Every generation has its unique symbols of status, and it would be fair to say Gen Z has its own particular set.

With the year 2025 well underway, these young folks aren’t craving the usual luxury cars or designer handbags that defined previous generations.

Oh no, they’re going for everyday luxuries– stuff we often overlook.

Making sense of it, well, that’s not as straightforward. I’ve done a fair bit of sleuthing, delved into the Gen Z zeitgeist— and boy, it’s surprising. Not in a bad way, mind you, just a bit different.

But that’s Gen Z for you– always rewriting the rule book, always keeping us on our toes.

Don’t let anybody fool you– these aren’t frivolous distractions. These are everyday objects that hold great symbolic value in the eyes of Gen Z.

Woe betides you if you downplay the significance of these eight luxuries that I’m about to reveal.

To try and clarify, I’ve compiled a rad list of 8 everyday luxuries Gen Z still treat as status symbols in 2025.

Certain things on this list might seem utterly trivial to you and me, but believe me, they are not to Gen Z-ers out there.

Do I sound intrigued? Absolutely. Do I think it’s fascinating? Without a doubt. Do I understand all the fuss about these things? Well, let’s just say I’m trying my best.

This is Gen Z we’re talking about— rules need not make sense to all.

Here’s delving into the enigma of Gen Z’s prestige markers. Brace yourself; you might be surprised by what you learn. Onward, shall we?

1) Ditching designer labels for thrift-shop treasures

First on our list is something that certainly caught me off guard. Forget about fancy designer labels and exorbitantly priced couture.

In 2025, Gen Z has its eyes set on something far more subtle, yet profoundly expressive.

Thrift shop treasures! You read it right. The charm, uniqueness, and sheer nonchalance of thrift-store finds have become an enviable status symbol for our Gen Z folks.

It signals a kind of thrift shop savviness and patience, symbolizing an awesome blend of style consciousness and sustainable choice.

Talk around town suggests it is seen as an art form. Finding the best articles in a thrift store requires an exhaustive understanding of fashion and a keen eye for spotting truly unique and individual pieces.

Intellectually, it’s a casual nod to environmental awareness, a hat tip to sustainability, and recycling. Emotionally, it showcases a connection to a more authentic and less consumerist lifestyle.

And physically? Well, strutting in an ensemble of handpicked, distinctive pieces screams ‘unconventional chic,’ don’t you think?

Not just anybody could rock a thrift store find– it takes style, confidence, and a disregard for societal norms.

Straying from the mainstream designers, this subtly speaks volumes about the person under the clothes, rather than the price tag on them.

And if you still wonder why this should matter – fall in line, folks. The Gen Z army is here with their thrift shop badges of distinction. Who are we to argue, right?

2) Turntable triumph

Now, you might be thinking about what comes after a point on thrift-store clothing. Rollerblades? Pogo sticks? Well, think again.

Vinyl and turntables! Yes, one day I was rummaging through my musty old stuff in the attic and stumbled upon my old vinyl record collection.

My heart welled up with nostalgia for those bygone days when music was an experience, not just something to fill the silence in the background.

Then, to my surprise, I learned that vinyl records and turntables were back in vogue. In 2025, the Gen Z crowd has ditched Spotify playlists and Apple music services for these physical music artifacts.

There’s something about the tactile feel, the crackling sound, and the unique ritual of playing music on a turntable that’s, I guess, resonating with them.

It’s a purposeful step away from digital noise and towards an immersive music experience.

Since I discovered this, I now find myself sharing tales of my own vinyl experiences, exchanging stories about obscure B-sides and collector’s edition covers with youngsters who weren’t even born when these discs were the rage.

My old record collection is no longer gathering dust n the attic but has become a conversation starter and a bonding opportunity.

The back and forth, the sharing of stories spun out of each vinyl – believe me, it’s a wholly different tune.

And just like that, the once dying art of vinyl records has been given a new lease of life as Gen Z continues to find new meanings in timeless symbols. A turntable triumph indeed.

3) Farm-to-table feasting

It was the visionary health expert and medical medium, Anthony William, who said, “You are what you eat.”

Truer words have never been spoken, and Gen Z seems to be embracing this ethos more than any generation before.

Yes, Gen Z consumers in 2025 have turned their sights on artisanal, farm-to-table edibles.

