Boots Star Gifts and three for two offers have some brilliant deals for every member of the family, whether they’re a fragrance fan, gym goer or beauty buff
I’m usually bought, wrapped and enjoying the first of many mince pies before November arrives, but this year, I was later than usual with my Christmas shopping and needed to bulk-buy some gifts… pronto. Thankfully, I know of one retailer that stocks a selection of gifts all under one roof, making it the ultimate way to tick off presents for everyone on my to-buy list this season.
Boots is absolutely brimming with gifts this season, from the institution that is their Star Gift deals to their iconic three-for-two offer. It is effectively the adult equivalent of Toys-R-Us, bringing that same sense of magic to the festive period.
From luxury skincare sets to bestselling fragrances and cosy homeware – there’s something to suit every taste and budget. I was also excited to see some new brands this year, including Paul Smith, White Fox and Lazy Oaf, joining the retailer’s gifting edit for the first time.
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Walking around the store, Boots makes it easy to spot the best deals by placing them in prominent spots around the store. I was stunned at how many were reduced by at least 50%, with some even better than half price. Plus, to make Christmas affordable for all, almost half of this year’s offerings are £10 and under.
From a Bobbi Brown set that’s cheaper than one product alone, to a popular men’s aftershave that’s now on offer for a limited time, I managed to find something for everyone, even those hard-to-buy-for on the list. Here are my top picks:
Benefit I Spy Beauty Gift Set – £34.50, worth £69.19
For the beauty lovers, the Benefit I Spy Beauty Full Face Gift Set is a great way to discover some of the brand’s bestselling products on a budget. Worth £69.19, the set is currently down to £34.50, and stars six miniature products for the whole face, including a mascara, blush, bronzer, primer, lip and cheek stain, and brow setting gel.
Packaged in a colourful gift box to make for a Christmas present that’s sure to impress, the gift set offers some serious savings with the Benefit website currently offering just three minis for £35, meaning Boots shoppers are effectively getting twice the amount of makeup for their money. It’s so popular that it previously sold out after landing exclusively at the retailer, but is back in stock and better than half price.
This isn’t the only collection Benefit fans can treat themselves to as gift sets begin to land in stock ahead of the festive season. The brand has released its Glam Cube Makeup Advent Calendar, which doesn’t come cheap at £135 but includes 24 beauty must-haves worth over £266.
Bobbi Brown Ultimate Glow Up Kit – £49, worth £148
One of the most coveted Star Gifts every year is Bobbi Brown, and this year, their Ultimate Glow Up Kit is worth £148 , but is priced at £49, saving £99 on the contents. Honestly, I’m surprised it’s not sold out already.
Inside, there are four full sized products, including the much-loved Vitamin Enriched Face Base 50ml which usually retails at £54 alone. There’s also a dual-ended cream eyeshadow stick, full-sized mascara and a lip gloss – everything required to create a gorgeous glam look for party season, all of which work out at £12.25 each as part of the deal.
Fans claim the primer is great for older skin. One said: “I started using this a couple of years ago and I still find it to be the best out there for mature skin.” Another added: “Used this for years really nice smooth base non greasy for all skin types I have combination skin. I’m 64 yrs old and still use it would recommend this product for non greasy smooth base before foundation.”
However, one three-star review said: “This smells wonderful and is nice and moisturising, but as the scent is quite strong, it is sensitive to my redness-prone skin type. I will use it as a body cream to use it up.”
Alternatively, at LookFantastic, there’s the Bobbi Brown Essential Lip and Eye Kit , which is worth £95 but is currently down to £46.40. The four-piece makeup set includes an eyeshadow, mascara, lip gloss and makeup remover all in travel sizes.
Naeo Esme Glass Aroma Diffuser – £30
If you know someone who has a different scent in every room, loves hosting or simply hunkering down for a cosy evening, the Naeo diffuser is the perfect gift. Designed with a glass cover in a tortoise shell design, this diffuser looks far more expensive than its price tag would suggest, with luxury wellbeing brand NEOM’s similar offering costing £109.
This makes a lovely gift for new homeowners, wellness lovers, or anyone who needs a moment of calm. One shopper thought they were so nice, they c ouldn’t help but keep it for themselves , they said: “I bought these on 3 for 2 intending to give two away, but instead I’m only giving one away. It looks almost identical to a competitor’s product which is very high-end.
“On using the diffuser there is a little bit of noise and bubbling which although detectable isn’t invasive. I’ve become used to it and it’s very minimal. It’s very effective in diffusing the essential oils I’ve been using, and I love the light feature – it looks beautiful and inviting in the evening. The diffuser will operate for a long time before needing to be topped up. I’m absolutely thrilled with this and I would recommend it to anybody, they were a fantastic bargain at the price I paid and absolutely worth every penny.”
