If you're anything like me, you end the night with a little something called "doomscrolling" on social media apps. On one of my regular scrolls, I came across something that brought me immense joy and immediate obsession — friends were gathering to host little "small gift parties" for their friends on TikTok.
Each attendee brought one or two gifts for the others in the group. With each little item, the table erupted with screams of joy and excitement. I loved the idea of these little acts of kindness (that are also very cost-efficient), and so did the internet, as videos with the hashtag #smallgiftbigsmiles have earned tens of thousands of likes.
To give you some inspiration, I asked our team for the little gifts that bring them joy. Here, we rounded up some small (but exciting!) gifts to give your friends, partner or anyone else that would appreciate a great stocking stuffer.
The best small gifts under $6
If you were to look in my bag at any given moment, there is always a pack of these wipes in there. I use them to disinfect my phone and refresh my skin and my hands. They smell great and are gentle to use.
At Shop TODAY, we're big fans of TonyMoly face masks. This avocado one is one that I am always reaching for when I need a quick, hydration boost.
Uniqlo socks are an editor-favorite because they look very chic and come in so many colors. I always ask for these every year in my stocking and have well over 20 pairs by now.
If you're heading on a trip soon with friends, this is a fun and functional gift to get them excited. You can choose from over 10 colors and can personalize the tags with your name and address.
I’m a huge Miffy fan and pretty much buy something whenever I see it, so these face masks immediately caught my eye as a must-have for self-care night. There are three different formulas to address different skin concerns, so you can choose the one that you think each recipient (or yourself) would like best.
Whether they take notes or just like to have a pen handy, this pack of 12 comes in cute colors and is very easy to write with, according to customers. Plus, they’re perfect to pair with the journal above.
These cute pore strips will make doing your skin care a fun treat. They feature Starface’s logo and are made with soothing ingredients like aloe vera and witch hazel.
A journal can be used so many ways that it's always an appreciated gift. This one comes in so 10 cute colors and patterns for you or your friends.
For those who like to make their coffee or matcha at home, this milk frother is a must-have. You can froth cold or hot milk.
The best small gifts under $10
Black cherry has been a standout shade for lip products in recent years. This one from Elf won a 2025 Beauty Award for its long-lasting color and hydration.
Upgrade their beauty routine with this eyeliner from e.l.f. Cosmetics that is super pigmented and goes on easily and gently, according to reviewers.
Bold eye shadows have been popular this year, and this metallic one from e.l.f. Cosmetics is a great option because it is so easy to swipe on. It comes in a variety of fun shades so you can find your perfect match.
Move over basic claw clips, we found an option that is both fun and functional. I have a few of these clips and they keep all of my curly hair in place through many hours.
You don't need to pay for professional lamination with this brow gel that was a Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner earlier this year. "I don’t have to draw and shape my eyebrows with eyebrow pencil anymore, which is good and saves a lot of my time to get ready for work in the morning," shared one reviewer.
You can't go wrong when gifting a lip oil. This one was a winner from our 2024 Beauty Awards for its hydrating formula and long-lasting shine.
Always losing your favorite lip product? We found a solution for that! These lip balm keychains that attach to the top of your lip balm's lid. The best part? You can match with your friends.
This body lotion has been loved by the internet for its delicious scent and hydrating abilities. It makes for a perfect gift for vanilla lovers.
Sometimes you just need a small mirror to do quick touchups of your makeup or get food out of your teeth. This one has several LED lights and three times magnification so you can make sure you’re picture-ready.
I have super curly hair and one thing I always keep on me at all times is a silk scrunchie from Kitsch because they keep my hair frizz-free and don't get tangled in my curls. Needless to say, I would be thrilled to get these as a gift.
Keep cool all year round with this foldable portable fan that comes in five cute colors. It can also stay charged for up to 24 hours, according to the brand.
The best small gifts under $15
I always keep a Touchland hand sanitizer on me to refresh my hands between events and commuting. They have the best scents and always have such cute packaging.
It’s officially cozy season, so keep them comfy with these unisex cloud socks that can be worn in (and out; we don’t judge!) of the house. You can also opt to buy two pairs at a time.
If you don't love scented lip balm, this one from L'occitane is a great option to keep your lips hydrated. One reviewer said it "keeps lips soft [and is] great for chapped lips ... if you prefer non-scented lip balm."
If they are in their plush toy and blind box era, they'll love adding this penguin plush to either their keys or purse. Offered in five different colors, they are each holding a delicious-looking donut and wearing an adorable costume.
Smiski is one of my favorite figurines to gift people because they fit everywhere and make for such a cute decoration. They also charge with light so they can be seen in the dark.
It's always a good idea to apply (and reapply!) your SPF. This stick makes that easier than ever. It doesn't leave any cast behind, gliding on invisibly, so you can layer it over or under makeup.
This Baggu bag can be used to carry groceries, your lunch or just stay in your bag in case you decide to do a little impromptu shopping while you're out and about. When not in use, it folds up into a neat little square.
You can never have enough socks, and this pair from Hue is an editor-favorite. I have been wearing them since high school and love how comfortable they are.
This dual-purpose tool is great for those who love to do their nails at home. They can design a perfect French manicure or can add fun dots to their designs with this tool.
How we chose the best small gifts
We selected these products based on recommendations from our editors, past Beauty Awards winners and reviews on the internet. We took care to choose products that were both affordable and small in size for this gift guide.














































