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38 Unique Gifts for Gen-Zers That They’ll Actually Like

Viral items from TikTok, as well as best-sellers that will be perfect for your Gen Z kid or sibling.

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As someone who is self-described as Gen Z adjacent (I’m just a year shy of the cutoff according to some definitions), I can definitely identify with most of the characteristics attributed to the generation. Gen Z is always pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo. They’re chronically connected — you can count on them to know every single TikTok trend — yet prioritize their mental health and well-being perhaps better than any other generation. And spanning ages 12 to 27, Gen Z applies to a pretty wide range of people, so it is completely understandable why someone purchasing gifts for Gen-Zers may be a tad bit intimidated.

Allow me to help ease your worries as you zip through this editor-approved list of unique, popular and TikTok-vetted gifts that will work for practically any occasion and age. There are top-sellers for tweens, over-the-top cool items teens will appreciate (the UGG, Carhartt and Adidas brands are all on here) as well as gifts for people in their 20s.

So the next time you're wracking your brain for the best Gen-Z gifts, remember this guide.

Looking for more great ideas? Check out our top gift guides:

Gifts for Sisters | Gifts for Brothers | Most Popular Gifts of 2024

1
Other Fanny Packs Could Never

Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L Wunder Puff

Everywhere Belt Bag Large 2L Wunder Puff

It's the bag that's literally everywhere. This Wunder Puff design is a lightweight puffy and quilted pattern with water-resistant fabric, a two-way zipper, external pocket and internal pockets.

LULULEMON REVIEW: "Love this belt bag which is just large enough to carry my phone and wallet and can be conveniently work as a waist belt or crossbody. It’s so convenient for travel as a place to keep your passport handy and secure."

2
For the Binge Watcher

The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy (Boxed Set)

On Sale
The Complete Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy (Boxed Set)

Belly's love triangle with the Fisher boys has had Prime Video watchers glued to their screens since The Summer I Turned Pretty's series debuted in June 2022. And with talks of season three swirling around (possibly coming in 2025), getting their hands on the complete trilogy of books by Jenny Han, which the series is based on, will help with the wait.

AMAZON REVIEW: "These are some of THE BEST BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ!!! I read them all in a span of 4 days right after they came in the mail. I couldn’t put them down because they were so good."

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3
Great for Selfies

Selfie Ring Light

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Selfie Ring Light

Photo quality is always important, which is why this selfie ring light comes in handy. It can easily clip on to any phone or iPad, and includes three brightness levels. Perfect for all the selfies they'll want to immediately post to Instagram.

AMAZON REVIEW: "For the size of this light, I was shockingly surprised at the quality and amount of light it gave off! It is super easy so use and holds a charge for what seems like forever."

4
For Younger Gen-Zers

Professional Printing 3D Pen

Professional Printing 3D Pen

It's one of our top gifts for tweens and teens year after year, and we can see why. They can create one-of-a-kind figures by bringing their doodles to life with this pen.

AMAZON REVIEW: "This is so great, I recommended it to my friend and they got it too. I have a 3D printer, but some things are better suited freehand. This allows you to break free of restraints of build plate restraints and allows you to do things that may fail on a printer because you can vary the control yourself, like a vertical standing string."

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5
Best $20 Gift

Everyday Speaker

Everyday Speaker

A Bluetooth speaker has become a necessity for Gen-Z. This one by Raycon is small and portable, plus it is loud enough to be heard from rooms away. (I have personally tested and can confirm.)

AMAZON REVIEW: "I love the compact, light weight, and sleek style. (Seriously, the best looking small Bluetooth speaker I've seen!) I love that it is magnetic! I can stick it to the metal on my shower door and listen to music. The sound is high quality and the base is so clean. I love love love this speaker!"

6
They'll Love These Viral Recipes

As Cooked on TikTok

On Sale
As Cooked on TikTok

They may have already saved tons of recipes from their FYP to try at a later date, but this cookbook puts the most viral foods right at their fingertips. With over 190 pages, they can cook the best things from TikTok's most influential chefs.