Now, it’s not about the procession of fancy dishes in Michelin-star restaurants, but about wholesome, locally-sourced meals served in warm, unpretentious local farm restaurants.

You’ve got to appreciate the simplicity of it. The clarity of the concept. The sheer beauty of eating something grown in the same postal code, if not your backyard.

It’s about appreciating every bite knowing that you’re eating nutrient-rich, chemical-free food, and supporting local farmers.

I pondered this stance and found myself drawn to this farm-to-table movement.

And, trust me, the difference was evident. Each bite was an experience; you could almost taste the sunshine and feel the cool earth.

So, it’s not just about what’s being consumed, but the story behind it.

An explicit connection with nature, a consolidated commitment to sustainability, a quiet but firm rebellion against artificiality– all these values are being gobbled up along with the organic veggies and free-range chicken.

With farm-to-table feasting, it’s not just about filling bellies anymore; it’s about nourishing souls and making a difference in the community.

A resounding message that they are proactive, conscientious, and connected individuals who aren’t afraid to weave these values into their very diets. Now, that’s a plateful!

4) Paper books make a comeback

Right after the printing press was invented by Johannes Gutenberg around the 1440s, books made of sheets of paper began to spread like wildfire around the globe.

Fast forward to the digital era, and the advent of e-books almost sounded a death knell for paper books. But guess what the Gen Z folks are turning out to be – bookworms! And not the Kindle kind, mind you.

Oh no, in 2025, our Gen Z-ers have a newfound respect for paper books.

The old-world charm of paper books, the smell of ink on paper, the rustling pages – it’s a whole sensory experience that resonates deeply with a generation that spends a considerable amount of time glued to screens.

There’s an intellectual stimulation in reading tangible books, a tactile pleasure that e-books can’t quite deliver.

The bookmarks, underlined quotes, the scribbled thoughts in the margin – paper books aren’t just containers of stories or knowledge anymore, they’re expressions of the reader’s journey and the idiosyncrasies of the individual.

From professional perspectives, an expansive bookshelf at the backdrop of your Zoom meeting can also be indicative of the depth and breadth of your intellectual reservoir.

This doesn’t negate the convenience of e-books, though. It’s simply a testament that despite living in a high-speed digital world, there’s something ingrained in us that cherishes the unhurried pace and tangible feel of a good old paper book.

Yes, Gen Z is enthralling us with quirks we probably didn’t give enough thought.

5) DIY beauty rituals

After books and food, guess what’s another treasure trove for Gen Z-ers in 2025?

No, it’s not the latest designer perfume or the ritziest skincare line. It’s the age-old DIY beauty rituals that have made a grand comeback!

Yep, whipping up face masks in the kitchen, the strategic use of essential oils, and even techniques like facial yoga have turned into status symbols. Now, isn’t that something?

One could say it’s an extension of the farm-to-table concept – intimate, simple, and sustainable. Yet, this is more personal.

After all, it involves taking care of one’s body, the ultimate symbol of self-love and respect.

And let’s not overlook the intellectual engagement that comes with understanding the science behind these methods and experimenting with different ingredients.

The sheer creativity of adapting traditional recipes to suit modern lifestyles is certainly admirable.

So picture this: A Gen Z-er revealing a radiant face during a group video call, talking about how they just tried Grandma’s turmeric-yogurt face mask.

Listen to the fascination in their voices, the pride in their achievements.

DIY beauty rituals are more than just taking care of appearances; they are a celebration of self-love, a testament to one’s ability to rely on oneself, and a nod to traditional wisdom.

Another intriguing symbol Gen Z has found in everyday life. Who’d have thought?

6) Analog photography passion

In an interesting turn of events, the Gen-Z tribe in 2025 has moved away from the instant gratification found in digital photography on mobile devices and towards the deep emotional satisfaction of analog photography.

With this, they’re flipping their bird to the flux-paced world, choosing to patiently wait for their memories to develop in bathroom-turned-darkrooms.

Don’t mistake it for a digression to the Stone Age, though. Consider it a bold statement of independence from the hysteria generated by the race to get more likes and shares.

It’s not about what gets the most engagement on Instagram; it’s about what captures the essence most authentically.

Photographs have always been snapshots of our lives, snippets of our existence frozen in time. In the hands of Gen Z, they’ve turned into tangible displays of the time and effort they put into creating art.

