Holiday gift buying is a mix of fun, frivolity and fear this year as prices rise, budgets shrink and our lists of recipients grows longer. Though your heart says “splurge,” your head is probably murmuring “be sensible.” It takes a little more digging to find the special somethings that balance cheer, love and affordability, but here are the best beauty and style options for friends and family that clearly shout, “It’s a wrap!”
If she’s …
(Left to right) Gap Denim Midi Skirt in Black Wash; Universal Thread Women’s Long Sleeve Mock Turtleneck T-Shirt in Black; Abercrombie & Fitch Women Long Sleeve Ottoman Squareneck Bodysuit in Black; Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in 127 Fugueuse
Gap; Target; Abercrombie & Fitch; Nordstrom
1. Trendy
Whether she wears black leather pants and stacked jewelry or boho midis and boots, this giftee loves anything new and edgy that she doesn’t have … yet! On her must-have list: a black denim midi skirt like the Gap Denim Midi Skirt in Black Wash ($48, gap.com), a black turtleneck top like the Universal Thread Women’s Long Sleeve Mock Turtleneck T-Shirt in Black ($15, target.com) — the newest alternative to the white tee — or an opaque black bodysuit like the Abercrombie & Fitch Women Long Sleeve Ottoman Squareneck Bodysuit in Black ($56, abercrombie.com). All are basics that add a this-minute tweak to any wardrobe. For a stocking stuffer, try a midnight blue nail polish like Chanel Le Vernis Longwear Nail Color in 127 Fugueuse ($32, nordstrom.com), a very cool change from dark merlot and deep red that’s also kinder to aging hands than punky black but just as effective.
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(Clockwise from left) Love Beauty and Planet Hydrate & Restore Pant-Based Body Wash in Vanilla Bean; Everlane The ReNew Fleece Oversized Crew in Tiger’s Eye; Temple Spring Bathtub Caddy Tray in Bamboo in Natural; Vionic Beach Pismo in Black
Target; Everlane; Amazon; Zappos
2. Earthy
Whether she’s a vegan foodie with a green thumb who wants to save the planet or an eco-conscious soul with two rescue dogs and a yen for cruelty-free products and sustainable clothes, give her gifts that resonate with those values. Try a teddy bear-ish pullover like the Everlane The ReNew Fleece Oversized Crew in Kalamata or Tiger’s Eye ($98, everlane.com) in soft recycled polyester, vegan kicks like the Vionic Beach Pismo in Black or Cream ($65, zappos.com) or the Temple Spring Bathtub Caddy Tray in Bamboo in Natural ($50, amazon.com) with a so-useful Kindle/book rest and a recessed spot for a tea mug and for instant soothing. Add the Love Beauty and Planet Hydrate & Restore Pant-Based Body Wash in Vanilla Bean ($11, target.com) with nourishing hyaluronic acid in a richly lathering formula as a feel-good bonus to any package.
