Here at Who What Wear, we take holiday gifts seriously. In an effort to give our friends and family the chicest, coolest, and most thoughtful gifts, we 1) draw on our expertise, 2) scour the internet, and 3) reach out to experts. In the end, we curate category-specific gift guides. Looking for non-cliché gifts for men? We got you. What about small luxury gifts? We have ideas for that, too. Budget-friendly gifts that won't break the bank? You bet. I could go on, but you get the point.
As a Who What Wear editor myself, I have no shortage of beauty-centric gift ideas. That said, I wanted to consult an expert, and who better than Autumne West, Nordstrom's National Beauty Director? "I'm really excited to share some of what I think are must-have 'treatments' this season when it comes to skincare and bodycare—things that people wouldn't splurge on for themselves, but I know they will love and feel extra special and pampered when using. I'm also obsessed with minis and shareables, so a lot of people on my list are getting cute mini lip gloss kits and mini fragrances so they can try something new without a big commitment."
West says three top tips can help you choose the best beauty gift. First, it's okay to stick to what you know. "It's okay to buy them something you know they use or like," she says. "Their favorite brand likely has a holiday special set or cute minis that will feel fun and festive to share, and you know they will use it." West notes that this is especially true for fragrances. Second, functional beauty almost always wins out. "Keep it pretty safe with hydration, hand lotions, bodycare, hydrated lips, etc." These are often the most universal products. Third, buy what you would love to receive. "If you love it and mostly want it for yourself, it's probably a good gift for somebody else too!" Ahead, West shares 18 devastatingly chic items she's gifting (and hoping to receive) this holiday season.
10 of Nordstrom's Best Beauty Gifts, Listed
- For the Wellness-Obsessed: Ember Wellness The Body Sculpting Set $95
- For the Frequent Flyer: 111Skin Jetsetter Passport Set of 3 Eye Masks $35
- For the Luxury Skincare Lover: La Mer The Glowing Indulgence Moisturizer & Renewal Oil Gift Set Duo $180
- For the Luxury Skincare Lover (Splurge Edition): Augustinus Bader The Supreme Collection $1755
- For the Seasonal Candle Collector: Diptyque Sapin (Pine Tree) Classic Candle $88
- For the Host/Hostess: Jo Malone London Candle Collection Set $140
- For the Makeup Artist: MAC Cosmetics 24 Mini Must-Haves Makeup & Skincare Advent Calendar Set $245
- For the French Fragrance Fan: Diptyque Eau De Parfum Discovery Set $160
- For the #PerfumeTok Person: Maison Francis Kurkdjian Fragrance Miniatures Set $315
- For the Clean Beauty-Focused: Kosas Blush Is Life Trio Set $33
The Best Nordstrom Beauty Gifts of 2025
"Since these are all sheer oils with just a hint of tint, they will work for anyone. Lip stain oils are a trend du jour, and getting all the colors is so fun, and they all can easily fit in your bag."
"I believe in LED treatments, and this is a fun splurge to share with someone who doesn't have time for the spa, but is into their skincare routine. This is perfect for anyone looking for skin-enhancing results."
$36 value
"From hand creams to shower gels, this is an easy-to-use gift that includes great products. This is just right for the traveler in your life who doesn't like to check their bag!"
$158 value
"If the giftee in your life is into wellness and self-care, this body set will delight and surprise. The sculpting tool helps with lymphatic drainage, and you have the choice of a liquid or solid oil to complete your moisturizing experience."
$250 value
"Give the gift of glowing skin this holiday season. The best moisturizer topped with the oil—whoever you gift this to will get all the compliments."
$47 value
"I never go through a week or travel day where I’m not grabbing for an eye mask! I love to share these, and the case they come in is so cute and can be used afterwards as well."
$162 value
"Pampering is always a good gift! You have not experienced a true everything shower or at-home bath ritual until you've used this unique exfoliator foam and total bodycare set."
$2194 value
"This is a big splurge and the ultimate skin pampering treatment set. This has everything you need for A.M., P.M., treating, hydrating, and resurfacing. The bonus gift is how amazing your skin looks in just seven days after using this product. This is truly my dream set."
"I love Diptyque, and while fragrance can be hard to pick out, I know someone will find their new favorite when getting this discovery set."
"This is a 'one for me and one for you' gift. Limited-edition holiday candles are so special and just right for the season. I like to gift these early so we can enjoy all season long."
$498 value
"For the self-proclaimed makeup artist and beauty lover in your life, treat them with a brand that gets it and is known for artistry."
$100 value
"Give the gift of well-hydrated skin from the neck down and smell like you just stepped out of the spa. Osea should be part of everyone's daily routine."
$44 value
"Pouty, glossy lips remain a hot trend, even for the nude-lip girl. These colors are just right!"
"Jo Malone is known for layering, so regardless of your signature scent, you can layer these to customize and even split them up to share."
"I'm never not getting or gifting limited edition holiday-specific scents, and this year's roasted chestnut and the frosted cherry and clove feel like warm hugs. The toppers make these glasses collectible and reusable."
"Luxury fragrance, but make it mini! I can't wait to share these MFK scents with the person who already loves Baccarat Rouge 540."
"Vanilla is trending, and I am loving this version of YSL Libre. Pairing the vanilla with orange blossom and a bit of woodiness—smells so good! Taking advantage of the set that has a travel and the body lotion to match is worth gifting."
"This is for the bestie who keeps it natural, doesn't like to wear a lot of makeup, but always wears a little blush. Not only are these skincare-infused and talc-free, but the colors include their best-seller and two limited edition shades in this holiday set."
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