Bondi Sands Best of Bondi 8 Piece Gift Set – £100
If your recipient loves a golden glow year-round, this is the ultimate tanning and bodycare bundle. It includes eight of Bondi Sands bestsellers and tools, making it ideal for beauty lovers or someone jetting off on a winter holiday.
However, it’s worth noting that some of the high-ticket items do sometimes find themselves reduced in Boots Star Gifts, which means we could see this discounted in coming weeks, if we go off previous years.
Alternatively, for those looking for something more affordable, shoppers could look to Coco & Eve’s self tanning products . This travel-friendly kit includes that brand’s popular Bali Bronzing Foam and Velvet Self Tan Applicator Mitt, and promises ‘no streaks, no bad smells and no stress’. Formulated with a green-grey base, it’s designed to deliver a natural-looking golden glow with no orangey tones in an allergen-free formula.
No7 Future Renew Regime 5-Piece Gift Set – £55
For those who’ve put anti-ageing at the top of their Christmas wish list, there’s the No7 Future Renew Regime Set . Within this bundle, customers will discover five skincare essentials designed to tackle signs of skin deterioration within just four weeks.
The centrepiece of the collection is a full-size No7 Future Renew Serum (50ml), which normally costs £47.95 on its own. As part of the offer, it works out at £7.70 – that’s better than a £10 Tuesday deal. As well as the best-selling serum, the set also includes the Future Renew night moisturiser, day moisturiser, eye treatment, and peptide face wash – all for less than customers would usually pay for the serum alone.
The complete collection is developed to tackle fine lines, wrinkles, uneven texture, loss of firmness, and lack of radiance. It’s also part of the three-for-two offer and for a limited time, customers can get the No7 Pro Artist Showstopper Collection , worth £220, for £60 when they spend £35 on selected No7.
Marc Jacobs Dot 50ml – £35, was £74
Fragrance is a failsafe gift, and if you want to deliver something that’s a little bit unique, but still has the backing of a trusted name, then the Marc Jacobs Dot Eau de Parfum 50ml is a fine option. Now available for £35 instead of £74, the floral fragrance has top notes of red berries, dragon fruit, and honeysuckle with a jasmine, coconut water, and orange blossom heart, and a deep driftwood, vanilla and musk base.
The scent is described as ‘addictive’, ‘creamy’, and ‘energising’, earning high praise from shoppers who are buying it on repeat. One shopper wrote: “Oh my, this smell is to die for, it turns all heads.”
A second buyer bought one as a gift, continuing: “Recipient was delighted with the perfume! Smells amazing and the bottle is beautiful! Great packaging too and arrived within time scheduled. Thank you!”
Although, this user wasn’t impressed with the perfume’s longevity, writing: “Super cute bottle. Lovely flowery scent. However, I find Marc Jacobs perfumes don’t last on me very long at all.”
Fans of floral fragrances may also be interested in the Floral Street Arizona Bloom Eau de Parfum 50ml, £74. Elsewhere, The Perfume Shop offers various discounts on fan-favourites, including the Gucci Bamboo Eau De Parfum, which is down from £90 to £47.99, among others.
Rabanne 1 Million Elixir Parfum Intense – £47, was £79
For the gents, Rabanne’s 1 Million Elixir Parfum Intense 50ml is now priced at £47 , down from £79. It features notes of hand-harvested Turkish Damascena Rose, Osmanthus, wild Tonka beans, and supported by ‘ingredients of extraordinary quality’ to create an ‘accord of wood and black vanilla’, according to Boots.
The 1 Million Elixir Parfum Intense comes in the signature gold bar bottle, and is said to deliver a more refined scent that’s the ‘pinnacle of intensity from 1 Million’. With an average rating of 4.7 out of a possible five over 14,140 reviews, this time-tested yet ‘classy’ scent has been lauded by shoppers for its longevity and head-turning aroma.
Alternatively, savvy shoppers could consider Debenhams’ Armani Emporio Armani He Eau De Toilette, currently priced between £31 to £35 in 50ml and 100ml sizes, down from £59 and £70, saving shoppers up to 50%. With top notes of citrusy Japanese Yuzu Accord, middle notes of Cardamon Essence, and base notes of White Musk Accord and Vetiver Accord, it offers a luxurious woody aroma at wallet-friendly prices.
PS Paul Smith Collection No.1.1 The Locker Room Edit – £60
Boots is stocking a selection of Paul Smith gifts for the first time this year, and gym fans will love The Locker Room Edit. The gym-ready kit bag features all the essentials to freshen up post-workout.
Recipients will be treated to face wash, body wash, shampoo, and moisturiser, rounding off with a mini cologne spray with the invigorating scent of mandarin and cedarwood. For those who love Paul Smith fragrances, the brand also offers a range of candles and diffusers on its website.
