Holiday gifts are tricky. Unless someone explicitly tells you what they want, it’s always kind of a guessing game on if they’ll like a specific gift or not. There’s nothing worse than when a gift doesn’t quite hit the mark or when you accidentally gift your friend or family member with something they already have three of. In the realm of beauty, it’s even trickier—most makeup, skincare, and hair products are out of bounds if you don’t know someone’s exact shades, skin type, or hair texture.
Nevertheless, if you figure out the perfect gifting formula, beauty gifts are some of the absolute best things to give. In my eyes, the ideal beauty gift equation is this: an innovative or unique product + something the person you’re shopping for might not get themselves + practical with a hint of whimsy. Keep reading for gifts I think fit that description, plus who they’re best for, ordered from least expensive to most. Save for two exceptions that barely count, I’m not really into minis or gift sets—these products are full-size and sure to be hits.
Unfortunately, cold-and-flu season happens to coincide with the holidays. This time of year, hand sanitizer is a must—and there’s nothing I hate more than feeling like my knuckles are going to bleed because I used too much. Touchland’s luxe hand sanitizer doesn’t just smell incredible (I recommend the peach scent) but also keeps hands hydrated and supple. It’s the perfect stocking stuffer or cherry on top of any gift this season.
If you have a friend or family member who seems to be followed around by a trail of fragrance, this is an easy gift to give them. This air freshener can be placed in a car, closet, or any small space. It smells like Dedcool’s best-selling cool-girl scent Taunt, which has notes of vanilla, bergamot, and amber. It’s more elevated (and more nontoxic) than just about any other air freshener of its kind.
In my opinion, Laneige’s Lip Sleeping Mask is a necessity. It’s one of those beauty products that I will continue repurchasing forever—the second I run out of the one I keep in my nightstand, I have to replenish. This is the kind of gift you just can’t go wrong with. Anyone would be happy with this lip mask. The original scent is a classic, but the limited-edition Peppermint scent is a festive alternative.
I know what you’re thinking—an eyelash curler, really? Which, fair—but this isn’t just any eyelash curler. Shiseido’s eyelash curler is the eyelash curler to end all eyelash curlers. Its innovative design prevents pinching, creates the perfect curl, and is easy to use.
In my family, gifting hand cream is a given. Not only is this the perfect time of year to keep a hand cream in your bag, but a nice hand cream feels like a small luxury. This one from Nécessaire is packed with ceramides, peptides, and niacinamides to keep your hands soft even on the coldest, driest days.
Slip Skinny Scrunchies are cult-favorite hair ties for a reason. They don’t pull or damage hair, but they keep a ponytail or bun in place. Since they’re made of silk and designed to prevent creasing, they’re also perfect to bring with you anywhere to keep hair out of your face whenever you just need a sec.
If you have a friend or family member who has a hard time wearing their daily sunscreen because they don’t like how sunscreens feel, gift them Unscreen Sunscreen. It’s virtually undetectable, rubs completely into skin, and doesn’t leave that telltale greasy feel that turns so many people off from sunscreen. Not only that, but it also has skincare benefits—it keeps skin hydrated while protecting it from blue light along with UV rays.
As someone who’s constantly on the go, I appreciate an in-shower moisturizing product. This solid bath and shower oil gives skin a supreme coat of hydration that you can put on all before you leave the shower. It’s also infused with eucalyptus, which helps open up your airways if you’re feeling any seasonal sniffles.
This bath soak is a good gift for anyone you know who could use a little stress relief (so, everyone). It’s packed with magnesium to not only help ease stress but also help reduce tension on sore muscles. It’s also formulated with amla, which brightens skin, and arnica, which also helps ease stress.
I’m not a fan of mini anything, but these three-ounce candles are worth gifting. Each one smells divine—Cameo is a sweet, spicy floral; Les is fruity, woodsy, and warm; and Hinoki Fantôme is woodsy and earthy. Boy Smells candles are the origin of many “Why does your apartment smell so good?” compliments for me, and I’m happy to pass that gift along.
This is a surefire gift for any makeup lover in your life. Not only has this palette gone viral on TikTok for its dreamy, iridescent shimmers and creamy mattes, but the colors look good on everyone and are so easy to create different looks with.
Overnight masks are the perfect self-care-focused addition to every skincare routine. This calming mask from Fresh helps ease skin irritation, reduce redness, and soften skin while you sleep. Every time I’ve used it, I’ve woken up with softer, more even-toned skin. It’s the ideal gift for the skincare lover in your life.
Boar-bristle brushes are a luxe haircare staple that many people wouldn’t think to buy for themselves but would be happy to have. Boar-bristle brushes help distribute hair’s natural oils, add shine, and help style hair.
I’m a big fan of the By the Fireplace candle, but this chic diffuser lets your living space smell like the iconic scent 24/7. It’s the perfect home fragrance for the colder months thanks to a cozy blend of clove oil, chestnut accord, and vanilla accord.
I know this sauna blanket is expensive and seems silly, but if you have money to spend and are buying a gift for the person who seemingly has everything, this is perhaps one of the only gifts that might wow them. This sauna blanket comes with a host of benefits—like glowing skin, muscle recovery, detoxification through sweat, and more—and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever owned, full stop.
