While definitions vary, Pew Research Center® identifies Gen X as those born between 1965 and 1980. Gen Y, aka millennials, follows with members born between 1981 and 1996. Then comes Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012. These three generations make up approximately 62% of the U.S. population. By understanding a little more about each one, you can plan promotions that strike the right chord with each demographic. Explore targeted promotional gifts for Gen X, Y and Z and make a generational impact.
Gifts for Gen X: Appeal to wise adults
Gen X, or those who are approximately 44 to 59 years of age, was a gift from the Baby Boomers. Although they may be cruising toward retirement age, Gen Xers remain a huge segment of the U.S. workforce.
Something perhaps less known about this generation is they pay attention to hydration. Surveys show Gen X drinks more water than its younger cohorts, likely because they came of age during a water-drinking revolution. If you’re assembling a holiday gift basket for a Gen X audience, a water bottle can help them get their fluid fix.
Along with water, Gen X drinks a lot of coffee. In fact, 74% of Gen X drinks coffee every day. By comparison, only 42% of Gen Z does so.
That means celebrating a work milestone by giving a stainless steel mug or camp mug may be just the thing to fuel good feelings among Gen Xers.
Another differentiator for this group is that technology was less prominent during their youth, meaning they’re more likely to write things by hand. Consider that some members of Gen Z even missed out on learning cursive altogether. But not Gen X—in fact, almost all their writing in school was done by hand. If any age group is going to appreciate the smooth feel of a gel pen or long-lasting capabilities of a Sharpie® marker, it’s this one.
Gifts for Gen Y: Make those millennials smile
The 28-to-43 demographic is expected to comprise the majority of the U.S. workforce into the 2040s. While we know exercise is important at every age, it’s the millennials who appear to be the most active. In fact, 90% of millennials consider themselves physically active.
Avoid breaking a sweat thinking about gifts for millennials by choosing something comfortable yet functional, like activewear. A baseball shirt or moisture-wicking top makes a great surprise gift. Among many favorite brands of Gen Y is adidas®, so drop a co-branded crewneck sweatshirt, performance polo or windbreaker onto their desk as a way to say thanks.
Another way to appeal to Gen Y is through their pets. One survey showed 33% of Gen Y members own a pet, compared to 16% for Gen Z and 25% for Gen X.
With dogs and cats by far the most popular four-legged family members, adding a pet accessory set or stainless pet bowl to a gift arrangement shows you’re also thinking about your millennial employees’ furry friends.
Gifts for Gen Z: Show the kids they’re all right
Athleisure is a trend embraced by Gen Z. The combination of comfortable and casual athletic wear has endured among those aged 12 to 27, making apparel choices like crop tops, pullovers, joggers and dad caps smart picks. Gen Z also is re-writing the rules on crew socks, making a pair of branded socks a welcome accessory.
Research shows Nike® is a beloved brand for Gen Z. In one survey, 35% said it was their favorite brand of clothing and 61% said it was their No. 1 in footwear. If you’re considering a Nike fleece hoodie, beanie or drawstring bag—just do it!
This generation is the first to grow up surrounded by technology—even the oldest members of Gen Z have never experienced an offline world. With that in mind, stuff stockings or gift bags with useful everyday items, like charging devices, phone stands and tech kits.
Maybe you’ve noticed members of Gen Z (and millennials too) showing a fondness for stickers on their laptops and water bottles. Throw a few into a card or with another gift and they’re likely to rack up impressions.
Teens and twenty-somethings might not guzzle coffee and water like other generations, but they do like the reusable nature of drinkware. Remember, it’s Gen Z that has fueled the recent surge in popularity of the Stanley® brand. Your Gen Z employees or volunteers might say your gift “slayed” if it’s a Stanley or similarly sized mug or tumbler.
Promotional gifts hit all targets
Use these promotional product ideas as team gifts for Gen X, Y and Z to hit the mark with each audience and get your brand seen by all ages. Once you’ve covered those bases, get ready: Generation Alpha is on its way.
ADIDAS is a registered trademark of ADIDAS AG, ADI-DASSLER-STRASSE 1, HERZOGENAURACH GERMANY 91074
NIKE is a registered trademark of Nike, Inc., One Bowerman Drive, Beaverton, OREGON UNITED STATES 970056453
PEW RESEARCH CENTER is a registered trademark of The Pew Research Center, 1615 L Street, NW, Suite 800 Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA UNITED STATES 20036
SHARPIE is a registered trademark of SANFORD, L.P., 6655 Peachtree Dunwoody, Atlanta, GEORGIA UNITED STATES 30328