Beauty: Say 'thanks mum' simply

Rosebud Salve. Photo / Babiche Martens

Thoughtful little gifts often have more staying power than showy presents. Here's a few ways to slip a little something into the hands of a loved one, without breaking the bank.

When you really look around in chemists, health and variety stores, it's easy to uncover good budget gifts that no-one need turn their noses up at. For $20 or under there are plenty of handy little items out there; here's a few.

1 Must Love Paris Mani-fique Glass Nail File $16.99

Glass nail files last until you break them and they're made from specially tempered glass so that's not easy. This dual-sided one comes in its own black velvet pouch, making it great to gift. (From pharmacies.)

2 Tender Love + Carry bag $18.99

Spell out your feelings with this handy cosmetic purse in a cheery pink. A nice present on its own, or slip a few little treats or an endearing message inside. (From selected pharmacies. Ph (09) 489 0135.)

3 Smith's Rosebud Salve $20

Made in America by the same family for more than a century, this sweet-smelling pink salve has popped up in the bags of celebrities from Chloe Sevigny to Eva Longoria. There are other flavours and you can get a square tin containing three salves, some using the original 1892 packaging, for $48. (From Glamorpuss Cosmetics, Nuffield St, Newmarket and Westfield Albany.)

4 QVS Unbelievable Nail Shiner $7.99

Do some DIY with this nice-looking two-sided buffer. It gives a remarkably good shine to nails, plus it helps work away at ridges and remove stubborn stains. It can also be used to shine up dull polish. (From QVS stands in pharmacies and department stores.)

5 Nesti Dante Il Frutteto Pomegranate and Blackcurrant $12

From Italy and wrapped to belie its price, this soap would make a pretty display item. (From selected gift stores, pharmacies and department stores.)

6 Via Crystal Ion comb $7.99

Say goodbye to plastic with a salon standard silicon graphite comb that really makes a difference to detangling. The wide teeth are great for a first comb-through of even curly hair. (From selected pharmacies, Farmers stores or ph: 0800 842 725, www.viasalon.com)

7 Scullys Flowers of Lavender Luxury Soap $11.50

Enriched with shea butter, this New Zealand-made soap works to a creamy lather, or leave it wrapped in a drawer like grandmother did to perfume your delicates. (From Life pharmacies and selected gift shops.)