We are of the firm belief that you can never go wrong by gifting beauty products. After all, have you ever gotten a bar of luxurious soap that you didn't use? Then think about the many shirts and sweaters you've received that ended up at Goodwill. (For one of us here at About, it was always nightgowns from Grandma. She finally stopped sending them when informed, "Grandma, I sleep in the nude.")
Whether you're buying for Mother's Day, a birthday, Christmas or Admin's Day, here are some tips for that someone on your list who loves makeup or hair products (or should, in your opinion).
Best Gift to Splurge On: The Spa
We love getting gifts we feel guilty about buying ourselves. For moms, sisters and partners (attention men!), a spa gift is one that will blow them away. But skip the pedicure and manicure and opt for something more fan-tabulous. Go for something they would never splurge on like a shiatsu massage, a wild wrap with fun stuff like seaweed or a deep facial. Better yet, set up the appointment for both of you.Avoid: Pre-packaged gifts bought at department store beauty counters. Not only is it boring, but it screams, "I only had 10 minutes so I opted for what was easiest."
Best Gift for Someone Who Lives Far Away: A Box of Individually-Wrapped Goodies
Who doesn't love opening little presents? If you have to mail a gift, we suggest wrapping a bunch of products and then packaging them in something fun like a pretty box they can use again or if it's Christmas, a stocking. In fact, we love this gift idea even if the person doesn't live far away.Some suggestions for your goodie box:
1. Only beauty editors and rich girls buy themselves Shu Uemura's $20 eyelash curler. Such decadent gifts are fun to get, just refrain from blurting (as one of us once did), "That eyelash curler was $20, so don't lose it!" I once received Tweezerman tweezers and it changed my life forever (thank you, Janine!).
2. A purse-sized perfume she's admired. Find her favorite among this fabulous list.
3. Makeup bags can be picked up in a local boutique (you can't have enough of these). Or check out some sweet ones in this list.
4. Who doesn't love lip gloss? MAC makes some of the best. Pick a shade you know would flatter her.
5. A set of nice makeup brushes.
Avoid: Gift certificates to generic beauty stores like Sephora. Your best friend or mom deserves more of your attention. That said, feel free to include a gift card in her goodie bag!
Best Gift for the Woman Who Has Everything: Get Creative on Her
In my experience, people who already have everything really appreciate it when you go all Martha Stewart on them and do something creative and unique. After all, taking time out to do something just for them is something all the money in the world can't buy.Create a custom bath basket for their bathroom. I love this idea because you can spend as little as $25 on this gift or as much as you want.
Find a basket and fill it with everything your friend or mom would need for a relaxing bath: Bubble bath or bath salts, 4 or 5 tealight candles with glass holders and a big, fluffy bath towel. Throw in a fun paperback or magazine just for kicks and don't forget the matches. We list our favorite bath salts and more in "8 Musts for Every Bath."
Another option is to print out homemade face mask recipes for her skin type and include the ingredients in the basket. Add a fragrant candle, a fluffy hand towel (for steaming), a box of relaxing tea and a pretty jar of local honey. A great tea to gift is Tazo's 'calm' -- that'll inspire her to relax.
Best Hostess Gifts & Gifts to Keep on Hand: Luxurious Bars of Soap
Another product people love but rarely splurge on are gorgeous bars of French milled soaps (or really any decadent, outrageiously expensive soap). We love to drop by Fresh in the West Village (you can find these stores all over the country) and stock up on bath bars. They're $12 but come in the prettiest packaging. Combined with a beautiful soap dish, it's a great gift to keep on hand in case someone catches you unprepared.A cheaper alternative is to buy inexpensive, but lovely soaps and wrap them in brown paper. Three of these tied together with raffia make gorgeous gifts.
Avoid: Cast-offs you didn't like yourself. Bought a fragrance or beauty product you didn't love? Chances are your mom won't either. If you want to get rid of something, it's better to it to say, "I bought this really nice soap, but it doesn't suit me. Would you want try it for yourself?"
Best Gift for the Admin: a Gift Certificate for a Manicure or a Massage
There's no better way to say thank you to your admin then giving them an hour off for a relaxing massage or manicure. We prefer these to flower bouquets any old day. Tip: Don't forget to tell her or him the hour off is on you.Avoid: Perfume UNLESS you know it's her favorite.
Best Gift for Former Sun Worshippers
So your sister USED to love the sun but now drudgingly sticks to life under a hat. Get her a great sunscreen (La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Lait SPF 60 is one of the best) and pair it with a fabulous self tanner (we love Clarins).Avoid: Hello! Don't give her 10 visits to her local tanning salon, unless it's for the spray tan.
Best Gifts for Women Who Already Spend Lots of Time at the Spa: Anti-Aging Creams
No, this isn't a joke. If your mom or sister already pampers herself at the spa, chances are she'll love some of the amazing anti-aging creams on the market. These tried-and-true products can erase five years off even the most pampered face.
1. Dr. Dennis Gross M.D. Skincare MD Skincare Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel - 30 applications
2. Olay anti-aging, anti-blemish moisturizer
3. Lancome Resurface-C Microdermabrasion Radiance Renewing System Skincare
4. Dr. Brandt's v-zone neck cream
Avoid: The spa. If she loves them, such a gift is predictable.
Next page: Best gifts for Grandma and guys
