38 Viral-Meets-Practical Gift Ideas That Gen-Zers Will Actually Use

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38 Viral-Meets-Practical Gift Ideas That Gen-Zers Will Actually Use

An assortment of beauty and fashion accessories arranged on a dark background including skincare and makeup itemsAn assortment of beauty and fashion accessories arranged on a dark background including skincare and makeup items

Courtesy of Brands / Getty Images / Byrdie

With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to begin the exciting—or daunting—process of picking out gifts. This time of year can bring mixed emotions because while you’re probably feeling some excitement about shopping for your loved ones, you also may be stumped about what to buy people in your life who have specific taste yet aren’t exactly dropping subtle hints. This is especially true of your Gen-Z sister, niece, daughter, or friend, as it can be a delicate balance to pick out something that they’ll find cool and actually use for months or years to come.

That’s why we’ve tapped a real, live Gen-Z college student (hi, it’s me!) to share gift ideas for the Gen-Zer in your life. Our picks are based on the latest beauty and style trends (aka everything you might have missed on TikTok this year) that are sure to relieve some of that gift-giving stress.

 So, without further ado, discover the 38 best gift ideas for Gen Z this season.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System

Shark FlexStyle® Air Styling & Drying SystemShark FlexStyle® Air Styling & Drying System

Shark

$350 at Sharkclean.com

Consider Shark’s TikTok-viral FlexStyle the key to achieving salon-quality hair at home. The hybrid blow dryer and styling tool’s numerous unique attachments make executing whatever hairstyle you desire—no matter your hair type—oh-so-simple and fast. Plus, the device is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel.

Laneige Glowy Lip Minis Lip Treatment Gift Set

Laneige Glowy Lip Minis Lip Treatment Gift SetLaneige Glowy Lip Minis Lip Treatment Gift Set

Laneige

$25 at Sephora

Laneige’s lip products consistently go viral on social media platforms, including these comfy and nourishing lip balms. Gift this pack as is, or split the four balms up for hydrating stocking stuffers that’ll be a godsend come harsh winter weather.

Skullpanda You Found Me! Series Plush Doll Pendant

Skullpanda You Found Me Series Plush Doll PendantSkullpanda You Found Me Series Plush Doll Pendant

Skullpanda

$40 at Popmart.com

Labubus took over the world of bag charms this past summer, but now, chances are the Gen-Z fashion lover in your life is already thinking about what’s next. Skullpanda is emerging as one of Pop Mart’s most buzzed-about varieties of plush bag charms, and the surprise box format makes for a memorable opening experience.

Sol De Janeiro Brazilian Icons Duo

SOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Icons Duo SetSOL DE JANEIRO Brazilian Icons Duo Set

Sol de Janeiro

$78 at Soldejaneiro.com

This cult-favorite duo meets all of our self-care needs and is sure to be a hit this holiday season. Whether they’re getting ready for a girls’ night out or having a Sunday reset, this is the perfect treat for the Gen-Zer in your life.

Bubble Level Up Balancing Gel Moisturizer

Bubble Level Up Balancing Gel MoisturizerBubble Level Up Balancing Gel Moisturizer

Bubble

$16 at Hellobubble.com

Great for all skin types, this viral moisturizer from Bubble will keep up with the not-so-fun dryness that comes with the impending cold weather and give our skin the extra love it needs this time of year.

Rhode Peptide Lip Tint

Rhode Peptide Lip TintRhode Peptide Lip Tint

Rhode

$20 at Rhodeskin.com

Anything from Hailey Bieber’s Rhode would be a hit with Gen-Zers. But this Raspberry Jelly Peptide Lip Tint is our recommendation. This recently reformulated gloss offers a mix of berry-toned tint and lip hydration, making it perfect for the holiday season.

Fenty Skin Body Allover Body Mist

Fenty Skin Body Vanilla Flowers Allover Body MistFenty Skin Body Vanilla Flowers Allover Body Mist

Fenty Skin Body

$35 at Ulta

2025 has been the year of the body mist, and this floral gourmand from Fenty Skin’s new body care collection is an ideal gift for a vanilla lover who wants to feel a bit more grown-up. Notes of vanilla orchid, sugared woods, and fluffy musk make for a sweet and sensual hybrid worth spritzing morning, noon, and night.

Octobuddy Silicone Suction Phone Case

Octobuddy Silicone Suction Phone CaseOctobuddy Silicone Suction Phone Case

Octobuddy

$15 at Amazon

Budding beauty influencer or not, the Gen Z in your life will surely appreciate having an Octobuddy. The flat surface-adhering suction cups allow them to take hands-free selfies and videos—or simply watch Netflix more comfortably.

