Best Gifts for Gen Z in 2025: Data-Backed Insights and Popular Picks

So, you’re gift-hunting for a Gen Z-er? First of all, good luck. This isn’t your average “buy a mug and call it a day” generation. 

Gen Z knows what they like, and spoiler alert: it’s not boring stuff. Think personalised experiences, aesthetic overload, eco-consciousness, tech that talks back, and Genz gifts they can flex on social media.

But wait—it’s deeper than vibes. Gen Z’s gift picks in 2025 are backed by actual stats and scrolls. We’re talking data-powered, influencer-approved decisions that turn the act of giving into an art form. 

And if you’re not gifting something that’s either meaningful, sustainable, tech-savvy, or an experience? You’re missing the mark.

Ready to master the Gen Z gifts game? Let’s get into it.

1. Made Just for Them: Personalised and Sentimental Gifts

They want Genz gifts that scream, “This was made just for you.” Sentimental > flashy. Unique > expensive. Bonus points if it’s got their name, zodiac sign, or dog’s face on it.

Did You Know?

A whopping 38% of Gen Z prefers gifts that are emotional and personal, like handwritten notes or customised experiences (ConsumerAffairs, 2025).

Cool Gen Z Gifts:

• Customised Jewellery: Birthstone rings, name necklaces, astrology charms. Basically, jewellery that says, “I saw this and thought of you.”
• Personalised Phone Cases & Accessories: Personalise their mobile accessories with initials, favourite anime character, or even their pet’s face. Adorable and practical.
• Custom Art and Portraits: From digital illustrations to AI-generated pet portraits, this one’s a heart-melter.
• Aesthetic Home Decor: Custom neon signs, vibey tapestries, or photo string lights. Gen Z rooms = personality playgrounds.

In simple terms, Gen Z is all about ‘you being you’. So, choose what resonates with their personality!

2. ‘Go Green’ Vibe: Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Gifts

Gen Z is big on conscious consumerism. They’re not just shopping, they’re making statements. If it doesn’t align with their values, it’s not going in the cart.

Stat Snapshot:

• 73% of Gen Z says they’d pay more for sustainable products (First Insight, 2025).
• 40% actively search for eco-friendly gifts when shopping (IBM, 2025).

Green Gift Ideas:

• Reusable Tumblers & Bottles: Bonus if they’re pastel or have sticker-worthy surfaces. Perfect Gen Z gifts for a subtle reminder to ‘Stay hydrated’!
• Indoor Plants & DIY Gardening Kits: Because taking care of indoor plants is peak adulting (and aesthetics).
• Thrifted/Upcycled Fashion: Give them a curated Depop haul or Patagonia piece. Trendy + earth-friendly.
• Solar-Powered Gadgets: From phone chargers to fairy lights, clean energy has never looked this cute.

We can say this without an iota of doubt that Gen Z is loud and proud about going green.

3. Tech That Talks Back: Tech & Gadgets

Gen Z and tech? A better love story than Twilight. If it blinks, buzzes, connects to Bluetooth, or has AI, you’ve got their attention.

Real Talk:

• 85% of Gen Z owns a wearable tech device and in 2025, smart rings and AI-powered bands are it (Statista, 2025).
• Portable projectors and noise-canceling headphones are topping every Gen Z college wishlist (NYMag, 2025).

Gadget Goals:

• Smart Rings & Fitness Trackers: Health, productivity, sleep tracking…all in a sleek package.
• Wireless Earbuds: Must-have for walking, vibing, or avoiding small talk. Bonus points if they’re noise-canceling and TikTok-approved.
• Mini Photo Printers & Projectors: For when they want to turn their wall into a memory board. Instant dopamine unlocked.
• Gaming Gear: PlayStation 5, Custom controllers, RGB lights, and streaming mics. Perfect Gen Z gifts for guys.

After all, Gen Z and their obsession with gadgets that do more and look good doing it is quite understandable!

4. Core Memory Unlocked: Experience-Based Gifts

Why settle for a thing when you can gift a memory? Gen Z values vibes, and vibes come from doing cool stuff.

FYI:

• 65 % of Gen Z would rather receive an experience than a physical item (Eventbrite, 2025).
• Some are even down to go into debt for concert tickets (New York Post, 2025). That’s real dedication.

Gift Guide for Gen Z (Experiential Edition):

• Festival & Concert Tickets: Coldplay, BTS, Taylor Swift—aka bucket list events, qualifying as one of the best Genz gifts overloaded with fun and cool experiences.
• Adventure Days: Ziplining, axe throwing, escape rooms. IRL fun = dopamine unlocked.
• Subscription Services: Give them Netflix, Spotify, or MasterClass and earn a year’s worth of “thank you.”
• Travel Credits: Airbnb gift cards are basically a free passport stamp.

For Gen Z, it’s experiences > things. Yes, that’s right!

5. ‘Me Time’ Gifts for Gen Z: Self-Care & Wellness Products

Gen Z doesn’t just dabble in self-care – they live it. It’s not indulgent, it’s essential. Give them tools to thrive, chill, and glow.

Glow-Up Stats:

• Skincare and beauty spending among Gen Z rose by 20% in 2025 (McKinsey).
• Mental wellness gifts are trending, especially ones that promote calm and mindfulness (Forbes).

Wellness Hits:

• Luxury Skincare Kits: Glossier, Fenty Beauty, The Ordinary. Perfect for a shelfie and a glow-up. Fail-proof gifts for Gen Z women.
• Aromatherapy Diffusers & Candles: Set the vibe with lavender, vanilla, or whatever’s trending on TikTok.
• Journals & Planners: Especially ones designed for gratitude, goals, or mental health check-ins. To manifest that main character arc.
• Curated Personal Care Products: Think skincare sets, bath rituals, silk eye masks – the whole cosy aesthetic of personal care products will melt their heart!

Never forget that self-care is serious business for Gen Z. They’re big on healing, glowing, and growing.

Role of Social Media & Influencers in Gen Z Gifting Trends

Let’s be real: social media decides what’s hot. Gen Z trusts influencers way more than boring ads, and if it’s trending, it’s on their wishlist.

Social Scoop:

• 52% of Gen Z say they trust influencers for gift advice more than traditional ads (Mavely, 2025).
• Over 75% of their purchase decisions are influenced by TikTok and Insta (Business Insider, 2025).

Top Socially-Approved Picks:

• Influencer Collab Merch: Exclusive drops from TikTokers or YouTubers = instant win.
• K-pop & Anime Collectibles: Funko Pops, photo cards, signed albums. Basically, anything and everything that’ll make the fangirl (or fanboy) heart skip a beat
• Desk & Lifestyle Aesthetics: Matcha kits, minimal desk organisers, LED vanity mirrors – the vibe is immaculate.

Now, you know where to head to know what the hottest Gen Z gift ideas are!

Where to Find These Cool Gen Z Gifts?

Still scrolling for ideas? Whether you’re shopping for birthday gifts for Gen Z or just because, the key to nailing a gift for Gen Z is understanding their vibe. 

Luckily, you’ll find the best gifts for Gen Z, including tech, self-care, personalised picks, and sustainable goodies, at shops that get their aesthetic. If you’re in the UAE, check out our Gift Shop in Dubai for major inspo.

So whether you’re gifting to them or they’re gifting themselves (because #independence), this Gen Z gift guide has your back. 

Personalised, practical, planet-friendly, or purely fun, there’s a perfect Gen Z gift waiting to be unwrapped.