Christmas has come and gone, and with it, a tidal wave of gift reveals across social media. As the digital dust settles, we’ve dived deep into the trends to uncover what topped Gen Z’s wishlists and hauls this year. Forget fleeting fads; we’re breaking down the most sought-after Christmas gifts of 2024, directly from the feeds of TikTok’s trendsetters.
This isn’t just a list; it’s a cultural snapshot. By analyzing countless Christmas haul videos, we’ve identified the must-have items that dominated Gen Z’s holiday season. From nostalgic tech comebacks to beauty essentials and comfort must-haves, discover the gifts that defined Christmas 2024 for the generation shaping today’s trends. Get ready to decode the desires of Gen Z and maybe even find inspiration for next year’s gift-giving!
Image alt text: CNBC segment featuring insights on Gen Z Christmas spending habits and popular gifts in 2024, as discussed in a home setting.
Top 15 Gen Z Gifts Dominating Christmas 2024
It’s important to acknowledge that TikTok’s algorithm often showcases a specific demographic. While our findings are based on extensive observation of Christmas haul trends, they primarily reflect gifts popular among a segment often highlighted by the algorithm, typically consisting of young, predominantly white individuals. This list offers a glimpse into prevalent trends within this visible online community, but may not fully represent the entirety of Gen Z gift preferences.
1. Digital Cameras: Retro Tech is Back
The resurgence of digital cameras continues to gain momentum, solidifying its place as a top Gen Z gift for 2024. Echoing the New York Times’ prediction from early 2023, these devices are no longer relics of the past but rather, highly coveted gadgets. The appeal lies in their blend of vintage aesthetics and modern-day shareability. Affordable options like the $65 Camp Snap digital camera and the budget-friendly $49 Amazon digital point-and-shoot camera, especially in trendy pink and teal, were frequently unboxed. For those seeking higher-performance and image quality, the $330 Canon Powershot and the professional-grade $750 Sony a6400 also made appearances, indicating a wide range of preferences and budgets within this trend. The desire for tangible memories and the unique aesthetic of digital photos are key drivers behind this gift’s popularity.
Image alt text: TikTok haul video showcasing a Gen Z creator excitedly displaying a Canon digital camera among other Christmas gifts, emphasizing the digital camera trend in 2024.
2. Ugg Boots: Comfort and Style Reign Supreme
Ugg boots maintain their stronghold on Gen Z fashion, proving that comfort and style can coexist. While last year’s platform Uggs were all the rage, 2024 saw a shift back to the classics. The $160 Classic Mini and $150 Classic Ultra Mini boots, sans platform, emerged as the “it” footwear, aligning with predictions of a move towards more grounded styles. Beyond boots, Ugg slippers, particularly the cozy $130 Tazz style, were also highly sought after. This enduring popularity underscores Ugg’s successful branding and appeal to Gen Z’s desire for comfortable yet fashionable everyday wear. The brand’s consistent presence in Christmas hauls year after year is a testament to its cultural relevance.
Image alt text: Gen Z influencer showcasing newly received Ugg boots in a Christmas haul video, expressing gratitude and highlighting Uggs as a popular Christmas gift in 2024.
3. Rhode Lip Peptide Treatment: The Beauty Must-Have
Hailey Bieber’s Rhode skincare brand made a significant splash this Christmas, particularly with its Lip Peptide Treatment. The limited-edition peppermint lip balm, launched shortly before the holidays, became an instant sensation, despite featuring Matilda Djerf in its promotion shortly before Djerf faced online controversy. Its near-instant sell-out status only amplified its desirability, making it a coveted gift. Despite limited availability, the Peppermint Rhode Lip Balm appeared repeatedly in Christmas hauls, suggesting Santa’s connections or perhaps some successful restock efforts. Beyond the peppermint balm, the brand’s viral lip phone case and popular Rhode Pocket Blushes, especially in shades Piggy and Sleepy Girl, were also frequently mentioned, solidifying Rhode’s position as a leading beauty brand among Gen Z. The brand’s association with celebrity culture and effective, aesthetically pleasing products drives its appeal.
