Holiday shopping for guys is notoriously confusing. We’ve all been there, scrolling gift guides, standing in the middle of Target, having an existential crisis because you’re 99% sure they won’t use anything you pick out, and texting their friends to see what they would like as a gift.
So this year, we made things easier. Instead of guessing, overthinking, or defaulting to a gift card, I asked Gen Z guys directly one simple question: What do you actually want for the holidays?
Their answers were surprisingly wholesome and unbelievably simple. There were no over-the-top wishlists, no luxury demands, and no pressure to impress. Instead, many said they wanted things that felt thoughtful, practical, or genuinely meaningful.
What stood out most was how uncomplicated their responses were. Despite the pressure of holiday consumerism, Gen Z guys aren’t looking for perfection; they are simply looking for intention. Whether it’s something useful, sentimental, or just shows you paid attention, the message is clear: the best gifts are not complicated; you just have to ask yourself if you’ve seen take a liking to something in the past. If you’re still stuck, remember moments, conversations, and small preferences they’ve casually shared throughout the year.
- Literally just clothes
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The overwhelming, unanimous answer? Clothes.
They didn’t care for accessories to go with their outfits or outfits that are crop dead after scrolling through social media for inspiration. They just wanted clothes. “Honestly, I just need some new hoodies or tees. That’s it,” says Ryan, 20.
Graphic tees came up repeatedly, especially ones that can be thrown on with jeans, joggers, or pretty much anything else. Comfort mattered just as much as style, with a strong preference for soft fabrics that won’t shrink after one wash.
Cozy sweaters were another favorite, but nothing chunky or dramatic, just simple knits that they can layer over a tee for classes or even casual date nights. Sweatpants were practically sacred, with softer fabrics and neutral colors being ideal so they can be worn constantly without drawing attention. Basic tops and hoodies in shades like gray, black, white, or navy were also popular for the same reason: they go with everything.
Ultimately, anything simple, comfortable, and easy to wear checked all the boxes — like these Nike joggers ($45).
The biggest takeaway? The brand didn’t matter. Not one guy brought up logos or trends. They aren’t looking for an in-depth wardrobe or perfectly layered outfit. They’re not trying to reinvent their style or impress anyone with a specific fashion moment.
They want clothes that feel good, fit right, and can be thrown on in the morning before class or work without needing to think. In their world, the best gifts are the ones that blend seamlessly into their everyday rotation.
- Comfortable basics
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A huge theme was wearability. Not just owning clothes, but owning pieces that they can realistically rotate every day. The value of a gift isn’t in how fancy or trendy it looks, but in how often they can actually wear it. “I don’t care if something is fancy, I just want something that I can wear all the time,” says Jake, 21.
The ideal gift, to them, is something versatile enough to fit into every part of their routine. They want clothes they can wear to class, to the gym, while hanging out with friends, at home, running errands, gaming, and even napping. Yes, that last one came up more than once.
Their dream pieces are the ones that work in every environment. Clothes that transition effortlessly from “I just woke up” to “I’m going out” without needing a full outfit change
That’s why soft hoodies, broken-in tees (like UNIQLO’s SUPIMA® Cotton T-Shirt ($25)), comfortable joggers, neutral sweaters, and easy zip-ups are so appealing. These staples aren’t exciting in a flashy way, but they’re reliable, comfortable, and endlessly wearable, which is exactly what makes them perfect gifts.
In other words, they value consistency. If something feels nice and fits right, it becomes part of their weekly uniform. And once it’s part of the uniform, they’ll wear it until it physically falls apart.
- Practical, useful items
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Above everything else, Gen Z guys want usefulness. Their approach to holiday gifting is incredibly logical: If I’m going to own something, I need to actually use it. Random items or novelty gifts don’t hold much appeal, especially if they’re just going to sit unused.
“I don’t want anything random or things that I won’t use. If you’ve seen me use something, chances are I just want that same thing,” says Marc, 20.
For most of them, every potential gift runs through an unspoken mental checklist. Is it comfortable? Is it easy to throw on? Does it match most things? Will I actually wear this often? Can I function in it without thinking? If the answer was “yes,” the item automatically became a top-tier gift.
Think of things like a high-end soap, quality boxer briefs, or even a cool insulated tumbler for them to put their coffee in every morning. FWIW, you can never go wrong with an elevated take on an everyday item.
This also explains the absence of flashy, novelty, or hobby-specific items. Not a single guy asked for tech gadgets, niche accessories, collectibles, or any kind of expensive “statement” piece. They weren’t interested in anything overly specialized or showy; all they wanted were just practical, everyday essentials they could actually use.
They’re not complicated. They’re not high-maintenance. They’re not expecting a luxury shopping spree or an emotional, personalized gift. They just want things they’ll actually use every day.
So if you’re stressing about what to get a guy this holiday season, consider this your sign to stop overthinking it. Keep it simple, comfortable, and wearable.