Make your own soap
Back porch Soap company
The natural beauty on your list can take a class at Back Porch Soap Co. where they'll be treated to a three and a half hour lesson on how to make soap and all the information you need to continue making sweet smelling soaps at home. Classes are available in New York City, Boston, Jackson Hole, WY, California and online. (Back Porch Soap Co., $135)
Acne consultation
Any acne-challenged friend will appreciate a consultation with POREspective. A short questionnaire provides them with information on your diet, beauty regimen, lifestyle and a subsequent 45-minute Skype/FaceTime allows specialists to make personal recommendations. (POREspective, initial consultation starts at $175)
Tutorial compilation
Casey Holmes makeup tutorial
Many beauty treatments can break the bank, but compiling top YouTube beauty tutorials certainly won't. Beauty Vloggers like Casey Holmes have tons of makeup and hair styling videos. Pick your favorites and dress the links up in a cute email without spending a dime.
Scrub-and-color spa treatment
Bliss spa
Bliss, with locations nationwide, offers the perfect winter-skin treatment. Skin smoothing scrub gently exfoliates dry winter skin before their own self-tanner is expertly painted on. (Bliss, $135)
Personal shopping for makeup
Erica Gonzalez makeup personal shopper
Most beauty junkies have a huge stock of makeup, and all would welcome more. Many makeup artists, like New York based Erica Gonzalez, offer personal shopping trips where they will help you pick out the products best suited for you. Expect rates to be around $250 for an hour of undivided, professional attention.
A non-invasive spa treatment
Lasers and radio frequency technologies are all the rage at medical spas. An alternative to Botox and cosmetic surgeries, treatments like Thermi can firm, tighten and lift areas of the skin, using heat instead of needles or scalpels. While the services can be expensive, the lack of downtime and pain will have the recipient thanking you for years to come. (Thermi, $3200)
Find the perfect scent
UNIQUE Fragrance guides users though a virtual experience of selecting scents, ingredients and a bottle design to customize the perfect perfume. (UNIQUE Fragrance, $100)
Makeup application
There's nothing a beauty addict appreciates more than having a professional apply her makeup. National chains like Sephora offer clients customized makeup applications with only a $50 purchase: a minimum almost all women can meet without even thinking twice.
A mani/pedi
Who doesn't appreciate a nice mani/pedi combo? A gift card will allow your BFF to take a trip to her favorite spa on you. Available online and redeemable nationwide, you can choose the amount to gift. (Spafinder, amount varies)
A spa vacation
For the most special of special friends on your Christmas list, a spa trip to the Canyon Ranch in Tucson, Arizona will cement your friendship for life. All-inclusive packages start at $3,540/person for a three-night retreat and includes meals, dozens of fitness activities, complimentary use of facilities, a luxurious room and $450 to use on their decadent spa treatments.
Giving your friend a total beauty experience this year will produce lots of smiles while saving you the hassle of wrapping.