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51 Ridiculously Good Gifts for Gen Z & Teens—According to Gen Z & Teens
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The trick to gifting Gen Z and teens a present they won’t immediately toss into the garbage disposal after lighting it on fire is to pretend like you didn’t research what to buy. Your gift-giving must appear effortless, casual. When they say “thank you,” just shrug like it was no big deal (even if it’s a big freaking deal). I learned the hard way after giving my 18-year-old niece a Sol de Janeiro set (with all her favorites!) and looking on expectedly, excited for her to rush over with arms outstretched from the overwhelming gratitude. It didn’t happen. Whatever. Now, I get her gifts as though it was the last thing on my mind—like I just happened to find something suitable on my drive over. Like I said: no biggie.
Table Of Contents
The other trick is just knowing what to get. As an editor who shops for a living, I feel pretty good about my teen gift/cool stuff radar, but it doesn’t hurt to call in the experts—which is why I enlisted the help from our very own SheKnows Teen Council, as well as my own Gen Z family members. Here’s what to gift teens and Gen Z for the 2025 holidays, according to teens and Gen Z.
Meet the Experts
The SheKnows Teen Council: This group of teens is comprised of over 100 members, all between the ages of 14-20. The SHE Media brands tap this cohort to better understand Gen Z trends and insights in a truly authentic way (like informing us what teens want for the holidays this year).
Gina’s Gen Z relatives: I asked my niece (Julie Stein, 18), nephew (Nathan Stein, 22), and nephew’s girlfriend (Ma’ayan Weisbaum Shakhnis, 21) for their unfiltered thoughts about what Gen Z wants—specifically those who are college-age. Not only did they text me back (shocked, tbh), but their suggestions were pretty impressive.
Beauty Gifts
Rhode On the Go Set
“Anything Rhode,” Sophia Bader, 17, tells StyleCaster. “I think that every girl would love a Rhode lip balm or the Glazing Milk,” Maxine Lovett, 14, conquers. Indeed, Rhode is still the Cool Girl of beauty, with the new-ish Peptide Eye Prep the ultimate status symbol. The On the Go Set includes the Eye Prep eye masks (choose between the logo or “r” icon for the design), Peptide Lip Treatment (choose between all available fragrances), the Glazing Mist, and a Rhode mirror.
Moroccanoil Frizz Control Shampoo & Conditioner Bundle, 8.5 Fl. Oz.
I was surprised by this one, because it’s such a millennial throwback (and it’s personally my favorite haircare brand, but I’m ancient)—but apparently the teens love Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner
, according to Mairead Carty, 18. I remember begging for Moroccanoil products as a teen, so I get it. It’s super luxe, and this Frizz Control formulation gives you sleek, smooth strands (plus, the fragrance is uh-mazing).
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm
Liv Basche, 16, just wants some lip balm—and Burt’s Bees (in Red Dahlia, a your-lips-but-better pinky nude) will do. This is great for winter, since it nourishes dry lips simultaneously.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Multiple teens (Basche and Avery Greene, 17) told me Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (specifically in Pink Sugar or Brown Sugar) was on their holiday wish list, so the hype hasn’t died down yet. And I get it—these balms are glossy, buttery, hydrating, and smell delicious.
Saie Glowy Super Gel Multipurpose Illuminator
I get all my beauty intel from the podcast Gloss Angeles, and according to beauty journalists and geniuses Kirbie Johnson and Sara Tan, Gen Z and the teens have embraced Cool Girl brand Saie. The Glowy Super Gel Multipurpose Illuminator
is on Greene’s list, and I get why it’s so coveted. You can use it as a highlighter, dab it eyelids for an eyeshadow lite look, or mix it with your moisturizer or foundation for an all-over dewy finish.
The Ordinary, The Acne Set
Another Teen Council favorite (Phoebe Wakama, 16 and Carty both mentioned the brand), The Ordinary delivers on high-end formulations at a reasonable price. Anything for a “clean, glowy look,” Wakama says. This Acne Set comes with an easy 3-step regimen: Glucoside Foaming Cleanser, Salicylic Acid Solution, and Beta Glucan moisturizer.
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Dewy Liquid Blush Mini
I also asked the Teen Council what they predict will be on every teen’s wishlist, and Wakama thinks Rare Beauty Liquid Blush will be a must-have. I’m including the mini version, because you really do not need much blush to make that pigment do the most. Plus, it makes for a good stocking stuffer. Wakama didn’t specify which shade is the most coveted, but you can’t go wrong with the coral-y “Charm.”
