How EWG saved Christmas: Healthy stocking stuffers under $20

Stocking

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

The Honest Company Comfort Baby Bubble Bath, Sweet Cream

  • Available in store at Walmart, $12.97

TruKid Bubble Podz Sensitive Care, Unscented

Alaffia Everyday Shea Bubble Bath, Lavender

Shea Moisture Superfruit Complex Bubble Bath & Body Wash

Alaffia Babies & Kids Bubble Bath Unrefined Shea Butter, Lemon Lavender

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

Bioderma Cicabio Hand Cream, Unscented

Burt's Bees Hand Salve

Yes to Avocado Daily Hand Cream, Fragrance Free

Up & Up Hand Cream

  • Available in store at Target, $5.59

Shikai Borage Therapy Hand Cream

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

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

Cocokind Clay Mask, Sea Kale

Avatara Brightening Peach Mask, Juicy Peach Beach

Avatara Juicy Hydrating Watermelon Mask

  • Available in store at Target, $3.19; Walmart, $3

Rael Beauty, Vitamin C Brighten + Glow Facial Sheet Masks

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

Dr. Bronner’s Organic Lip Balm, Rose, Lemon Lime, Naked, Peppermint, Orange Ginger, Cherry Blossom

Attitude Lip Balm SPF 15, Coconut

Attitude Lip Balm Watermelon, Mint, Coconut, Unscented

Hello Vegan Lip Balm, Strawberry

Burt's Bees Rescue Balm with Turmeric, Unscented

  • Available online at Walmart, $7.89

Organic Fiji Lip Balm, Peppermint

Pixi Skintreats Botanical Collagen Lip Gloss

  • Available in store at Target, $16

Eco Lips Mongo Kiss Lip Balm, Vanilla Honey

Cocokind All-Over Moisture Stick, Mymatcha

Aquaphor Immediate Relief Lip Repair

Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, Watermelon, Vanilla Bean, Cranberry Spritz, Peppermint, Honey, Tropical Pineapple

Vaseline Original Lip Therapy Stick

Eos Smooth Lip Balm, Watermelon Frose

Eos 100% Natural Organic Lip Balm, Sweet Mint

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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Personal Care Products
Cosmetics
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