Rushing downstairs on Christmas morning to check your stocking is one of the oldest and most treasured yuletide traditions. But finding the perfect stocking stuffers isn’t always as enjoyable.
Those small gifts can quickly add up – especially if you have a large family. That’s why EWG is offering safer cosmetic holiday gift ideas that won’t break the bank. Every product below costs less than $20 and most are available on Amazon or from big box stores like CVS, Target, Walgreens and Walmart.
Using our Skin Deep® database, we’ve found the perfect stocking-size presents. Every product rates either a 1 or a 2 in Skin Deep, meaning a low hazard rating and fair or better ingredient data availability. Or it’s EWG VERIFIED® – meaning it meets EWG’s rigorous standards for health and transparency.
Bubble bath
Bubble bath brings out the child in all of us. But some may contain skin-irritating chemicals and harmful fragrance ingredients. Whether you’re giving the gift of a playful bath-time experience or a relaxing, self-care soak, make sure no toxic chemicals lurk in the suds.
Babo Botanica Sensitive Baby Bubble Bath, Wash & Shampoo, Fragrance Free
- Available online at Walmart, $16.50
Honest Bubble Bath, Lavender, Sweet Orange Vanilla, Sweet Almond, Fragrance Free
- Available in store at Target, $12.99; Walgreens, $13.29; Available online at Amazon, $11.04
The Honest Company Comfort Baby Bubble Bath, Sweet Cream
- Available in store at Walmart, $12.97
TruKid Bubble Podz Sensitive Care, Unscented
- Available online at Target, $11.99; Available online at Amazon, $9.34
Alaffia Everyday Shea Bubble Bath, Lavender
- Available in store at CVS and Walgreens, $9.99; Available online at Amazon, $15.95
Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex Bubble Bath & Body Wash
- Available online at Walmart, $18.71; Available online at Amazon, $14.45
Alaffia Babies & Kids Bubble Bath Unrefined Shea Butter, Lemon Lavender
- Available in store at Target, $14.99; Available online at Amazon, $9.99
Hand lotion
During the dry winter months, a quality hand lotion is essential – hydrated skin is less likely to crack and get irritated. But some lotions could do more harm than good, with harmful ingredients that can be absorbed through the skin.
ATTITUDE Sensitive Skin Hand Cream, Chamomile
- Available online at Walmart, $14.76; Available online at Amazon, $13.86
Bioderma Cicabio Hand Cream, Unscented
- Available in store at Walgreens, $10.99; online at Target and Walmart, $9.99; Available online at Amazon, $9.49
- Available in store at CVS, $10.99; Walgreens, $9.99; Walmart $8.87; Available online at Amazon, $8.19
Yes to Avocado Daily Hand Cream, Fragrance Free
- Available in store at CVS, $5.99; Walmart $18.77; Available online at Amazon, $14.99 (two pack)
- Available in store at Target, $5.59
Shikai Borage Therapy Hand Cream
- Available online Target, $11.19; Walmart, $9.73; Available online at Amazon, $9.14
Face masks
Quite possibly the ultimate self-care gift: a face mask. With products that promote hydration, brightening and anti-aging benefits, there’s something for everyone. But some face masks can include skin-irritating fragrances and chemicals.
Honest Beauty Prime + Perfect Mask
- Available in store at Target, $19.99; online at Walmart, $19.99; Available online at Amazon, $9.75
Freeman Cosmic Steam Eye Mask, Rose Quartz
- Available in store at Walmart, $3
Walgreens Refining Pink Clay Mask
- Available in store at Walgreens, $2.29
- Available in store at Target, $18.99; Available online at Amazon, $20.99
Avatara Brightening Peach Mask, Juicy Peach Beach
- Available in store at Target, $3.19; Walmart, $3; Available online at Amazon, $12 (five pack)
Avatara Juicy Hydrating Watermelon Mask
- Available in store at Target, $3.19; Walmart, $3
Rael Beauty, Vitamin C Brighten + Glow Facial Sheet Masks
- Available in store at CVS, $3.99; Walgreens, $3.49; Available online at Amazon, $14.90 (five pack)
Lip balm
Chapped and cracking lips are common during the coldest months of the year. Lip balm adds a protective layer while sealing in hydration. But some brands could expose you to allergens and toxic chemicals.
Honest Tinted Lip Balm, Blood Orange, Fruit Punch, Plum Drop, White Nectarine, Lychee Fruit, Summer Melon, Dragon Fruit
- Available online at Target, $9.99; in store at Walgreens, $10.99; and online at Walmart, $19.80; Available online at Amazon, $9.99
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm, Rose, Lemon Lime, Naked, Peppermint, Orange Ginger, Cherry Blossom
- Available in store at Target, $3.99; Walgreens, $3.79; and online at Walmart, $9.99; Available online at Amazon, $14.99 (two pack)
Attitude Lip Balm SPF 15, Coconut
- Available online at Walmart, $9.99; Available online at Amazon $7
Attitude Lip Balm Watermelon, Mint, Coconut, Unscented
- Available online at Walmart, $8.48; Available online at Amazon, $11.45
Hello Vegan Lip Balm, Strawberry
- Available online at Walmart, $17.64; Available online at Amazon, $5.99
Burt's Bees Rescue Balm with Turmeric, Unscented
- Available online at Walmart, $7.89
Organic Fiji Lip Balm, Peppermint
- Available online at Walmart, $13.50; Available online at Amazon, $9.49 (two pack)
Pixi Skintreats Botanical Collagen Lip Gloss
- Available in store at Target, $16
Eco Lips Mongo Kiss Lip Balm, Vanilla Honey
- Available in store at Walmart, $2.49; Available online at Amazon, $18.99 (six pack)
Cocokind All-Over Moisture Stick, Mymatcha
- Available in store at Target, $8.99; Available online at Amazon, $8.98
Aquaphor Immediate Relief Lip Repair
- Available in store at Target, $8.39; Walgreens, $10.99; Walmart, $8.36; Available online at Amazon, $8.24 (two pack)
Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, Watermelon, Vanilla Bean, Cranberry Spritz, Peppermint, Honey, Tropical Pineapple
- Available in store at CVS, $4.29; Target, $3.49; Walgreens, $4.29; Walmart, $3.77; Available online at Amazon, $6.98 (two pack)
Vaseline Original Lip Therapy Stick
- Available in store at Target, $2.49 (two pack); Walgreens, $1.25; Available online at Amazon, $5 (four pack)
Eos Smooth Lip Balm, Watermelon Frose
- Available in store at Target, $3.19; online at Walmart, $4.97 (two pack); Available online at Amazon, $3.59
Eos 100% Natural Organic Lip Balm, Sweet Mint
- Available in store at CVS, $3.89; Target, $4.99; online at Walmart, $5.05; Available online at Amazon, $5.49 (two pack)
EWG is on a mission this season to make your holiday shopping experience easy. We polled our staff to find out what they'll be giving their friends and family this year; our 2023 gift guide contains our best ideas for presents that are good for your loved ones and the planet. Or check our guide of EWG VERIFIED gift ideas.
You can also consult Skin Deep to find the best personal care products for you. And use our Healthy Living app for product ratings when shopping on the go.
Disclaimer: The prices of products in this article were accurate at the time of writing but may have changed since publication. Local availability may vary.
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