33 Gifts For Gen Z That They Won’t Hate (According To Young Editors)

As people born in 1997 and 1999, we’ve heard about millennials buying avocado toast instead of houses. And now, we hear about Gen Z teens making six figures through viral TikTok dances and product reviews. Suffice it to say, we’re in-betweeners on the cusp of two generational extremes. Although generally confused about which side of this social-construct spectrum we actually lie on, if we’re getting technical, we’re Gen Z through and through. So, for the upcoming holiday season, we fully harnessed all our 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 our generation’s wishlist. There’s everything from viral beauty gift sets, matcha starter packs, and crystal kits to tech accessories, music players, and a Taylor Swift-inspired sweatshirt — in other words, there’s bound to be a thing or two worth buying for your favorite early 2000s baby. So we present you: The best gifts for Gen Z.

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.

For more can’t-miss shopping stories delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our Most Wanted newsletter.

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

Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Body Boost Set

Gen Z has pretty much claimed Sol de Janeiro as its go-to fragrance. This gift box includes the viral jasmine-dragonfruit perfume along with a hand cream and body wash.

Shop Sephora

Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Body Boost Set, $, available at Sephora

Lululemon Large Everywhere Belt Bag

You can’t go wrong with gifting this Gen Z- and millennial-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

FP Movement Curated Quilted Bag

We’re excited to share this gift bundle that includes a quilted storage bag packed with travel-friendly products from a collapsible water bottle to sunscreen, hand sanitizer, and deodorant.

Shop Free People

FP Movement Curated Quilted Bag (Value $76), $, available at

Dyson Complete Long Airwrap Multi-Styler

The candy-colored versions of Dyson’s hair tools are sure to bring a smile to any Gen Z’ers face while they meticulously style their hair.

Shop Dyson

Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long, $, available at

World Incense Store Crystal Healing & Cleansing Kit

This hodgepodge of healing crystals, sage bundles, and gemstones is the perfect starter box for crystal newbies.

Shop Etsy

Worldincensestore Crystal Healing & Cleansing Kit, $, available at

Hecate’s Light Large Wood Tarot Card Box

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 Large Wood Tarot Card Box, $, available at Amazon

Apple AirPods Max

Apple’s take on over-the-ear headphones doesn’t only add futuristic flair to Gen Z’s outfits, but it also blocks out the din of everyday life.

Shop Target

Apple Airpods Max, $, available at

Burga Full Glam Airpod Max Case

Help keep those Apple headphones pristine with cases that are just as decorative as they are protective. We love a two-in-one gift!

Shop Burga

Burga Full Glam Airpod Max Case, $, available at

Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Green Tea Powder Starter Pack

For matcha lovers, we prescribe a kit from influencer Emma Chamberlain to concoct barista-like drinks at home.

Shop Chamberlain Coffee

Chamberlain Coffee Matcha Green Tea Powder Starter Pack, $, available at

EMBthreadz Cornelia Street Embroidered Sweatshirt

Taylor Swift mania isn’t stopping any time 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

EMBthreadz Cornelia Street Embroidered Sweatshirt, $, available at

Rhode The Rhode Kit

Sure, you can gift a single peptide lip treatment from Hailey Bieber’s viral beauty brand, or you can jump on this recently re-launched skin-care set with full-size products.

Shop Rhode

Rhode The Rhode Kit, $, available at

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

Stone and Strand Pearly Initial Necklace

Give the gift of a modern heirloom: pearls. Although this customizable necklace is dainty, it still makes a statement.

Shop Stone and Strand

Stone and Strand Pearly Initial Necklace, $, available at Stone and Strand

NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss Brown Sugar Lip Gloss Trio

Although the early 2000s resurgence started over a year ago, it’s still going strong, and Gen Zers 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

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 or write a passionate yet eloquent think piece for an online publication. 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

Uncommon Goods The Box of Emotions, $, available at Uncommon Goods

Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler

If you’re on TikTok, you know about Gen Z’s obsession with extra-large Stanley tumblers. This viral 40-oz. bottle is great for bringing to school, work, and long road trips.

