15 Gen Z Gifts to Add to Your Shop this Holiday

If you’re an online retail brand seeking last minute products for your 2022 holiday gift guide or holiday catalog, don’t forget about Gen Z. According to Bloomberg, Gen Z surpassed millennials in 2019 as the most populous generation, comprising 32% of the global population. Based on 7.7 billion people in the world, that means there are at least 38.5 million more Gen Zers than millennials to buy gifts for this year.

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Gen Zers as the most extravagant holiday shoppers is also a trend to look out for. According to a survey by McKinsey, US shoppers are looking forward to spending for the holidays, with the Gen Z population slated to splurge the most on their purchases this year. That’s why retail brands that offer good value to these shoppers will likely benefit from the very promising Gen Z ecommerce trends and come out on top this season:

“Despite concerns about the economy, renewed holiday cheer coupled with growing savings means that US consumers want to spend. Nearly 40 percent of survey respondents say they intend to splurge for themselves or for others. This intention to spend extra on items is especially evident among Gen Zers and millennials.” — McKinsey and Company, US holiday shopping 2022: ’Tis the season to be (cautiously) optimistic

Using Canal’s brand partnership platform, online marketplaces can instantly begin dropshipping some of the trendiest gifts for Gen Z that are listed in our Holiday 2022 Catalog. These include highly-curated gifts for Gen Z girls and young women who are keenly aware of the latest trends, styles, fashions, and products.

This group is also known to be trendsetters themselves, interested in sharing what’s new and fun with friends and followers on social media platforms. From vegan cookie dough to makeup you can sleep in, online retailers have a unique opportunity to improve their curation strategies with popular products that are sure to please the Gen Z demographic this holiday ecommerce season.

Who should curate and sell Gen Z gifts?

With Canal’s platform, retail brands that currently cater to the Gen Z demographic can forge strategic brand partnerships to sell some of the high-demand items in our Holiday 2022 Catalog. However, there are many other types of businesses that are still finalizing their holiday collections that may want to expand their product assortments into some of the top gifts for Gen Z as well.

Online stores with parents as customers

If your online business has a customer base that skews towards an older demographic, adding a Gen Z gift collection to your digital storefront could be a fantastic idea. Let’s face it, not every parent knows how to buy gifts for Gen Z teenage girls. For parents of Gen Z children that need some inspiration, a curated selection of hot and trending products may be just what they’re looking for this holiday season.

Value-driven brands

According to Rise of Gen Z: New Challenge for Retailers, a report by Ernst & Young, Gen Zers have $44 billion in purchasing power and they are connected, informed, and ready for business. But the key factor that differentiates them from millennials is an element of self-awareness versus self-centeredness, meaning the younger generation places a greater emphasis on their role in the world as part of a larger ecosystem and their responsibility to help improve it.

Today’s values-driven brands are eco-friendly and sustainable, fully inclusive of LQBTQ+ and BIPOC, and are driven by social good. Curating and selling holiday dropshipping products that match a company’s brand ethos could attract more Gen Z shoppers this festive season.

Creators with Gen Z audiences

Whether on popular social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, or Youtube — or even a gaming platform like Twitch — content creators that have built large audiences may want to consider curating and selling products that are geared towards the Gen Z crowd this holiday season.

More than any other age group, Gen Z uses social media for product discovery and is constantly looking for brands that provide entertainment and personal connection and align with their social responsibilities. By partnering with trusted suppliers through Canal, content creators can offer the hottest products to this digitally native generation across multiple platforms this holiday season.

The best Gen Z holiday gifts to dropship

Canal’s brand, marketing, and curation experts got together this holiday season to make magic happen. With a highly-curated selection of must-have Gen Z products that span across fashion, cosmetics, food, and other categories, our Holiday 2022 Catalog is sure to have something for everyone.

Cadence Travel Containers ($76)

Customizable, magnetic, leakproof travel containers in a bestselling bundle of six. Build yours by selecting Tiles and colors that pair with your unique routine, so you can feel calm and in control each day.

