Alright, let’s be real. The Secret Santa gift exchange can either be the highlight of the holiday season or that awkward moment when someone gets a candle that’s clearly been regifted (no judgment here, but also, guilty). But with a little thought, you can wow your giftee and make everyone wonder how you managed to nail the perfect gift.
The secret? A little creativity, a sprinkle of personalization, and a few affordable ideas that don’t scream “last-minute.”
Whether you’re shopping for a coworker, a bestie, or even that person from accounting whose name you just learned, I’ve got you covered with some secret santa gift ideas that are sure to impress without maxing out your holiday budget.
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How to Wow with Secret Santa Gifts
First things first: put a little thought into it. Trust me, it shows. The best way to nail Secret Santa is to pick something that feels a little bit them, even if you don’t know them super well. Here are some foolproof tips:
- Consider their interests. If they’re always talking about coffee, tea, or snacks, something in that realm is always a safe bet.
- If you’re unsure what they’d like, a gift basket with multiple items can save the day. I’m talking about something that everyone can enjoy—think self-care goodies like bath bombs or snack assortments (because who doesn’t love snacks?).
- Go for practical. Gifts that people will actually use are always appreciated, even if they’re small. No one wants a dust collector!
- Cute wrapping? Absolutely. I mean, how else are you going to turn a basic mug into a “wow” moment? Pro tip: Use seasonal wrapping paper or a cute gift bag to elevate even the simplest gifts.
- Personalize it. Even a small, inexpensive gift can feel thoughtful if you add a personal touch, like a handwritten note or their favorite candy tucked inside.
- Experience it. I cannot stress this enough! We have scoured reddit, Google, TikTok, you name and it’s safe to say that everyone prefers an experience over a material gift, especially if the experience celebrates their hobbies and interests. So, if you know their hobbies or interests, pair your gift with an experience that ties into it. For example, are they a wine lover? How about giving them a bottle of wine (of their favorite type of wine), a cute wine stopper to go with it, alongside a free pass to a local winery or wine shop? Instant winner. (and more wine lover gift ideas below)
Classic, Can’t-Go-Wrong Gifts (Under $25!)
These gifts are tried and true and never fail to bring the holiday cheer. The best part? You can find something thoughtful without going over $25!
- Mugs: They’re classic for a reason! You can never have too many. Fill one with candy or pair it with a pack of gourmet hot chocolate to make it extra cozy. This mug is perfect because you can customize it with your person’s initials.
- Throw Blanket: Everyone loves a blanket! This one is my all-time favorite throw blanket (seriously, I have two of them) and it adds a little decoration to any room. I actually got it as a gift myself, loved it so much that I had to ask the gift giver where they purchased it from so I could buy another one.
- Chocolate Truffle Flight: Who doesn’t love fancy chocolate? This Godiva option is a 6 piece holiday truffle flight that will elevate any gift.
- Fuzzy Socks: I’ve definitely received fuzzy socks as a gift and I can guarantee you have, too. Does it ever get old? No. Absolutely, not. So, here are my favorite fuzzy socks I am sure your gift giver will love!
- Bath Bomb Set or Sugar Scrub: Perfect for the self-care item gift basket I recommended earlier. This Tree Hut Sugar Scrub is my personal favorite. It comes in so many scents, and it's one of those self-care gifts that feels like a little bit of luxury without the price tag.
- Gourmet Coffee or Tea Sampler: Everyone has their drink of choice– whether coffee or tea, you can always surprise them with a new experience of taste! As a coffee drinker myself, this adorable Atlas Coffee Club Set is my dream (shoutout to whoever my Secret Santa is). Or if your person loves tea, check out this elegant tea sampler gift box.
Pro Tip: If you know their go-to drink order (like chai tea), snag a sampler set based on that flavor along with some fun add-ins (hello, chai-flavored goodies!).
- Lip Balm: My go-to is the Summer Fridays lip balm, but really, any slightly elevated lip balm will do. It’s a small gift with a big potential for appreciation!
- Notebooks: A cute notebook is a practical yet thoughtful gift. Perfect for a coworker, or that one friend who always has a to-do list going. I received this notebook before as a gift, which comes in so many different colors and lasted me a long time!
For the Office Secret Santa
Looking to dazzle your coworkers with a gift that’s both practical and personal? These office-friendly presents will make you the ultimate Secret Santa superstar:
- Mug Stuffed with Favorite Candy – Start their day with a smile and a sweet treat. A mug filled with their favorite candies is a win-win: useful and delicious. This mug is perfect because you can customize it with their initial.
- Daily Affirmations for Desk – Brighten their workday with a little positivity. These daily affirmations are a fun way to add a bit of inspiration and motivation right to their desk.
- Personalized Notebook: Give their note-taking a touch of class with this custom notebook. Whether they’re jotting down meeting notes or brainstorming big ideas, it’s a gift that’s both thoughtful and useful.
- Ornaments Specific to Person: Celebrate their unique interests or hobbies with a personalized ornament. It’s a fun way to add a bit of personality to their workspace or holiday décor.
- Drink Warmer/Cooler: Help them keep their coffee hot or their iced tea cold with a drink warmer or cooler. Perfect for those long office hours when temperature control is key.
- Keyboard Cleaning Kit: Keep their keyboard in tip-top shape with a handy cleaning kit. It’s a small gesture that goes a long way in maintaining a clean and efficient workspace.
- Snack Box: Fuel their workday with a curated snack box filled with goodies. Ideal for those mid-afternoon cravings or as a little pick-me-up during a busy day.
- Work Bestie Candle: Light up their desk with a candle that celebrates their work bestie status. It’s a warm and cozy addition to any office space.
- Bulk Pack of Favorite Drinks and Snacks: Stock their desk with a variety of their favorite drinks and snacks. This bulk pack will ensure they’re always prepared for a quick break or a snack attack.
- Hand Cream for Desk or Burt’s Bees Gift Set: Keep their hands soft and pampered with this luxurious hand cream. The Burt’s Bees Gift Set is a popular option.
- Pens and Highlighters: Brighten up their office supplies with these pens and highlighters in aesthetic colors.
- Luxury Chocolate Box: When in doubt, go for luxury chocolates. This beautifully packaged box of high-end chocolates is a sweet and sophisticated way to end their day on a high note.
For the Book Club
Got a fellow book lover in your Secret Santa circle? Easy peasy. There are so many cute options that are thoughtful and fun!
- Personalized Library Stamp: If they’re a hardcore reader, they’ll geek out over this one.
- Neck Light: Perfect for those cozy, under-the-blanket reading sessions. Bonus: It’s USB rechargeable, so no one has to hunt for batteries mid-chapter.
- Heated Blanket: If you’re willing to spend just a bit more, this heated blanket is a no-brainer!
- Bookmarks: Whether it’s a personalized embroidered corner bookmark or magnetic bookmarks, it’s the little things that make a difference.
- Reading Journal: Help them track their reading list with a dedicated journal
- Book-Shaped Flower Vase: Go the extra mile with a book-shaped flower vase. Pair it with a handmade bouquet of flowers and you just won in life.
- Iced Drink Cup Sleeve: You know what goes hand in hand with reading? Coffee. This adorable iced coffee cup sleeve is unique and sure to surprise!
- Wine Charms: Because what goes great with reading? Wine of course. These adorable book-themed wine charms make such a great addition to a gift!
For the Wine Club
If you’re lucky enough to be Secret Santa for someone in a wine club (or just someone who loves wine), these gifts are gold:
- A Vacuum Wine Stopper, Electric Wine Decanter, Wine Chiller, Electric Wine Opener, or Wine Charms: All useful and classy.
- Wine Tote Carrier: For those who like to bring the party with them.
- Wine Tasting Journal: A cute way to keep track of all those sips and tastes!
- Wine Puzzle: This one that’s based on France is to die for!
For the Fitness Group
These fitness-themed gifts will hit the sweet spot:
- Bala Bangles: These trendy weighted bangles are perfect for adding a little extra resistance to any workout. Plus, they’re cute enough to wear outside of the gym.
- Resistance Bands: Small but mighty, resistance bands make workouts effective and easy to do anywhere (even while binge-watching holiday movies).
- Free Fitness Class Pass: Know a barre lover or a yoga enthusiast? A pass to their favorite class will score you major points.
- Fitness Snack Box: Who doesn’t love snacks? This box is packed with healthy treats to fuel their next workout—or, you know, a Netflix marathon.
- Travel Cork Massage Ball: Perfect for post-workout recovery, or just rolling away those desk-chair knots. Toss one in their gym bag, and they’ll thank you later.
- Shower Steamers: Help them turn their post-workout shower into a spa-like experience. These aromatherapy steamers will leave them feeling refreshed and pampered.
- Foldable Yoga Mat: A lightweight, foldable yoga mat is a game-changer for workouts on the go. It fits in almost any bag and is perfect for stretching out between holiday stressors.
- Tote Bag with Yoga Mat Carrier: Keep everything organized with a chic tote that has a built-in yoga mat carrier. Stylish and practical? Yes, please!
For the Travel Club
Globetrotters in your Secret Santa this year? These travel-inspired gifts will have them dreaming of their next adventure, even if it’s just a trip to Grandma’s for the holidays.
- Airplane Phone Holder Mount: Because trying to prop your phone on a tray table with a napkin never works. This mount makes in-flight entertainment hands-free and hassle-free.
- Travel Journal: For capturing all those unforgettable travel memories or planning their dream trips. Bonus: It’s also great for doodling on long layovers.
- Travel Blanket: Cozy up on the go with a soft travel blanket. Perfect for those chilly flights or long car rides when you need a little extra comfort.
- Total Blackout Sleeping Mask: Say goodbye to airplane light and hello to peaceful naps anywhere. This mask blocks out everything, so they can snooze in style.
- Passport Cover: Help keep their passport safe and stylish with a sleek passport cover. Plus, it’s easier to find in a crowded bag!
- Luggage Travel Cup Holder: Because no one should have to choose between pulling their suitcase and holding their coffee. This genius gadget clips to their luggage and holds their drink for them.
- Scratch-Off Travel Poster: Inspire future adventures with a scratch-off map that lets them track every place they’ve been. It's like a visual bucket list—perfect for anyone who’s always dreaming of the next destination.
For the Art & Photography Club
Got a friend who’s always snapping pics or sketching away? These gifts are sure to inspire their creativity and make their art-loving heart skip a beat:
- Camera Lens Coffee Mug: Start their morning with a bit of humor and creativity. This mug looks like a real camera lens and is perfect for sipping coffee while daydreaming about their next shoot.
- Lens Wipes: Keep those camera lenses spotless and ready for action. These wipes are a must-have for anyone serious about their photography—or just for keeping their glasses clean during a creative brainstorm.
- Lens Pen: An essential tool for any photographer, this handy pen cleans lenses and keeps their gear in top shape. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in any camera bag.
- Art Dice: Add a little randomness to their creative process with art dice. Roll the dice to get unique prompts and ideas for their next masterpiece—because sometimes inspiration needs a little push.
- Games like Six Second Scribbles – A fun and fast-paced game that’s perfect for honing their sketching skills or just having a good laugh with friends. Great for those moments when they need a creative break!
- Coffee Table Book about Art – A beautifully illustrated coffee table book will provide endless inspiration and make a striking addition to any art lover’s home. It’s like having a mini-gallery right in their living room.
Gag Gifts (Because Secret Santa Should Be Fun!)
*disclaimer: it is better to know the gift giver for sure and if they would appreciate a gift like this– you don’t want to offend the person who sits in the cubicle across from you.
If you’re in the market for something a little more quirky (or if you’re just shopping for the office prankster), here are a few laugh-out-loud options:
- Things I Can’t Say Out Loud in Meetings Notebook: For those moments when they're bursting to speak their mind but have to keep it professional. This humorous book is a hilarious way to vent without saying a word.
- Not My Job Stamp: Perfect for those days when they need to subtly express that certain tasks are, quite frankly, beneath them. Just stamp it and walk away with a grin.
- Toilet Golf or Toilet Fishing: Turn bathroom breaks into fun with a mini-golf or fishing game. It’s the ultimate way to bring a bit of entertainment to their, ahem, downtime.
- Golf Bag Grilling Accessories: For the golf enthusiast who loves a good barbecue, these grilling accessories look like golf gear but are perfect for cooking up a storm. It’s a quirky way to combine two favorite pastimes.
- Bob Ross Chia Pet: This iconic Chia Pet brings a bit of art and greenery into their life. Watch Bob Ross grow his famous ‘do while spreading joy with his artistic flair.
- Mini Tic-Tacs: Tiny and fun, these mini Tic-Tacs are perfect for a quick minty fix and make for a delightful, quirky gift.
- Pooping Dogs Calendar: A calendar that combines adorable pups and a bit of bathroom humor. It’s a playful gift that’s sure to get some giggles.
- Custom Face Socks: Put their face (or a funny design) on a pair of socks. It’s a unique and hilarious way to keep their feet warm while showcasing their personality.
- Tortilla Blanket: Wrap them up like a human burrito with this cozy, tortilla-shaped blanket. It’s a hilarious and comfy way to stay warm during those chilly nights.
Wrapping It All Up
And don’t forget: how you present the gift is just as important as what’s inside! Go for cute wrapping paper, add a bow, and toss in a handwritten note. It’s these little touches that will make your gift stand out.
At the end of the day, Secret Santa gift exchanges are all about having fun and spreading some holiday cheer. And with these ideas, you’ll be sure to wow your giftee—even if you had no idea what to get them five minutes ago. So go ahead, shop smart, and make this holiday season extra special.
