The Ultimate Gift List For Millennials

Sara Portnoy | October 22, 2024 11:30 am

There's always something new that's trending with millennials. After baby boomers, they are one of the most influential generations of people. When looking to buy millennial a gift it can be difficult trying to figure out what they'll enjoy.

Something unique about millennials is that they're tastes vary across numerous topics, but they tend to appreciate innovative and creative presents. These are the best gifts to give them, especially if you're on a budget. There's something here for everyone.

Relax with an Adult Coloring Book

a woman doing an adult coloring book at a table
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

An adult coloring book is perfect for any art lover. These don't usually cost more than $10 or $15 and there are so many different designs to choose from. They are actually a popular activity for millennials because they can relieve stress and help them relax.

Millennials tend to enjoy more creative activities and this is something that's fun to do both solo or with a group. It also gives the eyes a break, away from the screen.

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The Many Uses of Himalayan Salt Rock Lamps

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Mockins/Amazon
Mockins/Amazon
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Himalayan salt lamps are one of the trendiest home decor options for millennials. Each one is usually hand-carved and has its own unique shape. The soft amber glow leads to a soothing and calming effect that's perfect for any place in the house.

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They usually cost between $15 and $20, so they won't break the bank. They also have proven health benefits such as cleaning the air, soothing allergies, boosting mood, and helping people sleep better.

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Blast the Bluetooth Speaker

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Ethan Miller/Getty Images
Ethan Miller/Getty Images
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Any millennial would be thrilled to get a new tech gadget. Bluetooth speakers, especially waterproof, are a great idea. Someone can bring it poolside to blast their favorite album or to a park to listen to an insightful podcast.

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They come in all types of shapes and colors and some even have lights that will flash to the tune of the sound. Many bluetooth speakers only cost around $15 to $30 and they work with almost all phones and tablets.

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Save the Environment with Reusable Straws

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Daniel Karmann/picture alliance via Getty Images
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Millennials tend to be more environmentally conscious than other generations. Reusable straws are something they'd appreciate because they help the earth and will reduce plastic waste. They come in countless styles, colors, and materials.

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Most of the reusable straws are under $10. A new straw trend is to have a collapsible one that fits into its own pouch. It's also a handy thing to carry around because many restaurants are starting to ban plastic ones.

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Try on a Sheet Mask

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mojaazja/Instagram
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Sheet masks are a cheap and easy way to feel pampered without going to a spa. They're designed to moisturize dry skin and clean out pores. Each brand has a different look and feel, so it's best to do a little research before buying.

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Their price ranges from about $1 to $20 and they can be bought in packs with different varieties. Millennials are also hopping on the animal sheet mask trend where the masks are illustrated to look like different animals.

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Bring out the Board Games

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WHAT DO YOU MEME?/Amazon
WHAT DO YOU MEME?/Amazon
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Adult party games are a great gift for a millennial that loves to hang out with family and friends. Board games such as What Do You Meme? and Cards Against Humanity are fun to play with large groups of people and will leave everyone laughing.

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These types of games tend to go for around $30 and usually have additional card packs that can be bought separately. The jokes found in these are also marketed toward millennials because a lot of it is internet humor.

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Vinyl Records Prove That Trends are Cyclical

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Michael Jacobs/Art in All of Us/Getty Images
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Something good to know about trends is that they'll usually come back. One example of this is the vinyl record. These are what millennials' parents grew up with, but now it's quite common to find mostly millennials at the record store.

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Prices on these tend to vary, but getting a used one at a flea market or record store doesn't usually cost more than $25. It's also common to use old records and album covers for decorations.

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Spice it Up with Some Succulents

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Succulents are now part of millennial culture. They're nice to have both inside and outside because they don't need tons of water. This is especially great for places that are in droughts.

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They are aesthetically pleasing and there are many versions available. Succulents are low maintenance, so they would work well with someone that's always on the go. A single plant usually costs about $5 or $10, but it's also easy to cut your own and replant it.

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Soak Up Your Troubles with a Bath Tray

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a wooden bath tray with a succulent, brush, and towel over a bathtub
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thecraftycoupletd/Instagram
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For those that need some relaxation in their life, a bath tray makes a perfect addition to a spa day at home. People can use it to watch a movie on their laptop or tablet, light a soothing candle, read a book, or have a delicious snack.

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Most bath trays are about $30 and work well with the majority of differently shaped bathtubs. Maybe throw in some bath bombs or soft towels as a bonus gift.

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You Can't Go Wrong with Anything Avocado

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avocado lids in dark and lime green and an exposed half of an avocado with a pit
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One of the ways millennials have been defined as a generation is their love for avocados. Their rise in popularity has led to many new products such as clothes with an avocado design, avocado slicers, and avocado lids popping up in stores all over the country.

