Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist.
General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor.
The easiest Christmas gifts are things people use every day but rarely buy for themselves: a fragrance they love, a makeup or skincare treat, a grooming set or a better toothbrush. Here’s what our Pacific Fair team suggests, sorted by who you’re buying for, plus a few ways to make the shopping quicker.
For the fragrance lover
Fragrance is a classic Christmas gift, and it’s easier to get right with a little help. Start with what they wear now (a photo of the bottle on their dresser is perfect), then ask our beauty advisors for a few similar scents to try on the testers.
Our perfume and fragrance gifts page lists the designer and celebrity brands in our cabinets, and our fragrance gift guide explains scent families and the difference between EDT and EDP. Gift sets with a full-size bottle and a matching body lotion or travel spray usually arrive before Christmas, and they come ready to wrap.
For the makeup lover
Unless you know their exact shade, choose something that doesn’t depend on it: an eyeshadow palette, a lip set, mascara, a setting spray or a good brush set. Our makeup brands include Maybelline, L’Oréal Paris, Revlon, Rimmel London, Max Factor, NYX, e.l.f., Revolution, Milani and Australis.
Long-wearing formulas and a setting spray are practical picks for a Gold Coast summer, when heat and humidity test any makeup. Our guide to wearing sunscreen under makeup has more tips for hot days.
For the skincare fan
Skincare gift sets and minis are a low-risk way to try a new brand. We stock La Roche-Posay, CeraVe, Avène, Bioderma, QV, Neutrogena, Olay, The Ordinary, No7, Clinique and L’Oréal Paris, among others.
If the person has sensitive skin, choose a fragrance-free option. ASCIA lists perfumes among the common causes of allergic contact dermatitis, an itchy skin reaction. Suggest they try anything new on a small patch of skin first.
For him
Men’s fragrance from Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Calvin Klein, Jean Paul Gaultier, Versace and Rabanne is the classic choice. If you’re not sure of his taste, a grooming set from Gillette, NIVEA Men, L’Oréal Men Expert, Braun, Bulldog or American Crew is a safe bet.
For summer on the coast, add a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ face sunscreen. Cancer Council Queensland recommends sunscreen as one of five ways to protect your skin, alongside clothing, a hat, shade and sunglasses.
A practical gift: an electric toothbrush
An electric toothbrush suits almost anyone, from a teenager to an older relative who finds brushing harder. A Cochrane review found powered toothbrushes reduce plaque and gum inflammation more than manual brushes. Whichever brush they use, the Australian Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day for two minutes.
Our dental range includes electric toothbrushes from Oral-B, and our electric versus manual toothbrush guide compares the options.
For teens
Celebrity fragrances from Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish are popular, along with affordable makeup from e.l.f., NYX and Revolution. A skincare starter set with a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser and an SPF 50+ sunscreen is a thoughtful gift for a teenager starting a routine.
Stocking fillers
Small gifts that people actually use:
- lip balms and tinted lip oils
- hand creams
- nail polish
- sheet masks
- mini fragrances and body mists
- travel-size skincare
- an SPF 50+ lip balm or sunscreen stick for summer
How to make Christmas shopping easier
- Get help choosing. Our beauty advisors will help you pick a gift, free and with no booking.
- Order online and collect. Order on priceline.com.au and choose Priceline Pacific Fair for Click & Collect. Orders are usually ready within 15 minutes and held for up to 14 days.
- Park close by. We’re on the ground floor of Pacific Fair. Park in the Orange car park, directly under us. Gate 7 is the closest entry, and the first 4 hours are free.
- Can’t get to the centre? Order on Uber Eats for delivery across the Gold Coast.
Sources
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Not sure which product suits you?
Ask our beauty advisors in store, where you can compare textures, shades and scents before you buy. No appointment needed. We’re on the ground floor of Pacific Fair (Pac Fair), Broadbeach, open 7 days and until 9pm on Thursdays. Park in the Orange car park, directly under us. Gate 7 is the closest entry, and the first 4 hours are free.