A gift of self-care, like a manicure, is always a win. Whether you’re treating yourself, your mum or your best friend, it’s safe to say that a little meaningful me-time goes a long way and allows you to express yourself. A manicure often doubles as a personal art gallery on your fingertips, so if you’re looking for a feel-good activity that sparks a little creative expression, why not gift a DIY nail kit?
Once considered a snooze-worthy gift, toiletry kits with stainless-steel nail clippers have had a major glow-up. With nail art trending, today’s manicure sets and press-on nails are both stylish and practical — featuring sharp trimmers, cuticle oil, topcoat, and an emery board, all tucked into a carrying case pretty enough to leave out of the bathroom cabinet.
Ahead, we’ve gathered some of the best manicure kits and press-on nails money can buy to bring the nail salon experience to your home.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
Zwilling 6-Pcs Leather Zip Fastener Case Black, £ 209.95
For a long-term investment, this six-piece manicure kit delivers. It includes a stainless-steel nail clipper, 2-in-1 scissors, sapphire nail file, multi-use manicure tool, and tweezers — all crafted by a top-tier kitchen knife maker founded in 1731. Pricey? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely.
Zwilling 6-Pcs Leather Zip Fastener Case Black, $, available at Zwilling
Sassy Saints At-Home Nail Manicure Kit, £110 £69
For a long-lasting manicure without the UV lamp, Sassy Saints is a game-changer. Their dip-powder formula delivers up to three weeks of chip-free nails — a promise we can confirm after a month of testing.
Sassy Saints At-Home Nail Manicure Kit, $, available at Sassy Saints
Bare Hands The Dry Gloss Manicure Kit, £35.21
Prefer clean, bare nails? This chic kit has you covered with a citrus-scented cuticle oil and polisher, all tucked into a sleek vegan leather case.
Bare Hands The Dry Gloss Manicure Kit, $, available at Beauty Habit
Manucurist Super Starter Kit, £182 £115
Seeking a gentler alternative to gels? Manucurist’s Super Starter Kit is a must-try — and a top beauty pick from our senior writer Karina.
Manucurist Super Starter Kit, $, available at Manucurist
Sephora Collection Manicure Nail Tool Kit, £19.99 £15.95
The latest version of Sephora’s sold-out set — with over 100 5-star reviews — delivers on one key promise: sharp, effective tools. And honestly, what more do you need?
Sephora Collection Manicure Nail Tool Kit, $, available at Sephora
Apres Gel-X Nail Extension Kit, £108
For serious nail art enthusiasts, this kit lets you master Gel-X at home. It includes a bonder, gel primer, Gel-X tips, topcoat, and a gel curing light — all packed in a sleek metal case. Perfect for pros or anyone ready to level up their nail game.
Apres Nail Gel-X Nail Extension Kit, $, available at TNBL
Static Nails Tortoise Shell Reusable Pop-On Manicure, £18
Static Nails’ press-ons are cute, comfortable, and surprisingly reusable when applied correctly. Eco-friendly press-ons? Yep, it’s a thing — and we’re here for it.
Static Nails Tortoise Shell Reusable Pop-On Manicure, $, available at Static Nails
Nails Inc. Essentials 5-Piece Nail Treatment Set, £62 £30
Get a luxurious at-home gel-effect mani or pedi with this five-piece kit. Currently on sale for £30, it includes a 45-second top coat, superfood cuticle oil, recovery treatment, nail file, and gel-effect polish.
Nails Inc. Essentials 5-Piece Nail Treatment Kit, $, available at Nails Inc.
Le Mini Macaron Gel Manicure Kit, £30
This très chic rose-tinted kit has everything for an at-home gel manicure. From a mini macaron-shaped LED lamp to a pink chip-resistant polish, cuticle stick, file, remover pads, and step-by-step instructions — it’s as cute as it is practical.
Le Mini Macaron DIY Gel Manicure Kit in Fairy Floss, $, available at Amazon
Le Mini Macaron Maxi Rouge & Moi Deluxe Gel Manicure Kit, £60
If the mini-macaron set didn’t quite cut it, upgrade to the maxi-deluxe kit. With a larger LED lamp that cures four fingers at once, it includes two chip-resistant gel polishes, a cuticle stick, remover wraps, and a glittery nail file.
Le Mini Macaron Maxi Rouge & Moi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set, $, available at Sephora
Tweezerman Mini Nail Rescue Kit, £23
For a budget-friendly option, the Tweezerman Rescue Kit delivers. At under £25, it includes four essential tools in miniature form, neatly packed in a clear PVC pouch.
Tweezerman Mini Nail Rescue Kit, $, available at Tweezerman
Julie K Nails Nail Art Design Book, £21
For those who love nail art and want to keep track of all their designs, this book is a must-have for nail artistes, whether professional or aspiring. Not only does it feature designs created by celebrity nail artist Julie Kandalec, but it also includes plenty of open workbook pages for you to add your own sketches, colours, and creations.
Julie K Nails Nail Art Design Book, Mexico City Cover, $, available at Julie K Nails
FANDAMEI Nail Art Kit, £18.99
And once you’ve finished sketching out your nail art looks in your Julie K book, here are all the tools, jewels, and brushes you’ll need to bring the style to life.
FANDAMEI Nail Art Kit, $, available at Amazon
Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Lab Set, £27
Give your cuticles the royal treatment with this pro-approved nail care kit, complete with full sizes of Deborah Lippmann’s cuticle oil, remover, cream, and a cuticle pusher and shaper.
Deborah Lippmann Cuticle Lab Set, $, available at The Fragrance Shop
ZOYA Naked Manicure Complete Mini Pro Kit, £48.97
Prefer to keep it simple and fuss-free? Zoya’s Naked Manicure has everything you need for a nude mani — topcoat, colour, base — all designed to strengthen and fortify your nails.
Zoya Naked Manicure Complete Mini Pro Kit, $, available at Onlynaturals
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Sassy Saints’ At-Home Dip Nail Manicure Kit Review