15 Secret Santa Gifts People Will Actually Love
Let’s face it: Secret Santa gift exchanges can be a minefield of disappointments and forgotten gifts. Choosing a gift is tough when you know it’ll be opened in front of friends, family, and coworkers at some holiday party.
Then there’s the price limit: a good gift exchange usually costs less than $20, but sometimes it can be as high as $50. What’s the best way to win Secret Santa without breaking the bank or breaking the rules?
The key to any gift exchange is finding something that I call “strategically eccentric.” You want to find something unusual and unique to better resonate with the quirks and personality of the person you’re gifting to. I’ve put together a few gift ideas that everyone will love—budget-friendly and, hopefully, a little useful. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a coworker you barely know or a friend you know all too well, here are the best gift ideas to help you fall in love with Secret Santa this year.
Unusual tech gadgets
When in doubt, choose something practical with a fun twist.
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Bluetooth LED Beanie Hat . A great gift idea: perfect for music lovers, for cold weather, and for something unique. I’d be surprised if anyone bought one of their own accord. Get it for $12.99 .
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Portable charger (with a nice design) . Charge your devices with a functional and attractive charger. A good charger should be in the $20-$25 range, like this Amazon bestseller for $20.99 .
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Smart mug . What could be better than sharing warmth with your favorite drink at the perfect temperature? A good smart mug can maintain your drink at the desired temperature (between 110 and 140°F) for up to 80 minutes on a full charge, or all day if left on a charging pad. A quality mug will set you back over $100 on Amazon , but this more affordable $16 mug seems quite reasonable.
Dishes that appeal to gourmets
After all, everyone needs to eat.
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A gourmet hot sauce set. Maybe they’re true spice connoisseurs, or maybe they just enjoy watching celebrities sweat it out on Hot Ones . Either way, help them add some spice to their dishes with this hot sauce set for just $24.99 .
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A unique tea or coffee tasting set. Oh, the collection of exotic flavors that will delight your taste buds. If you know spices or sweets will be too strong for the gift recipient, you can play it safe while still giving them something new. Depending on your budget, you can opt for the exquisite Tea Forte tasting set for under $20 or purchase the Atlas Coffee Club World of Coffee Discovery Set for $59.99 .
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A handmade chocolate tasting set. After all, who doesn’t love good chocolate? Or who doesn’t love giving good chocolate to someone else? Again, your Secret Santa budget will determine how luxurious you make it. Consider my personal favorite, the Taza Mexican-inspired chocolate set for $28 , or perhaps the more sophisticated Godiva truffle set for $50 .
Cozy and comfortable gifts
It’s time to wrap up comfortably and enjoy laziness.
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A set of fluffy socks. Soft, warm, and always in style. If you’re on a budget, you can easily grab a set for just $17.99 .
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A weighted sleep mask. A luxurious accessory for better sleep and relaxation. I stole one from my mom last year, and now I can’t go a night without it. I recommend the lavender one, but everyone has a different scent. Here’s a 3D sleep mask, currently on sale for $15.99 .
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Microwave-safe heated slippers. The perfect gift for cold days. And they’re fantastic when they’re warm! Just kidding. Please don’t eat them. Price: $26 .
Creative discoveries
Give them something they probably won’t get for themselves.
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A tabletop terrarium set for plants. A mini garden for plant lovers or office workers. Get a fun geometric glass design, like this one, currently on sale for $37 .
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Adult card games full of raunch. Think Cards Against Humanity or any similar party game that allows players to relax and have fun. I recommend We’re Not Total Strangers for a truly simplistic way to connect with both acquaintances and close friends. Prompts include questions like, “What’s working in your life?”, “What’s hurting you in your life?”, and even just “Confess something.” Available for $25 .
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Adventure Scratch-Off Posters. A fun way to track and plan future adventures. Get themed posters about national parks, date ideas, or even “things to do with Dad.” All are reasonably priced at around $22 .
Self-care indulgences
Help them indulge in a little luxury.
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Essential oil diffuser. A compact way to create an atmosphere of tranquility and aromatherapy anywhere. The diffuser itself can be purchased for around $20, but it’s best to purchase it in a set with premium essential oils, currently priced at $30.99 .
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A luxurious set of face masks. Skincare worthy of your attention, just like at a spa. Everyone has tried sheet masks, but I highly recommend trying a real clay mask. This interesting set from K Beauty costs $14.95 .
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Stress Relief Squeeze Toys . Cute and functional stress relief toys. Be sure to show this cube to your stressed-out coworkers. This adult squeeze cube retails for $13.95 , while the much more fun “Calm Llama” is $12 .
Additional Tips for Secret Santa Success
The advantage of Secret Santa over White Elephant is the ability to gain information about your target. Therefore, be sure to consider the recipient’s interests and personality. Research by asking mutual friends about their interests, monitor their social media for clues, and, of course, lie to the recipient about your relationship to throw them off the scent.
Remember, presentation matters—a little creative packaging can make a big difference. Another budget-friendly bonus: most of these gifts are under $25, giving you the opportunity to add a cute card or something else. Steven Johnson from Lifehacker recommends buying lottery tickets—who knows, they might even win!
Ultimately, the best gifts show your investment in the person, not how much money you spent. (And by the way, no matter how confident you are in your gift-giving abilities, always include a receipt.)