Avoid the Cringe, and Get the Gifts Gen Z Actually Wants! (As Told by a Gen Zer)

From maximalist-friendly match holders and prestige lip care to trendy brands like Pop Mart and Baggu, these are the gifts Gen Z babies want to see under the tree. 

By Sofía viera Dec 11, 2025 12:00 AMTags
Avoid The Cringe, Gen Z GiftsE! illustration/Getty Images

Shopping for Gen Z can seem like a daunting task. Trend cycles are constantly moving, brands are constantly launching, and our phones are constantly on Do Not Disturb. People outside of this chaotic generation are always confused by our mecurial vibe. 

Lucky for you, this writer is part of Gen Z. While technically on the cusp of the generational divide, this '97 baby is chronically online enough that I blend right in (and know what we want).

Believe it or not, gifting for our generation is actually easy.

It all comes down to knowing your giftee and making that present as unique and as tailored to that person as possible. We want high-quality products that perform well and look chic

We're talking Glossier body mists for those fragrance girls, maximalist-friendly match holders for those obsessed with candles, blind boxes for the collectors, intricate-looking press-on nails for beauty lovers, and so much more.

Keep scrolling to shop our gift guide for the best gifts Gen Z actually wants, according to a Gen Z writer. 

POP MART SKULLPANDA Winter Symphony Series Blind Box

Any blind box is a no-brainer favorite for Gen Z, but especially if you manage to find an authentic plushie keychain from POP MART. Skullpanda and their iconic gothic look are a favorite among blind-box aficionados. 

Anthropologie Metallic Bow Striker Match Holder

You already know the candle-obsessed Gen Z in your life has a million candles. They might not want another one! A great gift for them is a cute ceramic holder for their matches—preferably one that includes matches and a striker like this one from Anthropologie. It's both a practical option and an adorable decor item. 

Editor's Pick

Glossier Orange Blossom Neroli Body & Hair Fragrance Mist

Gen Z doesn't just love fragrances; they love body and hair mists that smell delicious—and Glossier's mists are a great example of just that. They have a variety of scents to choose from, but this Gen Z writer's favorite is the Orange Blossom Neroli scent. 

MAED Revive Lip Balm for Barrier Repair

This lip balm is constantly selling out at Sephora. The MAED tinted lip balm is a luxe experience in a tube. The formula features the brand's signature complex that supports lip barrier repair, as well as raspberry seed oil and squalane for antioxidant-rich moisture. 

BAGGU Nylon Bowler Bag

You're either a BAGGU girly or you're not. The brand's bowler bag is the most sought-after among the fandom since it launched, but most of their cutest patterns and collabs in this shape are sold out. This Hello Kitty one is a total must-have for both BAGGU fans and Sanrio ones. 

Never Have I Ever Press-On Faux Nail Set

Gen Z is obsessed with press-ons. They're not all created equal, though. Opt for ones that feature an adorable design (3D if you can), so it looks more realistic. These from Urban Outfitters have simply captured our hearts—and they have plenty of options if your giftee prefers an oval, square, or almond. 

read
11 Cute Urban Outfitters Finds for the Trinket-Obsessed: Jellycat, Pop Mart Blind Boxes & More

H&M Bow-Detail Cardigan

It may seem like everyone's tired of bows lately. But if your Gen Z giftee genuinely loves them (like we do), then this H&M cardigan is a super-cute addition to their wardrobe. 

UGG Nita Genuine Shearling Slipper

You can never have too many high-quality slippers that look stylish and feel extremely comfy at home and while on the go. The UGG Nita Slipper features a genuine shearling collar, wool linen,  and a suede exterior. Plus, the black shade is on sale for 37% off its Nordstrom Rack discounted price. 

Merit The Color Trio

There are plenty of iconic beauty brands that are perfect for Gen Z. But if you're looking for something prestige and luxe without spending the designer pricetag, Merit Beauty is a perfect option. This set comes with your choice of shade of the viral pocket cream blush, lip liner, and lip oil. 

Coach Outlet Nolita 19

Most (if not all) Gen Z are obsessed with Coach. Gift them a chic bag option for a night out. The brand's outlet offers this small shoulder bag, Nolita 19, in a maple brown embossed crocodile and gold details that we're in love with. 

Tasunom Angel Number Necklace

Make sure your giftee connects with their divine energy with this angel number necklace. Made with stainless steel plated with 18k yellow gold (or not if you opt for a silver version), the necklace comes in multiple triple-digit options that all have different spiritual meanings. 

Aerosoles Micah Boot

A good pair of knee-high boots is an investment—especially when it's a good brand that'll last in your closet for years. These tall boots from Aerosoles would make a beautiful gift with their trending brown shade, soft suede fabric, and block heel.

Bedsure Pink Satin Sheets

Does the Gen Z in your life adore their bed? There's no better gift you could give them than a luxe-feeling bed sheet set. The silky-soft satin bed sheets from Bedsure are this Gen Z writer's favorite pick. It'll transform your bed into a soft and cooling cloud for way less. 

Fairy Tales by Petra Collins & Alexa Demie

Gen Z adores physical media. If they already have a full vinyl collection, a good gifting option is an art book by their favorite photographer, director, or designer. Fairy Tales is a creative part photo book, part collection of folktales by photographer Petra Collins and Euphoria actor Alexa Demie. 

Looking for more gifts? Shop our picks for the best gifts for people with all the pop girlies on their Spotify Wrapped!

How We Choose

The E! Insider Shop editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews, and use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.

As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think our readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not E!. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.