Shop Stanley

Stanley The Quencher H2.0 Flowstate Tumbler, $, available at Stanley

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

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

Quince 100% Washable Silk Mini Slip Dress

A simple and chic silk mini slip is a worthwhile gift to any Gen Z’er 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

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

Studs Two Tone Puffy Earring Set

Gen Z is all about expressing themselves, especially through accessories, and we think these interchangeable, mismatched earrings would be a cool addition to their collections.

Shop Studs

Studs Two Tone Puffy Earring Set, $, available at

UGG Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots

Gen Z has likened to UGGs once again, and this platform style is a cozy season essential. Just make sure you get them before they sell out again!

Shop UGG

Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Platform, $, available at

Urban Sophistication 14 Pro Max Cloud Case

Know a fashion-obsessed friend? They’ll appreciate this metallic phone case with a top handle that looks like a mini purse.

Shop Revolve

Urban Sophistication 14 Pro Max Cloud Case, $, available at Revolve

Almarillo Creations 6-Inch Pressed Flower Resin Letter

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 6-Inch Pressed Flower Resin Letter, $, available at Etsy

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

House Of Intuition Your Intuition Led You Here

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

Snack Break Show Time Innovative Quick Dry Bath Mat

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

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

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

Lolalet 8 Claw Clips

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 Amazon

Lolalet 8 Claw Clips, $, 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

Public Goods Self Care Set

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

Half Magic Face Gems

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

World Market Noted Water Garden Glass Plant Aquarium Set

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

Diptyque Mini Candle Set

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

Nintendo Switch Animal Crossing: New Horizons Edition

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

Roller Rabbit Disco Hearts Removeable Wallpaper

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

Dash Mini Heart-Shaped Waffle Maker

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

Incausa Sampler Incense Bundle Set

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

H&M Faux Fur Hooded Jacket

— 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

Urban Outfitters Eggs ‘N’ Toast Crochet Coaster Set

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

Lisa Sterle The Modern Witch Tarot Deck

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

Coach Tabby Shoulder Bag 26

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

Package Free Zero Waste Starter Kit, $, available at Package Free

Friends NYC Sunprint Kit Small

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

Airbnb Customizable Gift Card

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

Ultra Mini Portable Projector

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

Lululemon Instill High-Rise Tight 25″

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

Free People Charley Cord Vest

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

Colourpop Fade Into Hue Palette

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

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

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

Laundry Day Tanjun Pipe

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

10” Ring Light with 50” Extendable Tripod Stand

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

Skullycandy Crusher Evo Headphones

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

Washable Silk Tee Set

This 100% silk tee pajama set is the perfect cross between bougie and casual.

Shop Lunya

Lunya Washable Silk Tee Set, $, available at

Easy To Be Kind Embroidery Kit

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

Pompom String Lights

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

Storm Cloud

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

Dr. Martens 2976 Leonore Lined Leather Ankle Boots


Just like Converse, Dr. Martens’ shoes continue to outlive fleeting trends and stay on the feet of the younger generation. These boots come with some extra fuzzy lining for keeping toes extra warm and cozy.

Shop Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens 2976 Leonore lined leather ankle boots in black, $, available at ASOS

Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set

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 Fleece Pants

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 Chuck 70 Organic Canvas High Top Sneaker

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

Layered Moon Necklace

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

Mini Corduroy Backpack

These mini corduroys bags are just as useful as they are fashionable.

Shop Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters Corduroy Mini Backpack, $, available at Urban Outfitters

Mini Waffle Maker

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

Align Pant 25″

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

Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?

31 Gifts To Impress Hard-To-Shop-For People

The 49 Best Christmas Gift Ideas For Under $100

I'm Wearing These Makeup Gift Sets For Holidays

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *