The holiday season is officially here and you’ve probably seen tons of marketing for beauty gift sets - they’re super cute and a great way to try or share new products, who could resist! But what’s the real impact of holiday sets? Are brands making money on them? What about the environmental impact? We have mixed feelings. Let’s get into it:
Are gift sets worth it?
Bundles and kits are a really great way for new customers to try our products since they typically are a lower price point and include trial sizes. Our super serums set includes three 15mL serums for $20 - a pretty good deal considering one 30mL is $22!
On the brand side however, it’s quite an investment. We actually don’t make money on these sets (labor and materials costs are much higher than our regular products) so while the value to consumers is clear, it comes at a pretty hefty cost to us. Additionally, when our sets go into a retailer (like Target or Ulta Beauty) but don’t sell out, we’re contractually obligated to buy back the units that don’t sell at full price. It’s a risk! But one we’re willing to take considering sets really allow our products to reach more people and help us stand out in the busy rush of the holiday season.
What about wasteful packaging?
Gift sets are expected to look polished and eye-catching, but for us, sustainability is always a priority. This means we chose to skip things like plastic films or excessive decorations that don’t align with our packaging values. While our more minimal approach might not give the same “unboxing” experience as other brands, it allows us to stay true to what we feel matters most.
What do you think?
As a customer, do you like shopping for skincare gift sets this time of year? Does it add value to your holiday shopping experience? Ultimately, if these sets bring joy and introduce more people to cocokind, then they’re definitely worth the investment, even if it’s just a limited-time offer for the holidays. We’re already planning ahead for holiday 2025 and we’d love to hear your thoughts - send us a DM on Instagram and let’s chat!
check out our holiday gift guide here, perfect for the skincare-lover in your life.