The hardest thing about finding the best gift for Gen Z is the rapid trend cycle that turns popular products from uber-cool to ultra-lame in what seems like seconds. But don't worry, there's no need to scroll mindlessly through TikTok or Reels until you find the perfect gift. I, a zoomer, compiled a list of the ultimate Gen Z-approved gifts of 2025 that'll leave them absolutely gagged. ("Gagged" in a positive way, that is. It's Gen Z slang.)
Having been born in the early 2000s, I spend a concerningly high number of hours on my phone and am a total shopaholic; I feel comfortable helping you find the best gifts. So, this year, get the Gen Z in your life a gift that'll amaze them. From trendy Uggs to AirPods and the perfect foldover leggings, you'll be the #GOAT of the holiday season.
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Gen Z apparel and accessories
Foldover leggings have completely taken Gen Z over by storm, and I’d be lying if I said I haven’t hopped onto the trend as well. These are super cute and come in so many colors, so you can build your own collection of these absolutely comfy pants.
Anything with tortoiseshell print is super trendy, now that Carolyn Bessette-Kenndey-core has taken over TikTok. This classy and timeless '90s-inspired headband will be the finishing touch to any look.
Beanies are a staple piece to add to their wardrobe during colder months. The classic hat comes in multiple colors, making the possibilities of styling it endless.
These scrunchies help to the reduce hair breakage that often happens with traditional hair ties. Offered in a bunch of different colors, they keep ponytails and topknots firmly in place whether you’re exercising, washing your face or just lounging around the house.
The Gen Z crowd is all about accessorizing — even the most unexpected of things, like shoes! Secure one of these delicate charms to your laces, chains, zippers and more to give it a one-of-a-kind look. (maybe)
Yes, you heard that right. '90s chunky bangles are *so* back, and this gold clasp one is a cute statement piece to add to any bracelet stack.
With a knack for making bags sporting eye-catching colors and patterns, Baggu has captured the hearts of Gen Z members. This mini nylon shoulder bag has a slouchy yet structured look for the girl who wants to carry her phone, water and more during a hot girl walk. This stylish Gen Z gift is also environmentally conscious since it's made of 100% recycled nylon filament yarn, according to the brand.
Lululemon has been a Gen Z favorite for years and this drop is no exception. The new dual pouch wristlet took TikTok by storm with over 25 million people already adding this to their wish list, myself included.
I use this pouch to carry around my dorm keys, school ID, debit card and subway card. It's super convenient to travel with because of the strap, and it's a large item so I know I'm unlikely to lose it.
Us Gen Z-ers love anything trendy that we can still customize to help us stand out. These initial necklaces come in a fun, youthful bubble letter font and a chic gold color.
Cropped tees are a major style essential for any Gen Z. This one is from a beloved trendy brand that's known for bold and fun prints. Shop TODAY editorial assistant, Annie Shigo and fellow Gen Z resident has this and says, "I love how bright this top is, and it's great for layering in the winter under a cardigan or blazer."
Small sunglasses are another Gen Z-loved accessory. Production associate, Audrey Ekman has these and says, "These sunglasses are so chic and make a great gift for the trendy young adult on your list this year. Unlike our large-frame-favoring Millennial elders, Gen Z loves a skinny frame! This style comes in tinted options you can rock as sunglasses and a clear-lensed iteration they can wear indoors or pop their prescription into.”
It's all about the bows for 2025 and probably 2026 too. This pair of joggers has a fun color combination and features two bows at the hip. The brand was founded by a mother-daughter duo who are inspired by nostalgic fashion styles.
Gen Z is all about the accessories, and ear cuffs have been trending over the past couple of years. This set comes with one enamel cuff and one 14k gold-plated cuff. These are a great gift for anyone who doesn't have their ears pierced.
Keep them cozy and stylish with this henley. As early 2000s styles have been coming back into fashion, shoppers have their eyes on a buttoned henley. This one is made from premium pima cotton.
Tech gifts for Gen Z
Take their TikTok content up a notch with this mini microphone that can be used to improve sound quality on videos. With this phone attachment, they will be on their way to becoming a content creator in no time.
Our AirPods are absolutely precious to us zoomers. Keep them safe and secure with this case that offers all-around protection against bumps and drops, according to the brand. The outer waterproof surface will keep their earbuds dust- and scratch-free.
No Gen Z phone is complete without a unique phone accessory like these phone charms. This phone charm is customizable and reviews say it can hold the weight of an iPhone 14 Pro Max.
Know a Gen Zer who likes to film selfie videos? This silicone piece sticks to the back of any phone case and can grip to surfaces, making it a great portable and light phone mount for hands-free recording (or viewing!).
