How millennials and Gen Z are reimagining gifting

Gifting has always been a universal language of joy, connection, and celebration. But today, millennials and Gen Z are reimagining what it means to give, and receive, a gift. For them, a gift is not just a product; it’s a reflection of identity, emotions, and shared stories.This shift is reshaping the very fabric of gifting: from what we give, to why we give, to how we make those moments linger.

From transaction to intention

Earlier, gifting often revolved around safe, conventional choices. Items chosen as gifts were mostly practical, predictable, and acceptable. They fulfilled the occasion, but rarely touched the heart.Today, however, younger generations are making gifting intensely personal. It’s no longer about obligation, it’s about expression.

Recent surveys confirm that millennials and Gen Z are among the biggest gift givers, with 48% of Gen Zers and 40% of millennials expecting their personal finances to improve in 2025—fueling more intentional and meaningful gifting choices. Over 38% of Gen Z now prefer gifts that are emotional and personal, such as handwritten notes or customised experiences, reflecting a clear shift from obligation to authentic expression.

Additionally, 56% of millennials say they feel more connected to someone after giving or receiving a personalised gift—emphasizing the emotional value at the core of gifting today.

A gift today is not a transaction; it’s a moment of meaning.

Personal > perfect

Millennials and Gen Z are not chasing perfection. They're chasing relevance. A curated hamper filled with indulgent treats and personal favorites or a bespoke bouquet tailored to someone's unique taste feels far more special than an off-the-shelf luxury item.

Personalisation is a defining trend. In 2025, personalised gifts are not only popular but expected—custom jewellery, phone cases, and bespoke art are top picks for Gen Z, who value unique, story-driven gifts over generic luxury items.

In fact, seven out of 10 millennials say they are more likely to shop from brands that offer customisation options, and the global personalised gift market is projected to reach $38 billion by 2027.

The beauty lies in authenticity. In today's gifting culture, a great gift is one that tells a story. Not just about the occasion, but about the bond it represents.

Experiences matter

While objects still hold meaning, it's the experience around the gift that often leaves a deeper mark. A surprise hamper delivered at just the right moment; a gift that revives an old memory; and a beautifully crafted bouquet that feels like it was made for that specific person.

The preference for experiences over objects is at an all-time high. A striking 65% of Gen Z would rather receive an experience than a physical item, and many are even willing to prioritise experiences like concerts or travel over material goods.

Research shows that experience-based gifts increase happiness and strengthen relationships more than material ones—something that deeply resonates with these emotionally driven generations.

For many Millennials and Gen Z, the emotional reveal—the unboxing, the personalisation, the thought behind the timing—matters as much as, if not more than, the object itself. Thoughtful experiences, whether through personalised gifting, indulgent chocolates, or luxe curated hampers, are what make memories endure.

The emotional power of digital

Growing up digital hasn’t dulled emotional depth, it’s expanded it. Digital natives are blending technology and emotion seamlessly.

In 2025, hyper-personalised gifting—such as collaborative playlists, video montages, and creative unboxing experiences—has become mainstream, especially among influencers and their audiences. Social media plays a huge role: 65% of Gen Z and Millennials rely on platforms for gift ideas and inspiration, nearly double that of older generations.

Additionally, 60% of Gen Z say they’ve purchased a gift after seeing it on a social platform, and 42% say they expect digital components like augmented reality or interactive unboxing to be part of future gift experiences.

Today’s digital natives are blending technology with emotion to create richer, more layered gifting moments: a collaborative playlist accompanying a luxury hamper delivery, or a video montage stitched to a surprise experience. It’s not about abandoning the tactile, rather amplifying it.

Personalied experiences stitched together through tech are creating new, modern rituals around gifting.

Gifting as a bridge

At a time when relationships are fluid and life feels more transient, gifting has become an anchor. It’s how people say: I see you. I value you. I’m here.

Gifting continues to serve as a vital anchor in relationships. Personalised gifts, especially those that evoke nostalgia or shared memories, are seen as ways to strengthen bonds and express genuine appreciation.

Nearly 58% of millennials say that gifting is their love language, and 61% of Gen Z report feeling more emotionally connected after receiving a gift that reflects a shared memory.

Brands are responding by offering more customisable, meaningful options, and by focusing on the emotional value behind their products.Whether through a timeless bouquet, a curated hamper, or a playful yet meaningful gift, today’s givers are building emotional infrastructure—one thoughtful gesture at a time.

The future of gifting

The gifting revolution led by millennials and Gen Z isn’t about extravagance—it’s about depth. It’s about finding the extraordinary in the personal.

The data for 2025 is clear: millennials and Gen Z are leading a gifting revolution grounded in authenticity, personalisation, and emotional resonance. For Gen Z, 73% say they would pay more for sustainable gifts, and 40% actively seek eco-friendly options, showing that values and ethics are central to their choices.

Moreover, 68% of millennials say a meaningful gift can enhance their perception of a brand—pushing companies to prioritize deeper emotional value in their offerings.

It’s about choosing gifts that feel crafted for a relationship, not just an event. And it's about brands evolving too—offering more meaningful, customisable experiences that align with this shift.

In summary, gifting for millennials and Gen Z is no longer a transaction—it’s a deeply personal, intentional act that reflects identity, values, and genuine connection. The greatest gift, after all, is being remembered. And being understood.