What Gen Zs Want in 2026: Fashion, Beauty Products, Tech

If you watch any holiday gift haul on TikTok, there’s an extremely high chance you’ll hear multiple mentions of Rhode, the skincare line founded by Hailey Bieber.

The same happened when I spoke with members of Gen Z for this story, with seven people citing Rhode as one of the most popular brands among their peers.

Olivia Masullo, a 21-year-old account coordinator working in public relations, told Business Insider that the brand’s $72 lip-tint set was the top item on her holiday wish list.

She also received the brand’s $24 metal compact mirror as a gift and immediately shared photos of it on social media.

“It is so aesthetically pleasing, and I’ve been wanting it for a while,” Masullo said.

Alo accessories have been popular for a few years now — and Gen Z is keeping the trend going.

Mario Renzulli, an 18-year-old student and content creator, told Business Insider that he received a $74 Alo trucker hat and the brand’s $148 quarter zip in gray for Christmas.

“Quarter zips were recently trending, which made me realize how they’re a good closet staple,” Renzulli said. “I’m also a big fan of Alo, so it’s something I knew I would wear in the upcoming year.”

Noelle Martinez, a 22-year-old model and marketing student, also wished for Alo clothes, specifically the $148 Suit Up trousers.

“I put them on my wish list because I’m always on the go, whether I’m traveling or spending early mornings on set,” she said. “So I naturally gravitate towards pieces that are elevated but comfortable.”

Ugg boots might be considered a millennial fad, but six members of Gen Z told Business Insider that the shoes are everywhere right now.

Lindy Osborn, a 20-year-old marketing student, received one of the most popular pairs: the $140 micro Uggs in the color sand.

“I usually use TikTok to evaluate if I want to put something on my wish list before I do,” she told Business Insider.”So the Uggs were influenced by social media.”

Lyndsey Spaeth, a 22-year-old content creator, is putting her own twist on the short Ugg trend. She received the $150 Ugg Lowmel sneakers and plans to wear them throughout 2026.

“They are so cute, but different from other Uggs you normally see,” she said.

“The gift I wanted most was a large Samo Ondoh belt bag in the color baked gray,” Osborn said. “It’s big enough to carry my laptop and all my essentials for school. I was so grateful to receive it.”

The $139 tote is just one example of the bags Gen Z is preparing to carry into 2026.

Vintage Coach styles are also popular, as is the medium-sized $40 L.L. Bean Boat and Tote bag, which 26-year-old content creator Litzy Santos got for Christmas.

A few young people, though, are going for luxury.

Sabrina Bazadona, a 21-year-old fashion business and marketing student, told Business Insider that she received a $2,990 Balenciaga City bag for Christmas.

She liked the style — which was originally launched in 2001 — after seeing it reemerge online and in person across New York City.

Masullo told Business Insider that her grandmother gifted her a pair of Victoria’s Secret pajamas, and they unexpectedly became one of her favorite holiday presents.

The brand’s sleepwear was also popular in TikTok holiday hauls, with its classic pink-and-white striped sets being the most beloved.

Equally desired were Skims lounge sets. Martinez said she received a light-blue set from the brand, which she’s excited to wear for “mornings on set and long travel days.”

Georgia Gay, a 19-year-old public-relations student, says she noticed her peers asking for the latest Apple tech — specifically the $1,099 iPhone 17 Pro and the $799 iPhone 17 — this holiday season.

“I asked for just the 17 — not the Pro — because I like the look and design of it better,” she said. “I ended up being really happy with it.”

Then there was Aviya Ramji, an 18-year-old marketing student, who said new AirPods were at the top of her list. The new Pro 3 version of the headphones retails for $249.

“My old ones didn’t hold a charge, so my grandma got me new ones without me even asking,” she said.

For Gen Z, Christmas isn’t only a time to receive gifts. It’s also a time to purchase the items they covet most.

Vince Do, a 27-year-old content creator, told Business Insider that he wanted the $7,750 Santos de Cartier watch for Christmas — so he bought it for himself.

“I wanted something to commemorate the work year I had, and the accomplishment of purchasing my first home,” he said. “I knew it would be the perfect thing to always remind me of 2025.”

Osborn took a similar approach, using the cash she received this holiday season to buy the $599 iPad Air 11 she’d had her eye on.