I Asked ChatGPT What To Get Zoomer Kids for Christmas: Here’s What It Said

Gen Z woman with pink hair standing on sidewalk in town, smiling
iStock / SolStock / iStock.com

Commitment to Our Readers

GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.

20 Years
Helping You Live Richer

Reviewed
by Experts

Trusted by
Millions of Readers

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.

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.

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.

Top Offers for {{current_month-name}} {{current_year}}

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

Top Offers for {{current_month-name}} {{current_year}}

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.

BEFORE YOU GO

See Today's Best
Banking Offers

Looks like you're using an adblocker

Please disable your adblocker to enjoy the optimal web experience and access the quality content you appreciate from GOBankingRates.

  • AdBlock / uBlock / Brave
    1. Click the ad blocker extension icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable on this site
    3. Refresh the page
  • Firefox / Edge / DuckDuckGo
    1. Click on the icon to the left of the address bar
    2. Disable Tracking Protection
    3. Refresh the page
  • Ghostery
    1. Click the blue ghost icon to the right of the address bar
    2. Disable Ad-Blocking, Anti-Tracking, and Never-Consent
    3. Refresh the page