HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS UNDER $25

Hi there, my darlings! If you're still Holiday shopping, I've got a treat in store for you today! Speaking of the Holidays, you know, one of the things that most surprised my friends and acquaintances in the US was just how big Christmas is in Calcutta (Kolkata). While there may not be a Christmas tree in every house, the city is still gearing up for the big day, just like in the US. With lights extravagantly decorating some of our busiest streets, people shopping for Holiday gifts, the younger crowd planning all-night revelries and the in-between generation planning lavish lunches, there is much going on in the City of Joy. Oh and let me not forget about the sales! What is it about the Holidays that have people around the globe maxing out those credit cards? I think it's because the joy of giving and receiving a great gift during the Holiday season far surpasses the satisfaction of shopping for yourself during the rest of the year. So, with that thought firmly in mind, I've been gathering together some fabulous gift ideas for the last couple of months and I'm finally ready to start sharing today! Since we're all working with different budgets and different needs, I've decided to break up my gift guides into a few posts. Today, we'll be focusing on some of my favorite gift ideas for under $25! Whether you decide to use these as stocking stuffers or as a sweet stand-alone gift is completely up to you!


FOR AT-HOME PAMPERING SESSIONS:

LATHER Vanilla Bath Fizz Combo ($18)

This effervescent mineral and emollient-rich bath set features two different aromas, each inspired by the balancing properties of vanilla. The vanilla tonka blend releases a sweet, comforting and relaxing aroma, while the vanilla citrus blend includes a bright, cheerful note. Epsom salt (sodium bicarbonate), long used by trainers and wellness experts to help relieve sore muscles and promote relaxation, is combined with moisturizing botanicals including jojoba, coconut, sweet almond and kukui nut oils to condition skin.

You've heard me raving about my love for LATHER products before, right? So it should come as no great surprise that there are several adorable sets from the brand on this list!

The bath fizz combo is the perfect gift for these cold Winter nights. Because what can be better than a warm, inviting vanilla-scented bath or foot soak? I love this one so much that it came with me in my carry-on, just so I could plan a couple of at-home spa pedicures with the mothership. An affordable but oh-so-indulgent gift!

LATHER Soap & Candle duos ($18)

Stuff the stockings of aromatherapy lovers on your list with these naturally scented delights for home and bath - a naturally moisturizing olive oil soap paired with our 100% soy wax candle infused with essential oil.

Available in 4 enticing scents of Mint, Lemongrass, Vanilla and Lavender, these little sets are the perfect hostess gift for all those Holiday parties you're sure to attend! Or send one along with your kid for a favorite teacher--I know I would appreciate one of these rather than the usual box of chocolates!

LATHER Sugar Plum Kisses ($15)

Visions of sugar plums will dance through your head while using this indulgent lip scrub and lip balm duo featuring nourishing plum seed oil, rich in antioxidant vitamin E and oleic fatty acid, and a delightful, natural plum aroma .

The lip-smoothing exfoliator uses sugar cane crystals to gently buff away flaky skin from dry, chapped lips. In addition to plum seed oil, the emollient-rich base also contains argan, coconut and olive oils, and beeswax to restore moisture and softness and provide a protective layer to help prevent future dehydration. Also, prepares lips for an even application of lip color. The conditioning lip balmcombines cocoa butter with coconut, sunflower and plum seed oils to moisturize, soothe and soften lips. Lightly dusted with mineral pigments and beet root powder, the balm has a subtle plummy hue, giving your lips a healthy-looking sheen.

Winter temperatures and chapped lips seem to hand in hand but if you're like me (and my sister), that's not something you're comfortable with...at all. With regular use of this divine-smelling duo, your lips will stay hydrated and soft all Winter long! Slip this lovely set into the stocking of your favorite lip-balm obsessed family member and watch as their eyes light up!

