A Gift Guide for the Generations: 16 Gifts for the Busy Millennial

Today’s millennials (also known as Generation Y) are between 29 and 44. According to some brief internet research, millennials are the first generation to have grown up with technology, and are also one of the most educated generations. So what do you buy the discerning, plugged-in millennial who’s always on the move? We’ve got your stocking stuffers, comfort gifts and worthwhile splurges to satisfy the busy 30-something millennial in your life this holiday season.

Clothes

1. The Elsa Bow Cardigan

Bows are so back, and Vancouver-based brand Brunette the Label has just the look to tie it all together. The Elsa Bow Cardigan ($198) is a soft and stylish piece, great for layering a festive holiday look or staying warm well into the new year.

2. Roots Heritage Crew

Outdoor wear and beloved Canadian sweats brand Roots has named Vancouver icon Seth Rogen the “Roots Holiday Concierge” for 2025. Rogen shares his Roots picks ahead of the season, which include the cozy retro Roots Heritage Crew ($138).

3. Nell Everyday Fleece Barrel Jogger

Give the gift of comfort with the Nell Everyday Fleece Barrel Jogger in medium heather grey ($78) from Canadian clothing retailer Plenty. These wide silhouette sweatpants can be dressed up or down—but also encourage the millennial in your life to take some much-needed “me” time.

Accessories

4. The Orea Waterproof Belt Bag

For many BCers, getting older means getting really into physical and outdoor activities. Why not give them something they can use on their adventures? The Orea Waterproof Belt Bag in matte black ($98) from Vancouver-based sustainable swimwear brand Londre is durable and waterproof, ready to store the essentials for year-round hiking and camping.

5. Cashmere Nubuck Leather Gloves

Invest in warmth that will last. The Cashmere-Lined Nubuck Leather Gloves in nocciola brown ($360) by Italian menswear brand Luca Faloni are a thoughtful gift for the person who wants to look classy this winter.

6. Angie Necklace in Green Onyx

The timeless Angie Necklace in Green Onyx ($220) from Leah Yard Designs (LYD) is an intentional gift from intentional Vancouver-based jewellery designer, Leah Yard. Yard uses recycled metal in the jewellery-making process, encouraging jewellery to be part of everyday glamour, not just for special occasions.

7. Travel Jewelry Case

Help the millennial traveller keep their new jewellery safe. Premium Canadian travel brand Monos’s compact Travel Jewelry Case ($125) will keep watches, rings and earrings secure when taking accessories on the go.

8. The Toujours Boot

The millennial girlboss likely has boots from Poppy Barley on her Christmas wishlist. First, get her shoe size. Then, gift the popular Toujours Boot in black ($398) from the chic Canadian footwear brand—her co-workers will be envious, and she’ll love you forever.

Wellness & Self-Care

9. Adaptogen + Copper Peptide Multitasking Radiance Mask

 

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Millennials deserve some self-care, and what better way than with a face mask from B.C.-based skincare brand Om Organics. The Adaptogen + Copper Peptide Multitasking Radiance Mask ($56) lives up to its name, leaving skin glassy, glowing and radiant (it’s a personal favourite). All of Om’s products are vegan, organic and made with natural ingredients.

10. Homebody Discovery Collection of Soy Wax Candles

Candles are always a great gift idea. So, support local brands this season and gift the Homebody Discovery Collection ($60) by Vancouver-based studio Homecoming Candles. The set comes with a trio of the business’s best-selling scents: amber and bitter orange, peppermint and eucalyptus, and oakmoss and sage.

11. Sip the Season Single Serving Holiday Teas

 

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For the millennial who prefers to curl up with a cup of tea in the winter, gift a holiday sampler set. Bush Berry Tea is a B.C. brand based in the West Kootenays, producing organic tea with natural ingredients in compostable and plastic-free packaging. Their Sip the Season set ($18.95) comes with 12 single servings in flavours like honey bush cider, nutcracker and Christmas orange.

The Fun Stuff

12. Holiday Gift Tin from Purdy’s Chocolatier

 

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Chocolate is a classic, go-to holiday gift, especially for those who love a sweet treat. This 20-piece Holiday Gift Tin ($35) from Purdy’s Chocolatier (which started in Vancouver!) contains the company’s bestselling holiday chocolates. It’s really two gifts in one—the recipient also gets a reusable festive tin.

13. La Petite Mort Eau De Noir

 

To pair nicely with chocolate, sweeten the pot with B.C. wine. Pardon my French, but La Petite Mort ($27.99) from Domaine Artema in Oliver is truly delicious. With flavours of dark berry, espresso, black licorice, dark chocolate and a hint of white pepper, this port wine is sure to please.

14. Ollie Squeaker Toy + Wavies Slow Feeder

This one’s for the millennial who just became a puppy parent. Pets and owners alike will love this adorable dachshund-shaped Ollie squeaker toy ($15) from local Langley-based pet goods business, Ollie B. Good, which specializes in silicone enrichment tools. Pair this toy with the Wavies Slow Feeder ($39) in honeydew green, so pups (or even cats!) can slowly fuel up post-playtime. Plus, 10 percent of sales from an Ollie toy go to Adopt Korean Rescue.

15. The World of Jane Austen 1,000 Piece Puzzle

 

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For a generation already deeply connected to technology, give the gift of unplugging this holiday season. The World Of puzzle series by Laurence King Publishing offers a fun way to get into whatever fictional world, time period or artwork one might love. Shop beautifully designed puzzles like The World of Jane Austen 1000-piece puzzle ($32.99) at local stores, like Perfect Match Bookshop in Vancouver (and maybe snag a few books to gift while you’re there, too).

16. Alive magazine’s Nourish: Adventuring with Whole Foods

The new Nourish: Adventuring with Whole Foods ($65) cookbook from the editors of Alive magazine is the ideal gift for the health-conscious foodies.