Top Gifts for the Modern Gen Z

Our youth have an unpredictable future.

Labeled “Gen Z,” those born between 1997 and 2012 are marching towards a future rife with artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, the metaverse, climate and sustainability issues, cybersecurity threats, and a pandemic likely turned endemic—a pandemic economy. At the same time, our over-extended schools do not have the capacity to prepare our kids for this future. (I outline why in "The Revised Purpose of School").

So, this year, if your Gen Z’s are like my three children, they would love nothing more than new phones, 90’s high-rise jeans, and thrift store clothes. However, unless these come from your basement (which they may), many of the best gifts are timeless… and free!

The Gifts Gen Z Actually Need

I have spent my career studying education systems and living in top-performing nations around the world as an international comparative education expert. So what do today’s youth actually need to succeed in our increasingly competitive global economy?

In my book World Class, I refer to the American education system as the “great Swiss cheese.” While I believe this is still the case systemically, it is fascinating to see how Gen Z has responded to the holes that we have created in the system (Parker & Igielnik, 2020).

Rather than bemoaning their education, Gen Z has created digital communities via social media to teach one another the skills they are missing. Browse TikTok for only a moment and you will see trending videos on interview skills, arithmetic tricks, essay writing, stock tips, book recommendations, recycling, and home improvement projects. Today's youth are filling their own learning gaps through an unofficial co-op.

Based on my research and experience, I am sharing what I believe are the top 10 lifelong gifts you can give Gen Z this holiday season. Each costs as much or as little as you wish and will ensure the young adults in your life thrive independently.

1. Investment knowledge: Gen Z is fascinated with NFT’s, cryptocurrency, and Web 3. Here to stay, intangible currencies are being mined and created by the moment internationally. Gen Z should also have a foundational knowledge of traditional investments. You can put as much, or as little, as you wish in an investment account (either a crypto wallet or standard account) and encourage them to do their research and invest the funds as they see fit. If they grow the portfolio—they keep it. If they lose the money—they lose it. One thing they will never lose is the knowledge. An important accessory, if you are able, is a subscription to an investing information service. As employment models shift to that of gig economies and side hustles, the traditional model of pay and benefits has also shifted.
2. Credit cards: Credit is a mystery to many. Co-signing for a credit card linked to a bank account in their own name with a pre-set limit will give them the gift of a positive credit score upon which to build their future. They will learn first-hand the problems or triumphs from making payments and the impact of interest. In an uncertain economy, leveraging credit and equity is of the utmost importance. This also means that their allowance should be given via this linked bank account.
3. Sustainable mindset: Gen Z is more interested in sustainability than previous generations, and they need to smartly purchase large ticket used items. One example is vehicles. Sharing resources for finding used cars and exposing them to technical manuals teach how to spot lemons and confidently ask the right questions. This will be even more important with the increasing number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) in the market (IEA, 2021). Other resources include selling and purchasing excess capacity via Airbnb models but for other items like cars via apps like Turo.
4. Meal planning and prep: Gen Z is more in tune with the impacts of their food choice on their own bodies and the planet. With more particular palettes increasing, they must learn to properly prepare all their updated versions of meats and vegetables in a way that accommodates all diets within a meal-sharing group. Bonus points if they can plan, shop, prepare, and serve meals that include the requisite food groups. In Japan, students are taught the farm-to-table path at all of their school meals (Clavel, 2019). This gift also serves to keep family traditions and recipes alive.
5. Sewing: Gen Z wants to learn, and needs to know, how to replace a button, fix a zipper, or make their own clothes. Skip the influencers on Tik Tok (#SewingTikTok had over 725 million views as of September 2021) and teach the proper way to care for, create, and extend the life of clothing (Sola-Santiago, 2021) together. Maybe even invest in a sewing machine and create recycled garments or just repair those we have to avoid investing in fast fashion which has direct impacts on our climate and the deforestation of the Amazon.
6. Work relationships: A recent survey by Fast Company reports Gen Z prioritizes fair pay and benefits along with a flexible schedule to accommodate mental health needs (Hayek, 2021). Achieving these objectives requires confidence and communication. Ensure they understand this reality and support them with practice conversations and books on the topic of work-based relationships. This generation welcomes diversity of thought and inclusion of all voices more than any previous.
7. Lifelong learning: While there are valuable lessons on YouTube and Instagram Reels, there are other free, quality options for your Gen Z including podcasts and open online universities. Harvard even offers some free courses. The offerings are staggering, so check them out together or give a subscription.
8. Engaging with books: Our national reading habits and scores are falling, but we know that literacy is crucial for any lifelong endeavor. Encourage reading physical books, but reading in any format that is accessible deepens understanding, exposes us to a diversity of thought, offers context, models behaviors, and improves our communication skills. Select a book to read as a family or friend group and invite your Gen Z to facilitate the conversation. Influencers on Tik Tok make many recommendations too.
9. Home exercise routines: Gyms can be expensive and, as we’ve learned from the COVID pandemic, might not always be available. Model a commitment to physical health with a home-based routine and involve your Gen Zer. There are countless exercise apps available for free or for a small fee. Set a goal of running a 5k, for example, and train together.
10. Community service: Many nations instill values of community service into their curriculum from the earliest ages. This season, give the gift of time to Gen Z. You may be surprised that they have more to teach you and make the world a brighter place—together.

The best gifts are timeless. The ideas I have shared with you here will set your child, grandchildren, and loved ones up for future success. They are inheriting a tough world and our role is to prepare them for it to the best of our ability.