Help your Gen Zer protect their tech with these silicone covers compatible with Apple's AirPod Max headphones. These anti-scratch covers slip over the ear pad, ear cups and headband to protect your headphones from sweat and dirt when working out, traveling or just trekking through the week.
"I loved the product, put it on immediately after delivery and they fit so well on the headphones! I like that they are sleek and fit nicely on the AirPod max," one reviewer said. "These are expensive headphones and I want to make them last so I think for the price they will maintain them clean and away from stains. Also does not interfere with Bluetooth or sound."
This reusable notebook is the perfect match for the sustainable Gen Zer. The Rocketbook still has the same feel of a traditional notebook, but it’s reusable when connected to the cloud services of your choice. According to the brand, just add a drop of water to the pad and the notebook erases like magic.
These phone cases are all of the rage right now, not only because they're protective, but because their customization options allow for young people to express themselves creatively, even on their devices.
This highly-rated record player sounds as good as it looks. With its smaller footprint, it won’t take a ton of space up in their room but doesn’t sacrifice sound quality despite its sleek silhouette.
If they like collecting vintage pieces, this nostalgic gaming device is a great gift. It might look like the original Game Boy color, but this one works with over 2,000+ classic Game Boy titles.
For a gift that will really impress the Gen Zer in your life, splurge on the Meta Quest 3S, which brings virtual reality to new heights. This new headset lets you watch videos on streaming services like Amazon Prime and Netflix, play video games, exercise through it and more. Shop TODAY editor and producer Julie Ricevuto has one and swears by it. "The technology behind it is mind blowing," she says. "The immersive experience is nothing like I've experienced before."
One of the top tech gifts last holiday season has 20 hours of listening time with a single charge, according to the brand, along with active noise cancellation. Anyone who is constantly listening to music will love receiving this.
Shoes for Gen Z
Give them the gift of comfort with these “pillow-like” cloud slides. Various celebs have been seen sporting the trendy shoe as part of an “off-duty” model look. Why not hop on the trend with this bestselling pair that has several thousand verified five-star ratings and several colorways available? One customer raved that it’s “like walking on a cloud from the moment I put them on!”
Talk to any Gen Z-er and there's a high chance they have a pair of these in their closet (I have three already!). These shoes are comfortable, sleek and match with any outfit.
These Puma sneakers are one of the trendiest shoes right now, and for all the right reasons. Their simple yet stylish design is effective for creating a modern, cool look to step out in.
These popular running shoes are great for keeping comfortable when you're on your feet a lot. This next-generation version of the brand's customer-loved Clifton sneaker are said to offer an even better fit and a more cushioned design than ever before.
Without a doubt Ugg is a top brand when it comes to a fall/winter staple shoe. The Classic Ultra Mini Boot was the “it” shoe when it came out two years ago. To stay on top of the chunky trend we’ve been seeing this year, Ugg took the shoe we love to new heights by adding a platform. I personally love the look and think makes a basic piece more elevated.
The Boston Clogs are a beloved shoe for Gen Z. They're easy to slip on and off and stand out in comparison to other slippers, making your casual outfit look so much cooler.
A great pair of heels is an essential for parties, vacations and the office. This pair is made from leather and, according to Shigo, are "expertly crafted and so comfortable."
Gen Z self-care gifts
Gift them a scalp massager to transform their at-home hair care regimen into a salon visit. This affordable option from Amazon deep cleans and exfoliates the scalp while stimulating blood flow to the oil glands.
The Gen Z beauty gurus will adore this gift. The clips keep their hair out of the way while they work on a brand-new makeup look to go out in.
For the person in your life who needs a new pillowcase, gift them this satin pillowcase that was a recent winner in Shop TODAY's inaugural Sleep Awards. They will elevate their beauty sleep while protecting their hair and skin all in one.
A salt lamp is a stellar gift to set the mood after a long day of school or work. This salt lamp is crafted from 100% pink Himalayan salt rocks and offers five levels of brightness to create the ideal ambiance, according to the brand.
An aroma diffuser is a wonderful gift to give to someone as a token of your affection. They are believed to promote calmness, relaxation and boost your overall mood. Pair it with an essential oil of their favorite scent to set the vibe after a long day of work or school.
Add aromatherapy into your shower time with these shower steamers! They’re infused with natural oils that aim to reduce stress with scents of lavender and lemon, so you’ll feel extra relaxed while partaking in your “everything shower.”
Sometimes the best gift to give is gratitude. With over 1.3 million guided journals sold worldwide, according to the brand, weekly challenges, daily affirmations, inspiring quotes and end-of-day reflections are endless. It’ll last for six months of daily journaling and is made with sustainable materials.
