A Gift Guide for the Generations: 12 Gifts That Pass the Gen Z Vibe Check

Gen Z is arguably the most difficult generation to shop for, with one end of the generation just starting high school, and the other end pushing 30. Here is a comprehensive guide for every Zoomer in your life. From expensive tech to trendy bits, these gifts are what Gen Zs actually appreciate.

Fashion

1. Olive & Piper Convertible Earrings

For the Gen Zs who enjoy a little razzle-dazzle, Olive & Piper’s newest offering allows them to customize and build exactly the piece they want. This woman-owned, Vancouver-based jewellery brand specializes in jewellery that fits every occasion. Gen Z is all about personalization and creativity, and the Convertible Earrings ($65+) allow for exactly that. Choose the shape and colour of stone that would suit that special someone (perhaps their birthstone colour), and add the preferred number of charms. Get creative and have fun! 

2. Newjleather Simple Card Holder

This simple card holder ($50) is a great choice for those who enjoy the simple things in life—and leather craft. Newjleather is a small business based in Vancouver, offering handmade leather products. This cardholder is thin, featuring two pockets which hold five to seven cards. This piece makes for a thoughtful gift, since it allows for engraving and customization.

3. Chunky Silver Jewellery

Gen Zs who enjoy fashion and dressing up would appreciate silver jewellery, especially pieces that are handmade locally. Canadian artist hub Makers is a great place to source handmade pieces by local artists in person. Alternatively, Etsy also offers a variety of options from designers all over the world. This chunky ear cuff from The Zeme Studio ($138.22) is a fun take on an edgy piece, and this Figaro bracelet by Steel Wear Jewellers ($39.95) is a solid choice for those who enjoy a bit of personalization. 

Tech

4. The Freestyle Portable Projector by Samsung

Great for the older Gen Z crowd, this gift is excellent for those moving or moving into a dorm room. Where there isn’t the space (or budget) for a TV, this projector can display visuals onto almost anything. Samsung’s The Freestyle Portable Projector ($899.99) has a 180-degree projection angle—meaning you can watch media from a wall, or from the ceiling while lying down. Its portability allows you to carry it around to friends’ homes or even on a camping trip. 

5. Sony WH-100XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones

The music lovers and commuters would be ecstatic to own the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones ($499.99). Released just this year, these headphones boast “the best noise cancellation.” With high-resolution audio and a plush headband, expect these headphones to stay on your Gen Z’s head semi-permanently. Don’t worry—the transparency feature lets them hear you when needed.

6. Canon IVY2 Mini Photo Printer

Keep precious memories close to heart with the Canon IVY2 Mini Photo Printer ($100). This portable photo printer connects wirelessly to smartphones, allowing you to print anywhere and at any time. This printer uses zero-ink technology, so no need to worry about refilling and making a mess.

Beauty

7. Starface Pimple Patches

If you’ve seen a young person walking around town with a cartoon sticker on their face, it’s probably from Starface. No, it’s not an actual sticker; it’s a pimple-healing patch ($20+). And yes, it’s cool to have cartoons and fun shapes on your face now. What’s even cooler is that Starface offers a plethora of pimple patch shapes and designs, so you can play a wild card or choose something safe. My personal favourite is the limited edition Peanuts collaboration (featuring Snoopy in a huge puffer jacket). 

8. Rhode Skin Peptide Lip Tint Nourishing Glaze

The beauty-loving Gen Zs have been waiting for this lippie to show up in their holiday stocking all year. The rhode skin-tinted lip balms ($30) have been trending for quite a while, so if your Gen Z doesn’t already own one (or several), this is your sign to gift it to them for the holidays. These lippies make great stocking stuffers, providing nourishment for the colder months while also giving a splash of colour.  

Wellness

9. Hatch Restore 2 Smart Light Clock

If you have a wellness-loving Gen Z in your life, this pick is a no-brainer. This two-in-one sleep aid and alarm clock ($229.99) pairs with a free app to track your sleep routines. It also calmly wakes you up by aligning with your natural circadian rhythm—meaning no more jolting awake. Moreover, it plays a range of sleep sounds, including white, pink and brown noise, to mask background noise and help you fall asleep.

For Everyone Else:

10. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Canyon Lights

Give the gift of an experience, a great alternative if your person doesn’t want a physical present. Gift a ticket to Canyon Lights ($64+), Capilano Suspension Bridge Park’s holiday light display, open from November 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. Experience dazzling light decorations along the world-famous suspension bridge, and check out the brand new 3D wildlife projection set deep in the rainforest. Immerse in cozy holiday energy, and don’t forget to try out the festive bites available. 

11. Jellycat Plush

Jellycats have been all the rage in recent years, especially with Gen Zs. These ultra-soft plush toys first came from London in 1999, and have since been winning the world over with their creative designs. Although there are a few specific popular ones—like the Amuseable Peanut, Bashful Bunny and Flower Bouquet—any Jellycat plush is sure to be loved. (Bonus points if you’re able to source Jellies from the 2025 winter collection). 

12. RC Pets Artist Collaboration Gear

Canadian pet gear company RC Pets is collaborating with four international street artists this holiday season to create limited-edition designs for a variety of pet gear. If the Gen Z in your life has a fur baby, this makes a great gift for both owner and pet to brighten up their winter. From geometric shapes to colourful cartoons, there are plenty of unique designs to choose from.