Amika Headstrong Intense Hold Hairspray
Bader listed Amika hairspray, which is amazing. When I was a teen, I didn’t even realize hairspray existed. You truly cannot go wrong with any Amika product, period—and their hairsprays really are elite. I personally love the Headstrong hairspray, since it’s hold is top-tier and perfect for events like formal, prom, or extracurriculars that require looking presentable (i.e., cheer, debate, comedy club).
Peace Out Early Stage Acne Dots
Gary Jennings, 17, tells me he thinks pimple patches will be on every teen’s list, which is amazing, because when I was a teen, we just used toothpaste and good vibes to deal with our acne. Peace Out has the best pimple patches, with a formula that’s designed to slow down the inflammation in early break-outs.
Manicurist Mani Stamper
DIY nail solutions have been one of the biggest trends I’ve seen this year, so it’s interesting to see something like the Manicurist Mani Stamper (a tool that gives you a perfect French tip in seconds) on the list. Another rec from Basche, the Mani Stamper is a lot cheaper than infinite trips to the nail salon, which I think we’re all thankful for in this economy.
Chillhouse – Chill Tips, Press on Nails Kit
Another DIY nail solution that a couple members of the Teen Council (Basche and Wakama) have identified is press-ons, and there are so many good options out there. As someone who has tested many brands, Chillhouse
is a consistent go-to, simply for their designs and longevity. The fair price doesn’t hurt, either.
Shark Glam Hot Tool Air Styling Drying System, with Silki Straightener & Glossi Glosser
Clover Glass, 15, said either a Shark or Dyson hair tool would do. Both are expensive, but Shark is more affordable, and in my opinion, better. I’ve tested every single Shark hot tool, and prefer them over Dyson’s lineup. They’re sturdier (way more travel-friendly than my Airwrap, which died on a quick trip to Texas), and much more user-friendly. The Shark Glam
is one of the newest hot tools to hit the Shark shelves, and I love it because it contains everything you need for a professional-looking blowout: A ceramic straightener, blow-dry brush, and curling wands. Plus, tech that gives your strands a shiny boost.
Scentbird 3-Month Gift Subscription
On Sale 7% off
Both Jennings and Wakama mentioned fragrance on their holiday list, but cologne and perfume scents are so personal. And while teens and Gen Z are still figuring out their “signature scent” (mine was Ed Hardy
, lol), you can help guide them with discovery sets, like the ones Scentbird sell. In fact, this is how my 22-year-old nephew, Nathan Stein, discovered his love for YSL for men. “They send a bunch of scents every month, and I get to try them all without having to a commit to a huge bottle,” he says. I love their gift subscription: You can choose from a 3, 6, or 12-month subscription that includes 3+ unique fragrances.
Fenty Treatz Hydrating + Strengthening Lip Oil
Wakama recommend a “really good lip oil” like Fenty’s. Fenty Treatz are incredibly nourishing and smell incredible. If you want to really splurge, I cannot recommend YSL’s Loveshine Plumping Lip Oil Gloss enough (it’s luxurious, long-lasting, and really does plump lips). A good drugstore option that’s also more pigmented is Elf’s
.
Slip Pure Silk Hair Wrap
Wakama also recommends satin or silk hair wraps for hair protection. I trust anything Slip makes, since their silk is really high-caliber and their designs are built to last. It’s a splurge, but it’s chic as heck, and really helps maintain hair smoothness and style.
OUAI Body Cleanser, Melrose Place – Foaming Body Wash
Anything Ouai, says Lovett. “I think they smell really good,” she says. Specifically, the Melrose Place Body Cleanser
, which leaves your skin baby-soft and smelling fantastic all day long.
Style & Accessories
Frye Campus 14L Boots
Gen Z icons like Olivia Rodrigo and Addison Rae have been spotted wearing the Campus boot, with the footwear brand itself seeing a 34% increase in sales last year alone. What’s the allure besides the celeb cool factor? Probably just the fact that it’s a simple, versatile leather boot and you just can’t go wrong. This boot is on Bader’s wish list, and I might just be buying a pair for myself this Christmas.
Longchamp Le Pliage Original L Tote Bag
Not only did Basche of the Teen Council recommend the Le Pliage tote bag, but my nephew’s college girlfriend Ma’ayan Weisbaum-Shaknis, 21, told me it’s the It Bag she sees everywhere on campus at UCLA. It’s truly the perfect upscale school tote: Large enough to hold a laptop and textbooks, chic enough to wear out with friends. Plus, while it’s effortlessly structured, it’s not too polished (it’s made of recycled canvas, so do be aware of easier spills and stains).
