Gender-Neutral Gifts Shoppers Are Suddenly Searching for Online
Author: Sylvia Cardwell, Posted on 4/18/2025
Diverse group of shoppers browsing gender-neutral gifts in a modern retail store.

Socks? Please, just no. I got three pairs last year—none fit, all ended up in the donation box, and honestly, I’m still a little mad about it. Why do so many people treat gifts like a last-minute checkbox? Anyway, lately, everyone’s on this gender-neutral gift kick. It’s everywhere. I can’t scroll two inches without someone yelling about “inclusive” presents (Cosmopolitan says there are 49 options every person will love, which, wow, who’s got time to read that?). Apparently, the big draw is you don’t have to guess what someone’s into—Billboard says online searches for inclusive gift ideas are through the roof. I swear, if one more person asks me for a “universal” pick, I’m just sending them a link to a digital gift card and calling it a day.

So I’m scrolling—again—and dodging mugs with “quirky” slogans. Suddenly, everyone’s pushing gadgets, home stuff, “personalized” tech that’s supposed to work for anyone (Seventeen’s editors claim 59 unisex gifts that aren’t just candles and keychains). Does anyone else notice nobody mentions how socks always disappear? Also, apparently the top complaint in some survey was “not useful for my lifestyle.” No kidding. I’ve wasted hours trying to avoid that exact scenario.

Here’s the thing: I just want to give something practical and a little personal, without the headache of “for him” or “for her.” Last month, my cousin unwrapped a coffee grinder from some “youth list”—loved it. Age didn’t matter, gender didn’t matter. If trends keep going this way, next year it’ll just be candles and chargers for everyone. Maybe that’s not the worst fate.

What Are Gender-Neutral Gifts?

Every time I try to shop for gifts, I trip over the same problem: labels everywhere, categories everywhere, but shoppers are just hammering search bars for mugs, Bluetooth speakers, oil diffusers—stuff that’s supposed to work for anyone, but honestly, a lot of it is just overhyped. And why do people act like practical unisex gifts are some rare discovery? Half the gender-neutral gift guides are just, like, normal things you’d buy anyway.

Understanding the Appeal

Last week, my inbox exploded with “safe bet” questions—candles, water bottles, hoodies. Suddenly, everyone’s ditching personality for “plays well with others.” Some research nerd said in a 2022 survey that 58% of shoppers now search for gifts that skip gendered marketing. That stat gets thrown around in every retail Zoom call I’ve suffered through.

Retail consultants drone on about how non-gendered gifts mean fewer returns and less drama if you have no clue what labels your friend uses. My hairdresser just rotates the same stuff: coffee sets, skincare, whatever. Dermatologist says SPF 30 is fine—wait, was it mineral or chemical sunscreen? Eh, never mind, nobody’s reapplying anyway.

Why Shoppers Are Searching Online

It’s too easy to get lost in hundreds of unisex gift ideas on Amazon. Every December, my DMs fill up: “What’s the least awkward, non-gendered gift for my coworker’s cousin?” Search traffic spikes—SEO people brag that “gender-neutral gifts” shot up 320% in five years (I think Google Trends showed that, or maybe I dreamed it). Of course, nobody brags about how many buyers just give up and buy chocolate.

Retail managers moan about inventory, but let’s be real—the online shift is about skipping those “his and hers” store displays. My neighbor once panicked and bought me a candle labeled “mid-century masculine.” I still have no idea what that means. At least online, you can dodge the weird labels, but then you’re stuck with a million choices and zero direction.

Trends in Unisex Gift Ideas

Why do all the guides—Rolling Stone, Seventeen—just recycle socks, puzzles, and gadgets? It’s not about creativity, it’s about not screwing up.

Saw a TikTok influencer show off minimalist kitchenware (“aesthetic, unisex, nobody complains!”). I tried gifting a set—got called out for picking the “wrong” color. There’s this weird faith in “safe” gifts: reusable bags, wireless earbuds, subscription boxes. But does anyone actually use half the stuff in those boxes? I see more “sustainable” picks now—recycled totes, eco notebooks—great, but most people I know lose last year’s planner by February. So, yeah, clutter, but with a green label.