Altesse Studio Gentle Detangling Hairbrush

Altesse Studio Gentle Detangling HairbrushAltesse Studio Gentle Detangling Hairbrush

Altesse Studio

$320 at Bluemercury.com

A chic, high-quality hairbrush is not only the perfect way to round out a social media-friendly vanity: It’s also a meaningful gift that your Gen-Z loved one can own for ages to come (rather than replace every year). Altesse Studio’s brushes are particularly gorgeous, hand-crafted, and come in a gift-ready storage case.

Youth To The People The Headliners Superfood Antioxidant Cleanser Skincare Set

Youth to the People The Headliners Superfood Cleanser Skincare SetYouth to the People The Headliners Superfood Cleanser Skincare Set

Youth to the People

$45 at Sephora

The gift of high-quality, solid skincare is one that keeps on giving, as consistent use will reveal glowy, hydrated skin is revealed over time. This Youth To The People kit contains both standard and travel sizes of the TikTok-viral Kale + Green Tea Spinach Vitamins Superfood Cleanser, so it’s easy to keep up with their routine on the go.

Haricot Vert Picto-Pet Pearl Necklace

Haricot Vert Picto-Pet Pearl NecklaceHaricot Vert Picto-Pet Pearl Necklace

Haricot Vert

$138 at Haricotvert.shop

If their every other sentence begins with “My dog” or “My cat,” your giftee will adore this portrait pearl necklace. Customized with a picture of their pet, this jewelry piece will be priceless in their eyes.

Lola Forest Fawn Blanket

Lola blanket in forest fawn printLola blanket in forest fawn print

Lola Blankets

$299 at Lolablankets.com

Give the gift of coziness with an ultra-viral Lola Blanket. This deer print edition meets the moment, yet is subtle and neutral enough to snuggle up with for years to come.

Lush Snow Fairy Shower and Body Duo

Lush Snow Fairy Shower and Body DuoLush Snow Fairy Shower and Body Duo

Lush

$41 at Ulta

It’s no secret that the holidays can be a bit stressful. To help your loved one relax, give them the gift of a luxurious bathing routine. This Lush set in the brand’s signature holiday scent, Snow Fairy, features a shower gel and body spray for a reset that couldn’t smell better.

GHD Platinum+ Flat Iron Festive Gift Set

GHD Platinum+ Flat Iron Festive Gift Set in blackGHD Platinum+ Flat Iron Festive Gift Set in black

GHD

$255 at Ghdhair.com

In case you missed it, super sleek, glassy Y2K hair is officially back, and no iron does it better than the done-in-one-stroke GHD Platinum+. This tool contains responsive technology that continuously adapts to your styling movements and adjusts the power for heat monitoring accuracy. For a limited time, the iron comes in a chic, all-black set with a hairbrush and carrying case.

Cécred Nourishing Hair Oil

Cécred Nourishing Hair OilCécred Nourishing Hair Oil

Cécred

$44 at Ulta

The gift of hair health is something that almost anyone can appreciate. This hair oil from Beyoncé’s Cécred has quickly earned acclaim for its lightweight, non-greasy nourishment, plus the packaging looks elevated on a bathroom counter.

Jellycat Amuseables Croissant Bag Charm

Jellycat Amuseables Croissant Bag CharmJellycat Amuseables Croissant Bag Charm

Jellycat

$28 at Jellycat.com

Bag charms are just about everywhere you look these days, and some of the most popular styles come from Jellycat. Take, for example, this adorable croissant friend. Just one look will instantly brighten their day.

Briogeo Style + Treat Hair Styling Sleek Stick

Briogeo Style + Treat™ Hair Styling Sleek StickBriogeo Style + Treat™ Hair Styling Sleek Stick

Briogeo

$23 at Sephora

The slicked-back bun has been the go-to hairstyle for anyone just trying to make it to their next hair-wash day. And every slicked-back style needs a sidekick to keep those flyaways in place and hold it together all day and night.

e.l.f. Glossy Lip Stain

Red e.l.f. glossy lip stainRed e.l.f. glossy lip stain

e.l.f. Cosmetics

$7 at Ulta

Nothing screams “holiday season” more than a fiery red lip, and with all the amazing food and drinks you’re sure to encounter, you need something that stands the test of time. Cue: the lip stain. This standout product is also available in nine other colors, ranging from a natural pink to the dark nude of your dreams, so it’s sure to have something for everyone.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50

Supergoop

$38 at Sephora

If there’s one thing that Gen Z is on top of, it’s our skincare: What to use, when to use it, and the golden rule to never forget sunscreen. Just because summer went away doesn’t mean that the sun did, and Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is the perfect addition to any skincare routine at any time of year. The brand recently reformulated to make the beloved product even smoother and more protective, ideal for starting 2026 on the right foot.

