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Hi there — we’re three one of the resident Gen-Zers here at IH, ready to guide you this holiday season on what to buy for the youngin’ in your life. Well, young-adult, if you will. To begin — let’s settle the dispute on what classifies as Gen-Z versus Millenial versus the infamous Gen-Alpha. If someone you know was born between the years of 1995 and 2012, they are a Gen-Z…sorry ’94. In today speak that means anyone who’s 12-27. With the holiday months now in full-fledged mayhem it’s time to pull up your boot-straps and admit you are only just getting started on shopping. That’s ok — that’s what your computer is for.
We realize how daunting it is to buy gifts for those who fall somewhere in that age range. Gen-Zers care about the environment and boycott brands that don’t share our values. We’re influenced by online aesthetics and tastemakers (do you even know who Matilda Djerf is?). We’re regular sluggers, Sonny Angels collectors and aspiring DJs. Oh, and we have great taste, if we do say so myself.
THE INSIDEHOOK 2025 GIFT GUIDE
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If none of that means anything to you, don’t sweat it. After hours of scrolling on TikTok and cross-examining with experts (namely, high schoolers, college kids and my own friends), we’ve rounded up a variety of perfect Gen-Z gifts that us and our peers actually want to unwrap this holiday season. Because Gen-Z spans from middle schoolers to college graduates, pick and choose as you see fit. You have great taste too, after all.
Parke OG Varsity Mockneck
These sweatshirts from Parke have been dubbed as the sweatshirt that’s “making college girls crash out,” according to The Cut. This is a good thing. They’re simple, comfortable and trendy — and they sell out quick.
Hatch Restore 3
This alarm clock has gone viral on social media — and for good reason! Who wouldn’t want to wake up to a sunrise alarm for a phone-free sleeping experience? It’s the perfect gift to get the screen-obsessed Gen Z in your life.
Jellycat Amuseables Caprese Baguette
Any Jellycat would likely suffice, but who would turn down a caprese baguette?
Anthropologie The Fiona Beaded Bag: Food & Drink Edition
For the 21+ Gen Z, a beaded bag shimmering in their favorite cocktail of choice.
Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket
The best part about this coat? It comes with a storage pouch that the coat will guaranteed fit in, and it easily fits in a bag or purse, so you don’t have to wear your coat or hold onto it all night. This coat is perfect for the Gen Z who gets cold but doesn’t want to wear a coat. Or a Gen Z who loves to go out to the club but hates being cold on the way there and home.
Nintendo Switch™ 2 System
The perfect gift for the nostalgic Gen Z, who yearns to play Animal Crossing or Mario Kart one more time.
JBL Clip 4
A clippable speaker for all on-the-go music needs. It’s waterproof, has wireless bluetooth and 10 hours of battery life. They can hang it right from their tote bags.
Oura Ring 4
For the fashionable Gen Z who also cares deeply about their health and fitness, the Oura Ring trackes sleep levels, activity levels and other preventative health variables that make it a must-have for many young adults
Le Creuset Signature Round Dutch Oven
Nothing gives off TikTok chef vibes like a Le Creuset dutch oven. Trust us.
Maison Margiela REPLICA Jazz Club
What young adult doesn’t want to smell like a late-night out at an elegant jazz club, basking in the heavy aroma of cocktails, tobacco and vanilla?
West Elm Glass Iced Matcha Latte Ornament
Commemorate this holiday season with one of Gen Z’s popular morning drink of choice.
SMEG 2-Slice Toaster
Help furnish a young Gen Z’s new apartment by gifting them this aesthetically pleasing toaster. This trendy appliance is known for its mid-century ’50s style. Could anything get more Gen Z than that? Not to mention it’s considered a must-have product by Nara Smith, the internet’s queen of the kitchen. If you know, you know.
Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag
There’s just something about Longchamp tote that makes a Gen Z-er swoon.
Ralph’s Coffee Ball Cap
Gen Z-ers will never turn down a trendy ball cap, especially this one from Ralph’s Coffee.
Coton Colors Oysters Half Dozen Platter
A charming little oyster plate? Perfect for the Gen Z-er who loves hosting, oysters or intricately detailed trinkets.
Carhartt OG Detroit Jacket
POV: He saw too many vintage Carhartts on his TikTok FYP and now it’s become the workwear jacket that he needs in his life.
Topicals Faded Under Eye Brightening & Clearing Eye Masks
Eye masks have been very popular this year. Contribute to the ongoing trend.
DUA Balancing Cream Cleanser
The internet’s favorite globe-trotting bookworm-slash-pop star, Dua Lipa, now has a skincare line, developed by the ultra-prestigious Augustinus Bader.
Sézane x Antoinette Poisson Vanity Case
The kind of gift that’ll be kept and used forever, really. From Paris with love.
LORE Somewhere but nowhere Eau de Parfum
Unisex fragrances that are literally designed around vibes. The scent Sublimity is described as “sheer solar musk” with notes of “warm skin” and “full sun.” How Gen Z can you get?
Fishwife The Cookbook Gift Box
Take them from microwave dinner to impressively chic plate (with minimal fire hazaard)
We've put in the work researching, reviewing and rounding up all the shirts, jackets, shoes and accessories you'll need this season, whether it's for yourself or for gifting purposes. Sign up here for weekly style inspo direct to your inbox.
