Beauty Gifts For Mom, Sis, Dad, Even the Pooch

By Susan Linney

The best thing about beauty goodies is that they make great gifts — I could shop for my whole family in the aisles of Sephora or even Duane Reade. And even if your mom isn’t really into wearing makeup, or your daughter is too young for lipstick, it’s usually easy to find something appropriate (think hand creams and light perfumes). These five ideas are easy to find and fun to give — there’s even something special for the dog!

1. For Your Hands-on Mom
L’Occitane Hand Cream Soiree

By now, your mom probably has her daily skincare rituals down pat, and she likely knows what kind of products work best for her. This is true for my own mom, and it’s why I give her high-end hand creams each Christmas, instead of makeup or hair care. I’ve put mom’s name on this set from L’Occitane, which contains 10 of the brand’s best-selling hand lotions.

$88, sephora.com

2. For Your Beauty-Clueless Dad
Jack Black Mr. Big Set

A beauty gift for dad usually means cologne, which is a snooze in my opinion. (It’s like the fashion equivalent of a tie.) But what about a hydrating shave balm (which you know he’ll use) plus a moisturizer and cleanser, all packed in a manly black travel bag? I think he’ll bite.

$85, sephora.com

3. For Your Mopey Teen
Clinique Twice as Happy Gift Set

Cheer up your affected teen with Clinique’s “Happy” fragrance. It has an upbeat citrusy scent that’s also a tad floral — and not at all overwhelming (so long as she doesn’t over-spray!). The body lotion is also very nice — lightly scented, subtle and (ideally) mood-boosting.

$39, clinique.com  

4. For Your Chic Sister
Tory Burch Rollerball Cracker

Packaged in a party-cracker shaped box that’s embossed with Tory Burch’s logo, the designer’s first fragrance makes a great gift for a fashion-obsessed sib. The floral scent is light and crisp and poured into an easy-to-carry rollerball bottle. Plus, there’s a cute little holiday note from Tory tucked inside.

$30, toryburch.com

5. For Your Smelly Dog
Kiehl’s Cuddly-Coat Grooming Shampoo

While your dog may not be able to appreciate this pet-friendly cleansing shampoo, your family — and your nose — sure will. p.H.-balanced and made with chamomile flower extract, it’s gentle enough for every part of your pooch’s body, and will leave his or her coat soft and smooth.

$17, kiehls.com 

6. For Everyone
Benefit Cosmetics Advent Calendar

Countdown to Christmas and score a new Benefit beauty gift each day. You can share this experience with your family, or keep it all to yourself (which is what I would do). There are 24 mini essentials total, including the brand’s bestselling POREfessional Pore Minimizer and Benetint Cheek and Lip Stain.

$99, sephora.com

Originally Published December 9, 2014. Updated June 10, 2021.