Is shopping on a budget putting a damper on your holiday gift-giving fun? This season, rather than lamenting about a less than ideal budget, it’s time to develop smart shopping strategies that help you stretch your dollars – without stressing over every penny. Learn more about how to be creative on a budget for the winter holidays.
Wondering how to afford gifts on a limited budget? Need some tips for choosing thoughtful gifts that don’t come with a hefty price tag? Spending less doesn’t mean getting less if you can learn to be smart about your shopping. In this article, you’ll find a wide array of gift suggestions for everything from bath bubbles to beauty tools, as well as general tips for finding the right gift at the right price, no matter who you’re shopping for.
Fragrances. Whether it’s a perfume, body spray or a bottle of scented lotion, a new scent is always a treat. Picking out a fragrance for someone else can be tricky, so err on the side of a more classic, feminine scent unless you have a good idea of her taste. A lighter formula like a body spray is a great option for women who tend to be choosy about fragrance. Philosophy Amazing Grace Perfumed Body Spritz is a clean, feminine scent with antioxidants that nourish the skin.
Beauty basics. For the practical beauty, she’ll appreciate a staple skincare product or cosmetic item that she’ll use every day. Go with a set of inexpensive items like tweezers and nail care items, or choose one nicer item like a makeup brush – it may be a small gift, but it’s something that will last for years. Try bareMinerals Precision Face Brush - Retractable, an angled foundation brush with high-quality bristles that’s just the right size to toss into a purse or makeup bag.
Bubbles and bath oils. The holidays are the perfect excuse for a little indulgence, and bath salts, bath oils and mineral soaks make simple but luxurious gifts – plus, there are so many scents and formulas to choose from, you’re sure to find something for every taste. If she’s stressed and busy during the holidays, she’ll appreciate AHAVA Muscle Soothing Eucalyptus Mineral Bath Salts to soothe aching muscles and joints and promote restful sleep. Or, to soothe dryness and itchy, irritated skin, try Archipelago Botanicals Milk Oat Bath.
Nail art. Getting a manicure at a salon may be pricey, but nail polishes and at-home manicure kits are easy and affordable gifts, no matter your price range. Give her a set of polishes in festive, seasonal shades, such as the SpaRitual Gold collection, which contains real gold particles for unbeatable glimmer, or Orly Flash Glam FX, an assortment of chunky, prismatic nail polishes. If she prefers the neutral, nude nail, a nail care kit like Tweezerman Nail Rescue Kit makes it easy to maintain healthy nails.
Makeup sets. The holidays are an ideal time to take advantage of the limited-edition makeup collections or all-in-one palettes that are everywhere this season. Not only are these collections a great deal, but they often include products and shades that you can’t find any other time of year. Plus, an all-in-one palette makes it easy to get ready for holiday parties in a hurry – and vary your look for any number of events on your social calendar. Too Faced Glamour to Go Spun Sugar Edition is a festive collection of eye shadows, cheek colors and lip color in shimmering silver and gold hues.
Jet-set beauty products. Travel-sized skincare and cosmetic kits make excellent gifts, and they’re also a fun way to introduce a friend or family member to a new product line. From complete and targeted skincare regimens to decadent beauty splurges, there’s a kit for everyone this holiday season. If you know her skin type, you can choose a set designed with her particular skin concerns in mind, such as The Body Shop Travel or Trial Mini Collection in Seaweed, for oily and combination skin; Vitamin E, for normal skin; or Aloe, for sensitive skin.
Holiday specials. Gift-giving season means the shelves are stocked with winter-themed seasonal goodies that are too fun to pass up. You’ll find delectable, dessert-scented skincare gifts and shimmery makeup shades that are the perfect accent to your holiday party look. Philosophy offers holiday-scented bath and shower gels, lotions and fragrances that are irresistible for celebrating the season. Try a gift set like Philosophy Cheers to Us, which includes Philosophy’s signature 3-in-1 shampoo, shower gel and bubble baths in two festive scents: peppermintini vanilla peppermint martini and jingle tini cherry fruit punch.
Face masks. A natural facial peel or mask is another item that makes a superb gift since it’s both pampering and practical. For normal to oily or combination complexions, FarmHouse Fresh Pajama Paste Yogurt Mask is a pore-refining treatment that contains a blend of yogurt, Bentonite clay, wild honey and oats. For dry or aging skin, Avene Soothing Moisture Mask contains softening, soothing thermal spring water to relieve tightness, dryness and irritation.
Treats for lips and hands. Cold, harsh temperatures are drying to the skin, and the lips and hands in particular can end up dry and brittle. Give her a lip balm and mini hand cream she can toss in her purse or desk drawer and apply throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 conditions and soothes with mint, avocado oil, shea butter and green tea, and also provides antioxidant protection. Pair it with Bliss High Intensity Hand Cream, a high-performing moisturizer to lock in hydration all day.
Go with a gift certificate. If you’re stumped on reasonably-priced gifts, you can’t go wrong with a gift certificate. A SkinStore.com eGift Certificate $25 is a great excuse to splurge on something out of the ordinary, or save money on a few everyday skincare or beauty items. And with all your beauty knowledge, she’ll probably appreciate any tips and tricks you might have as well!
Shopping on a budget doesn’t mean you have to skimp on gifts, even if you’re shopping for a long list of friends and family members. In fact, sticking to a budget now will make the holiday a lot less stressful and ensure that you put ample time and thought into choosing each gift, no matter how small. These are just a few of the budget-friendly options available, and once you have a few good ideas in mind, the real problem won’t be finding good gifts– it’ll be choosing between so many options!
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See also:
Beauty on a Budget Handbook
Budget Beauty Deals for Winter
Budget Skincare for the Whole Family: Product Picks for Mom
Winter 2013 Holiday Beauty: Gift Ideas for Skincare, Hair and Makeup
Holiday Gifts For the Tween Girls on Your List: The Season’s 15 Special Beauty Picks for Preteens