I think gift sets are not only the easiest things you can give to those on your list, but they’ll also be well received if you choose them correctly. Some people might think that a gift set feels a bit impersonal or lazy. But honestly, who doesn’t want a box or package full of their absolute favorite things? I know I wouldn’t be mad at that.
Luckily for the beauty-obsessed person in your life, there are so many different gift sets out there. Got a friend who never skips their skincare routine? There’s a set for them. Or maybe you want to give a makeup set to the person in your life who is always experimenting with their looks. If you know someone who loves to style and give their hair some TLC, there are some pretty brilliant haircare sets, too.
And for the friend who never misses a mani—whether it’s at home or at the salon—might I suggest a nail gift set? I asked celeb manicurists for their best recommendations. Take a look below for their picks, plus some from our editors.
“Holidays just aren’t the same without a little shimmer and sparkle. Check out Jinsoon’s Flapper collection—rose gold, rich pewter silver, and a bright sparkly silver topcoat,” says celebrity manicurist Tom Bachik, whose clients include Jennifer Lopez and Selena Gomez.
“Holiday gift sets are really fun for the holidays. Opening a small gift every day from an advent calendar is so much fun. Ulta’s 12 Days of Nail is a great option, and the best part is you can get a preview of its contents,” explains celebrity and editorial manicurist Mimi D. “The advent calendar comes with five polish colors, two top coats, nail stickers, nail gems, a file, and nail-polish-remover pads. You get all of that for $20, which is a perfect stocking stuffer or stand-alone gift.”
“But if you really want to spoil the ones you love, professionals know the best manicures and pedicures start with proper prep!” Bachik says. “Create flawless manis and pedis easily at home, or rest at ease by taking your own personal set of tools to your favorite salon. Nothing gives you all the tools and education better than the Tweezerman x Tom Bachik Ultimate Nail Care Set.”
“If you’re looking to make a purchase for the person who’s just getting into nail polish, the Sephora Collection Mini Holiday Vibes Color Hit Nail Polish Set is a great option,” suggests Mimi D. “The set features four mini polishes in trending colors and one gold glitter. It also comes with a top coat—perfect to throw in your travel bag for a quick holiday getaway. At $15, you can get one for all of the polish lovers in your life.”
“Who doesn’t love an advent calendar?” Bachik says. “A little surprise to count down the days makes it a perfect gift… if they’re still in stock! I’m loving Olive & June’s Christmas calendar. So fun.”
“If you’re a last-minute grab-and-go shopper, the Nail Polish Holiday Gift Set at Target is a winner. At $10, it’s practically a steal! This set features 10 mini polishes: five glitters, three cream shades, and two shimmery shades,” Mimi D says.
Don’t forget about the feet! This spa kit has everything to re-create a salon pedicure: shea foot butter, a fizz bath bomb, and a pumice and foot brush.
Static Nails’s polish set comes with eight different colors that are perfect for this cozy time of year. Each of the nail lacquers contains natural antioxidants to give your nails some TLC. It also comes with a primer and top coat to prep and finish the look.
All the nailcare essentials can be found in this easy-to-tote kit. It has cuticle nippers, cuticle oil, and a clipper.
Here’s another fun advent calendar—this time from OPI. You’ll find a whole range of colors to choose from here, from nude and sheer polishes to sparkly options.
This set is all about the cuticles. It has all the essentials for care: cuticle remover, cuticle oil, cuticle repair cream, and cuticle pusher.
If you have a friend who can’t live without their gel manicures but is looking to save a buck or two, treat them to this gel polish kit. It comes with an LED light, polish remover, cleanser, gel polish, base coat, and top coat.
Emilie Heathe’s polishes are so elegant and beautiful. And they’re made with bamboo extract, sea-buckthorn oil, and rice-bran oil to nourish the nails. This set features three of the brand’s high-shine nail polishes.
Good for the friend who travels often or is always on the go, this set has all the essentials and then some for your nails. There are 12 tools in the set, and it also comes with a handy traveling case.
If you really want to give something extremely festive, get your friend this nail-polish collection. It may look like your average gift set, but all the polishes feature a peppermint scent. How fun is that?
Give this one to the most glam person in your life. The set is inspired by the Art Deco era, so it features shimmery polishes and rich crème shades. Next: 5 Holiday Gift Set Traps, According to a Beauty Editor Who’s Tried Them All
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