AMAZON REVIEW: "I am an avid TikTok’er and by avid, I like to primarily scroll and find fun recipes. This book has outlined some of the best. What makes it really fun are the QR codes with most of the recipes, so you can really feel connected to the creators."

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7
Unique Beauty Gift

Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

Cooling Water Jelly Tint Lip + Cheek Blush Stain

Perfect for summer, this cooling lip tint and blush stain from Milk has had TikTokers in a frenzy. It comes in four vibrant shades, and already has the It Girl stamp of approval for being easy to use and long-lasting.

SEPHORA REVIEW: "If you have issues with blush fading too soon, you won’t with this one. Applies more evenly when used with a dual fiber brush. Lasts me all day."

8
Something They Definitely Don't Have Already

Bedside Shelf

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Bedside Shelf

Everything needs to be as close as possible for those days when they are just hanging at home. This shelf can attach to almost any bed to keep their phone, drink, tablet or anything else, in reach.

AMAZON REVIEW: "The BedShelfie is a wonderful alternative to having a side table. It doesn’t take up too much space, is really sturdy, and super easy to install. I bought to, so I can have less clutter around my bed and only put necessities on it and so far I’m really happy with my purchase! It can hold your laptop, tablet, book, phone, drink etc. It serves its purpose and still looks brand new after months of purchase, great quality product."

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9
Great Self-Care Gift

Wellness Journal

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Wellness Journal

If there's anything we can all learn from Gen Z, it's to prioritize your mental health and wellness. Needless to say, this journal will help aid them on their self-care journey by providing several pages and prompts to reflect on goals, note thoughts and feelings and practice mindfulness.

AMAZON REVIEW: "LOVE the thoughtful gentle inquiries on each page to help you relax, reflect, dream, etc. The hard bound cover and weight of this journal is very nice. It even has a nice ribbon placeholder."

10
The Girls That Get It, Get It

Lip Liner STAY-N Peel Off Tattoo Bundle

Lip Liner STAY-N Peel Off Tattoo Bundle

Her lip combos will stay put with these viral peel off lip liner stains. TikTokers have raved about the gorgeous payoff from them, and the satisfaction of peeling off the dried on product to reveal a flush of color is icing on the cake.

AMAZON REVIEW: "I use this as a full-lip color every single day. It stays on all day. It doesn't dry out my lips. I literally have to wipe it off at night with a makeup wipe. I have bought several so I don't run out. It does take a minute to get used to putting it on, but once you get it, you will love it."

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11
New Viral Cup

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle

While the Stanley Quencher still serves its purpose, the Owala cup is the most viral bottle of the moment. Even our experts in the Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab loved how slim it was, how long it kept drinks cool and all the fun colors it comes in.

OUR REVIEW: "My absolute favorite thing about the Owala is that you can drink out of the spout like it's a straw or you can tilt it upwards to take bigger gulps. I'm not a fan of water bottles with straws (they require so much work to drink out of and clean!) but this one is a game changer."

12
Protect Their Investment

Cover for AirPods Max Headphones

 Cover for AirPods Max Headphones

Keep their AirPods Max headphones in pristine condition with these affordable covers. They come in 12 colors, and are sturdy enough to protect from scratches.

AMAZON REVIEW: "These fit perfectly on my new Apple AirMax headphones, I love these so much! The color is very pretty, and I decorate the covers with stickers."

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13
Perfect Camera to Take on Vacation

Digital Camera

On Sale
Digital Camera

Digital cameras are making a comeback, and this one will produce quality photo without breaking the bank. It is compact, so it travels easily, and also features a self-timer and filters.

AMAZON REVIEW: "If you want the look of digital camera pictures but don’t want to pay $150+ for one, this one is perfect. It comes with everything you need and an extra battery. It has lasted me a couple of months and I love the pictures it produces."

