We all have that one friend who will never accept the froufrou present. Simple and practical is all they’re looking for when it comes to holiday gifts, so step away from the $70 candles, my friend. While those luxurious, limited-edition gift sets make you weak in the knees, now is not the time.
When it comes to a no-frills person, it’s a better bet to wrap a gift they’ll actually use, no matter how much you want to give them that sparkly body oil. You might want to resort to a gift card, but come on, you're more creative than that. Ahead, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite pretty, festive presents that don't require a thorough read of the directions to figure out.
Every year, you have to give a gift to that friend of a friend at your annual holiday party. Here's this year's — because who doesn’t love a rose-scented body gel, butter, and loofah?
The Body Shop British Rose Treats Cube, $9, available at Ulta Beauty.
For the friend who thinks manicures are a waste of money — but can't deny how good shiny, sparkly nails look.
Ciaté Power Pot Duo To Go in Antique, $15, available at Ciaté London.
A stocking stuffer for the friend who went platinum this year, but doesn't understand Olaplex. This reparative set will rejuvenate their strands before New Year’s Eve.
Briogeo Don’t Despair Repair! Hair Therapy Kit, $20, available at Sephora.
No one is immune to those lazy mornings when you just can’t drag yourself into the shower.
Batiste Dry Shampoo Holiday Trio Pack, $9.99, available at Ulta Beauty.
No matter how basic your friend's makeup routine may be, we bet it includes lip balm.
Burt’s Bees Kissable Color Holiday Gift Set Cool Collection, $9.99, available at Target.
For the friend who keeps rinsing her new dye job down the drain with stripping shampoos.
Matrix Biolage Colorlast Lasting Color Gift Set, $15, available at Ulta Beauty.
Dr. Bronner’s can be used for nearly everything. Your Instagram-famous friend will need it for brush cleanups, your bath lovers will use up a bottle within two weeks, and every utilitarian on your list will probably use it for their hair, body, and cleaning their sink — really.
Dr. Bronner’s Gift Set Rose & Almond Pure-Castille Liquid Soap with Body Loofa, $14.99, available at Target.
Every year, we get the urge to share our favorites with our closest friends and family members — and this simple cleanser and lip balm is a good place to start. They won’t be able to deny its power.
Fresh Skincare Darlings, $19.50, available at Fresh.
Your favorite aunt will love these lotions in gorgeous, unique scents.
Pacifica Holiday Body Butter Duo Gift Set, $9.99, available at Target.
For the coworker who always asks to borrow your favorite lip gloss for happy hour.
Laura Geller Color Luster Lip Gloss Duo, $12, available at Ulta Beauty.
Small, one-bathroom apartments and crowded holiday parties don't always mix. If you find yourself in a smelly situation, this will cover your tracks.
Poo~Pourri Holiday Gift Set, $19.99, available at Bed, Bath & Beyond .
Erase dryness with these rich body butters that smell like the best holiday desserts.
The Body Shop Festive Seasonal Body Butter Trio, $16, available at Target.
Whether you know someone who travels a lot or someone just looking to revive their hair, the nourishing mask, blowout spray, and dry shampoo will have them covered all season. And we bet they’ll be purchasing the full-size versions as soon as these run out.
Amika The Chic One Holiday Set, $22, available in November at Sephora.
We all have that friend who is a serial dater. Make her life a bit easier with these eyeshadow sets that are smooth, creamy, and go from work to drinks.
E.L.F. Desk to Dinner Eyeshadow Set, $5, available at Target.
Out-of-control brows can destroy a look, but this do-it-all kit will ensure that never happens.
Sonia Kashuk The Brow Kit, $14.99, available at Target.
Who doesn't need body wash in delicious throwback scents?
Herbal Essences 3-Piece Luscious Scents Body Wash Set, $9.99, available at Target.
Your non-fancy friend hates gifts that collect dust in their bathroom. But this shaving set will come in handy the next time they toss their razor.
Schick Intuition Holiday Gift Set ,$9.99, available at Target.
A pack of cleansing towelettes next to the bed always proves necessary on nights when the alcohol flowed a little too strongly.
Burt’s Bees Nurtured Gift Set, $9.88, available at Walmart.
For the person who indulges in a weekly bath, but finds the spa to be unnecessarily extravagant.
Dove Argan Oil Holiday Dry Oil Gift Set, $14.88, available at Walmart.
Help out a friend and gift them this soft brush set that can take on the whole face.
Real Techniques Multi-Tasking Kabuki Brush Set, $19.99, available at Target.
This starter kit is all anyone needs to maintain a simple routine and great skin.
E.L.F. Facial Skin-Care Set, $18.49, available at Target.
This shea butter blend is a first aid kit for damaged cuticles and wind-whipped hands.
Philosophy Hands Of Hope Ornament, $12, available at Ulta Beauty.
There are things we never feel like spending money on, but love receiving, like soaps and lotions.
Mayfair Soap Foundry Sea Lily Jasmine Gift Set, $9.99, available at Target.
This set features Pixi’s famous Glow Tonic and two miniature masks to make at-home facials on Sunday so easy.
Pixi Best Of Bright Discovery Kit, $22, available at Target.
The child in everyone will adore this snow-fairy soap.
Lush Snow Fairy, $7.95, available at Lush.
Heading straight from work to the bar has never been so easy with this kit in your bag.
Ulta Beauty Zip Me Up Face & Eye Palette, $16, available at Ulta Beauty.
Don’t let your friend’s skin suffer when they’re getting stressed at family gatherings. These peels exfoliate and reveal brighter skin in no time.
M-61 Power Glow+Go, $14, available at Blue Mercury.
These miniature lipsticks are foolproof and ideal for tossing in every bag.
Wander Beauty Four Mini Crayon Set, $36, available at Wander Beauty.
Tumblers are key for the working girl who’s looking to save a couple bucks on her coffee each morning. Bonus: this one is loaded with a sweet body wash and mist.
Bodycology Toasted Sugar Bath Gift Set, $4.88, available at Walmart.
Travelers, beauty novices, and minimalists will adore this compact palette packed with six neutral hues and two smoky-eye must-haves.
Lorac Pro Metal Eye Shadow Palette in Rose Gold, $28, available at Nordstrom.
Hand Food is a bedside staple and Heel Genius will repair anyone's cracked heels.
Soap & Glory Take Your Pink Gift Set, $8, available at Target.
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