Shopping for Gen Z is a bit like entering another colourful little universe where beauty items, cute plushies, and young adult romance books happily coexist. One moment you’re learning about this jelly blush and refillable deodorant, the next you’re being reminded that, yes, a soft bunny toy is still absolutely essential at any age. Read on to find out our Gen Z gift guide.
Then there’s the older Gen Zs, whose gift expectations soar higher than the price of their favourite peptide lip treatments. Suddenly we’re talking luxury wallets, alpaca cardigans, and gadgets that definitely require a payment plan. Some even toss in a new iPhone, a getaway to Japan or, you know, a casual Mercedes-AMG G-Class, because manifesting is free, babes. It’s a blend of high-maintenance lifestyle and delusional optimism, and we kinda love that for them, honestly.
We spoke to Gen Zers themselves to get a real sense of what this generation actually wants, so you can treat the Gen Zers in your life with confidence. And of course, no list will ever apply to every single person, but consider this your fun, friendly starting point.
The ultimate Gen Z gift guide, according to real Gen-Zers
Maria (16)
Maria, a girly pop teen living with her aunt and uncle in London, has just aced her GCSE exams and is eager to revamp her beauty routine before the new year. This Christmas, her wish list is filled with new skincare and makeup essentials, along with a romantic YA trilogy to inspire her as she steps into the next chapter of her life. Here is a Gen Z gift guide catered to her.
Sol de Janeiro Rio Deo Aluminium-Free Refillable Deodorant Cheirosa ’62
Tangle Teezer mini hairbrush
Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint
The Summer I Turned Pretty book
Fernanda (21)
Fernanda, an edgy young adult living her best life in London, is in her final year of uni. So of course, at the top of her Christmas wish list is landing a job. She’s also hoping for a few beauty goodies and a cute Jellycat plushie, because honestly, no one’s ever too old for a Jellycat. We’re rooting for you, Fernanda, and hoping you get everything on your list, especially the job.
A job
(Sorry, you can’t buy that here)
Rhode Peptide Lip Treatment
Jellycat Bashful Bunny
Drunk Elephant Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream
Primrose (27)
Primrose is a stylish young writer whose specialty is covering all things beauty, jewellery, and watches. Naturally, her Christmas wish list reflects the very world she writes about: a Celine belt, Louis Vuitton lipstick, Van Cleef & Arpels watch, and an impossibly cute Ami cardigan.
Celine Triomphe Buckle & Reversible Strap 25MM in Tan/Rice
LV Rouge Satin Lipstick
Van Cleef & Arpels Sweet Alhambra watch
Ami Blue Alpaca Ami De Coeur Cardigan
Prae (27)
Prae is an exceptionally talented writer known for delivering sharp, opinionated pieces on fashion trends and pop culture. At the top of her Christmas list is the iPhone 17 Pro Max, which, she insists, will help her take her reel-making skills (at work) to the next level. She’s also hoping for a trendy gadget, a YSL wallet, and a pair of cute earrings.
iPhone 17 Pro Max
YSL Cassandre Wallet in Lambskin
Love Potion earring from Mormormor
Beats by Dre Powerbeats Fit
Max (28)
Max is at the upper edge of Gen Z at 28, just two more years before he officially considers himself a full adult. This year, his wish list is all about levelling up: a brand-new car, a new iPhone, flight tickets to Japan, and a calfskin Celine jacket. The plan? To explore Japan in comfort and style while capturing every moment on his new phone. (The new car is for driving in Bangkok, though.)
iPhone 17
Mercedes-AMG G-Class
Flight tickets to Japan
Celine jacket in calfskin
[Hero and Featured Image Credit: Sol de Janeiro, Mercedes-Benz, Van Cleef & Arpels, Apple, Jellycat, Rhode, Milk Makeup]
This story first appeared here.
Note : The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.