When I was a kid, people in their 20s looked like mature adults. I assumed they knew and lived through all sorts of stuff. When I turned 20, however, I felt like the same kid I was when I was 15.

Now, as a person one year away from being in my 30s, I can say with confidence: we are not that old, kids! Yes, my lower back hurts all the time and it usually takes five days to get over hangovers. But we don’t need hip replacements! Not yet, at least.

One teacher went viral on TikTok when he posted the answers from his students to the question “What do you buy someone in their 30s for the holidays?” The kids delivered the most hilarious and accurate roasts. Read their funny quips and people’s reactions below!

We reached out to the teacher who goes by 7thGradeChronicles on TikTok. He was kind enough to tell Bored Panda about his TikTok Thursdays with his students and how they keep him humble every day. Read our chat below!

When you work with kids, you often get to hear their opinions on older generations

Image credits: Max Fischer (not the actual image)

This teacher asked his students for some holiday gift ideas for people who are in their 30s

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

Image credits: 7thgradechronicles

The teacher’s video went viral – it racked up 2 million views in 2 days

@7thgradechronicles Its me. I’m 30s. 😂🫣😬#teachersoftiktok #teacher #teacherlife #teachertok #middleschool #middleschoolteacher #middleschoolteacher #middleschoollife #dyson #panerabread #tjmaxx ♬ Holly Jolly Christmas – Michael Bublé

The teacher says he may not always get enough funny responses for a video, but it’s still a fun activity for the kids

The creator tells Bored Panda his inspiration behind the video. “I am in my 30s and was genuinely curious what they would get me or someone my age for the holidays,” the teacher says. “They always joke that I’m ‘old’ because, to a middle schooler, their 30s is too far away for them to conceptualize. They do think it’s old!”

His TikTok account is quite popular. It currently has 119k followers and 4.5 million likes overall, and the teacher admits that it has somewhat aided him in this job. “I’ve had multiple videos that have reached a couple of million views, which has definitely helped me achieve some social clout in the classroom.”

Most of his videos are whimsical answers from his students to all sorts of questions. The teacher says this activity became a weekly tradition in his classroom. “We started doing TikTok Thursdays which is just a fun and quick way to start our morning,” the TikToker tells Bored Panda.

“I give them a post-it when they walk in and they respond to a question. They share their answers with each other and some share out to the class. It’s become something they look forward to and has helped provide engagement and fun to the classroom environment.”

“I may not always have enough ‘funny’ responses for a video,” the teacher admits. “But it’s still a fun SEL [social emotional learning] activity. I’m more than willing to set aside 5 mins once a week to create a fun classroom environment.”

He explains the educational benefits of such an activity: “Through the process, we get to know more about each other, and a space is created where we can have fun.”

Are folks in their 30s forever-bound to be super uncool in the eyes of a middle-schooler? This teacher says he’s humbled every day, but at the same time, it’s kind of fun. “Middle schoolers are hilarious and humbling. I’ve been teaching 7th grade for 11 years. Nothing phases me at this point,” the creator laughs.

“They are so naive about the world but are also at the age where they are beginning to come into their own and form their own identity and perspective. I love being a part of that journey,” the teacher shares. “One thing about teaching middle school is that each day is definitely going to be a unique adventure!”

Different generations indeed want different gifts

Although gift preference differs from individual to individual, marketers can make some generalizations. Storage Cafe launched a survey in 2021 to find out the latest gift trends for Americans.
They found that millennials (now aged 27 to 42) cite experiences as the best gifts. The go-to presents are tech, jewelry and household items. Experts say that this is most likely the lingering effects of the pandemic.

Deborah Brosdahl, Associate Professor, University of South Carolina, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, told Storage Cafe that people are gifting things that are more unique to the person.

“Giving gifts from the kitchen like a favorite barbeque rub or a plate of cookies are gifts that are less expensive, more meaningful, and can be adapted in different ways to match the recipient.”

Storage Cafe’s survey also found that among the most-wanted gifts for millennials in 2021 were photo frames, smart watches, and designer bags. People in the survey also were vocal about what they didn’t want. Some bad gifts include socks, gift cards, slippers, key rings, scented candles and notebooks.

According to Statista, the top 3 most unwanted gifts for millennials in 2023 are flowers and plants, beauty products, and liquor.

Image credits: EKATERINA BOLOVTSOVA (not the actual image)

Millennials and Gen X are distancing themselves from some Christmas traditions

Elaine Sharpe, an associate professor of psychology at Rockford University, told Chronicle Illinois that Gen X and Millennials also view Christmas less as a religious celebration.

“Generation X and Millennials may be less likely to attend church or integrate something spiritual into their holiday celebrations,” Sharpe said. On the other hand, these two generations still gather around the table with their families.

Another tradition that is slowly fading into Christmas oblivion is greeting cards. The younger generations are more mindful of the wastefulness aspect of paper cards. Thanks to the abundance of technology, they find it easier to click on a few buttons and send their Christmas greetings via email or social media.

“With the push of a button, they can still send the sentiment and have that connection with others quickly and more efficiently than the time it takes to write out and send Christmas cards in the mail,” Sharpe commented.

Image credits: Ketut Subiyanto (not the actual image)

Most commenters took the roast in good stride – we millennials do love soup, after all

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