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Hi there — I’m 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.
I 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 I do say so myself.
InsideHook’s 2024 Gift Guide
We’ve scoured for and tested hundreds of products that’ll knock the socks off any deserved person on your list, and compiled them into handy, curated gift guides with all the best stuff.
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), I’ve rounded up a variety of perfect Gen-Z gifts my peers and I 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.
Alex Mill Quinn Quilted Jacket
Quilted jackets are in now, and this one from Alex Mill stands out from the rest of the crop. The firebrick red coloring and brown trim complement each other and look great on most anyone — so please get this for the stylish gen-z in your life so they don’t have to drop 30% of their own paycheck.
Little Words Projects Bracelet
Taylor Swift once said “make the friendship bracelets” and we took it literally. Well, if your crafting skills are not up to par then buy one of these Little Words Project bracelets.
AirPod Max Headphones
We know they may not be the top-rated headphones on the market but god they look cool.
ClassPass Subscription
We all know inflation is bad and all that means that the price of workout classes is astronomical. ClassPass is a great gift because you can workout wherever you want and it’s a credit-based system so you’re not tied to one studio.
Our Place Wine Glasses
Gen-Z loves a dinner party and having cool wine glasses for your guests means you are, in fact, the best Gen-Z alive — along with every other 23-year-old cosplaying interior designer.
Book of the Month Subscription
BookTok is a thing for a reason. The youths practically control the NYT Bestsellers list these days. If the Gen-Z in your life is looking to get back into books, this is a great gift option. Each month they’ll be given a shortlist of books they can select to receive in the mail.
Dunsen Dunsen Robe
I recently came across every influencer and their mother wearing this robe and it scavenged the internet to see where it was from. Little did I know it was from the famously kitsch Brooklyn-based textile company Dunsen Dunsen.
Baggu Go Pouch Set
Sustainable and practical. That’s the name of the game baby. Gen-Zers have one too many knick-knacks to not need a plethora of small pouches, and Baggu simply makes the best.
Moccamaster KBGV Coffee Maker
Gen-Zers are the masters of buying a sweet treat and a coffee whenever they feel like it. But that doesn’t mean we can’t act like we make the best coffee and home (and honestly we’re trying to start!).
The Rhode Kit
Any Gen-Z knows Hailey Bieber is the queen of skincare. Her products are pretty affordable and work incredibly well so if you all of them in one fowl swoop plus receive this fun toiletry bag in the process? Game over.
Sporty & Rich Run Club Hat
We love nondescript athletic association apparel, and Sporty & Rich does it oh-so-well.
Every Other Thursday Fisherman Knit
A niche brand with an expensive fisherman knit has Gen-Z written alllll over it.
L.L. Bean Boat Bag
Oh how very JFK Jr.! Oh how this will be received so very well!
Tower 28 Iced XOXO Lip Jelly
Tower 28’s lip glosses have been a longtime favorite, and this limited edition shade comes iced with a touch of gold shimmer for the holidays. Best of all? The formula is non-sticky and safe for sensitive skin.
Great Jones Little Hottie
For the Wishbone Kitchen wannabes, this ceramic baker is as cute as it is functional. Ideal for smaller servings and easy portability, it’s also dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe, making it perfect for tiny apartment kitchens.
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.
