The best holiday gifts for millennials, picked by millennials
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We’re #blessed to have millennials in our lives, but finding gifts for millennials can be tough. They’re ahead of the trends, with strong opinions on what they like (and even stronger thoughts on what’s lame). Still you’d love to surprise them with something awesome, as befits the season.
That’s why we went straight to the source: We grilled millennials on dream gifts for 2019, and put together this awesome list. It’s like having an in-the-know niece take you shopping. So instead of going with a safe-but-bland gift card (ho-hum), you can find a great gift, collect the joyous hug you deserve, then enjoy all sorts of love later on Instagram for your present prowess. (And ps, there’s plenty here for you to love too—you might want to buy certain gifts in multiples.)
Weighted Blanket
Millennials are super-stressed. What better gift can you give them than a good night’s sleep? This year’s MVP to the rescue: the weighted blanket. It’s what Camille from New Jersey wants, after having tried one while sleeping at a friend’s: “It’s the deepest sleep I’ve experienced,” she says, “like an all-night perpetual hug.” This plush version from Syrinx is extra-Instagrammable.
Shop it: Syrinx Plush Weighted Blanket, $49 (was $65), amazon.com
Smart Bike
Millennial moms crave the fitness focus they had before kids. Amethyst, who has two young children and a full-time job, says she would love to workout with friends, “but,” she says, “I don’t have that luxury right now. A smart bike is my dream gift.” This one lets folks experience the energy of (virtual) fellow riders in the comfort of home—and without any sweat splashing off neighboring pedalers.
Shop it: NordicTrack Commercial Studio Cycle Bike, $1,599, amazon.com
Cashmere Slippers
A sure win for the Netflix-and-chill generation? Super-comfy luxurious slippers. They’re probably not in the budget for most millennials, which, in our book, makes them an ideal present. Danielle from Boston says, “I would never buy fancy slippers for myself, but I always want a pair.” This pair knocks it out of the park, with cozy cashmere inside and out—and a furry adornment to up the cute factor.
Shop it: Cashmeren Real Fur Pom-Pom Slippers, $44 to $54 depending on size (was $88), amazon.com
Staub Dutch Oven
The cookware equivalent of the day-to-night outfit, this all-purpose (and stunning) pot makes its way seamlessly from oven to stovetop to table. Perfect for millennials (and, honestly, anyone) who loves to cook and appreciates double-duty efficiency. Great for soups, stews, and other long-cooking winter foods. Jordan from Connecticut, who loves to entertain, says she “has always wanted a heavy dutch oven in a nice color,” but wouldn’t even know which one to pick. We promise, this is the ultimate in the category and will not only delight the millennial in your life but will literally last forever.
Shop it: Staub Cast Iron Round Cocotte, $100, amazon.com
Earrings
Artfully arranged piercings are the millennial version of the ankle tattoo—a little rebellious, but not something that would cause trouble at the office. Maggie, a tech pro, just got a third hole in each ear and says she “loves to combine dainty shapes for a light touch of edge and sparkle.” She says she never has enough tiny post earrings. No matter how many holes your recipient is sporting, this set of four offers a plethora of mix-and-match opportunities—and makes you seem like the coolest auntie / mom / friend on the planet. Bonus: It comes gorgeously packaged—ready to set under the tree.
Shop it: Eliza Post Earring Set, $38, anthropologie.com
Glass Straws
Millennials are on the front lines of the war against single-use plastic straws—and kudos to them; straws and other plastic trash are clogging up our oceans and harming marine life. “Reusable straws are such a thoughtful gift,” says Lily from Boston. Made of charming blue glass—think old-timey apothecary bottles—this quartet allows for three at home home and one in the desk drawer at work. We’ll drink to that.
Shop it: Set of 4 Glass Straws, $23 (was $27), thegrommet.com
Floral Diffuser
Reed room diffusers have been updated for a new generation (and for all of us). Along with sticks that draw up and disseminate a beautiful room fragrance, this version has faux flowers and greenery—fabric versions of ranunculus, eucalyptus, and more. Alice from Nashville is all about diffusers over candles (”they have a subtler scent”) and loves a modern twist. Surprise your millennial homebody with one of these delicate beauties. Fragrance oil is sold separately, so you can take a guess (there are six options, from white rose to mulled cider) or let your giftee use her own favorite.
Shop it: Floral Bouquet Diffuser, $28, anthropologie.com
Wine Rack
“I always have a few bottles on hand and no place for them,” says Lindsi from South Carolina. “I would love a nice wine rack.” Sounds like an investment, right? Looks like one too, but this modern brass rack—a piece of functional sculpture—is only $30 on Amazon. It turns a cluttered collection of randoms into a beautiful display, and instantly makes a room feel more grown-up. Great for any home decor style, any gender, and any wine preference. A home run.
Shop it: VonShef 8-10 Bottle Wine Rack, $35, amazon.com
Skincare
Remember when you could just wash your face with soap, rub in a little moisturizer, and not talk about it? Millennials have taken the luxe beauty regimen to a whole other (multi-step) level with cleanser, oil, toner, and more. Treating them to a name-brand set will elicit shrieks of gratitude. Like a lot of folks, Katie from New York loves anything from the Kiehl’s line. This three-item kit from Ulta is ideal—and especially perfect for the traveler, who can use the minis to upgrade a dopp kit.
Shop it: Mario Badescu Holiday Heroes set, $45 ($57 value), ulta.com
Facial Roller
This rose quartz roller is a beauty-editor favorite. Glide in an outward motion for a soothing massage that releases tension, promotes circulation, and just feels good. The pretty floral box will save you paper and time. Just add a bow and go.
Shop it: Inotka Rose Quartz Roller, $23, amazon.com
Faux-Fur Tech Pouch
With the need to stay connected comes the need to carry cords. This faux fur case stores, organizes, and hides them in the most glamorous way. Imagine how much digging-and-detangling time you can save your friend.
Shop it: Faux Fur Tech Pouch, $12, anthropologie.com
Blue Light Glasses
“I stare at a computer all day long and I know my eyesight is getting worse. I want a cool-looking pair of blue light glasses,” says Ty from Massachusetts. This is insider info on a problem so many millennials face—namely the damage caused by constant screen exposure. Those stuck at a desk all day will appreciate the fact that they don’t have to sacrifice their style game for corneal protection.
Shop it: Derecha Blue Light Glasses, $89, anthropologie.com
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