Top 5 Holiday Gifts Trends in Beauty for 2023

Stay ahead of the gifting trend with our expert picks of the top beauty products set to be in high demand this holiday season—guaranteed to impress. This definitive guide breaks down the five gift trends driving sales, shows you how to pick the perfect present for every recipient, and gives step-by-step strategies to source limited editions, snag best sellers, and assemble show-stopping bundles.

Introduction: Why 2023’s Holiday Beauty Market Is Different

1. More limited editions, more urgency

Brands doubled down on scarcity and storytelling in 2023. Limited-edition drops—whether relaunching a cult fragrance or launching a collaboration—create urgency and social chatter. For a primer on how ads and brand storytelling drive those viral moments, see our analysis of standout campaigns that influence shopper behavior: Dissecting 10 Standout Ads.

2. Tech, performance, and personalization meeting gifting

Consumers want gifts that work—clearly demonstrable results and personalized solutions beat generic stocking stuffers. Beauty tech devices and discovery sets have become legitimate gifts for skincare-first audiences; for context on the latest device trends from trade shows, check our coverage of beauty tech at CES: Beauty Tech from CES and curated CES gadget picks that signal mainstream adoption: CES 2026 Gadgets.

3. Who should use this guide

This guide is for gift shoppers, beauty editors, and boutique buyers who want to anticipate demand, for marketers who need to position limited editions, and for anyone assembling high-impact holiday bundles. If you’re planning a campaign or a curated list, our playbook for discoverability is a perfect companion: Discoverability in 2026.

Trend 1: Limited-Edition Fragrance Relaunches — Nostalgia Sells

Why fragrance relaunches dominate wishlists

Fragrance relaunches tap into two potent motivators: nostalgia and collectibility. Brands leverage memories—campaigns that reference a beloved era convert fast. Research into why nostalgia drives relaunches helps explain the strategy behind many 2023 drops: Why 2016 Nostalgia Is Driving Fragrance Relaunches. Expect queues, quick sell-outs, and robust secondary-market interest.

Standout relaunches and limited editions to watch

Key characteristics of high-demand fragrance relaunches: a famous perfumer credit, refreshed bottle design, and a tied-in capsule collection. If a scent is positioned as "back by popular demand" or features a celebrity tie-in, it will likely be a best seller. For seasonal scent ideas that feel warm and indulgent (perfect for gifting), see our winter fragrance inspiration: Scents That Feel Like a Hot-Water Bottle.

How to gift a fragrance that wows

Presentation matters: limited-edition packaging and a personalized note increase perceived value. The way products are packaged can be the difference between a shelf impulse and a treasured gift—our winter packaging guide is a practical resource for presentation cues: Winter Product Packaging Guide.

Trend 2: Luxe Miniatures & Discovery Sets — High Impact, Low Risk

Why minis are holiday gold

Miniature and discovery sets check all shopper boxes: lower price points, sampling opportunities, and high shareability. They let recipients test hero formulas before committing, which makes them ideal for "hard to buy for" friends. Stylists and pros spotlight new launches using mini sets, as highlighted in this round-up of notable beauty releases: 13 New Beauty Launches Stylists Are Excited About.

Best-seller minis to prioritize

Look for minis of high-performance skincare serums, cult foundations, and travel-size fragrances. Brands that historically sell out during the holidays are the same ones that perform well as minis—consumers want to test and then buy full sizes after sampling.

Packing and unboxing for maximum delight

A discovery set isn’t complete without an elevated unboxing moment. Use fabric wraps, compartmentalized boxes, or a custom card that describes each item. Again, the winter packaging playbook offers actionable specs for tags and labels that feel luxe: Designing Hang Tags and Labels.

Trend 3: Beauty Tech & At‑Home Devices — Gifts That Deliver Results

What’s flying off shelves

At-home devices—LED tools, microcurrent facial toners, advanced cleansing devices—are among the fastest-growing categories. Shoppers want demonstrable performance, and influencers amplify results. Trade-show coverage helps identify which tech is poised for mass adoption; see curated picks and why pros are excited: Beauty Tech from CES and general CES gadget highlights: 10 CES Gadgets Worth Packing.

How to choose a device for skin type and lifestyle

Match device benefits to skin goals: cleansing for congestion, LED for inflammation/redness, microcurrent for firmness. Check user reviews for sensitivity reports and battery life. If the recipient travels often, prioritize compact devices with long battery life and reliable chargers (read CES carry-on tech notes for travel-friendly choices: CES 2026 Gadgets I’d Put in My Kitchen—many crossover into travel-friendly design).

Warranties, certifications, and value cues

Gifts with a warranty or clinical backing increase trust. Verify FCC/CE markings, look for dermatologist backing, and note return policies. Include printed care instructions and a link to a tutorial video or a live demo—streaming tools and creator badges are a great way to teach recipients how to use devices: How Beauty Pros Can Use Live-Streaming Badges.

Trend 4: Clean, Sustainable, and Refillable Beauty — Gifts with Conscience

Demand drivers: sustainability as a gift virtue

Shoppers increasingly want their purchases to reflect values: refillable systems, recycled packaging, and ingredient transparency are decisive factors. Brand storytelling and discoverability compound buyer confidence; for ways brands can amplify these signals, our guides on discoverability and digital PR are useful reads: Discovery in 2026 and How Digital PR and Directory Listings Dominate AI Answers.

Top refillable systems and sustainable swaps

Refillable skincare and fragrance cartridges are trending. Gifters should favor brands with transparent refill pricing and easy trade-in programs. When in doubt, a curated sustainable kit (cleanser + refill pouch + reusable applicator) demonstrates thoughtfulness and utility.

