12 Holiday Gift Ideas for The Everyday Minimalist

I’ve compiled the best holiday gift ideas for the everyday minimalist. Whether you have a friend that lives by the “less is more” mantra or perhaps they just like fewer, better things. Consider these gifts upgrades to everyday lifestyle choices. Whether you’re on the hunt for holiday gifts for the special women in your life or perhaps you just want to treat yourself—I’ve put together 12 holiday gift ideas for the everyday minimalist. From sustainable beauty to luxury basics, here’s a curated collection of items that are versatile, easy to use and elevate everyday.

Merit La Fête Édition
My love for Merit is unconditional. It’s the epitome of minimalist makeup. The brand released a limited edition set of essentials for the holiday party season at a very reasonable price. The set includes Signature Lip Lightweight Lipstick in a new shade, Aperitif; Brow 1980 Volumizing Pomade in Neutral; a deluxe mini of Great Skin Glow Serum; a mini Clean Lash Mascara in black; and Day Glow Highlight Balm in Bounce.

Necessaire The Body Ritual 
The Body Ritual is a $45 set that includes a body exfoliator, body wash, body serum (fragrance-free), and lotion (fragrance-free). This set is ideal for someone who wants a simple, consistent body routine that is sensitive skin friendly but will still keep skin nourished and clean.

Dior Apricot Cuticle Cream
Have a friend or relative with a penchant for luxury beauty? This Dior Cuticle Cream is equal parts luxurious and effective – and will definitely keep dryness at bay through the winter months.

T3 Blow Dry Brush
This is a must-have for any hair novice. Long gone are the days of using a traditional blow dryer and round brush. The reviews for this online are largely positive and many people rave about how versatile it is with the round/flat brush options. The dryer is stylish and sleek and doesn’t have a steep learning curve (looking at you, Dyson). It’s also under $200 – definitely a splurge for someone special.

Rothy’s Mini Handbag
Aside from my obsession with beauty products, you could say I also have a penchant for Rothy’s. The brand is known for sustainable shoes but they also make really cute handbags! The handbags are machine washable and made from recycled plastic bottles. The Moonlight Tweed Mini is stunning in person. The cream and black tweed with metallic gold looks so chic – like Chanel vibes, but for less!

Scalp Massager 
Here’s a functional stocking stuffer idea for $12. An eco-friendly silicone scalp massager helps support healthy scalp and hair. I’ve been using it for a year now and didn’t experience any issues with it pulling my hair. Plus, who doesn’t love a quick scalp massage?!

Parachute Cotton Robe
This is for the homebody: the person who prefers to lounge, take hot baths and enjoys plush and snug comfort. This is a 100% Turkish cotton bathrobe that is soft, light and luxurious.

Glossier Eye Stars Kit
Who doesn’t love a good limited edition set? Especially when it includes a brand new shade. The set includes Lash Slick mascara and Lidstar in Aurora, a rosy red shade with blue and green pearl tones. The cute tin packaging is perfect for keeping small knick-knacks or more Glossier products.

Subtl Beauty Stack
This is a great holiday gift idea for the friend who rarely wears makeup and craves simplicity when it comes to their makeup routine. You can build a stack that includes all the essentials for on-the-go touchups or, choose from the selection of curated stacks and exclusive holiday sets (like the Intro Set stack). They are small but mighty gifts! Get 10% off your purchase with my promo code KARA10!

Mini Candle Sampler Set
I purchased this Sephora Favorites candle set for myself last year and I’m so glad it’s back again this year because it’s a great value set. It comes with five sample-size candles in a variety of scents. Perfectly giftable, the person can redeem the full-size version of their choice at any Sephora store or online.

Mejuri Earrings 
The best online jewelry brand for those that prefer delicate, quality gold and gold vermeil jewelry. The Bold Pearl Huggies is an affordable under $80 option for a niece, cousin or close friend. A sleek 18k gold huggie hoop with a set of freshwater pearls. I have an in-depth review of the jewelry brand here.

Grande Cosmetics Ready, Set, Jet Set*
I’ve tried several lash enhancing serums (both expensive and cheap ones) and I decided to come back to GrandeLASH-MD because nothing comes close to the results I get from the serum. The set includes mini sizes of GrandeBROW, GrandeDRAMA Thickening Mascara with Castor Oil, GrandeLIPS Clear Lip Plumper, GrandePOUT travel-size lip mask, and full-size lash serum (lasts 3 months!). Available at Ulta, this is a great five-piece value set (over 45% savings) to gift or add to your own holiday wish list.

*denotes gifted product for editorial review.

This post was originally published in November 2021 and updated in November 2022.