You'd be surprised how many cheap holiday gifts you can find for five bucks — yes, even in the beauty market. Don't get it twisted, though: budget-friendly gift ideas can be just as fun and inventive as bigger-ticket items. The crop of cute, functional, and (gasp!) quality finds in the gift guide ahead are proof.
Gather a few items to make a DIY care package or spread the love across a few stockings. Either way, gifting that doesn't require blowing your entire holiday shopping budget in one shot is a win-win for everyone.
Pop this Da Bomb Bath Fizzers Unicorn Bath Bomb ($5) into a gift bag for someone who deserves a little R&R this holiday season.
The Burt's Bees A Bit of Burt's Beeswax Lip Balm & Cuticle Cream ($5) is a perfect gift addition for skiers, runners, or pretty much anyone who wants to be outside when it's cold and snowy (so basically . . . all of us?). There's a vanilla bean treat for their lips and nails inside.
The Scunci Mini Scrunchies in Ornament Ball ($5) is almost too cute to open, but the festive scrunchies inside will make someone want to break into it ASAP.
The gilded Oh K! Gold Foil Sheet Mask ($5) will make them feel luxurious — for less than the price of a Starbucks latte.
Anyone who uses hair ties and scrunchies on a regular basis can attest: you can never have too many. The Goody Trend Clear Black Coil Elastic ($4) comes in a five-pack and matches with all hair colors.
Whether they're frequently on the go or just someone who loves a good midday nap, the Women's Faux Fur Eyemask ($4) will make for restful beauty sleep.
The Love Beauty and Planet Marula Oil and Cedar Wood Hand Lotion ($5) is small enough to toss in a bag for moisturizing hands whenever dry skin strikes.
It may be boot season, but that doesn't mean we should neglect our feet. The Holler and Glow Purrfect Pedi Foot Mask ($5) will give them soft, smooth skin all year long.
The Yes To Grapefruit Vitamin C Glow Boosting Unicorn Lip Kit ($5) contains a two-step lip-masking treatment. First they exfoliate, then they mask.
The Eos Holiday Lip Balm Sphere and Shea Better Hand Cream Gift Set ($5) will keep them feeling moisturized from head to fingertips.
Although it's priced significantly less than the million other highlighters currently on the market, Wet n Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Face Powder Precious Petals ($5) is just as silky, highly pigmented, and capable of giving skin the prettiest glow.
The Ulta Marshmallow Chocolate Mousse Cream Mud Mask ($3) smells like a delicious holiday dessert while also packing moisturizing and soothing skin-care benefits.
Shaped like a jumbo lipstick bullet, the Jordana Sculpt N' Go Creamy Contour Stick ($5) makes chiseling their face to perfection pretty foolproof.
The Eva NYC Mane Magic 10-in-1 Primer Ornament ($5) may look fun hanging on the tree, but they won't be able to get their hands on it fast enough after they learn of its many hair-care benefits.
Don't let every other area of their beauty routine get all of the attention. Show their hair some love with the Matrix Total Results Miracle Creator Hair Mask ($5). It's super hydrating and restoring, and the to-go pack is a perfect hair travel companion.
Sanitizing is top priority this year, and the Merci Handy Hand Sanitizer Gel ($4) makes it fun with its brightly colored packaging and unique names.
You can't go wrong with the NYX Professional Makeup Butter Gloss ($5). This editor-favorite lippie packs great color payoff and long-lasting staying power.
The Essence Lash Princess False Lash Waterproof Mascara ($5) is one of the bestselling, top-rated mascaras on Amazon. The length and volume it gives lashes are out of this world.
Winter hands will need and appreciate these Le Mini Macaron Rose Nail Masks ($5) that restore moisture loss from constant washing, cold weather, and nonstop polish wear.
The Nugg Beauty Face Mask Ornament Duo ($5) includes two mask treatments, one for hydrating dry skin and one for detoxing congested skin. They can use them one at a time or together for a multimasking experience.
If we must fight germs all winter, let's at least make it cheeky and fun. The Bath & Body Works French Fries PocketBac Holder ($4) does just that.
Clean-beauty-lovers will be obsessed with the Clean & Pure Coconut Lip Balm ($4), flavored with natural coconut and formulated with extra virgin olive oil from Western Australia.
No matter what their skin-care goals, there's a single-dose Sephora Collection Sleeping Mask ($4) waiting. This algae version purifies and detoxes clogged skin . . . exactly what they'll need for postholiday.
The Formulary 55 Shea Butter Soap Balsam & Fir Guest Bar ($5) smells like the holidays wrapped in beautiful, botanical-printed paper.
The holidays are the perfect time to bust out the Kiss Limited Edition Cloud Nine Glitter Paradise Storm Lashes ($5). They'll make their eyes pop like no other.
The Chapstick Holiday Stocking Lip Balm ($5) is packed with five different holiday flavors, making it perfect for sharing.
The Holiday Santa's Helpers Blending Sponge Snowman ($4, originally $8) will help them blend their makeup flawlessly while also adding a festive touch to their vanity.
The Hello Products Sweet Mint Lip Balm ($4) is packed with coconut and olive oils to moisturize lips while coating them with a tasty, sweet mint flavor.
Absolutely no judgment if they decide to match their lip balm to their beverage. The Lip Smacker Coke Cup and Balm ($5) will keep lips moisturized and remind them of a delicious CocaCola soda.
The Pacifica Eye Bright Under-Eye Vitamin C Patches ($5) will brighten up their undereye area in minutes, making them great for a quick, prework masking session.