LATHER Tinted Lip Balm Trio ($18.50)

These all-natural lip balms do double duty, conditioning lips while also delivering subtle color. Organic plant oils including argan, sunflower and coconut are combined with organic cocoa butter and beeswax to moisturize, soothe, soften and protect lips. Derived from natural mineral pigments, the 3 colors glide on smoothly and evenly for the prettiest of pouts. Paraben-free and carmine-free.

The obsession with lip balms and moisturized lips is becoming pretty evident, huh? You can blame it on my sister! But let me tell you, no one likes chapped, painful lips and these balms feel absolutely wonderful! Plus I love that they give you just that little hint of color for those days when you just don't want to bother with lipstick. Another great little stocking stuffer!

 

FOR THE MAKEUP LOVER:

PIXI BY PETRA Fairy Dust Favourites (Matte) ($12)

Our bestselling Fairy Dust Favourite kit is back! These satin effect powders come in neutral, suit-all shades that create a soft focus finish. Use to shade and shape eyes, enhancing for the most flattering look.

Kit contains: Fairy Dust in Sheer Cream, Matte Nude, Velvet Fawn, Bark Brown and Matte Black

Pixi by Petra has fast become a favorite brand for me not only because of the quality of their products but also because of how affordable they are! I mean, come on! $12 for 5 matte shadows, all packaged in a cute, twist-and-stack package. Perfect if you're on the go!

PIXI BY PETRA Endless Silky Eye Pen Kit ($22)

This limited edition kit includes some of our classic bestselling shades, along with a super-brightening white gold exclusive to this collection. This kit of our bestselling vitamin-enriched liners delivers the most prettifying & eye-brightening hues-it's a must-have in your eye makeup wardrobe. Our Endless Silky Eye Pen formula glides like seamless silk onto lids, creating a lit-up & defined effect that truly lasts. Water & smudge proof, these pens deliver the most lusciously pigmented line.

Palette contains: Endless Silky Eye Pens in Black Noir, Black Cocoa, Slate Grey, Opal Overcoat and Gold Glow

These super-soft liners are so wearable while being so very pigmented. The exclusive Gold Glow is my favorite and is perfect for the Holiday season, when you want to add a little bling to your look! A gift that any makeup lover would be happy to receive!

BELLISMISA Masterful Eyes Mascara and subscription ($16 monthly)

Our signature mascara lengthens, shapes, and defines your lashes, giving them an immediate volumizing effect with a water-resistant finish. Film-forming agents provide maximum quality and staying power while vitamin E and peptides keep your lashes healthy and conditioned. Masterful Eyes™ Mascara is safe for sensitive eyes and cruelty free.

First of all, as I've mentioned before, I LOVE fat, plush brushes and that's exactly the kind of brush Bellimisa boasts of. There's something about a thicker brush that works really well for me personally--my lashes aren't skimpy but they definitely need extra volume and length to be noticeable. This brush distributes just enough product to make my lashes look fuller, longer and beautifully thicker while still looking quite natural. Great for every day wear!

Now, the unique thing about this product. Have you ever fallen in love with a beauty product and used it so much that you didn't even realize when you ran out? Do you remember that bereft feeling as you scrambled to get a back-up or waited for a delivery? Well, forget that happening with this particular mascara! If you fall in love, you can subscribe to have it delivered to you on a regular basis! Now how cool is that?!
You can either purchase a Monthly (30 day cycle) or Bi-Monthly (60 day cycle) subscription for $16. Billed and shipped monthly, Exclusive pricing, No commitment, & Free shipping. Also with the subscription service, you have the option to add on other products such as the Natural Fiber Brow Gel ($14), Hydrating Silk Remover ($10) or Facial Cleansing Sponge ($4) These cannot be purchased separately. But wait! Use code bblogger for a $2 discount, which will bring your monthly subscription price down to just $14. More information about subscribing can be found HERE.

FOR THE JETSETTER:

SAVVY TRAVELERS ($2.50-$10)

The Savvy Travelers collection of designer beauty wipes, are curated for the sophisticated on-the-go travelista. Savvy Travelers keep ladies fresh and fabulous from head to toe, one swipe at a time, offering products in convenient kits and single-use packets that are disposable, eco-friendly and made in California! 