Loops Sculpt and Glow

Loops Sculpt and Glow masks and black gua shaLoops Sculpt and Glow masks and black gua sha

Loops

$20 at Loopsbeauty.com

This curated set features everything one needs for a glowy, sculpted refresh. With hydrogel masks for the face and under-eyes, this is a rejuvenating combo that your loved one will want to break into immediately—and the included limited edition gua sha allows them to continue the self-care over time.

Adidas Gazelle Sneakers

Adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes in black and whiteAdidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes in black and white

Adidas

$120 at Adidas.com

Sneakers go with everything, so why not a classic, buzz-worthy pair to tie a look together? Adidas sneakers have been popular for a while now, but the Gazelle style switches it up from the classic Sambas or Superstars that seem to be everywhere. If your Gen-Zer is into trendy sneakers, this will be the perfect addition to their collection.

Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Summer Fridays Jet Lag MaskSummer Fridays Jet Lag Mask

Summer Fridays

$49 at Summerfridays.com

This face mask is perfect for the person in your life who is constantly on the go and in desperate need of a skin refresh. Especially with the cold weather creeping up on us, it’s important to remember to take care of our skin.

Brown Girl Jane Discovery Set

Brown Girl Jane Discovery SetBrown Girl Jane Discovery Set

Brown Girl Jane

$30 at Sephora

Some gift-givers avoid fragrance, as everyone’s scent preferences are different. However, we beg to differ: Perfumes can be a great gift, especially when presented in a discovery set. This one from Brown Girl Jane contains six vials of fragrances meant to be mixed, matched, and layered for a unique scent experience. Ranging from gourmands to fresh florals, this set makes it easy for your loved one to find a combination they adore.

Gisou Glow All the Way Hair and Lip Gift Set

Gisou Glow All the Way Hair and Lip Gift SetGisou Glow All the Way Hair and Lip Gift Set

Gisou

$75 at Sephora

Great for all hair types and textures, this gift set will hit the spot for the hair-obsessed Gen-Zer in your life. With everything you need for a true hair spa day, this honey hair mask, hair perfume, hair oil, and lip oil make for one of the most luxurious gifts you can get for someone.

Ugg Ultra Mini Platform

Ugg Classic Ultra Mini Platform BootsUgg Classic Ultra Mini Platform Boots

Ugg

$170 at Ugg.com

Uggs are one of the most stylish and comfortable gifts you can get to impress someone this holiday season. There are so many styles to choose from (and so many ways to style your Uggs), but these platform mini booties come in lots of colors, spanning classic chestnut to charcoal gray.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid BlushRare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush

Rare Beauty

$25 at Sephora

Rare Beauty liquid blush will have any makeup-obsessed Gen-Zer jumping for joy this holiday season. Rosy cheeks have become a staple of leading makeup trends, and this highly pigmented liquid blush will do just the trick.

Touchland Limited Edition Power Mist Top 5 Set

Touchland Limited Edition Power Mist Top 5 SetTouchland Limited Edition Power Mist Top 5 Set

Touchland

$45 at Sephora

Staying clean has never been this cute. (And if there’s one thing Gen-Zers will do, it’s find a way to put a sweet spin on the otherwise mundane.) These Touchland hand sanitizers keep hands clean and moisturized, and the scents will ensure you’ll want to spritz them all day long. Keep them together for the ultimate gift set, or separate the sanitizers to make five stocking stuffers.

Reformation x Nara Smith Buttercup Hour PJ Set

Reformation x Nara Smith Buttercup Hour PJ Set in powder blue on modelReformation x Nara Smith Buttercup Hour PJ Set in powder blue on model

Reformation x Nara Smith

$248 at Reformation

Catching up on sleep should be a top priority during the holiday season, especially for those returning home from college. To make their rest a bit cozier, pick up a cute pair of pajamas like this powder blue babydoll set. This gift will be especially iconic if your loved one can’t get enough of Nara Smith’s chaotic, elaborate cooking videos.