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Most of these types of products don't surpass $15, so there's some room in the budget to add some actual avocados to the gift bag. Just try not to joke with them about how they only spend their money on avocado toast.

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Get Surprised with a Subscription Box

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Kirk McKoy/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
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It's tough trying to find a gift for certain people, but one way to give them a variety is with a subscription box. There are boxes for all kinds of interests including cooking, reading, beauty, toys, and technology.

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Each box usually has a monthly price that varies depending on which brand you choose, but don't usually go over a $50 annual price. The great thing about getting someone a subscription box is that they'll be able to receive gifts multiple times throughout the year.

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Explore a New World in a Book

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Drew Angerer/Getty Images
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It may be difficult to pinpoint the exact book to buy for someone, but there's nothing wrong with trying to find one that you think that person would like best. A millennial may prefer a young adult novel because they can relate to the content.

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Gift cards for bookstores or audiobooks are also a nice alternative if finding a physical book seems too daunting. Paperback books tend to be cheaper as well. Their prices usually have a wide range, so it's hard to know how much you'll spend.

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Watch TV with Ease on a TV Streaming Device

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Macy's/Pinterest
Macy's/Pinterest
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With the rise in streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu more people, especially millennials, are ditching cable. Devices including the Roku and the Amazon Fire TV Stick plug right in to any TV with an HDMI slot and have tons of apps where people can watch all their favorite TV shows and movies.

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These are a little more pricey, but when they go on sale they usually cost between $30 and $50. Some are now more advanced than previous versions with voice activation.

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Save Your Battery with a Charger

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Simon Lees/Tap Magazine via Getty Images
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At this point in time, it's rare to see a millennial without their phone. It's sometimes difficult to keep track of all the accessories, so getting someone a charger is always a smart gift. Most chargers work for multiple devices, but make sure you know the type of phone or tablet someone has before buying one.

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Not all chargers need to be name brand and there are plenty of decent ones for around $10 to $15. It might also be a good idea to get a portable charger like the one in the photo.

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Sip Some Tea with a Novelty Mug

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sonia guerrera/Pinterest
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Everyone needs to own at least one mug, and it's even better to have one that matches your personality. There are fun ones that are shaped like cute animals, mugs with silly jokes, and also simple ones that just have initials.

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The gift recipient can think of you when sipping their early morning coffee or tea. One of the best parts about getting someone a mug for a present is that they don't cost too much and are something that people can use every day.

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Journaling is Good for the Soul

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Even though many devices have note applications, there's nothing like physically writing down your thoughts. Simple journals like the ones pictured can be used for making to-do lists, keeping a diary, or taking notes for school or work.

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Most journals don't go over $20 and come in unique designs and colors. Something a millennial might appreciate is getting one with recycled paper because it's a smart way to help the environment. It would also be a nice gesture to buy them some pens or pencils as well.

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Cleanse Your Body with Essential Oils

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BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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Essential oils are a form of aromatherapy and have numerous health benefits. The oil is taken from a fruit or plant and is often rubbed on the skin or inhaled. They come in many bold fragrances including lemon, peppermint, lavender, jasmine, and rose.

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These powerful oils can help relieve stress, anxiety, depression, headaches, migraines, and inflammation. Also, they positively enhance sleep quality. Their price tends to vary but usually doesn't exceed $40.

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Whip Up Some Homemade Baked Goods

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Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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If you're unsure of what to get someone and don't want to spend too much money you can always make them something. It's hard to go wrong with some homemade baked goods. It's not always about something that's bright and flashy, but giving a gift of something homemade means you spent your own time working on something for someone else.

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Before going to the store look to see what you already own in your kitchen. Just try not to eat it all before giving it away.

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Throw Blanket

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tache faux fur dusty rose pink throw blanket
Tache Home Fashion/Pinterest
Tache Home Fashion/Pinterest
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Throw blankets are a good present for the millennial you know who likes to be cozy all the time. These blankets usually look nice as part of the decor in bedrooms and living areas and can even be used to keep warm at the office.

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The price on throw blankets depends on the size, design, and material, but aren't usually more than $35. You can also throw in a sleep mask for an added bonus.

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Share an Experience with a Loved One

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Jeff Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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Something that may be a bit unexpected is to give someone an experience, rather than a tangible gift. They may not remember who bought them a gift card or phone, but there's a good chance they'll keep a memory of going somewhere exciting.

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Many of the places don't need to cost money, such as relaxing at the beach or going for a bicycle ride in the park. If you have a little money to spare maybe take them out for a nice dinner or to an amusement park.