Machete French Hair Pin
“I would love to get a French hair pin it’s kind of random but I think they’re so chic and cute and I think that would be really cool for people to get,” Lovett tells me. The uncomplicated French look will never go out of style, and the French hair clip is a must-have for that easy, messy updo. Nordstrom has some pretty ones, like this Machete French hair clip that’s 5×11.4 inches and can handle most hair types. Target has some even more affordable options by The Hair Edit that are really pretty.
OFFLINE By Aerie Real Me Long Sleeve Scoop T-Shirt
It’s comforting to see the teens gravitate toward American Eagle just like my cohort did in high school. Carty says OFFLINE by Aerie workout tops are clutch, and this long-sleeved one is perfect for winter workouts, PE, and casual couch hangs. (Bonus: It kind of looks like SKIMS without the price tag.)
Barbour Powell Diamond Quilted Jacket
Teen boys are notoriously hard to shop for. You could just go with a gaming console gift card, but if you’re looking to really splurge on a nice wardrobe item, a classy winter jacket will always be in style. Clive Dillon, 16, has a Barbour jacket on his holiday wish list for himself—it’s status symbol-y, high quality, and is constructed with winter-friendly material that’ll actually keep the wearer warm.
North Face Men’s Hydrenalite™ Down Jacket
Jennings says a North Face puffer jacket is another good teen/Gen Z boy pick—it’s a practical buy that’ll keep them bundled up all winter long, and is smartly designed to withstand the cold, snow, and rain thanks to its hefty insulation and tough exterior fabric.
Alo Accolade Crew Neck Pullover
It’s funny: the athleisure trend has been on its way out for Millennials and Gen X (too cheugy, we’ve been told), but nearly half of the teens and Gen Z sources have told me otherwise! A lot of the style picks fall in the athleisure category, and one of the most popular brands on the list is the celeb-loved Alo, which apparently makes a very excellent sweatshirt. “Alo sweatshirt,” Greene tells me, “especially the blue color.” Pro tip: Almost always order a size or two up from what your teen wears. The slouchy look is still tres chic.
PARKE Hometown Varsity Mockneck Sweatshirt
Another athleisure cult-favorite, this vintage-inspired clothing brand, recommended by Meera Mehta, 16, is best known for its mockneck sweatshirts that’ve been seen on the likes of influencers like Charli D’Amelio and Addison Rae. It’s very “in-the-know,” and I guarantee the Gen Zer in your life will be very impressed with this (even if they don’t show it). “I think my friends would LOVE a PARKE sweatshirt,” Mehta tells me.
Ralph Lauren Polo Bear Wool-Cashmere-Blend Sweater
This is the preppy-whimsical status symbol sweater of our dreams—and maybe your teen’s. If they’d love to get their paws on something designer and cute, Mehta says she’d personally love a Ralph Lauren teddy bear sweater. My husband gifted me a version of the Ralph Lauren teddy bear cashmere-blend sweater, and I can confirm it’s soft, warm, and makes me feel like Sofia Richie Grainge (who is technically a younger Millennial, but we can say she’s on the generational cusp).
Ugg Tazz II Platform Slipper
I am obsessed with how well Ugg has been able to transcend generation after generation. My friends and I wore Uggs back in the early 2000s, and while there are so many cooler new styles, the vibe is still the same. Nearly half of the teens I spoke with told me Ugg slippers were either on their wish lists, or think it’ll be on other teen’s wishlists, and that tracks. Year after year, no matter the generation, everyone loves a brand new Ugg slipper to cozy into as soon as the weather turns crisp. The Tazz II Platform slipper is the trendiest, IMO, but you can’t go wrong with any of ’em.
Local Eclectic Tropical Opal Fleur Studs
Nearly half of my teen sources told me earrings will be on their holiday lists this year. The style of earring really depends on the giftee, but as someone who writes about jewelry a lot for work, I can’t help but love Local Eclectic’s unique design and reasonable price points. This pair of opal (technically opalite, as they’re lab-created) flower earrings is so The Life of a Showgirl-coded, the Taylor Swift lover in your life will absolutely adore them.
Scandivv Sally Necklace
On Sale 15% off
This Amsterdam-based jewelry brand makes big and bold chunky jewelry. While minimalist jewelry was a suggestion from several members of the teen council, Bader specifically listed Scandivv, which makes pieces that take up half a limb—and I personally love that look. Are the teens bringing back chunky jewelry? Only one (and maybe Jenna Lyons) could hope.
Jellycat Amuseables Pretzel Bag Charm
My 18-year-old niece, Julie Stein, texted me that all the college-age friends in her cohort want Jellycats for the holidays, and the Teen Council’s Basche agrees, sending me a link to this specific pretzel-shaped bag charm.
Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 Sneakers
Forget Sambas. Delete Gazelles. “All these girls I’m meeting are going feral for the Onitsuka Tiger sneakers,” Weisbaum-Shakhnis tells me. “They’re harder to get new, which only feeds the craze,” she adds. Grab a pair before they go totally extinct for the holiday season.
Gola Grandslam Trident Shoes
Another Adidas-alternative, Greene recommends the Gola Grandslam Trident sneaker, which features a bit of a platform and a pop of color.
Skims Long Slip Dress
Is there any generation that hasn’t succumb to the allure of Skims? Specifically, the Long Slip Dress is on Greene’s list, and it’s probably due to how versatile this silhouette is. Plus, the modal rib fabric is buttery soft, making it one of those I-wish-I-could-just-wear-it-every-day pieces.
Tech
Apple iPad 11-inch: A16 chip, 11-inch Model
On Sale 9% off
Several teens from the Teen Council reported that they and their friends want iPads
for the holidays, since they make for the best study buddies. My nephew, Nathan Stein, 22, and a student at LMU tells me, “I just got myself an iPad with an Apple Pencil
because it’s kind of a necessity for certain [college] subject with non-linear notes, or drawings like chemistry.”
KODAK PIXPRO FZ55-BK 16MP CMOS Sensor Digital Camera 5X Optical Zoom 28mm
On Sale 12% off
The rumors are true: digital cameras are back! Honestly, our phones probably have superior tech at this point, but there is something special about bringing a digital camera with you to college parties and uploading the folder the next day (for better or worse). Bader tells me a digital camera is on her want list, but an early-aughts digital camera has been one of the bigger 2025 trends we’ve spotted this year. This camera
is no-frills, but it gets the job done exactly how it should.
Apple AirPods Pro 3 Wireless Earbuds,
The latest generation of AirPod Pros
offers the most crisp sound, and they’re more comfortable, too. Nearly every teen and Gen Z source I’ve spoken with mentioned they’d like a new pair of AirPod Pros for the holidays.
Mini Mic Pro (Latest Model) – Professional Wireless Microphone
On Sale 17% off
Greene included mini wireless microphones
on her holiday list, which I’m assuming is for TikTok, Reels, and Snapchat content creation. If your teen is trying to be the next Alex Cooper, mini mics are what every influencer uses to create that crisp, clear sound in their videos.
Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 2 Smartphone Printer
This mini printer connects to your phone and prints photos in Polaroid format—all you need is some film. Another tech pick from Greene, I know I’m personally going to be gifting this to my niece and nephew who are in college and keen on making (and keeping) memories in physical photo form—so vintage!
Anker 621 Magnetic Portable Charger
On Sale 28% off
Basche lists a portable charger as a holiday gift idea, which is even more clutch if the teen or Gen Zer in your life is in college, or always traveling and on the go. Having a reliable (keyword: reliable) portable charger to take with to keep all your tech at full battery life is an underrated life essential. (I cannot stress how stressful it used to be trying to live at a 10 percent phone charge before these became a thing!) Anker
is an industry standard portable charger—easy to use, charge, and not too heavy.
Ray-Ban Meta Glasses
Meta Glasses were mentioned a couple times, specifically by teen boys Santiago Gonzalez, 16, and Jennings. Millennial shopping writer, Jessie Quinn actually had the chance to test the Ray-Ban Meta glasses on a press-trip. Here’s her verdict:
“To be honest, I didn’t know what to think of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. I don’t consider myself an early adopter of high-tech devices and am usually happy snapping photos on my phone. But after Sunglass Hut gifted me a pair to test on three different vacations, I am officially obsessed. I mainly use my glasses for taking videos and photos while traveling and love that I can capture memories while still feeling immersed in the moment (and not experiencing said memories through my iPhone screen). I’ve captured memories on board a cruise ship, on a Disney World vacation, and while walking the streets of Europe—I have even taken them down a water slide. In addition to its camera capabilities, I also love that you can text, make phone calls, and do a quick search query without ever picking up your phone.”
“To be honest, I didn’t know what to think of the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses. I don’t consider myself an early adopter of high-tech devices and am usually happy snapping photos on my phone. But after Sunglass Hut gifted me a pair to test on three different vacations, I am officially obsessed. I mainly use my glasses for taking videos and photos while traveling and love that I can capture memories while still feeling immersed in the moment (and not experiencing said memories through my iPhone screen). I’ve captured memories on board a cruise ship, on a Disney World vacation, and while walking the streets of Europe—I have even taken them down a water slide. In addition to its camera capabilities, I also love that you can text, make phone calls, and do a quick search query without ever picking up your phone.”
