & Co.
Pink Moon Over the Moon Gua Sha Duo
Your Gen Z giftee likely already practices lymphatic drainage with a gua sha, but if they’re new to this wellness routine, gift them a top-rated Pink Moon facial tool and face oil set.
Shop Pink Moon
Pink Moon Over the Moon Gua Sha Duo, $, available at Pink Moon
GOYOUTH 2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill
Working from home can put a strain on your body when there’s little movement involved, so people have been leaning towards using walking pads, which can be placed under standing desks or high-top tables.
Shop Amazon
GOYOUTH 2-in-1 Under Desk Electric Treadmill, $, available at Amazon
Smoko Tayto Potato Mochi Plush
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
Billie Eilish No. 2 Gift Set
We love a music-beauty crossover, so we propose looking into Billie Eilish’s newest fragrance, which comes with a full-sized bottle and a travel spray.
Shop Ulta
Billie Eilish Billie Eilish No. 2 Gift Set, $, available at Ulta
The Complete The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy Boxed Set
If you binge-watched The Summer I Turned Pretty on Amazon Prime and decided it’s finally time to read the books, this hardcover box set is the way to go.
Shop Amazon
Jenny Han The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy Boxed Set, $, available at Amazon
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