On the surface, Gen Z might seem like a tricky bunch to shop for. Their interests? Constantly changing. Their hobbies? They come and go faster than the latest Tiktok trend. So, what do you get for this ever-evolving generation?
The key is understanding what makes them tick. As a group that’s consistently focused on minimalism, sustainability, and thinking outside the box, it’s no surprise to see experiences consistently topping their wish lists.
Lucky for you, we’ve got the inside scoop. Whether you’re hunting for the perfect birthday gift, Christmas present, or something a bit anti-ordinary, our gifting experts have rounded up the top 18 Gen Z-approved gifts, including top experiences across the nation.
Gen Z: A Snapshot
👶 Birthdates: ~1997 through 2012
📱 Digital Natives: Grew up swiping, scrolling, and streaming
💃 Trendsetters: Always on top of TikTok, memes, and pop culture
🧘♀️ Self-Care Squad: Mental health and wellness come first
🎨 Creative AF: Side hustles, hobbies, and expressing themselves is a must
🎁 Gift Gurus: Prefer experiences over things, with eco-friendly ideas scoring extra points
Best Experience Gifts for Gen Z
1. Spa Days
If there’s one thing Gen Z prioritizes, it’s mental health. So, why not gift them a little self-care? From custom massages and facials to pedicures, sauna sessions, and even float therapy, spa days are more than just a gift. They’re a thoughtful, trendy way to show them you care. And honestly, who wouldn’t enjoy a day of R&R?
2. At-Home Herb Kit
Many Gen Zers value sustainability and self-sufficient lifestyles, making this at-home herb kit an instant gifting win. Using mini coir pots and Wondersoil wafers, they can grow parsley, chives, basil, and lettuce right in their kitchen. The kit even includes expert tips for planting, thinning, watering, and harvesting, plus a tasty salad recipe!
3. Immersive Art Experiences
If you’ve got a rising TikTok star on your hands, they’ll love snapping content at one of these immersive art experiences. From interactive installations to larger-than-life projection rooms, this is art like they’ve never seen before. It’s fun, unforgettable, and they’ll walk away with tons of photos and videos to share across their feeds.
4. Sourdough Baking Class
What’s trending in the baking world? Sourdough, of course! For the Gen Z foodie, this intro to sourdough baking class in San Francisco is a must-gift. They’ll learn all about maintaining sourdough starters while baking the perfect flatbread. The best part? They get to take home their very own starter. Consider their newest hobby officially unlocked.
5. Cooking Classes
Every generation could use a few go-to recipes. Whether they’ve always wanted to learn how to make fresh pasta, hand-rolled sushi, or even authentic Pad Thai, these interactive classes make cooking easy and fun. Bonus: they’ll take home the recipe and, if you’re lucky, invite you over to taste-test their new skills.
6. Online Meal Prep Course
Believe it or not, many Gen Zers are trading in expensive takeout for budget-friendly meal prepping. While these homemade, grab-and-go style meals might seem easy, it can be hard to know where to start. With this online course, they’ll learn expert, time-saving techniques and even get to chat with a professional chef in NYC. How’s that for a gift that keeps on giving?
7. Outdoor Yoga Sesh
Nature and self-care? Oh yeah, this gift was made for Gen Z. Whether they’re a complete newbie or regular yogi, these sessions are perfect for all skill levels. With each pose, they’ll breathe in fresh air, calm their mind, and find inner peace. It’s a unique, feel-good gift that delivers some serious zen.
8. Virtual Writing Course
It’s simple: BookTok is all the rage. And with many Gen Zers dreaming of writing the next bestseller, this virtual writing course makes a seriously unique gift. They’ll sharpen their storytelling skills, learn from experienced writers, and take real steps toward bringing their ideas to life (whether it’s a dragon romance, fae epic, or another trendy genre).
9. Experience Collections
Let’s be real, picking just one gift can be tough (especially for Gen Z). Let them do the choosing with an experience collection from Virgin Gifts. Whether they’re a foodie, a spa lover, or always on the hunt for the next unforgettable date night, they get to pick their favorite activity from a curated selection. No stress, always a win (aka the perfect gift)!
10. Dinner at a New Restaurant
Gen Z loves trying new things (and yes, that definitely includes food). That’s why dining experiences are always one of our gifting go-tos. From trendy spots like Sushi by Bou and Gordon Ramsay restaurants to hole-in-the-wall gems, they’ll enjoy a delicious meal and, of course, snap plenty of foodie pics for the Gram.
11. EcoTours and Foraging Experiences
As a generation that values sustainability, these eco-tours and foraging experiences are right up their alley. They’ll explore the great outdoors while learning how to spot natural foods like mushrooms, roots, and medicinal plants. And don’t be surprised if they walk away with a couple new recipes to try at home!
12. Trendy Art Classes
If it’s trendy, crafty, and a little DIY, Gen Z will love it. Lucky for you, there’s tons of unique art classes that fit the bill. We’re talking about resin art, water marbling, rug tufting, and more. Our top picks? Anything plant-related, like moss boards, terrariums, and flower arranging, is guaranteed to be a big hit.
13. Rock Climbing
Indoor or outdoor, rock climbing is always a big hit with Gen Z. That’s because it’s both mentally and physically stimulating, perfect for all fitness levels (yes, really!), and just plain fun. Treat them to a day pass at a local bouldering gym or surprise them with an outdoor lesson. No matter what, they’ll be crushing routes in no time.
14. Immersive Gamebox
Got a gamer on your hands? Nothing beats a 30 or 60-minute session at Immersive Gamebox. With locations all across the US, this unique gaming experience features advanced motion tracking, projection mapping, and touch screen technology. They’ll feel like they’re a part of the game as they take on fun challenges, defeat villains, and more!
15. Mystery Road Trip
The ultimate road trip awaits. Where will they end up? Only time will tell. These mystery road trips swap predictable plans for surprise stops, spontaneous moments, and the thrill of an unknown destination. Using either a digital or physical itinerary, they’ll follow a series of clues and enjoy activity recs along the way. And with a variety of unique themes, there’s a road trip for every Gen Z personality.
16. Stand-Up Paddleboarding
When it comes to unique gifts for Gen Z, paddleboarding ticks all the boxes. It’s on-trend, outdoors, and strikes that sweet spot between peaceful and energizing. Just picture it: your favorite Gen Zer gliding along gorgeous shorelines or even striking the perfect pose during a paddleboard yoga class.
17. Guitar Lessons
It’s no secret: Gen Zers love having a hobby. And if they’re ready to try something new, guitar lessons hit all the right notes. They’ll have a reason to unplug, shake up their routine, and build a skill they’ll be excited to show off. Plus, it’s a gift that turns curiosity into confidence (and maybe a little rock star swagger).
18. Custom Fragrance Workshops
If there’s one thing we know about Gen Z, it’s that fragrances and body care products always seem to be at the top of their wish lists. Instead of guessing which one they’ll like, let them create their own signature scent during one of these hands-on fragrance workshops. They’ll mix and blend their favorite aromas before heading home with a bottle of their new one-of-a-kind scent.
Summary
When it comes to celebrating your favorite Gen Zer, only the best, routine breaking gifts will do. That’s because this generation thrives on experiences, creativity, and sustainability. From trendy art classes to outdoor yoga sessions, these 18 gift ideas are perfect for all the Gen Zers on your list.
Need more gifting inspo? Virgin Gifts has you covered. As the home of anti-ordinary gifting, they offer thousands of experience gifts across the US—perfect for every generation!