“Cadence’s mission is to eliminate single-use travel-sized products by creating a sustainable, refillable, portable personal care system — making the sustainable choice the best choice, always.” — Stephanie Hon, Founder and CEO @ Cadence

‍Stephanie Hon is the CEO and founder of Cadence, which sells the first magnetic and refillable travel capsule for personal care products made from recycled ocean bound plastic. The idea came from the chaotic, stressful, and negative experience of packing personal care products in containers that were unorganized and would often leak. Hon developed Cadence’s high quality products to help deliver joyful, peaceful, mindful moments — something personal care routines are supposed to give us.

Very popular with the Gen Z crowd, travelers can elevate their packing routine with Cadence’s magnetic and leakproof six-Capsule bundle. Designed for moving with a traveler’s personal care staples, these containers can help you feel calm and in control for each day that’s spent away from home.

Youthforia Pregame Setting Spray ($36)

A skin moisturizing serum setting spray that creates a thin flexible film to allow makeup to adhere to the skin and prevent harmful pollutants from sticking to the skin. It extends the wear of makeup and on no makeup days, it can be used as a moisturizing mist. The serum has a pink tint to add radiance to your skin!

“I follow what I call intuitive beauty. Basically, if I put something on my face, if I don't wake up with nicer looking skin, I'm taking that product out of my routine (this includes makeup and skincare). And I believe makeup is an extension of skincare... figuring that piece out has had the biggest effect on my skin. I mean, I'm not one to follow rules — I literally sleep in makeup.” — Fiona Co Chan, Founder and CEO @ Youthforia

Fiona Co Chan is the founder and CEO of Youthforia, a makeup brand that was started in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The business was launched on the idea that the best part of wearing makeup is going out with your friends, but sometimes that also means that you can forget to take the makeup off. Chan really wanted to develop makeup that was not only good for your skin, but was also of such high quality that you could also sleep in it.

Youthforia’s Pregame Setting Spray is a new product that’s earned rave reviews from the Gen Z crowd. It is a skin moisturizing serum setting spray that is made with a slide and fix polymer technology. It creates a thin film that’s designed to seal in your makeup, prevent harmful pollutants from adhering to your skin, and extend the wear of your makeup. The serum is also formulated to moisturize, calm, and soothe sensitive skin.

DEUX Birthday Cake Vegan Cookie Dough ($16)

Finally: a mood boost that tastes as good as it feels. Birthday Cake is back and she’s better. Now enhanced with Ashwagandha (1230 mg per jar) for a natural dose of stress relief, this spoon-licking goodness will have you grinning from ear to ear.

“A lot of other raw cookie doughs are made with things like refined sugars, preservatives and animal byproducts. Our cookie dough is made with things like oats, almond butter, flaxseed and coconut sugar. DEUX makes you feel good when you eat it.” — Sabeena Ladha, Founder and CEO @ DEUX

Sabeena Ladha is the founder and CEO of DEUX, the good-for-you cookie dough company that was started in 2020 and has taken the world by storm. DEUX’s products are revolutionizing the relationship between health-conscious eating and notoriously sweet foods by refusing to compromise taste and health. The company has been featured in the New York Times and also the television program Shark Tank.

DEUX’s Birthday Cake cookie dough is one of the company’s most popular flavors and is enhanced with ashwagandha and cashews for a mood boost that tastes as good as it feels. For a retail price of $15, it’s a great addition to any holiday gift collection that’s targeted towards Gen Z shoppers.

Glamnetic Marshmallow Swirl Nails ($15)

Want s’more flawless nail looks? Glamnetic has the new mani look you’re craving with their Marshmallow Swirl Press-On Nails!

“Any trendy nail that comes up, we’re immediately following them and launching them. That’s what I felt was missing in the nail world — almost a fast fashion of nails.” — Ann McFerran, Founder and CEO @ Glamnetic

Ann McFerran is the founder and CEO of Glamnetic, a fast-growing direct-to-consumer ecommerce company based in Los Angeles. Glamnetic sells magnetic eyeliner for magnetic eyelashes as well as press-on nails at an affordable price point that mimics manicure trends. According to Forbes, younger consumers are driving most of Glamnetic’s sales, which soared to $50 million in revenue in 2021.

