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Best Gifts for Gen Z Under $100 for 2026

The right gift for a Gen Zer has a balance of style and substance -- and it doesn't hurt if it's self-worthy, too. These picks are functional, full of personality and are cool enough for TikTok, which, let's be honest, is the real standard these days.

Headshot of Charlotte Maracina
Headshot of Charlotte Maracina
Charlotte Maracina Associate Writer
Charlotte Maracina is an associate writer for CNET based in Long Island, New York. When not writing about top products on the market, she's traveling, binging Love Island or following Harry Styles on tour.
Expertise Charlotte has two years of experience tracking different travel, fashion and lifestyle trends among 18-24 year olds.
Headshot of Deena Shinn
Headshot of Deena Shinn
Deena Shinn Contributor
Deena Shinn is a freelance writer and editor. When she's not writing or wrangling her two feisty daughters, you can find her experimenting with sourdough bread or exploring northern California.
Expertise Deena has over a decade of experience writing and editing, covering everything from celebrity news to child development to wedding trends.
Written by Charlotte Maracina
Deena Shinn
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Best gifts for Gen Z under $50

Gifting beauty products can be tricky, but Rhode's lip glaze is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With its glossy finish, clean ingredients and hydrating finish, it'll give lips a little boost day or night. Bonus: Rhode is Hailey Bieber's beauty brand, so you'll earn some cool points with this purchase.

This disco ball planter is not only all over TikTok, but it’s also right now in the homes of people I know. I've personally purchased several as gifts for friends and it's always a hit. Your Gen Z giftee can either hang their planter from the ceiling or place it on their desk or nightstand. It also makes a great dinner table centerpiece. They come in six-, eight- and 10-inch sizes in silver, gold and rose gold, so you can choose the one your gift recipient would most like (or get them all three sizes, which look cool hanging at different lengths).

Water bottles are great until there's nowhere to put them. The CalPak Water Bottle Holder will fit your Gen Zer's water bottle, keys, wallet and other small items. This TikTok sensation is amazing for hikers, college students and other hydration enthusiasts. The bag also comes in a lot of fun colors, from black to orchid to rouge -- and many more.

The Whatever Party Game is guaranteed to spice up every game night. I love card games, especially ones that bring out people's more adventurous sides, and this game does just that. From revealing questions to bizarre dares, the Whatever Party Game will be unlike any other one your Gen Z giftee has played. 

Best gifts for Gen Z under $100

Remember when hanging dinky string lights in your room was all the rage? These days, neon rope lights are the ultimate upgrade, in terms of aesthetic and safety. Govee's version features 64 preset lighting effects, app control, is easy to set up (and reuse) and will give any Gen Zer's bedroom the perfect glow.

Help the Gen Zer in your life treasure memories big and small with an instant printer that's small enough to fit in their pocket. This HP mini printer weighs less than a pound and uses Zink ("zero ink") technology, so there's no need for expensive, clunky cartridges. Plus, the giftee can customize their 2x3-inch photos with fun frames, filters and stickers through the HP Sprocket app before hitting "print."

Whether used to chill beauty products, beverages (up to 12 cans) or snacks, a personal fridge is a handy gadget for any Gen Zer. Plus, the retro vibe of this Frigidaire model is a win in itself -- it doubles as decor. It also has a convenient carrying handle, in case it needs to be transported (then plugged in again).

These aren't your grandma's slippers. Bombas' soft, fluffy slippers are cozy enough to live in and sturdy enough to last -- even through the elements. The rubber outsole comes in handy for those quick trips outside. They're available in men's and women's sizes and an assortment of colors. The Gen Zer in your life will appreciate them all winter and beyond.

You can never have too many bags, especially when they work for the gym, class and even date night. Your favorite Gen Zer will love this Free People quilted carryall, since it checks all the boxes for style and utility. With multiple zippered pockets, a long strap and over 20 color options, it's a pick they'll use for any occasion.

This is a super unique gift that the Gen Zer in your life will love. In less than 5 minutes, you can create a Funko Pop! character of them and someone else, whether it’s their best friend, person they’re dating or you. When I tested it out, it came to $60 for a set of two, though there are certain themes and accessories you can add -- like a pet -- that will up the cost.

Remember when Polaroid cameras were all the rage? Well, they're back and bigger than ever. Correction, smaller than ever. The new Polaroid Go Instant Camera takes the same instant film photos we all know and love, but in a more compact package. Plus, it can also be charged via USB now and includes a self-timer flash. Your Gen Z giftee is sure to love it.

With the JBL Clip 4 Portable Speaker, your giftee can bring music anywhere and everywhere. And don't let its light weight and small size deceive you: The speaker is louder than you'd expect. In addition, it's waterproof and dust-proof, can play for up to 10 hours before it needs charging and comes in lots of cool colors. It also made our pick for the best portable mini Bluetooth speaker. No doubt, it'll make a great gift for any Gen Z gift recipient on your shopping list. If you order it from JBL, you can personalize it, which is a nice added touch.

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