If you have a zoomer child or a loved one ages 13 to 28 in your life, as I do, you might find yourself wondering: What do I get for the digital native for Christmas? The generation spans a range of tech-savvy teens and social media aware young adults who don’t shop the way their parents and grandparents did. My own 17-year-old son stopped being interested in toys and even most tech some years ago, and I find myself scrambling to figure out what he’d actually like.
Check Out: 9 Little Luxuries From Target That Make Great Stocking Stuffers
Read Next: 6 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
I turned to ChatGPT to figure out what’s on a zoomer’s wish list for Christmas. Here’s its helpful advice.
A Wide Range of Tastes
ChatGPT suggested that zoomers may span “the widest range of interests of any generation,” but there are some common themes in their holiday gift desires. Gen Z gravitates toward gifts that blend function, aesthetic appeal and personal expression, it said.
So think less about static objects and more about things they can use, wear or integrate into their daily routines. ChatGPT said this is why their wish lists tend to include items that feel “intentional,” such as portable and practical tech, beauty and self-care staples and tools that support creativity and wellness.
Explore More: 7 Best Holiday Gifts for Tech Lovers From Costco
Functional and Sustainable
Zoomers tend to be averse to things that are generic or wasteful, as well, so emphasize cool brands with a commitment to sustainability. They value gifts that seamlessly fold into their academic, social or professional lives.
But while their tastes overlap, different phases of Gen Z life come with different priorities. Younger teens still respond to playful trends. College-aged zoomers want tools that streamline schoolwork or personalize their dorms and apartments. And older zoomers tend to focus on lifestyle enhancements.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the most wanted holiday gifts for zoomers in 2025, broken into three core age groups: younger teens (13-17), college-aged Gen Z (18-22), and young adults (23-28).
Zoomers Ages 13 to 17
The youngest zoomers like things they can take to school, apply to their person or spiff up their rooms, such as:
- Stanley cups or Owala bottles in new colors
- K-beauty skin care
- Lip oils and skin balms
- Nintendo Switch or handheld gaming
- Portable mini projectors
- Squishmallows or plushies
- Fidget jewelry
- Graphic hoodies and baggy streetwear
- Bluetooth headphones and earbuds
Zoomers Ages 18 to 22
The college-aged zoomers are more into personal tech and organizational items, as well as clothing that fits their personal style.
- Noise-canceling earbuds
- iPad and Apple Pencil for note taking
- Laptop backpacks with charging ports
- Reusable film cameras or digital point-and-shoots
- Massage guns or heated neck wraps
- Subscription services
- Cute organizational items
- Kitchen gadgets for first apartments (air fryer minis, compact blenders)
- Trendy sneakers
Zoomers Ages 23 to 28
The “elder” zoomers are making careers and settling down — they’re more interested in the tools of home, trade and stress relief:
- Smart home gadgets (Google Nest, smart bulbs, portable speakers)
- Weighted blankets or high-quality throws
- Quality cookware
- Coffee gadgets (Nespresso, Ember mug, burr grinder)
- Fitness accessories
- Skin care that feels luxurious
- Travel gear
- Experiences: concerts, pottery classes, weekend trips
Cross-Category Best Bets (for Any Gen Z Age)
However, regardless of age, almost all zoomers appreciate gift cards, comfy sweatshirts or slippers, functional tech and the gift that never disappoints: cash.
More From GOBankingRates
- Trump's $2K Dividend: Who Qualifies and How You'll Get It
- Could Homer Simpson Support His Family in 2025?
- How Middle-Class Earners Are Quietly Becoming Millionaires -- and How You Can, Too
- 5 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I Asked ChatGPT What To Get Zoomer Kids for Christmas: Here’s What It Said