As someone ho just undertook a grueling 26-hour cross-continental trip with 2 separate layovers, believe me when I say--wipes are your BFF when traveling! From personal hygiene wipes to nail polish remover wipes, Savvy Travelers has a wipe for your every need. That too, packaged in individual packets that are beyond useful. Grab handfuls of these for your jetsetting girlfriends!

EO Botanical Hand Sanitizer Spray ($4.99)

Stay fresh and clean with the EO Botanical Hand Sanitizer Spray in calming Lavender, refreshing Peppermint, and Sweet Orange. Tough on germs, but gentle on skin and the environment, the EO Botanical Hand Sanitizer is the perfect addition to your bag or backpack.

Being a scientist at heart, I tend to stay away from over-using hand sanitizers (super bacteria are real, people! Don't kill the good bacteria!) but sometimes a girl just has no choice, especially when away from home and the luxury of running water. This spray would be the perfect stocking stuffer for the sporty friend who loves to go hiking or camping but doesn't want to have grubby hands!

SWIPE Deodorant Wipes ($2.99)

Swipe® is a pocket-sized, biodegradable, single use deodorant wipe infused with a natural tea tree extract that not only provides protection, it also eliminates body odor. The new eco-friendly and paraben freeformula for Swipe®, a fresh, innovative product in personal hygiene with a new active ingredient, Saccharomyces Ferment, anatural bacterial enzyme that combats odor. Founder of Forever Fresh Inc., Marielle Sainz says “I wanted to reformulate the product to make it safe from any potential harmful ingredients for the consumer and environment.” The small and discrete packaging makes Swipe® travel-friendly and ideal for gym or hand bags and even pockets!! Swipe is also available for purchase at Urban Outfitters.

You don't realize just how much you take a hot shower for granted until you're in the economy class on an international flight. Let's just say, sitting in one place for several hours leaves a lot to be desired. These little sachets come in handy big-time then! Your girlfriend will thank you on her travels for this thoughtful little addition this Holiday season!

ROBIN McGRAW Me Oh My! collection ($1.25-$19.99)

Create memories with these whimsical products that are everyday essentials for you and your family this winter. Inspired by her grandchildren, Robin McGraw created this line that is dedicated to making the ordinary extraordinary! The Me O’ My line brings to life the simple idea of taking the things you use most in life and turning up the fun. The collection includes Nosey Cozy Pocket Tissues, Handy Candy Hand Wipes, Kissy Permissy Breath Mints, Lippy Lovey Heart-Shaped Lip Balm, Chickee Chew Bubble Gum, Flossy Glossy Floss Picks, Sticky Stackers Notepads, and Owie Meowie and Dog-Gone-It Band Aids.

This collection is all about everyday essentials...in bright, fun packaging! Perfect little stocking stuffers for the younger people or just to bring a little cheer to a friend of any age, these affordable additions will fill any stocking with lots of love and fun!

FOR THE SPECIAL MAN IN YOUR LIFE:

RITUALS The Ritual of Samurai collection ($7.50-$19)

For centuries, the ancient Japanese Samurai warriors paid great attention to their personal appearance. Their careful grooming traditions were aimed at creating an appearance that builds power, control and confidence to support their battles and challenges. Inspired by these warriors, gift the Samurai collection this holiday season for the men that will help you face the challenges of everyday life by being groomed to perfection. With foaming shower gels, moisturizers, shaving creams and hair products, you will find something for any man in your life looking for the perfect grooming products.

The hardest person to shop for is probably a special guy in your life, whether it be your dad, your brother, your new boyfriend or your husband of 20 years. So, I had to add at least one idea to help make your life easier! The Samurai collection is not only affordable but smells great! The body wash already got a huge thumbs up from my own dear old dad!

So there you have it, my darlings! Which of these products do you foresee picking up? Tell me in the comments section below!

****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****