14
Cool Decor

Custom Neon Sign

Custom Neon Sign

A custom led neon sign is the perfect way to add a personal touch to their space. Whether elevating their dorm room or giving their new apartment a little extra love, this sign with three brightness settings, AC power adapters and battery pack options will do the trick.

AMAZON REVIEW: "It’s so cute, light weight and simple. It comes with a little chain to hang or mounting screws or magnets. I love it so much and would absolutely get again."

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15
Add This Brand to Their Wardrobe

SKIMS Foldover Pants

SKIMS Foldover Pants

Kim Kardashian's SKIMS brand is known for sculpting shape wear that is both breathable and soft to touch, but we'd argue that any Gen-Zer in your life will love these foldover pants more. Reviewers and TikTok influencers agree that they're super comfy, soft and stretchy, making them perfect for lounging around or traversing a college campus.

NORDSTROM REVIEW: "These are so comfortable and stretchy! I am a big fan of the cotton jersey collection. I would recommend sizing down one size because of the amount of stretch."

16
Their Favorite Fragrance

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '62 Mist

Sol de Janeiro Cheirosa '62 Mist

When it comes to fragrances, Sol de Janeiro's body mist might as well be the Gen Z equivalent to millennials' Bath and Body Work's Sweet Pea. It's everywhere. Reviewers on TikTok and Amazon have raved about the delicious scent.

AMAZON REVIEW: "This fragrance is like a tropical vacation in a bottle. The scent is absolutely divine, with notes of coconut, vanilla, and tropical flowers that linger beautifully on both my hair and body."

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17
Trendy and Comfortable

UGG Tazz Platform Slipper in Chestnut

UGG Tazz Platform Slipper in Chestnut

Comfort for most Gen-Zers is simply non-negotiable. That's where these UGG slippers come in. They can easily be slipped on, feature a cushioned footbed and are lined with UGG-plush (a moisture-wicking shearling-like material). They also have a stylish platform, which is making a huge comeback.

NORDSTROM REVIEW: "These are awesome! Super soft, good traction, and the slight back holds your foot comfortably and securely so the platform is easy to walk in."

18
Fashionable Skincare

Hydro-Stars Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches

Hydro-Stars Hydrocolloid Pimple Patches

Pimple patches are practically everywhere these days. This pack comes with 96 hydrocolloid star-shaped patches that are both functional (can reduce fluid and inflammation) and stylish. They'll never leave home without them.

AMAZON REVIEW: "They are a cute alternative to the clear circle acne patches, as they work to conceal redness and blemishes."

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19
Extend Their Battery Life

Mini Portable Charger for iPhone

Mini Portable Charger for iPhone

They're always on their phone, so they need to make sure it's charged at all times. This portable charger is small enough to carry in their pockets, and it is way more convenient than keeping a charging block and cord on them when they go out.

AMAZON REVIEW: "These are actually great little portable power banks. They snap onto the phone and you can carry and use the phone normally with the power bank attached quite easily. They are lightweight and they work and feel better than having a large power bank tethered with a cord."

20
Best Gift Under $10

Fat Oil Lip Drip

Fat Oil Lip Drip

With over 10,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, plus its affordable price, it's hard not to buy this lip oil. Available in a bunch of different shades, it'll give them all the shine without any stickiness.

AMAZON REVIEW: "I've been trying to find that sheer pink pouty gloss that I see everywhere, this isn't it, but I love this look much more! Natural, long-lasting,hydrating and the colors are great."

Headshot of Cameron Jenkins
Cameron Jenkins
Staff Writer

Cameron (she/her) is a staff writer for Good Housekeeping, where she covers everything from holidays to food. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she received a B.A. in magazine journalism. In her spare-time she can be found scrolling TikTok for the latest cleaning hacks and restaurant openings, binge-watching seasons of Project Runway or online shopping.

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