Baggu Small Nylon Crescent Bag

Baggu Small Nylon Crescent Bag in painted wildflowerBaggu Small Nylon Crescent Bag in painted wildflower

Baggu

$48 at Baggu.com

All it takes is one scroll on TikTok to see that Baggu’s Crescent Bag is the purse of choice these days. Made of recycled heavyweight nylon and available in almost every color and pattern imaginable, it’s a crowd-pleaser for every Gen-Zer in your life.

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops

Drunk Elephant D Bronzi Bronzing DropsDrunk Elephant D Bronzi Bronzing Drops

Drunk Elephant

$39 at Sephora

Long beloved and now TikTok viral, Drunk Elephant’s bronzing drops are the perfect addition to any Gen-Zer’s makeup routine. Just add a few drops to your moisturizer to carry that summer glow throughout the winter.

Forvr Mood Late Checkout Candle

Forvr Mood Late Checkout CandleForvr Mood Late Checkout Candle

Forvr Mood

$42 at Forvrmood.com

Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like a cozy candle. This one from Jackie Aina’s Forvr Mood brings the luxury hotel vibes to you, with a hazy mix of creamy milk, vanilla bourbon, soft white florals, and warm woods that the chicest of Gen-Zers will love.

Skims Fits Everybody Cami Bodysuit

Skims Fits Everybody BodysuitSkims Fits Everybody Bodysuit

Skims

$60 at Skims.com

This Skims bodysuit is the perfect closet staple for any Gen-Z wardrobe. It works for any time of year—as a winter layering piece or a summer tank top—and is available in enough colors for every style.

Slip Large Silk Scrunchies

Slip Large Slipsilk™ ScrunchiesSlip Large Slipsilk™ Scrunchies

Slip

$42 at Sephora

Silk scrunchies are an amazing gift for anyone, and they’re the answer to minimizing damage while remaining practical. Caring for your hair has never been so easy; whether you’re throwing it up in a ponytail to wash your face or perfecting a slicked-back bun for a night out, this scrunchie pack is one of the hottest gifts to give this season.

Dior Rosy Glow Blush

Dior Rosy Glow BlushDior Rosy Glow Blush

Dior

$42 at Sephora

Blush is in, and this blush is it. Dior’s powder blush is a glowing addition to any makeup routine and is key to achieving the blush-forward aesthetic that’s taken over the internet’s favorite makeup looks. Color 001 Pink—a subtle pink—has been on every influencer and celebrity’s cheeks this year.

54 Thrones African Beauty Butter Intensive Dry Skin Treatment

54 Thrones African Beauty Butter Intensive Dry Skin Treatment54 Thrones African Beauty Butter Intensive Dry Skin Treatment

54 Thrones

$24 at Sephora

Make dry skin a thing of the past by gifting this pick from 54 Thrones. This thick, rich, concentrated daily moisturizer is suitable for use all over your body or to spot-treat chronic dry areas like feet, hands, elbows, and knees. The formula is available in many sizes and scents, but this version in the cozy Ugandan vanilla and Ethiopian honey fragrance makes the ideal stocking stuffer.

Ugg Tasman II

Ugg Tasman Slipper.Ugg Tasman Slipper.

Ugg

$125 at Ugg.com

These classic slippers are another option for the Ugg aficionado. Available in 10 colors, they’re forecasted to be a must-have this season and are already starting to fly off the shelves. Our favorite? This light sand shade with dark cherry trimming.

Owala x Wicked: For Good 32oz FreeSip

Owala x Wicked: For Good 32oz FreeSip in Glinda FinishOwala x Wicked: For Good 32oz FreeSip in Glinda Finish

Owala x Wicked: For Good

$40 at Owalalife.com

Owala is arguably the water bottle of the moment, and this special Wicked: For Good collaboration taps into your recipient’s pop culture interests and practical needs at once. Available in Glinda and Elphaba finishes, it brings mystical details to the beloved design.

Sincerely Yours Hit Refresh Soothing Serum Mist

Sincerely Yours Hit Refresh Soothing Serum MistSincerely Yours Hit Refresh Soothing Serum Mist

Sincerely Yours

$24 at Sephora

The younger Gen-Zer or older Gen Alpha in your life probably loves Salish Matter, the 15-year-old influencer and co-founder of Sincerely Yours. Regardless, this serum mist is a great skincare gift for busy lifestyles, as the spray format helps maintain balanced, hydrated skin on the go in the cutest mint green packaging.

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Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/gen-z-gift-guide-11853306


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