I’m a GenZ dad. These are the iPhone accessories my kids (and yours) will love

I may be an old GenXer, but I’ve spent a lot of time with GenZers as a mentor, a teacher at a local college, and most importantly as a dad. I also test a lot of iPhone accessories, so I’ve always got an eye out for something my kids will love—you know, something cool and practical.

Even if you’re not a twentysomething e-girl, you can still appreciate the Gen Z flair for bright and basic accessories. The gadgets I’ve picked out here all speak GenZ’s language loud and clear. They eschew the usual commercial vibe and instead focus on color, style, and simplicity. And of course, they’ve all got just the right amount of cool factor.

1. Nothing Ear 3

The Nothing Ear 3 earbuds are anything but boring, even if they are a tad expensive ($179 but usually on sale for $149) compared to the many other AirPods alternatives. A standout feature is that the case doubles as a microphone, so if you are on a Zoom or FaceTime call, the audio will sound clearer when you speak—just press the Talk button on the case. I tested the Ear 3 with a few Gen Z indie favs, and the sonic quality was in the same league as Apple’s AirPods Pro. My GenZer son Josh even picked the Nothing earbuds over the AirPods Pro, saying, “They look cleaner than the Apple AirPods, and they are more comfortable to wear. For about $100 cheaper, they don’t sound a lot worse.”

2. Sandmarc Retro Filter

Professional photographers know there is a secret to vintage photos: you have to use an analog filter that creates a distinct brown-ish tint. Digital effects don’t quite do the same thing. The Sandmarc Retro Filter ($130) includes a clip you attach to your iPhone to hold the filter in place. The filter works best when you point your camera at the sun or a bright light.

3. OtterBox X Topo Designs

John Brandon / Foundry

The most interesting thing about the OtterBox X Topo Designs shoulder bag is that it can replace your iPhone case altogether. The recycled nylon material offers some great cushion and protection, plus you can store keys, glasses, and other items inside. There’s a zippered pocket for credit cards and an ID holder, while the strap adjusts for your shoulder or waist. Just ask my daughter Katie, who’d “carry that and skip the case for sure.” Plus, the Otterbox X shoulder bag only costs $45, so you’re not even paying much more.

4. Gomi Power Bank

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Forget boring business-oriented power banks, which can recharge your iPhone when you are on the go. The Gomi Power Bank ($95) is far more unique. Each one is hand-crafted and looks unique, with a colorful design that reminded me of an oil painting. The device has a normal USB-A port as well as USB-C, and can typically charge an iPhone twice.

5. Bitti Gitti Wooden Sound System

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Another trend with Gen-Z has to do with going back to basics. This wooden speaker for $89 has no electronics at all, just a box with seven layers of carved-out rings to amplify your iPhone audio. Just slide the phone in, and that’s it. Yet, the amplification sounds organic and pure. I played a variety of artists and was impressed by the sound fidelity at higher volumes. “I’d use my iPhone with that speaker every day,” said Blake, my GenZ son-in-law, who was especially drawn to its simplistic design.

6. Satechi OntheGo USB-C Lanyard Cable

John Brandon / Foundry

Crossbody straps are all the rage, and I love the ingenious design of this Satechi lanyard ($30), which you wear across your chest or around your neck. There’s a small plastic strip (one clear and one black) that you first slip into your case, then through the USB-C slot for the iPhone. Attach the lanyard to the clip, and you’re all set. When you pop your phone in the case, the strip stays tightly connected. Bonus that the lanyard is actually a USB-C cable that you can use to charge your phone.

7. Instax Mini Link 3 Printer

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The Instax Mini Link 3 ($116) is more than just a printer meant for instant gratification. Yes, you can print photos from your iPhone to the Polaroid-like card, but it’s also a way to carry photos in a wallet or purse and show them to friends — sans your iPhone. The device comes in white, green, or pink, and spits out a photo in just 15 seconds (though you’ll have to wait a minute and a half for it to fully appear). Katie noticed the printer in my office and immediately put it on her holiday wish list.

8. Casekoo Titanium Magic Stand Pro Case

John Brandon / Foundry

Making a TikTok video is much easier with this unique case from Casekoo (around $40) that has a built-in titanium stand. You can see your phone on a table, and it won’t tip over during a recording. The new twilight orange color to match the iPhone 17 Pro is also attention-grabbing and functional at the same time—perfect for recording quick videos in a snap.