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.