What Does Gen Z in America Really Want? A Peek Inside Their Purse

Five Essentials That Reveal the Tastes, Trends, and Buying Habits of the Most Influential Generation in the U.S.

We Asked a Real Gen Z New Yorker to Share the Five Must-Have Items in Her Bag — Here’s What She Said

Are you curious as to what the Gen Z folks might be carrying around in their bag – be it a tote, a cross-body, a shoulder purse, or a handbag? Here are a few of my essential go-to products that come with me everywhere:

1. Wired Headphones

Call it vintage, call it retro… Nostalgia is in. The signature Apple wired headphones make a return as a functional fashion accessory while people start to ditch the classic over-the-ear headphones like those by Bose, Sony, or Apple. Not only are they compact enough to keep in a small bag, they also make audio easier when it comes to keeping funky hairstyles or head accessories intact. Personally, I keep mine wrapped up in a small hardcover case to avoid them getting tangled up with the rest of my things.

2. Chapstick + Lipstick Combo

I’ll never leave the house without a good lip combo. My go-to is the Lucas’ Papaw Ointment to keep my lips moist, followed by Glossier’s Generation G Sheer Matte Lipstick for some color. Lucas’ Papaw Ointment uses Carica papaya as its main active ingredient which has soothing and healing properties to treat dry or irritated skin. Not only can it be used for chapped lips, but it can also be applied to minor cuts, burns, scrapes, or chafing, making it a versatile purse essential. What I love about Glossier’s Generation G as a follow-up is that you can build up the pigment, with the choice to either keep it light or to deepen the shade. Its matte formula pairs perfectly on top of Papaw’s glossiness.

3. Kiehl's Lavender Hand Lotion

Hand lotion is a must-have in my purse throughout the year and especially in the colder months. Living in New York City, it’s no secret that germs and bacteria are everywhere, which means I’m washing my hands and using hand sanitizer constantly throughout my day no matter the season. However this is of course a recipe for dry hands, so hand lotion is a purse necessity to keep my skin hydrated and happy. Personally I go for the Kiehl’s Richly Hydrating Hand Cream Lavender with Shea Butter and Vitamin E. These ingredients are soft and velvety to the touch, and the aroma is just as soothing.

4. Notebook

Rejecting the digital mode, having a notebook is key to bringing out your inner poet, writer, artist, and observer through a physical experience. As a big purse girlie, I carry around the LEUCHTTURM1917 Softcover Ruled Notebook in the size Medium (A5). It’s lightweight with two ribbons to keep track of your pages and a wide pocket in the back to store all your collected bits and pieces like photos, drawings, receipts, or lists. When I need to go with a smaller purse I carry the Moleskine Classic Ruled Notebook Hardcover in the Pocket size.

5. Travel Size Glossier You Perfume

Nothing feels better than being told how good your perfume smells. I’ve received dozens of compliments every time I wear my signature scent – Glossier You. One perk about this perfume is that it comes in multiple travel forms including a rollerball, a mini spray, and a solid formula. Without fail I always have one of these in my bag so that I can reapply whenever needed. Its formula ensures that the perfume smells a little different on everyone, so you can have a personalized scent that people recognize as yours. I like to wear enough that when I leave a room the scent still lingers (so no one can forget I was there).

Why Understanding Gen Z Is a Strategic Advantage for Any Brand Entering the U.S. Market

Gen Z is rewriting the rules of consumption in America. They have clear preferences, make quick decisions, influence older generations — and they’re a lot more conscious than most people think. Understanding what a Gen Z girl keeps in her bag means understanding what she buys, what she looks for, and what makes her choose one brand over another. For a foreign company entering the U.S. market, starting here can be the difference between a generic strategy and one that truly connects with the right audience.