19 Personalized Holiday Gifts for 19 Types of Friends

by Victoria Vallecorse

Published Nov 27, 2019

After Turkey Day, crazed shoppers make a mad dash to the department stores in hopes of finishing their holiday shopping ASAP. This year, avoid becoming one of them by shopping smarter, not harder. I know, it’s easier said than done.

The good news: I’ve already curated a personalized shopping guide inspired by the different types of friends you definitely have in your circle. The great news: You won’t have to brave stuffy shops or settle for mediocre gifts that your besties pretend to like. Simply scroll through, find the description that fits your friend, and add the corresponding gift to cart without ever leaving your house!

Fire up the Yule Log, curl up in your ugliest Christmas sweater, and read my beauty gift picks for everyone on your list.

The Dreamer:

Slip Queen/Standard Silk Pillowcase | $85

This friend loves everything from a catnap to a full-on slumber. They know the importance of REM sleep and never hesitate to tell you about their craziest dreams—even if it’s a little TMI. Your ever-yawning friend will love Slip’s pure silk pillowcase. The specially-commissioned weave helps reduce friction, encouraging anti-aging, anti-creasing, and anti-bed head rest. Not to mention, the gorgeous marble pattern puts the beauty in beauty sleep.

The Glam Addict:

Jouer Cosmetics Exquisite Jewels Best of Lips Collection | $28

Even if you tell this friend that it’s a “casual” party, she’ll still show up dripping in jewels. Make sure your glam ride-or-die gets a holiday gift that’s just as glittery as she is on the daily. Jouer’s Exquisite Jewels Best of Lips Collection delivers gem-inspired shades with pigmented coverage, a non-sticky texture, along with show-stopping matte and metallic finishes.

The ‘90s Chick:

Anna Sui Makeup Coffret Set III | $38

This friend still loves lip smackers, butterfly clips, and roll-on body glitter—in other words, she’s a total ‘90s chick. So, make sure you give your forever-young friend a gift that’s all that and a bag of chips. Anna Sui’s Makeup Coffret Set III is decked out with colorful butterflies and mini eye shadow that’s sure to conjure up your friend’s best memories circa 1990.

The Party Animal:

Sol De Janeiro Carnaval Dreams | $40

The party animal of your crew loves downing sake bombs, tearing up the dance floor, and somehow has energy to keep the party going until 6AM. Make sure you give the life of the party a gift that not only preps her for a night out, but also helps her recuperate the next morning. Sol De Janeiro’s Carnaval Dreams includes skin-loving products that invigorate your body with sweet smelling hydration, inspired by Carnaval—Brazil’s celebration of the year!

The One With Amazing Hair:

T3 Whirl Trio Complete Styling Kit | $300

Whenever you go out with this friend, you’re bombarded by compliments—all directed toward her gorgeous mane. She’s hair inspo for all, so give your friend a kit of curlers that highlight her strands without damaging her lush locks. Complete with three wand barrels, a smooth paddle brush, a shower cap and sectioning clips, the T3 Complete Styling Kit lets your friend create tousled looks, spiral curls, and loose waves that last.

The Holiday Fanatic:

Jo Malone London Christmas Cracker | $48

Your season-loving friend has had Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You” on repeat since November 1st. Thanksgiving is merely a hurdle she hops over to get one step closer to Christmas, so make sure you give your spirited friend a gift that celebrates her love for the holidays. Jo Malone London’s Christmas Cracker houses the brand’s best-selling body crème, wash, and cologne within a festive box that doubles as décor.

The Wine Connoisseur:

Caudalie Vinosource Hydration Favorites Set | $39

This friend could literally spend an hour talking about the flavor profile of a Bordeaux. Her main hobbies include swirling, sniffing, and sipping, so make sure the sommelier in your life gets a gift that pays tribute to her drink of choice. Caudalie’s Vinosource Hydration Favorites Set features three vineyard-inspired skin treatments packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients all sourced from grapes.

The Animal Activist:

Hourglass Vegan Brush Travel Set | $320

Your bestie has a house full of pets and a refrigerator full of plant-based protein. Her makeup bag is also filled with vegan products, so make sure she has a PETA-approved brush set to complement her cruelty-free collection. This Vegan Brush Travel Set by Hourglass features five bestselling brushes and one exclusive brush made from ultra-soft Taklon (synthetic fiber) bristles, encased in a vegan leather brush roll.