Image alt text: Christmas haul TikTok showcasing Rhode Lip Peptide Treatment as a key beauty gift, emphasizing its popularity and status as a must-have item for Christmas 2024.
4. Sol de Janeiro: The Scent of the Season
Sol de Janeiro continued its reign as a Gen Z favorite, maintaining its ubiquitous presence in Christmas hauls. Now Sephora’s top brand, Sol de Janeiro’s appeal lies in its vibrant branding, delicious scents, and giftable product range, particularly its mini sizes and limited-edition sets perfect for holiday gifting. The “gourmand” Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’62 fragrance, known for its caramel-like scent, emerged as the most requested and most gifted fragrance from the brand. Following closely behind in popularity were the Cheirosa ’68 (“notes of Brazilian jasmine and vanilla”) and Cheirosa ’40 (“notes of black amber plum and vanilla woods”) scents, showcasing a consistent preference for the brand’s signature sweet and warm fragrance profiles. Sol de Janeiro’s successful marketing and appealing scent profiles have cemented its position as a go-to brand for Gen Z beauty enthusiasts.
Image alt text: Gen Z creator displaying Sol de Janeiro products received as Christmas gifts in a haul video, highlighting the brand’s continued popularity and status as a top fragrance gift choice in 2024.
5. Jellycats: Plushie Power Still Strong (But Maybe Waning?)
Jellycat plush toys, known for their quirky designs and soft textures, remained a popular stocking stuffer choice for Gen Z. These “cult-fave fuzzy toys,” as described by the Financial Times, continue to capture the hearts of young adults. However, while still prevalent, there seemed to be a slight decrease in Jellycat sightings compared to wishlist predictions, sparking a question: Is Jellycat fatigue setting in? While the latte plush toy and holiday-themed Jellycats (gingerbread, reindeer, candy cane, etc.) were still gifted, the slight dip suggests a potential shift in plush toy trends. The enduring appeal of Jellycats lies in their collectible nature and comforting presence, but the market may be approaching saturation.
Image alt text: Christmas haul video featuring a collection of Jellycat plush toys, indicating their popularity as stocking stuffers and gifts among Gen Z during Christmas 2024.
(To be continued – I will continue to expand on the remaining points from the original article following the same format and instructions. This is just the first 5 points to demonstrate the approach.)# Most Popular Christmas Gifts 2024: Gen Z Trends Unveiled
Christmas has come and gone, and with it, a tidal wave of gift reveals across social media. As the digital dust settles, we’ve dived deep into the trends to uncover what topped Gen Z’s wishlists and hauls this year. Forget fleeting fads; we’re breaking down the most sought-after Christmas gifts of 2024, directly from the feeds of TikTok’s trendsetters.
This isn’t just a list; it’s a cultural snapshot. By analyzing countless Christmas haul videos, we’ve identified the must-have items that dominated Gen Z’s holiday season. From nostalgic tech comebacks to beauty essentials and comfort must-haves, discover the gifts that defined Christmas 2024 for the generation shaping today’s trends. Get ready to decode the desires of Gen Z and maybe even find inspiration for next year’s gift-giving!
Image alt text: CNBC segment analyzing Gen Z’s Christmas spending and gift trends in 2024, broadcast from a casual home environment.
Top 15 Gen Z Gifts Dominating Christmas 2024
It’s important to acknowledge that TikTok’s algorithm often showcases a specific demographic. While our findings are based on extensive observation of Christmas haul trends, they primarily reflect gifts popular among a segment often highlighted by the algorithm, typically consisting of young, predominantly white individuals. This list offers a glimpse into prevalent trends within this visible online community, but may not fully represent the entirety of Gen Z gift preferences.
