Everything I'm Gifting My Family — From Gen Z Siblings to Gen X Parents
Shopping for family members of different ages is easier said than done. My 19-year-old sister's wishlist seems plucked straight out of TikTok's For You Page, while my dad swears "you don't have to get me anything" in the same unconvincing tone every year (and for the record, we absolutely do). Some years, certain age brackets prove easier than others, but it's easy to run out of ideas when everyone's tastes are so different. As a Gen Z/Millenial cusp, I'm tasked with shopping for two very different Gen X parents, and two younger siblings who think my being born in the '90s makes me painfully out of touch. Thankfully, I already have holiday gift ideas for each of them.
My brother, the middle child, loves video games the way every other 20-something boy does — but he also wants decor for his first (real) apartment, and pieces to elevate his personal style. My younger sister is carefree, creative, and obsessed with all things cute and collectable. She wants her dorm to feel comfortable, her makeup to look flawless, and for us to adhere to her detailed wishlist. My mom is an excellent cook, an active hiker, and a talented painter. Her young-at-heart perspective is often in stark contrast to my fighter pilot dad's more buttoned-up personality, but they both love personal touches. My dad in particular is secretly sentimental, and has a taste for the finer things in life — be it wine, golf, or cashmere sweaters.
If you have a similarly diverse family, fear not. Read on to see what I'm buying each age group for the holidays, and feel free to draw inspiration (and as an added bonus: many of these gifts work for all ages).
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Best Pet-Centric Gift
3D Dachshund Dog Ice Cube Mold ($15)
The only thing my dad loves more than a cold drink after a long day is his dachshund, Luna. These ice cube molds are less of a gag gift and more of an adorable stocking stuffer for the person who already has everything — plus they come in a bunch of different shapes (including corgis and french bulldogs).
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Best Stuffie Gift
Jellycat Amuseables Candy Cane Stuffed Toy ($22)
Kids, teens, and young adults alike are big fans of Jellycat. This little guy is particularly festive and, at only 10.5 inches, he won't clutter up your room. I know my sister is also a big fan of the blueberry and peanut Jellycats for what it's worth.
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Best Puzzle Gift
eeBoo Piece & Love: Charcuterie ($22)
Puzzles aren't just for kids. In fact, my mom is arguably the biggest puzzle-r in the family — so long as it's challenging and aesthetically pleasing. This 500-piece charcuterie-themed puzzle from eeBoo checks all the boxes. And while the rest of us typically drag our feet, this jigsaw looks like something even the biggest puzzle haters could get behind.
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Best Lip Balm Gift
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm for Hydration & Shine ($24)
There's been a lot of talk about the best lip balm on the market, but Summer Fridays always seems to make the list. With simple packaging, a nourishing product, and plenty of flavors to choose from (might we suggest hot cocoa or iced coffee?), this trendy pick will definitely be making its way into my sister's stocking.
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Best Home Decor Gift
Urban Outfitters Pancake 10oz Scented Candle ($28)
Forever a lover of all things sweet, this pancake candle is right up my sister's alley. Not only is it adorable room decor, but it also smells like salted caramel and whiskey. Pro tip: when the wax finally melts away, you can use the remaining pancake container as a tin for keepsakes and trinkets.
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Best Active Gift
Owala FreeSip Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle, 32oz ($29, originally $33)
Owala water bottles are trending for their leakproof seal, fun colorways, and two-way sipping mechanism (you can sip or chug, depending on your preference). My mom, an extremely active hiker, often invests in hiking gear, but forgets the value of a good water bottle. After her last bottle spilled all over me for the umpteenth time, I decided an Owala would be a great, functional gift for her (even if she doesn't realize how trendy it really is).
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Best Homewarming Gift
Homesick Scented Candles for Home, New Home ($30, originally $38)
My brother just moved into his first real apartment, and he's still looking for ways to make it feel like home. This candle from Homesick is a great start, commemorating the milestone with notes of jasmine, cedarwood, lime, and sandalwood. It's a cozy smell he'll be able to look back on, and a candle that'll remind him to celebrate how far he's come.
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Best Travel Gift
Sol de Janeiro Beija Flor Jet Set ($32)
While I originally thought of this gift for my sister, lately it's my mom who's been traveling more. This set is perfect for your resident jet-setter, featuring a travel-sized body wash, lotion, and body mist in some of Sol de Janeiro's most iconic scents. Speaking from personal experience, it'll last you several trips, and keep you smelling your best, no matter where you end up. The Beija Flor scent is my personal favorite, and it also comes in a water-proof case for easy packing.
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Best Artistic Gift
Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolor Paint Set, 36 Colors ($36)
My mom took up water coloring years ago, but she rarely treats herself to high-quality paints. Whether you're giving a gift to a beginner or more advanced painter, this paint set from Kuretake is pigmented, professional-quality, and beautiful to unwrap. It also happens to be much more affordable than other paint sets of a similar caliber.
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Best Sweater Gift
Abercrombie Oversized Quarter-Zip Sweater ($64, originally $80)
Having just moved to a colder part of the country, warmer clothes are a must on my brother's wishlist. This oversized quarter-zip is one of Abercrombie's bestsellers for a reason. It's cozy and casual enough to wear out and about, but you could also dress it up for the holidays. "Perfect fit and so comfortable," one shopper confirms.
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Best Cooking Gift
Our Place Always Pan 2.0 ($95, originally $150)
In a moment of weakness, my dad did begrudgingly admit to needing a nicer nonstick pan for his home-cooked dinners. This one from Our Place braises, sears, steams, and strains (among many other things), making it an incredibly versatile choice. It's oven-safe, deep enough to roast a chicken, and features a ceramic nonstick coating. Not to mention it's aesthetically-pleasing. Read more about the viral cookware in our Our Place Always Pan 2.0 review.
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Best Gaming Gift
Govee Glide Hexa Light Panels ($100, originally $180)
I'm tired of gifting the gamers in my life gift cards, so these gaming lights are a welcome reprieve. These lights enable the recipient to create a personalized lighting set-up in their room, designing their own layout of hexagon light panels. The lights can also sync with sound or music and respond to Alexa or Google Home. I'm planning on gifting these to my brother, but I think older and younger age groups would still appreciate them.
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Best Personalized Gift
The Premium Birthday Edition ($125)
For the history buffs among us, you can create a personalized leatherette book that displays the front pages of "The New York Times" from the day you (or your gift recipient) were born, and every birthday since. I gifted this to my dad last year, and not only did he love looking through all the pages, but he also never saw it coming. Plus, the book is super chic and beautiful on the coffee table, with the recipient's name and birth date stamped on the cover in metal foil.
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Chandler Plante (she/her) is an assistant health and fitness editor for PS. She has over four years of professional journalism experience, previously working as an editorial assistant for People magazine and contributing to Ladygunn, Millie, and Bustle Digital Group.