Nintendo Switch 2 + Pokemon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Bundle
Nearly all the teens on the Teen Council and my own Gen Z family members told me gaming consoles would be on every Gen Zer’s wish list. I’m recommending the Nintendo Switch 2 because it just came out this past summer, but if your teen has an older Playstation or Xbox, you may want to consider upgrading whatever they already have. The Switch is certainly the most hyped-up gaming product this year, though. Get a bundle deal (like this one) for the most bang for your buck.
Magcubic Mini Projector
On Sale 48% off
Basche and Wakama both recommended a mini projector
, which is such a fun way to host movie night that’s not on a laptop or tablet.
Octobuddy Silicone Suction Phone Case Adhesive Mount
Phone suctions are great for filming, video chats, and getting the best angles for photos—and Octobuddy
comes highly recommended by Greene.
Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock
The Hatch
is truly life-changing—even my 1-year-old has one. So it’s no surprise several of my teen sources told me this will be highly-requested this year. The Hatch is an all-in-one alarm clock, sound machine, and night light offering wind-down tunes and sounds at night, white noise (like thunderstorms and dryer machine sounds), and gentle light and sound-based alarms to wake you up in the morning (my current “alarm” is set to the Twilight Saga theme song, along with a calming blue light— and it makes me not mind getting up early so much).
Bedroom & Dorm Room
Brita Water Filter 6-Cup Denali Water Pitcher Dispenser with Standard Water Filter
If the teen or Gen Zer in your life has their own space (i.e. a dorm room or apartment), a water pitcher with built-in filtration is a really nice-to-have. It saves money on water bottles (and is so much better for the planet!) and makes tap water taste a lot better. Carty recommended the Brita water filter, which is super practical and thoughtful.
Canopy Bedside Humidifier 2.0
The Canopy humidifier is like the Lexus of humidifiers (yes, you can get a cheaper one—like this one
, for example, there are like 45,000 on Amazon and they’re fine), but in my experience, investing in a splurgier humidifier means less mold and upkeep—and more personalized features. Gonzalez listed this on his list of holiday gift must-haves, and I have to agree that a humidifier is such a good pick, especially with cold and dry season coming up. A humidifier not only helps you breathe better at night, but it helps keep skin and hair hydrated, too.
Diptyque Feu de Bois (Wood Fire) Candle
Dillon says a luxury candle like Diptyque will be highly sought-after, which is impressive—my candle of choice up until my late 20s was Bath & Body Works (which is also incredible, tbh). Of course Diptyque has that classic, monied look—and the fragrances are really works of art (it’s no wonder celebs like Meghan Markle and Victoria Beckham love them). I picked Deu de Bois for the holidays, since it’s giving “classy campfire.” So cozy! An honorable mention is this pancake candle, recommended by Basche.
Godonilif Candle Warmer Lamp with Timer
On Sale 20% off
“Light” your candle without having to worry about blowing it out with this candle warmer lamp
(recommended by Basche and Greene). that features a timer. If you want to gift them a candle but are too scared they’ll accidentally ignite the entire campus on fire, this is the ultimate candle side-kick gift.
Gericco Giant Plush Bean Bag Chair
Am I delighted by this suggestion from Jennings? Absolutely. Do I want one of my own after years of begging my parents as a teen for one? Yup! So yeah, it looks like bean bags
have never gone out of style—and they make really stylish ones, now too. This one comes in seven colorways, is filled with foam (vs beans), and has some structure to it, so it’s more like a big squishy chair vs. a blob.
Mini Toffee the (Weighted) Highland Cow
Weighted highland cows are the new weighted blankets. Just kidding—but I do love this form of comfort. Basche specifically recommended Toffee the weighted cow, as you can microwave or freeze her, and cuddle up with her on your stomach or shoulders for that instant anxiety and stress relief. It can be extra soothing for those with sensory conditions of autism and ADHD. I would have loved this during finals week in college!
Quince Organic Cotton Hand Stitched Quilt Set
“Cute bedding sets,” Wakama says, that are either neutral or pastel. Quince has some great options that are similar to high-end brands, but half the price, and the quality is just as good. I personally love their cotton hand-stitched quilt set that comes with a quilt and pillow shams (sheets sold separately).
Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Several teens told me that Owala
(or Stanley, HydroFlask) are still very cool, so I’m glad the kids are still prioritizing hydration. Sticking Owala here, because you don’t have to splurge on a $50 water bottle to get your teen to chug H2O—Owala is just as good, and the colors are even better IMO.
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