During the holidays, it can be hard to shop for your girlfriends, especially in a tough economy. I mean, come on, everything on their wishlist is the stuff we all love the most – fancy clothes and luxe beauty products…things can get pretty expensive really fast if you’re not watching your pennies. So how DO you snag a gift for your buds without going broke? I’ve compiled a list of some great bargain beauty holiday gift sets that won’t cost you an arm and a leg!

Victoria’s Secret Must-have Beauty Essentials Gift Bag ($22)
This set is perfect for jet-setting during the holidays, or simply crashing at a friend’s apartment. With lip gloss, body mist and more, it’s a great addition to any overnight bag. Plus, with those cold winter days, the body lotion included guarantees moisturized, healthy skin. It also comes with a cute, compact bag to keep everything in, and it’s easy to throw in your purse if you’re looking for a beauty fix while you’re on-the-go.

philosphy Classic Cookbook ($35)
philosophy’s new holiday gift set includes six different three-in-one cleansers, each a familiar holiday scent that reminds us all of those indulgent treats we can’t resist during this festive season: pumpkin spice muffin, red velvet cake, double rich hot cocoa, warm pear cobbler, gingerbread and cinnamon buns. Each can be used as shampoo, shower gel or a relaxing bubble bath mix, making this set a great multi-use gift for anyone who wants to indulge without tacking on a few extra pounds!

Lush Colour Me Christmas ($29.95)
Talk about the ultimate Christmas-themed gift! This gift set includes bath bombs reminiscent of snowmen, holly leaves, and candy canes,  AND a Santa-shaped shower jelly that makes bath time both fun and relaxing for kids AND coeds alike. Even better — you can skip the gift wrap; it actually comes in a gingerbread house that you can color in.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Crash Course 4-Piece Beauty Shortcut ($22)
Ok, seriously, this is the ultimate going-out beauty kit. The set includes every basic element of a girl’s makeup regime and pretty much can hold its own against the most extensive of makeup kits. The eyecolor is loaded with shimmer and the colors seem to go great with pretty much any skin complexion. Mascara and lip gloss are also included, making this the perfect must-have for that friend who loves to party.

— By Kristy Shaulis, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign