Ah, millennials. The generation that came of age in the 2000s, survived the financial crisis, and witnessed the evolution of technology—from flip phones to smart devices that now run our lives. They’re tech-savvy, a little nostalgic for the good old days of dial-up internet (especially the geriatric millennial), and love to tweet, stream, and make TikToks about their pet fish. So, what do you get them for a gift that’s not another avocado toast-themed mug? Whether it’s for a birthday, the holidays, or just because you’re tired of hearing them complain about the cost of their student loans, here are 10 gift ideas that will hit the mark.
1. A Smart Home Assistant (That Actually Works)
Remember when millennials thought having a “smart home” meant a Roomba vacuuming your living room while you played on your Nintendo Switch? Well, those days are over. Enter the world of Alexa, Google Nest, and Apple HomePod—smart home assistants that do everything from ordering pizza to controlling the thermostat without requiring an IT degree.
Gift a smart assistant to your millennial friend or family member who still hasn’t figured out how to turn off the kitchen light. The only downside? It might start asking, “What’s the weather like today?” every five minutes, but at least it’s doing the heavy lifting. And if you want to get extra fancy, grab them some smart lights or a smart thermostat to complete the “I’m living in the future” vibe.
2. A Plant They Won’t Kill (Hopefully)
Millennials love plants—like, really love them. They love posting pics of their monstera plants on Instagram, captioning them with hashtags like #PlantParenthood, #BotanicalBabes, and #PlantGoals. But let’s be real, some of them are still struggling to keep their aloe vera alive after two weeks of neglect.
This is where self-watering plants come in. Choose a low-maintenance plant (like a snake plant or pothos) that requires minimal effort. If your recipient can keep this one alive, maybe they’re ready for a dog? But no promises. You can also gift a quirky plant subscription box that delivers new plants right to their door each month, because who doesn’t want a fresh new plant to forget about in their living room?
3. An Online Course for That Side Hustle
Every millennial knows the side hustle life. Whether it’s selling homemade candles on Etsy, freelancing as a graphic designer, or trying to make money by reviewing tech gadgets on YouTube, millennials are huge fans of the gig economy and are always looking for the next gig. A thoughtful gift would be an online course that helps them level up their hustle.
From photography workshops on Skillshare to business strategy courses on MasterClass, there’s no shortage of learning opportunities. Bonus points if you gift them a course that matches their weird niche interest, like underwater basket weaving or how to optimize a TikTok bio. They’ll thank you when they’re rolling in the dough from their latest venture.
4. A Memory Jar (For All Their Old-Fashioned Feelings)
Sure, millennials are all about the latest tech and gadgets, but they’re also a little nostalgic, often reflecting on simpler times. A memory jar is a fun, low-tech gift that taps into their sentimental side.
Get them a cute jar (or even a mason jar, because we know millennials love a good DIY project) and a pack of colorful pens. The idea? They can write down happy memories, funny moments, or things they’re grateful for throughout the year and open them when they need a pick-me-up. Bonus points if they share these memories on Instagram stories, because let’s face it, they’re probably going to.
5. A Sustainable Water Bottle (That’s Actually Cool)
Millennials care about the planet—just ask them about climate change, and they’ll talk your ear off for hours. One way to help them reduce their carbon footprint (and stay hydrated in the process) is by gifting a sustainable water bottle.
Gone are the days of flimsy plastic bottles—they’re now all about sleek, reusable ones. Whether it’s a Hydro Flask, S’well bottle, or even a Customizable Yeti, there’s something for every personality. And don’t forget to include a quirky bottle sleeve with a fun slogan like “This bottle will outlast your last relationship” or “Hydrated, but still emotionally unavailable.”
6. A Retro-Inspired Record Player
Some millennials are feeling a little nostalgic for their high school days when vinyl records were the coolest way to listen to music (before Spotify and Apple Music took over). Enter the retro-inspired record player—perfect for adding a touch of vintage flair to any millennial’s home.
They can spin some classic vinyl (or just pretend to, because let’s be real, it’s more about the aesthetics than the sound quality). Throw in a couple of records from their favorite artists, and you’ve got yourself the perfect gift. It’s also a great excuse for them to post an artsy picture of their record collection on Instagram, because, you know, millennials.
7. A Customizable Neon Sign
Want to give a gift that screams “I’m a millennial, but I have style”? A customizable neon sign is the way to go. Whether it’s their favorite quote, their name, or even just a funky shape like a cactus or a flamingo, a neon sign will instantly make their space feel more like them.
Plus, it’s the perfect addition to their TikTok or Instagram videos. Imagine the aesthetic possibilities—it’s like a living room makeover, but better.
8. A “One Line a Day” Journal
Millennials love to reflect and share their thoughts, but sometimes they don’t have the time for a full-blown diary. Enter the One Line a Day Journal, the perfect gift for the overworked millennial who still wants to keep track of their feelings (without committing to pages of writing).
This journal offers a quick prompt for every day of the year—just a single line to sum up their day. By the end of the year, they’ll have a cute little book full of memories, reflections, and probably a ton of complaints about work. It’s a thoughtful and easy way to encourage a little self-care in a busy life.
9. An Instant Polaroid Camera
Who needs digital photos when you can instantly print your memories? Millennials are all about that vintage aesthetic, which is why an instant Polaroid camera is the perfect gift. They can take quirky, candid photos with their friends (or just their dog) and stick them on their fridge or plaster them all over their social media accounts.
It’s fun, it’s retro, and it doesn’t require them to scroll through their camera roll for hours trying to find that one pic they posted five years ago. Instant gratification? Yes, please.
10. A “Mindful Morning” Kit
Finally, give the gift of peace and zen in a chaotic world. Create a personalized “Mindful Morning” kit with everything they need to start their day right. Think a cozy robe, a calming candle, a luxurious tea blend, and maybe even a journal for a quick morning reflection.
Throw in a motivational quote or two (because who doesn’t love a good #MondayMotivation?) and you’ve got yourself the perfect gift for a millennial who needs a little self-care before diving into another day of hustle.
So, there you have it—10 gift ideas that are millennial-approved and will probably make them want to send you a thank-you note via Instagram DM. Whether you go techy, sentimental, or a little quirky, these gifts will help you win the title of Best Gift Giver. Now go forth, my friend, and make a millennial’s day!