Gen Zs are the worst to shop for, amirite? Like, what do you get someone who is waaayy cooler than you? Someone who has the guts to tell you they don’t like the gift you got them to your face? Someone who, when they want something, simply make a million-dollar worth TikTok video and then go out and purchase it themselves?
I know this because I’m a millennial with a Gen Z sister who was hard to shop for – until I cracked the code. So, now, I know you can never go wrong with something trendy like the Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush ($23) that’ll give them a flawlessly sexy dewy/mattey finish. Not really into makeup?
No worries. Maybe they’ll enjoy something edgier or a special limited-edition fashion book that’ll answer all their Euphoria-related prayers.
Still not quite right? Just have a Gen Z gifting expert (aka me) do some curating for you via this extensive list of the 20 gifts bound to make you popular with your nieces, nephews, and siblings. You can thank me later.
Euphoria Fashion By Heidi Bivens, $60 ($54) – @a24films.com
If your Gen Z niece or nephew owns the same Don’t Be Jealous baby tee that Alexa Demie rocked during episode season two of Euphoria, get them this holy-grail Euphoria fashion book ASAP.
Trust us, you’ll be the aunt or uncle of the year for the next decade or so, and you’ll never have to ask them to take the trash out ever again! You’ll simply breathe, and they’ll do it. ?
Glossier Orange Blossom Neroli Candle, $45 – Glossier
They’ve been a Glossier superfan since they turned 16? Check. They can’t go a day without blasting some Olivia Rodrigo tunes? Check. They love winding down with an aromatic candle? Quadruple check.
C.R. Gibson Multicolor “Good Vibes Only” Hardcover Journal, $8 – Amazon
Gen Zs pull no punches when it comes to their emotional health. If they’re sad, they’ll make that known and cry, even if it’s in a public space.
If they’re mad, they’ll probably yell and let it out on a 90-minute video on TikTok. So, why not give them a safe and private platform where they can eloquently express their feelings?
Bonus: A journal with affirmations can uplift them when they’re feeling off and remind them that they matter!
Skims Fits Everybody High Neck Bodysuit, $58 ($29) – Nordstrom
The Skims high-neck bodysuit is the perfect wardrobe staple for any Gen-Zer. It sculpts your body’s natural shape, holds you in, and lifts you in all the right places.
Not to mention, it comes in the most skin-flattering colors, excellent for every style.
The Disco Pet Tag, $25 – The Sprinkle Shop
The cat or dog parent will be thrilled when you gift them this one-of-a-kind pet tag. The tags come in various shapes and feature a fun disco sparkle aesthetic that looks incredibly amazing on any cat or dog.
Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer, $30 – Sephora
Somehow, this Kosas Revealer Brightening Concealer manages to appeal to the no-makeup makeup crowd and the high-glam girlies: it’s buildable, imperfections-blurring, and seamlessly melts into the skin.
Did we mention that it is packed with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides that visibly brighten, hydrate, and plump the skin?
Crosley Cruiser Deluxe Vintage 3-Speed Bluetooth Suitcase Turntable, $133 – Amazon
If your Gen Z giftee is always the first to share their Spotify Wrapped or are avid vinyl collectors, they’ll hug you to death when you present this record player that seamlessly plays any record and connects to Bluetooth devices.
It’s a bit of an investment, but this here will surely get you that cool aunt or uncle title you’ve yearned for since they turned 13.
Converse Run Star Legacy CX High Top Platform Sneaker, $120 ($40.50) – Nordstrom
One thing about Gen Z? They love a retro style with an unexpected twist. And these high-top platform sneakers with distorted pinstripe bumpers and a chunky foam midsole fit the bill.
Also, they come in black, egret, electric blush, and vapor violet, so ensure to check your giftee’s style before deciding which would be perfect for them.
NYX Professional Makeup Limited Edition Butter Gloss Beneath The Wreath Lip Gloss Holiday Gift Set, $60 ($45) – Ulta
Glossy lips are back on trend, and Gen Z #BeautyTok has been going nuts over the NYX Cosmetics Butter Gloss that brings a lustrous, non-sticky shine to your lips for that sexy mistletoe-ready pout.
Ariana Grande Cloud Eau de Parfum, $65 – Ulta
If they’re legit Arianators, they’ll love you forever when you get this dreamy, inspiring, and playful EDP.