For the social media savvy Gen Zers, Glamnetic’s products are the perfect gifts to purchase this holiday season. The company’s Marshmallow Swirl nail set features a semi-transparent, natural base with delectable white swirls that are reminiscent of your favorite bonfire snack.

Bonks Seamless Underwear ($10)

Bonks Seamless Underwear is the company’s signature laser-cut edgeless thong in a classic jet black color. It’s pre-washed and lined in 100% cotton for ultimate freshness.

“I came up with the concept of Bonks many years ago. Although it went through many iterations (and name changes!), the idea has largely stayed intact: a premium pair of underwear, individually packaged and pre-washed for immediate use.” — Ali Wigart, Founder @ Bonks

After a real “a-ha moment” on a trip to central Mexico, Ali Wigart founded Bonks, which is a premium, one-sized, no-show, no-fuss brand of underwear. Their products are individually packaged and pre-washed so ladies can put them on for immediate use. Whether someone is in a pinch, needs a freshie, or just wants to add some fun to their buns, Bonks is the go-to choice for the on-the-go gal.

Bonks’ Classic Thong (Black Magic) underwear is perfect for emergencies or to wear everyday. Not only are they compact, discrete, and can fit under any type of garment, they’re also made to fit a size range from small to large. For $10, these underwear also make a great gift for bachelorette parties, weddings, engagements, stocking stuffers, corporate gifting, gift boxes, birthdays, and more.

More Gen Z ecommerce gifts to dropship

Interested in some of the other Gen Z gifts our curation experts hand-selected for Canal’s Holiday 2022 Catalog?

• Bask Suncare Feel Good SPF Bundle ($44) — Can’t choose between Bask’s SPF 30 Non-Aerosol Spray and their SPF 30 Lotion? Enjoy both award-winning sunscreens!
• Multitasky Multi-Angle iPad/Phone Stand ($31) — The Multi-Angle Extendable Desk Cell Phone Holder lets you go hands-free, making multitasking easier.
• Sourse Hype B12 Infused Chocolate Bites - 2 Bags ($34) — Improve energy, clarity, and focus with this key nutrient, essential for a healthy nervous system.
• Pley Beauty Color Stick - Champagne ($18) — Pley Date All Over Color Sticks are buildable and blendable to give you the right balance of color and shimmer.
• Bonjour Fete Check Gift Wrap ($10.50) — Check check gift wrap roll of 3 sheets is a must-have for your next gift!
• Couplet Coffee Espresso for Everyone ($18) — Espresso for Everyone is a premium mix of Brazilian, Nicaraguan, and Peruvian beans.
• Supernatural Eden Mantra Mist ($35) — An aromatherapy mist for your body and soul. The Mantra Mist was consciously crafted to help you reconnect to your higher self.
• Birthdate Co Personalized Gift Card ($50) — Nothing says "thinking of you” and “I really think you deserve an extra-cool present” all at once quite like a Birthdate gift card.
• Couplet Coffee Mooka Pot ($30) — The cutest moka pot available anywhere. Pairs well with the Espresso for Everyone blend of beans.
• MOON Bucket Hat ($20) — BYO shade with the iconic MOON bucket hat, available for a limited time.

Curate and dropship holiday gifts with Canal

Brands that want to gear up for this holiday season with the best gifts for Gen Zers must partner with other value-driven brands that supply original, high quality products. You can find these brands and products on Canal, a brand partnership platform for supplier discovery and dropshipping automation.

Partnering with holiday product suppliers on Canal is easy:

1. Contact us about joining our curated network by completing the form below
2. Send ecommerce partnership proposals to premium holiday product suppliers
3. Add Gen Z-approved products to your storefront with a simple ecommerce integration
4. Automatically pass through orders to suppliers and collect commissions
5. Discover new premium product suppliers and repeat step two!

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