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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
Upgrade Their Movie Nights

Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector

Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector

Small enough to fit in the palm of their hand, this compact and portable projector will be perfect for streaming their favorite shows and movies from practically anywhere. It is compatible with Mac, Microsoft PC Computer, Android, tablets and other smartphones.

AMAZON REVIEW: "It's bright even in a room with lights, completely clear. Easy to use. Volumes pretty nice but if you want it for a large group or room I'd use a speaker. It's amazing."

2
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."

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3
An Amazon Bestseller

Mini Frige

On Sale
Mini Frige

Whether they use it to store beauty items or keep snacks cold, this mini fridge is compact and convenient enough to store in a dorm room or bedroom. The retro-feel is also right on trend.

AMAZON REVIEW: "What a cute mini fridge! I keep it in my bedroom for snacks, drinks, and a medication that needs to stay cold. It's very quiet and I can barely hear it."

4
Glassware but Make It Cool

Glass Cups with Straws

On Sale
Glass Cups with Straws

All of their green smoothies, protein shakes, juices and even water will look super cool in these aesthetically pleasing glasses. They come with four straws and two cleaning brushes, and they're dishwasher safe.

AMAZON REVIEW: "High quality glasses. They’re thick and durable like a pint glass while adding to a modern aesthetic. Everyone asks where I got them."

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5
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."

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
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."

8
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."

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9
Trendy Beauty Gift

Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fuchsia Flex

Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer in Fuchsia Flex

Fenty Beauty has made beauty lovers pay attention since its iconic launch with over 18 foundation shades. Now, it's got our attention in a new way with this shimmery deep fuchsia gloss.

SEPHORA REVIEW: "This color is absolutely GORGEOUS. It is a beautiful light gloss and doesn't come out the blaring color it appears to be in the tube. It has a glitter/sparkle to it that is absolutely unmatched by any other lip gloss I've ever used."

10
Her New Favorite Purse

Lily Shoulder Bag

Lily Shoulder Bag

Its unique slouchy baguette shape lends to it being able to store everything from her cellphone to lip oils to pimple patches and more. It is also versatile enough to be dressed up or down.

AMAZON REVIEW: "I love it, I use this bag the most out of the many JW PEI bags I own, it’s SPACIOUS, etc. 10/10 plan on buying a couple more in the future!!"

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11
Cute Housewarming Gift

Ceramic Coffee Chubby Mug Saucer Set

Ceramic Coffee Chubby Mug Saucer Set

With several bold colors and patterns to choose from, this chunky mug and saucer set will make their coffee or tea even more enjoyable. Reviewers have said that the mugs are sturdy, don't break easily and keep drinks warm for a long time.

AMAZON REVIEW: "The packaging was perfect. No chips or breaks. The colors are really nice as well. I like the size of the mugs and they are comfortable to hold. I have put them in the microwave and dishwasher with no problems."

12
3 Gifts in 1

Music Table Lamp with Wireless Charger

On Sale
Music Table Lamp with Wireless Charger

It's a lamp, charger and speaker all in one. It'll look great on their nightstand, and is perfect for playing their favorite music while their phone gets juiced up.

AMAZON REVIEW: "The lamp is adjustable with three different settings. The Bluetooth is very loud, and I’m able to still hear it while in the shower. It was very cute and has become one of my everyday accessories."

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13
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."

14
Great for Selfies

Selfie Ring Light

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."

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15
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!"

16
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."

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17
Something They Definitely Don't Have Already

Bedside Shelf

On Sale
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."

18
Great Self-Care Gift

Wellness Journal

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."

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19
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."

20
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."

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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