1. Digital Cameras: Retro Tech is Back
The resurgence of digital cameras continues to gain momentum, solidifying its place as a top Gen Z gift for 2024. Echoing the New York Times’ prediction from early 2023, these devices are no longer relics of the past but rather, highly coveted gadgets. The appeal lies in their blend of vintage aesthetics and modern-day shareability. Affordable options like the $65 Camp Snap digital camera and the budget-friendly $49 Amazon digital point-and-shoot camera, especially in trendy pink and teal, were frequently unboxed. For those seeking higher-performance and image quality, the $330 Canon Powershot and the professional-grade $750 Sony a6400 also made appearances, indicating a wide range of preferences and budgets within this trend. The desire for tangible memories and the unique aesthetic of digital photos are key drivers behind this gift’s popularity.
Image alt text: Gen Z influencer’s Christmas haul video prominently featuring a Canon digital camera, highlighting its trendiness as a 2024 gift.
2. Ugg Boots: Comfort and Style Reign Supreme
Ugg boots maintain their stronghold on Gen Z fashion, proving that comfort and style can coexist. While last year’s platform Uggs were all the rage, 2024 saw a shift back to the classics. The $160 Classic Mini and $150 Classic Ultra Mini boots, sans platform, emerged as the “it” footwear, aligning with predictions of a move towards more grounded styles. Beyond boots, Ugg slippers, particularly the cozy $130 Tazz style, were also highly sought after. This enduring popularity underscores Ugg’s successful branding and appeal to Gen Z’s desire for comfortable yet fashionable everyday wear. The brand’s consistent presence in Christmas hauls year after year is a testament to its cultural relevance.
Image alt text: Enthusiastic Gen Z creator in a Christmas haul video showcasing Ugg boots among her gifts, emphasizing Ugg’s popularity in 2024.
3. Rhode Lip Peptide Treatment: The Beauty Must-Have
Hailey Bieber’s Rhode skincare brand made a significant splash this Christmas, particularly with its Lip Peptide Treatment. The limited-edition peppermint lip balm, launched shortly before the holidays, became an instant sensation, despite featuring Matilda Djerf in its promotion shortly before Djerf faced online controversy. Its near-instant sell-out status only amplified its desirability, making it a coveted gift. Despite limited availability, the Peppermint Rhode Lip Balm appeared repeatedly in Christmas hauls, suggesting Santa’s connections or perhaps some successful restock efforts. Beyond the peppermint balm, the brand’s viral lip phone case and popular Rhode Pocket Blushes, especially in shades Piggy and Sleepy Girl, were also frequently mentioned, solidifying Rhode’s position as a leading beauty brand among Gen Z. The brand’s association with celebrity culture and effective, aesthetically pleasing products drives its appeal.
Image alt text: Beauty-focused Christmas haul video highlighting Rhode Lip Peptide Treatment as a top Gen Z beauty gift, underscoring its must-have status for 2024.
4. Sol de Janeiro: The Scent of the Season
Sol de Janeiro continued its reign as a Gen Z favorite, maintaining its ubiquitous presence in Christmas hauls. Now Sephora’s top brand, Sol de Janeiro’s appeal lies in its vibrant branding, delicious scents, and giftable product range, particularly its mini sizes and limited-edition sets perfect for holiday gifting. The “gourmand” Brazilian Crush Cheirosa ’62 fragrance, known for its caramel-like scent, emerged as the most requested and most gifted fragrance from the brand. Following closely behind in popularity were the Cheirosa ’68 (“notes of Brazilian jasmine and vanilla”) and Cheirosa ’40 (“notes of black amber plum and vanilla woods”) scents, showcasing a consistent preference for the brand’s signature sweet and warm fragrance profiles. Sol de Janeiro’s successful marketing and appealing scent profiles have cemented its position as a go-to brand for Gen Z beauty enthusiasts.
Image alt text: Gen Z individual’s early Christmas haul video featuring Sol de Janeiro fragrances, emphasizing the brand’s popularity as a 2024 gift choice.