The warm gourmand scent features top notes of bergamot, juicy pear, and lavender blossom; middle notes of crème de coconut, indulgent praline, and vanilla orchid; and base notes of creamy blonde woods and sensual musks.
Coco & Eve Sunny Honey Bali Bronzing Foam, $35 ($17.50) – Coco & Eve
Yes, we know it’s like 0 degrees outside, but hear us out. Your niece and nephew will be so happy when you get them this 2023 TikTok-favorite bronzing formula.
The product uses unique cellushape technology to hydrate and firm the skin while blurring out imperfections for a natural-looking, golden glow.
The Ultimate Gen Z Ugg Ultra Mini Platform, $160 – Nordstrom
Ugh, not us buying these platform boots while writing this guide…?Anywho, Gen Zs are really into UGGs (thanks to Cardi B), and these cool boots are at the top of the pile.
They’re snug enough to wear around the house and pair perfectly with other Gen Z fall closet staples – joggers and sweatpants.
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Shampoo and Conditioner Set, $107 Value ($79) – Ulta
This haircare set meets all your Sunday reset needs and is sure to light up a smile on your natural hair- advocating giftee.
It contains algae extract that provides powerful antioxidant benefits, B vitamins that strengthen and nourish tresses for increased elasticity, and a rice protein complex that protects hair against future damage, making it the perfect treat for anyone adjusting to dorm life.
The Complete The Summer I Turned Pretty Trilogy Boxed Set, $60 ($54) – Amazon
If they read #BookTok’s current obsession, The Summer I Turned Pretty, they’ll be glad you got the Jenny Han trilogy that includes It’s Not Summer Without You and We Always Have Summer.
Tarte Maneater After Dark Eyeshadow Palette, $52 – Ulta
Tarte’s Maneater After Dark Palette is precisely what its name suggests – the go-to eyeshadow palette for every girlie’s night out needs (with a little man-eating on the side, just kidding ?).
The palette features a range of 24 richly pigmented nude shades that carry effortlessly through autumn, spring, summer, and beyond.
From mischievous matte terracottas to fantasy emerald greens and cool-toned mauves, there’s a shade to match your Gen Z nieces’ or nephews’ vibe.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Body Obsession, $68 – Sephora
Gen Zs and millennials have pretty much claimed Sol de Janeiro as their go-to product.
This set features pistachio, salted caramel, and vanilla key notes and a blend of antioxidants that diminish visible signs of aging and tighten the appearance of skin.
It includes:
- • 240ml Brazilian Bum Bum Cream
- • 90ml Cheirosa Perfume Mist
- • 90ml Brazilian 4Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel
- • 75g Bum Bum Body Scrub
- • 8ml Bum Bum Body Firmeza Oil
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush, $23 – Sephora
Anything from Selena Gomez would be a hit with your Gen Z giftees. But this Rare Beauty Liquid Blush is our recommendation.
Rosy cheeks have been a popular makeup trend in 2023, and this highly pigmented liquid blush does the trick. And with 13 matte and dewy finishes, you can be sure to find one that’ll complement their skin tone.
Chillhouse Chill Tips Big Vibrant Energy Collection, $45 – Chillhouse
The biggest 2023 nail trends have included lots of bright colors, geometric shapes, and velvety textures – all of which you get at Chillhouse (the press-on nails empire).
This vibrant energy collection, for instance, consists of the animal house, babs on the beach, and mood ring designs, which will look cute on your niece or nephew.
Did we mention they last you over five days? Yep. That’s impressive!
Dyson Special Edition Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete Long in Blue Blush, $600 ($500) – Ulta
Yes, it is a splurge, but this candy-colored version of the Dyson Airwrap Multi-Style will surely bring a smile to any Gen-Zer obsessed with pulling off the best hair looks.
The salon-level device has six attachments that create the most fabulous curls and waves. Almost any Gen Z with a TikTok account has this on their holiday wishlist.
Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag, $52 – Amazon
You can’t go wrong with gifting this Gen Z-approved Baggu crescent bag. It is effortlessly casual and large enough to carry their beauty essentials and everything else they need daily.
Even if you’re unsure if your niece or nephew already owns one, you can gift them the extra-large version or the mini one in a festive shade.