From Cosmopolitan · Kara McGrath · · 1m 50s
Beauty Gift Sets That Beat Advent Calendars
Beauty gift sets offer sustainable, affordable holiday gifting without wasteful packaging.
In brief
Beauty gift sets offer sustainable, affordable holiday gifting without wasteful packaging. Beauty editor Kara McGrath recommends 10 eco-friendly gift sets that save money and reduce waste compared to traditional beauty advent calendars. Originally reported by Cosmopolitan.
Why I Hate Beauty Advent Calendars
Beauty advent calendars create waste with tiny products and non-recyclable packaging.
“I hate beauty advent calendars, so I set out to find better gifting options.”
My 15-Year Beauty Editor Experience
As a beauty editor for 15 years, I’ve seen beauty products create waste that’s hard to recycle.
“I’ve been a beauty editor for over 15 years and, for all 15 of those years, my guilt about the amount of trash this industry produces follows me around like a lipstick-covered napkin I can’t kick off the bottom of my shoe.”
Three Rules for Better Gifting
The set must have full-size products, significant savings, and useful non-beauty gifts without extra packaging.
“The set needs to be mostly full size products, not this 'and one full-size gift' BS you often get with advent calendars.”
NOYZ Loose Ends Holiday Kit
This $85 set includes a full-size perfume, two faux leather coasters, and an ice cube tray.
“In addition to a full-size Loose Ends Eau de Parfum, this Noyz set includes two faux leather coasters and an ice cube tray.”
Kate McLeod Winter Rituals
This $92 set saves 20% on three body lotions with recyclable cardboard packaging.
“These are solid body lotions housed in small cardboard boxes (one of the easier materials to recycle curbside).”
Parfums de Marly Delina Coffret
This $485 set saves $120 compared to buying full-size products individually.
“Add the usually $90 hair perfume and usually $105 body cream and you’re talking about saving $120 when you buy this kit.”
Batiste Dry Shampoo Duo
This $19 set saves 30% on two dry shampoos with a holiday fragrance.
“Is dry shampoo the sexiest gift in the world? No. But buying them in a set of two saves you almost 30%.”
Olive and June Gel Mani System
This $85 set includes an LED lamp, gel polishes, and tools for DIY nail care.
“The Gel Mani System from Olive & June isn’t a seasonal special, but it’s a great buy for anyone whose 2027 resolutions involve doing their own nails at home.”
Kiehl’s Since 1851 Holiday Set
This $72 set offers full-size cream at the same price as buying it alone.
“The set is the same price as just the full-size cream.”
Lore Somewhere but Nowhere Set
This $98 set includes a travel size fragrance and a white candle.
“Once again, this whole kit is the cost of a single full-size fragrance (which is also included) but you get a travel size and sleek white candle as well.”
Jones Road Pinky Bronze Kit
This $66 set includes a limited edition lip gloss and minimal packaging.
“This Pinky Bronze is a shade you can only buy via this set, so it feels extra special.”
Lancôme Holiday 2026 Box
This $89 set includes seven full-size products and four travel sizes.
“For one, it comes in a pretty red and pink travel case a human would actually use.”
Beekman 1802 Soap Set
This $75 set includes eight bar soaps with paper wrapping for gifting.
“I love that every soap in this eight piece set could be a gift on its own, thanks to the pretty paper wrapping on each bar.”
Why Trust Cosmopolitan
Kara McGrath has 15+ years of experience as a beauty editor and covers the beauty industry.
“Kara McGrath is a contributing beauty editor for Cosmo with over 15 years of experience reporting on the beauty industry.”
Here's the gist
Beauty editor Kara McGrath recommends 10 eco-friendly gift sets that save money and reduce waste compared to traditional beauty advent calendars.