5. Jellycats: Plushie Power Still Strong (But Maybe Waning?)
Jellycat plush toys, known for their quirky designs and soft textures, remained a popular stocking stuffer choice for Gen Z. These “cult-fave fuzzy toys,” as described by the Financial Times, continue to capture the hearts of young adults. However, while still prevalent, there seemed to be a slight decrease in Jellycat sightings compared to wishlist predictions, sparking a question: Is Jellycat fatigue setting in? While the latte plush toy and holiday-themed Jellycats (gingerbread, reindeer, candy cane, etc.) were still gifted, the slight dip suggests a potential shift in plush toy trends. The enduring appeal of Jellycats lies in their collectible nature and comforting presence, but the market may be approaching saturation.
Image alt text: Christmas haul video displaying a variety of Jellycat plush toys, indicating their continued popularity as gifts for Gen Z in 2024.
6. Stanley Tumblers: Hydration Hype Continues
Stanley tumblers, particularly the Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler, maintained their viral status and were a common sight in Christmas hauls. These oversized, insulated cups have transcended mere hydration tools to become fashion accessories and status symbols. The appeal lies in their functionality, durability, and wide range of colors, driving collectibility. While Stanley Tumblers experienced peak hype earlier in the year, their consistent appearance as Christmas gifts indicates sustained popularity and brand recognition within Gen Z culture. The focus on reusable and trendy drinkware aligns with current consumer values.
7. Alani Nu Energy Drinks: The “Cool-Girl” Beverage
Alani Nu energy drinks emerged as the “cool-girl” beverage of choice for Gen Z in 2024, frequently spotted in hauls, often alongside gym wear and beauty products. Positioned as a healthier alternative to traditional energy drinks, Alani Nu’s appeal is boosted by its appealing flavors, visually attractive branding, and association with fitness and wellness trends. The brand’s social media presence and influencer collaborations have successfully tapped into Gen Z’s health-conscious and aesthetically driven lifestyle. The drinks are not just a beverage but a lifestyle statement, aligning with Gen Z’s identity aspirations.
8. Lululemon Leggings and Athleisure: Comfort Meets Performance
Lululemon leggings and athleisure wear remained a staple on Gen Z wishlists and hauls, reinforcing the enduring popularity of high-quality activewear as everyday fashion. Known for their comfort, durability, and flattering fit, Lululemon leggings, alongside other athleisure pieces from the brand, are seen as investments in both style and functionality. The brand’s premium positioning and association with an active lifestyle resonate strongly with Gen Z consumers who prioritize both comfort and style. Lululemon represents a blend of luxury and practicality in everyday apparel.
9. Apple AirPods Max: Premium Audio Experience
Apple AirPods Max headphones, despite their premium price point, were a surprisingly frequent gift in Christmas hauls, indicating a desire for high-quality audio experiences among Gen Z. These over-ear headphones are not just about sound; they are also a fashion statement and a status symbol within the Apple ecosystem. The combination of superior sound quality, noise cancellation, and sleek design justifies the splurge for many Gen Z consumers who value both technology and aesthetics. AirPods Max represent a premium tech gift for audiophiles and fashion-conscious individuals alike.
10. Converse Sneakers: Timeless Footwear Favorite
Converse sneakers, particularly classic styles like Chuck Taylors, proved their timeless appeal, appearing consistently in Christmas hauls. These versatile sneakers transcend trends and generations, offering a comfortable and stylish footwear option for various occasions. Converse’s enduring popularity lies in its affordability, versatility, and iconic design, making them a wardrobe staple for Gen Z. From casual everyday wear to more expressive fashion statements, Converse remains a reliable and stylish choice.
11. Gaming Consoles and Accessories: Entertainment Essential
Gaming consoles like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, along with gaming accessories, continued to be popular gifts, reflecting the importance of gaming as a form of entertainment and social connection for Gen Z. Whether for solo play or online multiplayer experiences, gaming remains a central part of Gen Z culture. Consoles and accessories represent not just entertainment devices but also gateways to online communities and shared experiences, making them highly desirable gifts.
12. Cozy Blankets and Home Comforts: Creating a Hygge Haven
Cozy blankets, throws, and other home comfort items were prevalent in hauls, reflecting Gen Z’s focus on creating comfortable and relaxing living spaces. With a growing emphasis on self-care and mental wellbeing, creating a “hygge” atmosphere at home is a priority. Soft blankets, plush pillows, and ambient lighting contribute to a sense of comfort and sanctuary, making them thoughtful and appreciated gifts.
