What Are the Youth Experts Buying Teens This Year?

Welcome to your weekly dose of smart Gen Z analysis from YPulse Daily Intelligence.

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?? 01 | One Week to Go ...

If you're still struggling to find that perfect teen gift (or remembering you had to buy a teen gift ??), YPulse has got your back.

We asked our youth experts what they're getting or would get the teens in their lives this holiday season. And we're sharing those recs with you.

Editor's Note: These are actual recommendations from YPulse's Gen Z experts. We do not receive any compensation from brands for our picks (or your clicks).

Whether you're shopping online or braving the mall, everything on our list should be fairly attainable--even with one week left.

Thank you for supporting YPulse in 2023.

And may your data and insights be bright and merry in 2024.

?? 02 | Teen Gift Recs From the Actual Teen Experts

??? "A Baggu to fit their personal aesthetic! These reusable bags went viral on TikTok this year for their cute prints and high quality. But young wearers also love them because they meet sustainable, functional, and fashionable standards all at once! If your teen wants the classic cross-body bag, but you think it’s too expensive, check out equally viral the UNIQLO dupe!" -- Tori D'Amico , Managing Content Editor

?? "In-game currency for whatever video game they’re into (like Robux and Fortnite V-Currency). With 96% of Gen Z playing games -- it’s all they really want. But if you want to give something more tangible, find out their fandom (Do they love Five Nights at Freddy's? Are they into One Piece?) and then go wild getting merch about their passion. Hot Topic is a great starting place!" -- MaryLeigh Bliss , Chief Content Officer

?? "Concert tickets. And if you don't know their favorite artist or fest, a Ticketmaster or Stubhub gift card should suffice. Gen Z is all about experiences so give them one they won’t forget." -- Oliver Pangborn , Chief Marketing Officer

?? "Even though they're not foodies like Millennials, teens love a good Jellycat -- adorable plush characters based on foods. Anything Jellycat at FAO Schwartz in Manhattan is selling out fast. Amuseable Taco is gone, but Amuseable Burger remains--for now!" -- Dan Coates , President

?? "For young consumers that love both console and mobile gaming, you can get an on-phone game controller for the best of both worlds. There are models for both Android and iPhone so that you can access your favorite Xbox or PlayStation games on the go." -- Conner Godwin , Account Executive

?? “Some of Gen Z’s top-ranking brands are Nike, Apple, E.L.F, Bath and Body Works, and PINK so something from one of these stores would make a great gift.” -- Sira Sartori , Quantitative Research Analyst

?? "A Stanley Tumbler with personalized stickers or decals. Water is wellness, Stanley is sustainable, and personalized water bottles are a form of self-expression. Stanley Tumblers maintain a drink’s temp all day while teens scurry from school to extra curriculars or while they complete challenges on Call of Duty." -- Kristi Sarmiento , VP Quantitative Insights

????♀? "For the teen athletes, a jersey from their favorite team or athlete serves as a symbol of support for their idols. And if they play the sport, new athletic shoes are always appreciated, and the perfect pair are crucial." -- Ana Sanchez, PMP , Research Operations Manager

?? "Makeup and skincare can be a form of wellness and self-expression for young people in college and even for younger teens these days. It's cool to take care of your skin. Bonus points when the brands appeal to young consumers' values, such as focusing on clean, eco-friendly products and inclusivity. Try this Radiant Look Trio set from the clean, skincare-focused makeup brand Saie or the Tower 28 Essentials Set from Tower28 or Complete SOS Skincare Routine from the POC-founded, ESG-focused, and clean brand Tower 28.” -- Haley Zwecker , Director, Customer Experience

?? “Gen Z loves immersing themselves in sound, whether they're tuning in to their favorite Spotify playlists and podcasts or listening to the latest mashup on TikTok. With their sleek looks and comfortable fit, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones deliver top-of-the-line noise cancellation so Gen Z can enjoy distraction-free sound wherever they go. (Plus, they cost more than Gen Z is able—or willing—to spend, making them a perfect gift).” -- Anastasia Pelot , Senior Content Marketing Manager

?? “This year is all about being cozy for Gen Z so fashion items like SKIMS lounge sets, Ugg slippers, and oversized sweaters from just about anywhere are sure to be loved. Getting more niche, cozy gamers are a rising aesthetic, and this cohort would appreciate gifts like soft light lamps, Nintendo Switch accessories, heated blankets, and cute desk gadgets in warm/earth tones.” -- Kayla Marino , Editorial Coordinator

?? "For the teen in your life, present the gift of hobbies. Do they like anime? Buy them a year subscription to Crunchyroll. Do they like crafting? Buy an introduction class to rug making or clay molding. It shows you really put thought into who they are and bought something they may not have gotten themselves but an elevated version of what’s already in their shopping cart.” -- Camay Abraham , Trends Research Coordinator

?? 03 | Stuck at the Kids Table This Year?

To improve cross-generational communications at holiday dinner—or at least minimize eyerolls from your teen cousins—YPulse experts compiled crib notes for you on teens' slang, trends, and influencers. Don't be the cheugy one at the table this year. That's Uncle Gary's job. Download now.

?? HO HO HO Get 30% off Daily Intelligence for an entire year with code HOLIDAY30. Lock in your Gen Z insights throughout 2024. Subscribe now. Offer expires 1/15/2024.