There’s a raw, understated beauty in the grainy textures, the dreamy colors, the small imperfections– it’s a perfect metaphor for life, isn’t it?

Attempts at analog photography can be hit or miss literally. You can’t just delete and retake a shot.

You work with what you’ve got; where there’s no room for image filters, what there is, is room for acceptance and creativity.

And just like the turntable, a vintage film camera in the hands of Gen Z is fast becoming a statement of individuality, a badge of patience and perseverance, a testament of their desire to savour each moment.

A fine blend of the past in the fabric of the present. Quite poetic, really!

7) Homebrewing Heaven

What could follow the satisfaction of old-school photography, you might wonder? Well, in 2025, Gen Z seems to have found an answer. It’s brewing beer, right in the heart of their homes.

Homebrewing isn’t fresh news; it’s been a hobby for many for years. But the Gen Z twist makes all the difference, triggering a renaissance of this age-old practice.

Think about it. With a dash of science, a sprinkle of creativity, and a dollop of patience, they’re producing something that’s usually store-bought, right in their makeshift brewing stations at home.

It’s not just about fermenting hops and yeast; it’s about crafting a personalized flavor. Each batch narrates a unique tale crafted by the brewer.

Brewing beer at home can be just as complex and nuanced as traditional wine-making. The process demands attention to detail, careful experimentation, and, most importantly, time.

But the result? Oh, now that’s something truly rewarding.

A crafted ale or stout tailored to the brewer’s taste, bearing a homemade label, and poured from a personally designed tap – that’s a pint worth bragging about!

Each sip conveys an infusion of personality mixed with skill, underscoring the joy of creation over simple consumption.

In Gen Z style, it transcends the utility, morphing into a deeply personal and inclusive activity. Homebrewing has been upgraded to a passion, a luxury, a status symbol. Now, let’s raise a toast to that!

8) Digital detoxing

When you think of status symbols, physical possession of something often springs to mind – a unique vinyl record, a homebrewed beer or even a meticulously picked thrifted item.

But what if I told you that not having something is the newest status symbol in town?

Yes, in 2025, the Gen Z crowd is championing the concept of digital detox as their crowning status symbol.

Can you picture a bunch of twenty-somethings voluntarily switching off their phones, computers, TV…basically, cutting off all digital links to the world?

In a society where screen time is almost synonymous with breathing time, the idea of disconnecting from the digital may seem preposterous at first.

But that’s the charm for Gen Z. They are not just defying the norm; they are revolutionizing it!

This deliberate unplugging serves a higher purpose. It’s about reclaiming their time, focusing on unfiltered, in-the-now experiences, reconnecting with oneself and the real world.

It’s not a simple act of rebellion but a conscientious decision denoting a healthy balance between the digital and physical worlds.

A pause to appreciate the real, tactile, sensory pleasures of life. Imagine the intellectual productivity and emotional replenishment this would organically usher in.

In doing so, they are not just setting a precedent for future generations but are also silently nudging the older ones to reconsider their digital dependencies.

Digital detox is not just a fad; it is an assertion of mindfulness that is here to stay!

Final Thoughts

In the midst of an ever-evolving world, Gen Z’s lean towards the simple luxuries reminds us of the treasures buried in tradition and the timeless.

It’s a call to take a breath, step back, and appreciate the intrinsic beauty they’ve recognized in what most of us have overlooked.

There’s a distinct pattern in their behavior, a subtle style of rebellion, and an open willingness to go against the commercial mainstream.

They’ve challenged the norms, questioning and reshaping the very notion of status symbols.

This extends an unspoken invitation to each one of us— a possibility to revisit our own beliefs, reassess our equations with materialistic symbols, and maybe realize that luxury is not always about how much we own, but how much we appreciate.

What if we, to,o started valuing thrift store finds or the charm of a paper book? Imagine indulging in some homebrew or delighting in the slow process of analog photography.

What if, above all, we also embraced digital detoxing?

Each one of us would then be celebrating not just objects or experiences but cherishing the values they represent, expressing the boldness to go unconventional, and delivering an ode to authenticity.

As they say, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”

The humble luxuries Gen Z has made cool again aren’t just status symbols. They’re an assertion of their identity, a declaration of their thoughts, a reflection of their mindset.

In their distinct, unconventional way, they’re leading change. That’s certainly something for us all to mull over.

After all, as we navigate our lives, why not pick some cues from a generation that’s redefining norms?