Holiday Gift Ideas: $10 & Up

1. NARS Orgasm Lust Set – $30
2. Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style 0.33 oz Eau de Toilette. Available in scents: Baby, “G”, Angel, Love and Music – $30.00/each  or $100 for the Wicked Style Gift Set (which includes all five fragrances).
3. Hourglass Extreme Sheen Set – $45
4. Victoria’s Secret Beauty Ornaments (choose from VS fragrances, lip gloss and eyeliner sets) – $10/each
5. REN Mini Body Gift Set & Mini Rose Trio Gift Set – $25/each
6. Dermalogica AGE Smart Starter Kit – $50
7. Pevonia Myoxy-Caviar To Go Timeless Renewal Set – $79
8. Michael Aram Twig Snowflake Ornament – $29
9. Tanqueray Gin – $13.99 (375mL/half bottle), $19.99 (750mL)

Okay it’s getting down to the wire. Have you bought all your holiday gifts? Lets talk through a few ideas to help you figure out what to get those remaining on your list.

There are a lot of great holiday sets available right now in the wonderful world of makeup so if the person you’re shopping for has a favorite brand, visit their website and check out their gift sets. Otherwise I recommend #1 & #3 for any picky beauty queens on your list who appreciate quality makeup. #2 is great for anyone from teenagers to your coworker looking for a little friend for their desk. Their scents tend to be on the sweeter/fruitier side. However owning a Harajuku Lover may be more about the packaging then the fragrance (although ideally both). It’s the personality statement and adorable factor that really wins me over with these little ladies. #4 –CALLING ALL TEENAGERS. If you need a great stocking stuffer for someone in High School, or something small for the daughter of a friend you don’t know very well (or know very well!), try these fun holiday ornaments. There are so many to choose from (although my little sister is partial to the Victoria’s Secret Pink line).

#5, at only $25, I’m ready to purchase in bulk. These sets work for hostess gifts, teachers, coworkers, travelers… the list is endless.  A versatile body care set that isn’t too personal (but feels very personal), from a great brand, beautifully packaged, and at a good price point is always a winner to have on hand. Especially in case the big day comes and you suddenly forgot someone on your list. #6 & #7 are much more personal so these sets are definitely for someone you know well and is looking for a new anti-aging regiment. #6 is great for pre-maturing to mature skin. It contains a one-month supply of Dermalogica’s AGE Smart collection (5 products), which is a great way to try the whole line before committing. #7 is a very lux set of anti-aging products for more mature skin (this set is for mom). It does have an intense fragrance to it, which I found enjoyable since it’s very clean and fresh. However, if you’re not prepared or prefer your skincare fragrance-free you should be pre-warned.

#8 is from one of my all time favorite houseware designers, Michael Aram. If you can’t afford to have all your plates, platters, utensils from him, at the very least it’s nice to have an ornament. I find his artisan pieces incredibly special and unique, and this designer ornament is something that can be enjoyed every year. It also makes for a great gift to add onto a bottle of wine or gift set you’re giving (if you’re looking to add a little something extra).

Speaking of alcohol, when in doubt (and they are of age) and you’re going to a holiday party, you can’t go wrong with alcohol (well good alcohol at least). If it’s an intimate dinner go with wine, but if it’s a party, throw a big red bow on a bottle of Tanqueray and call it a day. Get festive!

Check out my other gift guides for additional tips.  Happy holidays!

Disclaimer: A complimentary sample of the REN and Pevonia sets and Tanqueray as well as a samples from the Dermelogica collection were given to Pretty Connected by a company representative.  Pretty Connected was under no obligation to write this review.