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Tricky Gen Z relative? Read this ultimate Generation Z Christmas gift guide
Go down in history as the coolest relative ever with these foolproof Gen Z-approved gifts (from our very own Gen Z staff)
Do you have a tricky teen or young adult you dread to buy for? Do you try to keep up with the kids but only end up getting eye rolls? Well, then, it looks like you have a Gen Z relative – and, boy, are they hard to please.
Born between 1997 and 2012, Generation Z were the first digital native generation, which in turn makes them increasingly aware of the world, brands and trend-led products. Aged between 27 and 12, it can be tricky to know what the latest must-have purchases or trending brands are for teens and young adults these days.
Here at Good Housekeeping, we’re always looking for ways to make your life easier, so we’ve collated the ultimate Gen Z hit list from our very own Generation Z staff (yes, they’re infiltrating your office, too). So, if you want to be the biggest hit with your hip niece or nephew (where they actually look up from their phone long enough to give you a hug this Christmas), this is the place for you.
Want to splurge? Go for the trending Tazz slippers (although they must be platformed) or a Scuffers unisex hoodie. After a cost-savvy purchase? Go simple with branded socks, such as Dickies, or larger-than-life scrunchies. If you want to be the coolest auntie, uncle, grandma or parent on Christmas day – and win a smile over a grunt – choose one of these failsafe gifts this year for an easy win.
Best gifts for Gen Zs
Tazz slippers from Ugg have been sold out for the past two years, since their launch in 2022. They come in other coloured trims, but the platformed sole is essential. I wear mine to pop to the shop or even to the office – Corin Ripley, fashion assistant
Sol de Janeiro Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Jet Set
A TikTok sensation, this body cream is totally worth the hype. With notes of pistachio and salted caramel, this dreamy set gives your skin an unmatched sheen, and it’s all you need to keep your skin nourished this winter. My cousins, who are 21 and 19, are equally obsessed with it – Christina Geggus, junior homes writer
Gen Z may not have cottoned on to the fact that Rishi Sunak killed off the Sambas for the cool Millennial crowd, but if Gen Zs still think they’re cool, then that’s all that counts.
If you’re shopping for a budding young chef, there’s no better way for fuelling their passion than with a TikTok cookbook. The hardback book features some of the platform’s most viral recipes, including pancake cereal, baked feta soup and pasta crisps. It even has a foreword from Gordon and Tilly Ramsay! The perfect present for any TikTok-obsessed Gen Z – Megan Geall, homes writer
Of course, Gen Zs don’t do lip gloss anymore – it HAS to be lip oil.
Do boys ever start buying their own underwear? If your male relative needs an urgent upgrade from their holey hosiery, then these Calvins will do the trick.
The viral rounded shoulder bag now comes in a range of neutral corduroy shades. Perfect for any Gen Z guy or girl – Maddie Evans, lifestyle writer
Trust me, if you buy this for your Gen Z relative who’s obsessed with all things beauty, beware their jaw may drop. You’ll go down in gift-giving history.
Unisex brand Scuffers is fuelling Gen Z’s mad obsession with loungewear. The more oversized the better.
Mob Mob One: Delicious Meals In One Pot, Pan Or Tray (Hardback)
If you ask any Gen Z where they get their recipe info from, it will undoubtably be from Mob. The social-led culinary community has launched its latest book for one-pot easy cooking – Corin Ripley, fashion assistant
A fun twist on a classic gift, this tinned fish candle is a perfect stocking filler – pair with a facemask or bath bomb for a starter pack for wintry evenings – Abby Allen, sub-editor
If you take one lesson away from Gen Z, let it be this… BRAND BRAND BRAND. They love a branded good, from socks to shoes. These Dickies socks are an easy win.
Maybe more for the older side of the Gen Z community, Monopoly Deal has all the thrill of a monopoly game but in a short 5-15 minute stint. Perfect for our ever-diminishing attention spans.
Big scrunches are all the rage. This one from Free People is an affordable option and would make the perfect stocking filler.
Simple, branded and an easy win for your grunting Gen Z nephew.
Oliver Bonas Danica Stone & Star Gold Plated Pendant Necklace
Dainty, gold jewellery is a surefire way of pleasing any younger recipient. This one from Oliver Bonas has two little gems and a 10k gold-plated star. There are matching earrings on the site, too, if you want to purchase a full set – Megan Geall, homes writer
Ganni is the Copenhagen cool-girl brand that Millennials and Gen Zs can’t get enough of. Got a young-20s relative coming home from the big city this Christmas? This is the gift for them.
Key chains are coming back, and this Oakley keychain is the perfect stocking filler for a teen.
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