Gen Z is rewriting the rules of gift-giving, and surprisingly, they may be doing it better than everyone else.
While older generations often lean on traditional presents and solo splurges, younger shoppers are embracing a more thoughtful, experience-driven approach to finding the perfect gift.
One of their biggest gifting secrets? Splitting the cost.
Rather than buying several smaller gifts, more members of Gen Z are pooling money with friends, partners or siblings to give someone something they genuinely want.
“Gen Z focuses most on getting value back,” Amram Adar, co-founder and CEO of Oobit, a platform making crypto checkout as simple as a card tap, shared with the New York Post. “Sixty-six percent (66%) say rewards and cash back matter more to them this year than to 58% of all Americans.”
And when it comes to siblings, this strategy makes even more sense. “Gifts are the biggest cause of financial stress around the holidays, so siblings can split the costs and gift a major appliance or a special experience that a parent might never buy for themselves,” Adar explained. “This way, each person only spends a small portion of what they would if they were buying it individually. This also helps with shopping habits between generations.”
Ready to take a page out of Gen Z’s gift-giving playbook? Here are the best gifts to split between one, two or more.
Best Nostalgia-Meets-Design Gift: 1 By One Bluetooth Turntable System with Bookshelf Speakers
“Record players, retro-style tech, digital photo frames and throwback toys and games are popular nostalgic toys,” Adar said. “Younger shoppers especially are drawn to anything with a vintage feel.”
A stylish turntable is a thoughtful present for the music lover who appreciates a little nostalgia with their favorite albums. With bookshelf speakers and Bluetooth connectivity, it brings the warmth of vinyl to their home while keeping their listening options open.
Best Sentimental Gift: Aura Digital HD Picture Frame
Few gifts feel as personal as a frame filled with favorite memories, from family milestones to candid moments with friends. Its digital display makes it easy to share new photos, turning a simple home accessory into a daily reminder of the people who matter most.
Best Gift for the Coffee Connoisseur: Casabrews Ultra Espresso Machine
“Espresso machines, air fryers, quality cookware and smart home devices are great home and kitchen items to split,” Adar noted. “With more people entertaining and cooking at home to save money, practical upgrades that people can use every day are an easy win.”
So, turn their morning coffee routine into a cafe-worthy experience with an espresso machine that offers customizable brewing settings and a steam wand for frothing milk. It’s a lovely gift for someone who loves experimenting with lattes and cappuccinos without leaving home. Plus, it’s far more realistically priced than the Breville.
Best Gift for the Practical Foodie: Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 Glass Air Fryer
Crispy favorites and easy weeknight meals become much more achievable with this versatile countertop cooking system. Its glass containers and multipurpose design make it an appealing gift for busy cooks, small households or anyone looking to simplify meal prep (trust us, we reviewed the new nontoxic gadget).
Best Kitchen Staple: Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Stainless Steel 11-Piece Nonstick Cookware Set
Give their kitchen an instant upgrade with a cookware collection that covers the essentials for everything from quick breakfasts to dinner parties. The coordinated stainless-steel finish also looks polished on the stovetop, making this a useful, long-term gift for a first apartment, newlyweds or an enthusiastic home chef.
Best Gift for the Smart-Home Enthusiast: Amazon Echo Hub
This handy control panel brings compatible smart lights, cameras, locks, and other connected devices together in one convenient place. It’s a great choice for the tech lover who enjoys automating everyday routines and wants a more streamlined, connected home.
Best Gift for the Fitness Enthusiast: Therabody TheraGun Mini Massage Gun
“Massage guns, weighted blankets, sleep gadgets, skincare sets and spa packages are excellent wellness and self-care finds to buy during the holidays,” Adar said. “These are comfort gifts that feel expensive without breaking the bank.”
For ultimate comfort, help them make recovery part of their routine with a compact massage gun designed to target tight, tired muscles. Small enough to take to the gym or pack for a trip, it’s a thoughtful pick for runners, frequent travelers and anyone who appreciates a little extra self-care.
Best Cozy Comfort Gift: Baloo Weighted Blanket
A weighted blanket adds a comforting, cocoon-like feel to evenings spent reading, watching movies or winding down for bed. Its understated look also blends easily into a bedroom, making it a lovely present for someone who values cozy nights and a calming home environment.
Best Gift for the Sleep and Wellness Devotee: Hatch Restore 3 White Noise & Sunrise Alarm Light
Give the gift of a more intentional bedtime with soothing sleep sounds, a gentle sunrise alarm and customizable bedside lighting. It’s ideal for someone who wants to create a relaxing nighttime ritual and make early mornings feel a little less abrupt.
Best Luxury Beauty Gift: Augustinus Bader The Starter Kit with the Rich Cream
This elevated skincare set gives a beauty enthusiast the chance to explore a coveted luxury brand without committing to a full-size collection of everything. The Rich Cream adds an indulgent touch to their routine, making it a sophisticated choice for the holidays (or anyone who deserves a little pampering, let’s be real).
Best Gift for the Music-on-the-Go Type: Beats Solo 4 Wireless On-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
“Headphones, tablets, smartwatches and phone accessories remain a holiday staple, and early sales like the pre-Black Friday shopping period make them a popular pick, especially for shoppers who are starting early,” Adar tipped off.
With punchy sound, a sleek design and a lightweight foldable build, these headphones are a versatile everyday upgrade for commuters, students and podcast fans who want to enjoy their audio without getting tangled in cables.
Best Budget-Friendly Tech Gift: TCL TAB 10 Gen 4 Android Tablet
A versatile tablet gives them a convenient screen for streaming shows, reading ebooks, browsing the web, and keeping up with everyday tasks. Its 10.1-inch Full HD display makes it a practical choice for someone who wants more screen space than a phone offers without investing in a premium tablet.
Best All-Around Tech Gift: Apple Watch SE 3 GPS Smartwatch
From tracking workouts and daily activity to checking notifications and monitoring sleep, this smartwatch puts useful features right on their wrist. It’s a great gift for an iPhone user who wants to stay connected and build healthier everyday habits in one stylish, wearable device.
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