Beauty Gifts You'd Never Guess Were Less Than $25
October 27 | 3 minute read
Words by Kaylah Joelle Baker
It’s the season for jingles and Kris Kringles!
Holiday season is ramping up, which means so are crowded inboxes, RSVP reminders and those sweet little asides: “There’ll be a Kris Kringle with a $25 limit.” Oh, joy!
Before the heart palpitations kick in or you panic and head to the sad gift card aisle at the supermarket, we’ve got you covered. These little luxuries are guaranteed to convince them you blew the budget.
Before they’ve even pulled open the cracker, let them delight in the packaging, which is art in itself and features the work of MECCA x NGV 2026 Holiday artist Tai Snaith. Once popped, they’ll love the mini version of MECCA COSMETICA’s bestselling SPF50+ – a hydrating, priming, satin-finish sunscreen that they’ll look forward to reapplying. Let’s face it: it’s far more exciting than the plastic trinkets that get lost before pudding even hits the table.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreen is only one form of sun protection. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and reapply as directed.
Is there anything sweeter than wishing someone a good night’s sleep? kit: doesn’t think so – and we agree! With this soothing bedroom mist, you’ll be doing exactly that. Formulated with a relaxing botanical scent, it’s the pre-bedtime ritual that calms racing minds and promotes restfulness – a must this busy season! Bonus: it comes in a cute ornament package! We’d dare you not to get one for yourself, too, but we know it’s too hard to resist.
We’re all for practical gifts! And few things come close to this MUA-approved lash curling tool. Designed by beauty obsessives, this real-life essential gently lifts lashes from the root, leaving them boldly curled for a long-lasting, eye-opening effect. Now, how’s that for a party trick?
Sure, you could panic, go way over the limit, and gift your Kris Kringle a spa day, or you could bring the spa to them with a limited-edition set of three Patchology face masks! You know what they say: good things come in threes, and with this little luxury gift, they’ll be unwrapping brighter, firmer, well-soothed skin.
The Holiday season is all about sharing good food, good company and great gifting. So, what better stocking stuffer than a delectable, limited-edition, Cinnamon Roll-coded lip balm that’s as comforting on the lips as it is for the soul? Made with Lanolips’ superstar hydration hero blend, this sweet, lip-saving tube will keep your giftee’s lips far from chapped, so they can enter every conversation with lush, glazed lips.
There’s no better way to tell your Kris Kringle that party girl makeup is back than gifting four MECCA MAX eyeshadows in one ornament set. With three soft, smoky mattes and one subtle shimmer, this effortless-to-blend quad is ready to be swatched and smudged all season long. Plus, with artist Tai Snaith’s original artwork of the wild creatures of the night lighting up the packaging, it’s sure to look great on their bathroom shelf.
It may be heating up in the Southern Hemisphere, but Parisian brand Merci Handy wants to transport everyone’s senses to the French Alps with the latest scent of its innovative hygiene cleansing spray. Think: same cute packaging, gentle formula and mood-lifting scents – just with a high-altitude, high-energy twist from France’s world-famous open-air alpine club.
Gift Cards Always Delight
When in even more doubt, the MECCA Gift Card grows into whatever they want most. Featuring artwork by Tai Snaith, it’s sure to be your giftee’s wildest Kris Kringle yet.
After more stocking stuffers for under $25 (or perhaps ones that hit the budget limit exactly)? These (here) have your Secret Santa’s name written all over them – or your name; we don’t judge this giving season!
