When it comes to wedding favors, most people expect the usual trinkets: perhaps a small candle, a decorative magnet, or a box of sweets. But in an era where environmental consciousness and practicality are at the forefront, Gen Z is shaking things up—literally freshening the air—by giving their guests something they can actually use: bundles of fresh vegetables. The trend, which recently went viral on TikTok, has sparked a lively debate about sustainability, tradition, and what it means to give a meaningful gift.
On August 23, 2025, a TikTok video from user @aajeenggg, also known as "Aajeng," a 28-year-old entrepreneur from All Dayy Freshhh on Indonesia's West Java island, captured the internet's attention. The clip showcased beautifully arranged vegetable sets—think carrots, lettuce, and cucumbers—handed out as wedding favors. According to the viral video, these edible gifts are not only a novel twist but also a practical, eco-friendly alternative that reduces waste, aligning perfectly with the values of today’s environmentally minded youth. As reported by TikTok, the idea has resonated far beyond Indonesia, sparking conversations across social media platforms about the future of wedding traditions.
"Vegetables fit the concept of 'useful favors.' Guests can actually use them, making it a blend of creativity and daily needs. Traditional favors are often just decorative, but vegetables can be used right away and don't go to waste," Aajeng explained, as quoted by TikTok. She revealed that the inspiration for the project came in 2024, when she began selling vegetable packs to homemakers and students living in dormitories. The rapid growth of this side business took her by surprise, but she soon realized she had tapped into a broader desire for gifts that serve a genuine purpose.
There’s a deeper cultural root to this trend as well. Aajeng drew inspiration from longstanding traditions in Central and East Java, where vegetables are often given as offerings at religious or community events. "I saw an opportunity from people who wanted to give practical gifts, and I was inspired by traditions where vegetables are given as merit offerings at various events," she shared. By merging this tradition with modern eco-consciousness, she created a wedding favor that’s both meaningful and memorable.
Of course, giving out fresh produce as a favor comes with its own set of challenges. The main hurdle? Ensuring the vegetables stay crisp and appealing from the farm to the reception table. "The main challenge is freshness. Vegetables wilt easily. We have to select and pack them meticulously, sourcing from farmers or local markets, and pack them no more than 24 hours before the event. We keep them cool and deliver quickly to maintain their freshness," Aajeng detailed. According to TikTok, she’s developed a system of careful packaging—complete with moisture-retaining materials and airtight seals—to keep the vegetables at their best until they reach the guests’ kitchens.
Cost is another factor, but Aajeng insists the vegetable sets are flexible enough to fit a wide range of wedding budgets. Each pack can range from 3,500 to 25,000 rupiah (roughly 6 to 50 baht), depending on the types of vegetables and the level of customization. Couples can even request specific color themes or varieties to match their wedding decor. "Don’t be afraid to be different. Vegetable favors make the event even more memorable," she encouraged, according to TikTok’s report.
This creative approach to wedding favors is part of a broader movement among Gen Z, who are increasingly prioritizing sustainability and utility in their choices. But it’s not just about vegetables and weddings. On the same day, a separate issue concerning Gen Z and TikTok was making headlines. According to a report published on August 23, 2025, by TikTok, young people are expressing growing concerns about the platform’s data privacy and security. The social media giant has come under intense scrutiny, with a campaign titled "Gen Z demands transparency" gaining traction and calling for clearer policies on how user data is handled.
The campaign points to fears of data leakage and privacy risks, especially as TikTok’s daily active user base continues to grow and its influence on younger generations deepens. The report highlights that these concerns are not unfounded; since 2024, TikTok has been under investigation for its data privacy practices and potential national security implications, particularly due to its ownership by Chinese company ByteDance.
Political leaders have taken note. On August 22, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in on the ongoing debate, stating that concerns about TikTok’s security risks have been "exaggerated." As reported by VietnamPlus, Trump remarked, "The privacy and national security concerns about TikTok have been blown out of proportion." His comments came just days after the White House launched its own official TikTok channel, signaling a complicated relationship between the platform and government officials.
Trump’s remarks are set against a backdrop of legislative and regulatory uncertainty. Under a law passed in 2024, TikTok was supposed to cease operations in the United States by January 19 of this year, unless its parent company ByteDance divested from the app. However, in June, Trump extended the deadline for TikTok’s exit for a third time, giving the company an additional 90 days—until September 17—to resolve the issue. Trump also mentioned that he has American investors ready to buy TikTok and suggested he might extend the deadline further. According to VietnamPlus, he pledged to discuss the matter with Chinese President Xi Jinping "at the appropriate time."
The White House, for its part, has downplayed security concerns. In an interview with reporters, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, "The government is committed to communicating President Trump's historic achievements to as many Americans as possible through various audiences and platforms." She added that the administration would "monitor and address any issues if they arise."
The juxtaposition of these two stories—one about Gen Z’s creative, sustainable solutions for everyday life, and the other about their digital anxieties—paints a vivid picture of a generation navigating a world in flux. On one hand, they’re reinventing traditions with an eye toward practicality and the planet. On the other, they’re demanding accountability and transparency from the very platforms that shape their social lives.
As these trends continue to unfold, it’s clear that Gen Z’s influence is being felt not only at the dinner table but also in the halls of power. Whether it’s through a bundle of fresh vegetables or a viral hashtag, this generation is making its voice heard—and the world is taking notice.