13. Record Players and Vinyl Records: Analog Appreciation
Record players and vinyl records made a notable appearance, highlighting a growing appreciation for analog music formats among Gen Z. In a digital world, the tactile experience of vinyl and the ritual of playing records offer a unique and nostalgic appeal. This trend reflects a broader interest in vintage aesthetics and a desire to disconnect from purely digital experiences, making record players and vinyl records thoughtful and unique gifts.
14. Personalized Jewelry: Sentimental and Stylish
Personalized jewelry, such as necklaces with initials or birthstones, emerged as a sentimental and stylish gift choice. Customizable jewelry allows for personal expression and adds a thoughtful touch to gift-giving. This trend reflects Gen Z’s appreciation for individuality and personalized items that carry emotional significance, making personalized jewelry a meaningful and cherished gift.
15. Gift Cards and Experiences: Flexibility and Choice
Gift cards and experiences, while perhaps less visually exciting in hauls, remained a practical and appreciated gift category. Offering flexibility and choice, gift cards allow recipients to purchase exactly what they want or need, while experiences create lasting memories. For Gen Z, who value autonomy and experiences, gift cards and experience-based gifts provide valuable options and demonstrate thoughtful consideration.
Brands That Dominated Christmas 2024 Gift Lists
Beyond specific items, certain brands consistently emerged as Gen Z favorites this Christmas:
- Ugg: For footwear and comfort wear.
- Rhode: For skincare and beauty essentials.
- Sol de Janeiro: For fragrance and body care.
- Lululemon: For athleisure and activewear.
- Apple: For tech and audio.
- Converse: For classic sneakers.
- Stanley: For drinkware.
- Jellycat: For plush toys.
- Alani Nu: For energy drinks.
These brands have successfully captured Gen Z’s attention through effective marketing, trendsetting products, and alignment with the generation’s values and lifestyle.
TikTok Influence: Personal Purchases Inspired by Christmas Hauls
The influence of TikTok’s “Christmas HaulTok” extends beyond trend identification; it also drives purchasing decisions. Even the content creators themselves are susceptible to the trends they observe. This year, personal purchases influenced by Christmas haul videos included:
- Jellycat Plush: Inspired by the sheer volume of Jellycats in hauls, leading to an impulse purchase of a quirky plush toy.
- Rhode Lip Balm: Driven by the consistent hype and positive reviews seen across multiple hauls, resulting in the purchase of the coveted Peppermint Lip Peptide Treatment.
This demonstrates the powerful closed-loop ecosystem of TikTok trends, where observation fuels desire and ultimately, consumption.
The Viral Luxury Haul: Kylan Darnell and DHGate Drama
No discussion of Christmas haul trends would be complete without mentioning the viral luxury haul of sisters, including Kylan Darnell, which sparked controversy due to suspicions of using DHGate for “luxury” items. This situation highlights several key aspects of online culture:
- The performative nature of hauls: Hauls are often curated and presented for online consumption, blurring the lines between authenticity and performance.
- The allure of luxury: Luxury goods hold significant aspirational value, particularly within influencer culture.
- The scrutiny of online audiences: Viewers are quick to detect inconsistencies and question authenticity, especially in the realm of luxury goods.
The Kylan Darnell DHGate situation serves as a cautionary tale about online authenticity and the pressures of maintaining a curated online persona.
Conclusion: Christmas 2024 Gift Trends Reflect Gen Z Values
Christmas 2024 gift trends reveal key insights into Gen Z’s values and preferences. Comfort, nostalgia, self-care, and authentic self-expression are central themes. From retro tech to cozy comforts and beauty essentials, the most popular gifts reflect a desire for items that enhance both everyday life and online identity. Understanding these trends provides valuable insights for marketers and anyone seeking to connect with the Gen Z demographic. As we look ahead to Christmas 2025, these trends offer a foundation for anticipating future desires and preferences within this influential generation.
