When someone recently asked me, “What’s the best gift to give someone?” my first instinct was to reply, “Well, it depends…” After all, gifts are personal, and what makes one person’s eyes light up might not have the same effect on someone else. But the more I thought about it, the more I realized there’s one category that always feels universally thoughtful: beauty and skincare.

Why? Because beauty products are indulgences that people often hesitate to splurge on for themselves. A $50 cream or a luxe serum can feel intimidating if you’re unsure it will actually deliver results. Yet, when given as a gift, these items feel both practical and pampering—the perfect balance of self-care and luxury.

And when it comes to shopping for these kinds of gifts, one place consistently rises to the top of my list: Nordstrom.

For years, Nordstrom has been my go-to destination during the holiday season. Their beauty and skincare department is stocked with every brand we know and love, and the curated selection makes gift shopping less overwhelming and a lot more fun. Whether you’re searching for a stocking stuffer, a mid-range surprise, or a single standout gift, you’re bound to find something that feels special without breaking the bank.

With that in mind, I’ve put together a beauty gift guide featuring thoughtful picks under $100. These are products I’ve personally tried, tested, and would happily recommend. Think of this as your roadmap for stress-free beauty gifting this season.

Why Beauty Gifts Work Every Time

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s talk about why beauty and skincare are such universally appreciated gifts. First, they’re personal without being too personal—you don’t need to know someone’s clothing size or home décor style to pick a winning beauty gift. Second, they encourage self-care, which feels especially meaningful during the busy, often stressful holiday season. And third, they offer a touch of everyday luxury. There’s something about opening a beautifully packaged moisturizer or a set of high-quality lipsticks that instantly feels like a treat.

Stocking Stuffers That Impress

Sometimes, the best gifts come in small packages. For under $30, Nordstrom carries plenty of little luxuries that make perfect stocking stuffers or thoughtful add-ons to a larger gift. Think travel-sized skincare kits, hydrating lip balms with cult followings, or hand creams from brands known for their quality formulas. These are the kinds of products people will toss in their bags and use every day, reminding them of your thoughtfulness long after the holiday glow fades.

The Sweet Spot: Gifts Between $30 and $75

This is my favorite range for gifting because it feels like the perfect middle ground—special, but not over the top. In this category, you’ll find bestselling facial masks, gentle exfoliators, and gorgeous makeup palettes that work for almost anyone. Skincare sets, in particular, make fantastic gifts because they often feature mini versions of a brand’s most popular products. They’re a low-commitment way for someone to try a range of items without the full investment.

Pro tip: Look for limited-edition holiday sets at Nordstrom. They often bundle together top products at a lower price, and the festive packaging means you don’t even need to wrap them.

The “Big Gift” Under $100

If you’re looking for that one special present that feels like the centerpiece of your holiday gifting, Nordstrom has plenty of options under $100 that deliver serious wow factor. Think luxurious serums that brighten and hydrate, high-tech facial tools designed to elevate a skincare routine, or fragrance gift sets that feel timeless and elegant. These are the gifts that feel indulgent and substantial, yet still fall under that $100 sweet spot.

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

One of the most common reasons people shy away from gifting beauty is the fear of “getting it wrong.” Will the product actually work for their skin? What if they’re picky? That’s why I recommend sticking with brands known for their gentle, universally loved products—think nourishing masks, hydrating creams, or neutral-toned palettes. These are items that work for a wide range of skin types and preferences, making them safe bets.

And if you’re still feeling unsure, Nordstrom’s return policy is famously generous. It takes the pressure off, allowing the recipient to exchange for something that fits their needs if necessary.

Wrapping It Up

At the end of the day, beauty and skincare gifts strike that rare balance between being practical and indulgent. They’re thoughtful, they encourage self-care, and they’re items most people wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves. And when you shop at a place like Nordstrom, where the selection is broad and the quality is consistently high, you can feel confident you’re giving something that will truly be appreciated.

So whether you’re filling stockings, looking for that perfect mid-range surprise, or going all-in with one special gift, consider this your guide to holiday gifting under $100. After all, sometimes the best gift you can give is the chance for someone to pause, take care of themselves, and feel just a little more radiant.