Chances are, if they've gotten on #perfumetok, they've been stocking up on vanilla scents. This one from viral brand Phlur is great for the hair and body and layers well with other gourmand fragrances.
Bed rotting is a TikTok self-care trend that has been popularized by Gen Z. It involves spending the entire day in bed, relaxing and taking a break from everyday life. While enjoying their favorite TV show and cuddling under the blankets are key components for Gen Zer's on a bed rotting day, this nearly-seven-foot pillow can help take relaxation to the next level. What’s better is than a pillow made with a cooling fabric like Tencel that's silky smooth to the touch?
Other Gen Z gifts
You can’t go wrong with this chic hand sanitizer. According to the brand, the award-winning hand sanitizer power mist kills up to 99% of most common germs and bacteria, hydrates and softens, all while leaving hands delicately scented. It comes in a variety of different aromas including aloe vera, velvet peach, berry bliss and more.
One thing about Gen Z is that there's a high chance we'll be asking you for your astrological sign — or if they're a pro, your 'big three' why not gift them this book? It’ll guide beginners and enthusiasts alike through rising signs, planets and other astrology basics.
If they love to prioritize their hair care routine, this overnight beauty hack may be one that they can’t live without. This satin curling set produces effortless curls without the use of heat. Two scrunchies that delicately secure your hair and can be used day or night are included in the package, along with a satin curling rod to keep it all together.
Another foodie item on the list is this slushy cup that turns your favorite beverages into a cool sip before your eyes. All you have to do is freeze the slushy maker a few hours in advance, add your choice of beverage, squeeze the slushy cup for three to five minutes and you have a frozen drink!
The beauty-obsessed Zoomer in your life will love these, especially if they’ve been looking to upgrade their current brushes after a beauty video binge on TikTok.
If there's one thing Gen Z is unanimously obsessed with, it's matcha. But most of us work part-time jobs and definitely can't afford getting this daily beverage at a cafe. So, treat the Gen Z in your life to this at-home matcha kit that allows them to sip their new favorite drink, every day.
Is it just us or does drinking out of a cute glass makes the drink taste 10 times better? For the iced coffee enthusiast in your life, gift them this set to take their fave drink with them on the move. The set includes four glass cups with matching bamboo lids, four reusable glass straws and two cleaning brushes.
I think I can speak for a lot of people my age when I say that Tate McRae is an icon of our generation. This album is full of some of the most viral songs of the year, inspiring confidence and self-love for listeners.
For Gen Z students, these little illustration books are great source of much-needed stress relief, self expression and a little extra joy in their day. They come in a variety of themes, all of which take about 3-5 minutes to complete, per the brand.
You can't go wrong with a blind box! While many Labubus and other plushies are sold out, this one features a cute doll dressed as a dog or cat.
As of recent, the Owala has taken the throne for the most hyped-up water bottle. And with its leak-proof design, handle and double wall insultation, who could blame anybody? This trendy bottle isn't just popular for being cute, but being a good quality product, something Gen Z appreciates in their purchases.
If they can’t wait until the just-announced movie to continue keeping up with their favorite characters at Cousins Beach, gift them with the complete set of books to keep them company in the meantime. As a proud member of Team Conrad, I give these books a reread pretty often.
“Different from the OG game, this one has action steps at every turn which keep you more involved and get you excited for your next turn,” says associate editor Kamari Stewart. “This was also a blast to play with friends and has become another staple for us!” She mentions that players can cosplay as different generations, such as Boomer, Gen X, Gen Z and Millennials.
It's not a Gen Z gift guide without their favorite skincare and makeup brand at the moment: Rhode. This duo in particular features two of the brand's best-selling products, the lip peptide and the pocket blush. This set is perfect for the clean-girl in your life who wants more subtle, creamy products to add to their makeup routine.
I [Pierce] layer this buttery body cream with my fave perfume during the colder months. It’s infused with shea butter, tropical oils, mango butter and glycerin to lock in moisture for all-day hydration. Looking for a new scent? The brand also whipped up a limited-edition warm cinnamon scent (that I couldn’t pass on) with the same silky formula, topped with a gold shimmery finish.
Treat them with the gift to create gourmet soft serve desserts from frozen fruits in minutes. It comes with 36 recipes for their sweet-tooth cravings.
How we chose the best Gen Z gifts
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best Gen Z gifts out there. We comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Don’t forget to check out Shop TODAY’s other gift guides to find the perfect present for the tween, teen and young adult on your list including 11-year-olds, 12-year-olds, 13-year-olds, 14-year-olds, 15-year-olds, 16-year-olds, 17-year-olds, 18-year-olds, 19-year-olds and 20-year-olds.