The Aspiring Actress:

Charlotte Tilbury Limited Edition Filmstar Bronze and Glow Set | $75

She has big dreams of co-starring with Noah Centineo in a Netflix original movie—and she’s well on her way. Give the talented starlet in your life a Swarovski crystal-encrusted gift that’ll nab the starring role in her makeup collection. Charlotte Tilbury’s Limited Edition Filmstar Set features a sculpting bronzer and illuminating highlighter for a red-carpet glow complete with a mini powder brush.

The Foodie:

Vital Proteins Holiday Sampler Pack | $19

This friend appreciates all that is edible, and of course goes crazy for seasonal treats. This year, give foodies the gift of edible beauty with Vital Proteins Holiday Sampler Pack complete with five different packets of hydrolyzed collagen. With delicious flavors like Vanilla and Gingerbread, your ever-hungry friend will love incorporating collagen into her favorite holiday drinks—or even create her own original recipes.

The Boss:

Stila Ethereal Elements Beauty Boss Lip Gloss Set | $60

She’s your most forthright pal, always making boss moves at school, the workplace—basically everywhere! It’s only fitting that you give a commander-in-chief a collection of lip gloss that leads the pack in terms of color and shine. Stila’s Ethereal Elements Set drenches lips in a shimmering, high shine finish available in six pigmented shades.

The Traveler:

R+Co Sky Babies Set | $58

We all have that one friend who’s been to almost every country on the planet, and knows how to pack the carry-on like an expert. When you finally catch up with your jet-setting besties for the holidays, be sure to gift them with something they can actually use on their next adventure abroad. R+Co’s collection of travel-friendly hair necessities gives the traveler in your life a sky-approved ‘do without cluttering up her carry-on.

The Workaholic:

Eve Lom Rescue Ritual Set | $110

Whether she’s starting a brand new business or climbing the corporate ladder, this friend has her eyes on the prize at all times. While she rakes in some serious cash, your hardworking friend also needs to invest in a little “me” time. Eve Lom’s Rescue Ritual Set comes complete with a decongesting cleanser and weekly mask to give your friend’s skin the attention it needs without cutting into her busy schedule.

The Beauty Guru:

Anastasia Beverly Hills Carli Bybel Palette | $45

She’s constantly watching makeup tutorials and has even edited a few of her own—that’s right, I’m talking about the beauty guru of your squad. Her makeup and hair is always snatched, and she’s ready to spill the latest tea on happenings within the beauty community. So, it’s only fitting that you give your friend an eye shadow palette designed by one of YouTube’s most prominent makeup artists, Carli Bybel!

The Skincare Aficionado:

Peter Thomas Roth Mask Frenzy | $75

This flawless-skinned friend is the low-key esthetician of your group, and you always heed her skincare advice. Because she’s the queen of facemasks, the best gift for your complexion-obsessed friend is Peter Thomas Roth’s Mask Frenzy. This luxurious set features six jars of Peter’s best-selling formulas, including one made from 24K gold!

The Nature Lover:

Benefit Cosmetics I’m Hotter Outdoors | $30

If it involves the great outdoors, your nature-loving friend says, bring it on! This year, give the tree-hugger in your life a makeup collection that she can take on her next camping trip. Benefit’s I’m Hotter Outdoors features mini mascara, bronzer, and brow gel within a vintage-inspired camper tin.

The Techie:

Glamcor Riki Cutie Vanity Mirror | $55

This friend craves the latest technological innovations in all aspects of her life—including beauty! Glamcor’s Riki Cutie Vanity Mirror is a wearable, shatterproof pocket mirror with three brightness levels, a built-in leg stand, and a retractable finger ring for security. If this high tech beauty gift doesn’t impress the techie in your life, I don’t know what will.

The Wellness Enthusiast:

The Beauty Chef The Well Kit | $39

This friend treats her body like a temple. Because she recognizes that true wellness comes from within, she’ll love this inner beauty-focused kit from The Beauty Chef. Including Flora Fix Balm that moisturizes skin topically, The Well Kit also provides an oral Well Spray, which is bio-fermented with probiotics to support digestive health, immunity, and wellbeing.

The Makeup Collector:

MYKITCO. My Ultimate | $96

From limited edition formulas to handcrafted packaging, the makeup collector in your life loves to splurge on exclusive makeup and skincare offerings—and they’ve accumulated quite a bit over the years. This season, gift your friend the ultimate collection of PVC bags and pouches to perfectly organize and preserve all of their prized possessions.