How to market sustainable gifts for holiday traffic

Communicate lifetime value: show refill cost per use, plastic saved, and carbon offsets. Use pre-holiday content to educate shoppers—our playbook for building discoverability before search explains tactics that perform well for conscious brands: How to Build Discoverability Before Search.

Trend 5: Makeup Gifts — Shade-Inclusive, Personalised, and Viral

Why makeup remains a holiday staple

Makeup combines instant gratification with visual impact—an easy win for gifting. This year, the most-coveted makeup gifts are shade-inclusive foundations, custom palettes, and viral formula drops that creators test repeatedly. For inspiration on launches making stylist rounds, see our pro picks: 13 New Beauty Launches.

Picking shades and formulations without asking

For foundations, neutral undertones and medium coverage formulas are the safest bets. For color gifts, go for buildable lip and cheek products or universal tones (nude mauves, warm terracotta). Personalised palettes—where you select shades to suit a recipient’s eye color or complexion—add a high-end touch and demonstrate effort.

Use creators and live demos to reduce returns

Host short live try-ons or stitch together vertical videos that demonstrate shade swatches in natural light. Vertical and short-form video trends shape how shoppers choose makeup—optimize content for mobile-first viewers: How Vertical Video Trends Should Shape You. Creators using live badges can promote real-time try-ons and boost conversions: How Creators Can Use Live Badges.

How to Buy Smart: Timing, Deals, and Avoiding Fakes

Calendar: when limited editions drop and how to plan

Many brands release holiday lines in early November, with restocks in mid-November and last-chance bundles timed around Cyber Week. Plan purchases across three waves: early exclusive drops (announce lists), Cyber Week steals, and last-minute discovery sets. Monitor brand newsletters and creator teases to catch pre-sales—ads and creator callbacks often precede official listings: Standout Ads Analysis.

Where to score authentic limited editions

Buy from brand stores, authorized retailers, or vetted boutiques. Marketplace deals can be tempting but verify serial numbers, batch codes, and return policies. For celebrity and signed memorabilia, media partnerships can affect authenticity claims—read on how partnerships shift signing practices: How a BBC–YouTube Partnership Could Reshape Signed Memorabilia.

Save smart: timing and price-tracking tools

Use price trackers and wish lists to monitor inventory and pricing. If a limited-edition box appears priced aggressively low on a third-party site, cross-check with brand channels. For packaging cues to identify genuine retail items, revisiting presentation details can help: Winter Product Packaging Guide.

Build the Perfect Holiday Beauty Bundle — A Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose a theme and anchor product

Start with an anchor item: a limited-edition fragrance, a mini-set, or a high-performing tech device. The anchor defines your bundle’s perceived value and helps you select complementary add-ons (masks, travel pouches, or a personalized card).

Step 2: Create tiers for different budgets

Offer three tiers: Discover (under $50), Luxe ($50–$150), and Splurge ($150+). A discovery tier might combine two minis and a sample card; luxe could add a refillable bottle and a curated palette; splurge includes devices or full-sized limited editions. For examples of non-alcoholic and lifestyle bundle ideas that translate well to beauty (e.g., Dry January concepts), see our themed bundle inspiration: Dry January Gift Bundles.

Step 3: Presentation and storytelling

Package with a narrative: explain why each item was included and how to use it. Add QR codes linking to tutorials and creator demos. Brands that invest in discoverability and clear product pages see higher conversion—review these tactics in our discoverability playbooks: Discovery in 2026 and Discoverability in 2026.

Pro Tip: Combine a limited-edition centerpiece with a practical everyday product (cleanser, moisturizer) to balance novelty with utility—this drives both unboxing delight and repeat use.

Comparison Table: How the Top 5 Gift Trends Stack Up

Case Studies: Real-World Examples and Quick Wins

Case 1 — A boutique’s limited-edition launch

A boutique launched a fragrance relaunch with a timed social campaign and a creator unboxing series. They paired a limited bottle with a mini discovery set and sold out in 48 hours. Their success hinged on ad creative that echoed the original era—a tactic that mirrors insights from ad analysis: Dissecting Standout Ads.

Case 2 — Skincare device plus tutorial series

A direct-to-consumer brand bundled a microcurrent device with three video tutorials and offered a 1-year warranty. Promotion via live demos and creator badges increased conversion; for creators, live badges are an underused growth lever: How Creators Can Use BlueSky’s Live Badges.

Case 3 — Refillable sets that built retention

A refillable fragrance system introduced a holiday gift set that included a pre-paid refill coupon. The campaign emphasized lifetime value and sustainability metrics; playbooks on discoverability and digital PR helped the brand capture seasonal search interest: How Digital PR and Directory Listings Dominate.

Final Checklist: What to Do This Week to Secure the Best Gifts

• Subscribe to brand newsletters and follow creator and brand social channels for pre-sale alerts (Discoverability Playbook).
• Create a three-tier gift list (Discover, Luxe, Splurge) and assign a shopping window for each tier.
• Prioritize purchases for limited-edition fragrances and high-demand devices first—these are most likely to sell out.
• Assemble bundles around an anchor product and document usage tips to include in the pack.
• Use live demos or short vertical videos to reduce returns—platform trends guide content style: Vertical Video Trends.

Related Reading

• The Evolution of Citizen Science Kits in 2026 - An unexpected look at how accessible kits are changing gift education and experiential gifting.
• How to Make a Pandan Negroni at Home - Cocktail and mocktail ideas for pairing with beauty gifting moments.
• Cosy Winter Suppers - Seasonal entertaining ideas to pair with holiday gifting events.
• The Ultimate Hot-Water Bottle Buyer's Guide for Winter - For cozy, self-care-adjacent gift ideas that complement fragrance and skincare bundles.
• Building and Hosting Micro‑Apps - If you’re a retailer building quick holiday landing pages or micro-sites, this is a practical tech guide.