Secret Santa gift ideas
We’ve all been there. Pulled a name out of the hat and winced. Your boss. Your crush. Your frenemy. Or worst of all, someone you don’t even know. Secret Santa gift ideas can be a real minefield.
Well, consider this an early Christmas present from us to you, as we’ve put together a little guide bursting with unique Secret Santa gift ideas to help you avoid a festive faux pas. Whether you’ve been roped into the office Secret Santa or are Secret Santa-ing with your nearest and dearest, our Secret Santa gift ideas are tailored by budget and feature get-it-right-every-single-time gifts with a 99.9% success rate. Well, so we’ve heard…
So, put down those reindeer socks you thought were a 'right laugh’ and pick up that list because you've got gifts to get!
How to play Secret Santa
We know what you’re thinking: This is gonna be expensive and I still have my great aunt Mildred, postman Paul and my neighbour's cat to buy pressies for. But fret not! It doesn’t have to be expensive if you get it right. And the best way to get it right? Learning the rules. There’s a few different ways of playing Secret Santa so if you’re the one deciding, pick one of our three ways to play below. And if you’re partaking, scroll on to find some Secret Santa gift ideas that’ll still leave you with cash left over for everyone else on your list. You’re welcome.
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The traditional way
Yes, it's quite tame but it's the easiest way to play. Write each participant's name on a piece of paper, draw names at random out of a hat or a box, choose the gift you wanna get ‘em then gather together and exchange! You can always choose to reveal your identity afterward or keep it hush. The choice is yours, Santa Claus…
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The newfangled way
Choose an online generator and add all of the participants (don’t forget a funny group name and the date of the event). Send invitations to everyone via email or text and then the generator will automatically draw names for each participant. Don’t forget to make a wish list to let your Secret Santa know what you want!
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The silly way
Not the traditional type? No problemo. Opt for White Elephant where players bring wrapped, unlabelled gifts and take turns unwrapping them and trying to steal them from one another. Or how about a simple game of pass the parcel? Get the Christmas tunes on and when the music stops, the youngest player opens their gift. Or you could even do a scavenger hunt! Ho, ho, oh what fun...
Gifts for Secret Santa under £10
Great gifts don't have to cost a fortune. Ho-ho-homeware at heavenly prices? Yep. Big-brand beauty with a merry little price tag? Yep. Everyday essentials at elf-sized prices? Yep. We’ve got snow many ways to spend a tenner, all under one online roof. Take a look at our list for some serious inspo and grab your gifts for Secret Santa under £10 now…
Books – For the bookworm, of course
Beauty products – For the makeup aficionado
Skincare productd – For the skin-tellectuals
Candles – For the… well, everyone. Who doesn’t love a TK candle?
Perfume and aftershave – For the scent enthusiast
Photo frame – For the memory makers
Mugs – For the coffee connoisseurs
Puzzles – For the clever clogs
Cookbooks – For the foodies
Pyjamas – For the sleepy head
Jewellery – For the bling lovers
Diffusers – For fragrance fanatics
Craft kits – For the arty farty one
Ornaments – For the homebody
Phone accessories – For the tech wizz
Right, we’ve given you plenty of affordable gifts for Secret Santa under £10! Time to get shopping, sleighing and saving…
Secret Santa presents for her
Ladies love a candle and posh matchsticks in a jar. Ooh, and a soap and hand cream set. Or how about skincare from a fancy-pants brand? Whether you’re looking for thoughtful Secret Santa presents for her or quirky Secret Santa gifts for her, we can pretty much guarantee you’ll find gifts she *actually* wants right here…
Secret Santa presents for him
Drawn a fussy fella? Don’t fret. Coffee lover? Treat him to a chic mug and fancy coffee beans. Fashion lover? Designer socks or a big-name beanie will do nicely. For thoughtful Secret Santa presents for him, you can’t go wrong with aftershave or grooming gift sets from some of the biggest brands in the land. Sorted!
Secret Santa ideas for work
Whether you work for a startup, in a swanky big office or WFH and communicate with your team virtually, you’re probably going to be involved in the festivities at some point – sorry to break it to you. But don’t stress! Instead, get a head start and check out these Secret Santa ideas for work. And remember, it’s vital you nail who you’re buying for. The same present for your work crush and frenemy? No way. An uber-thoughtful gift for your boss to stay in their good books? Big sleigh.
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Your boss
Nothing says ‘You’re the best boss in the world’ like a fancy tie for work or a flask for their morning commute. Or, a posh diffuser (at a not-so-posh price) will do the job.
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Your crush
You want to pick something that says 'Why won't you love me?' without coming across as needy. Maybe a picture frame with a snap of you in it? Kidding. But we do have some really nice picture frames…
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Your frenemy
So, they’re not your bestie but that’s okay. Do your research, find out what they’re into and bingo. Yoga? Colourful exercise mat. Foodie? Fancy gourmet pasta. Still not a clue? Get ‘em a good ol’ gift card.
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Someone you don't know
Who are they? What do they do? How old are they? So many questions. Gift sets always go down well, no matter who they are and what they like. Failing that, chocolate.
Shop by price
Forget bass, it’s all about that budget, ‘bout that budget, no trouble. Unless it’s your office crush, no Secret Santa gift is worth blowing the budget for. So, whatever budget’s been agreed by the Secret Santa master (Sue in HR), make sure you stick to it with a little help from yours truly…
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Secret Santa gifts under £5
We're all about savvy shopping and big savings, so why not save your cash for the Xmas party and find a Secret Santa gift under £5? Cups, candles, creams, colouring books… The list goes on. Dash to your local store or scroll online to nail the gift-giving game without worrying about the cost.
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Secret Santa gifts under £10
You can still be bougie on a budget. A sweet-smelling scent, a pair of leather gloves or some jazzy jewels are all thoughtful Secret Santa gifts that won’t break the bank. Want to make their pressie really special? Nab wrapping paper, cards and bows for under £10 too. Ready, wrapped and ribboned for up to 60% less*. Winner.
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Secret Santa gifts under £25
Some people are just worth a bit more than others, shh! For the go-all-out gifts that require a bit more care and thought, think toasty scarves, silk ties or a set of glasses. They’ll *really* appreciate the Santa-mental gift and you’ll *really* appreciate the holly jolly price tag.
Secret Santa for the family
It might be a new take on gifting but it’s a fun and more importantly cost-effective way to give gifts to the family this Christmas. Yes, you might pull the short straw and pick your cousin-in-law who you have only said so much as ‘Hi’ to but that’s all part of the fun.
Simply put all of your names in a hat or generator (you decide if it’s just immediate family, in-laws or you wanna get your whole cul-de-sac involved) and pick out your person. Then, get ‘em a gift from yours truly and let the games begin! Just try not to get offended when your mum doesn’t get you anything…
Secret Santa etiquette
1. Don't spend over the agreed limit. No one likes a show off.
2. Do a little research. Find out what they like (or what they hate).
3. Don't wait until the last minute and get something rubbish.
4. Wrap it so even if it is rubbish, it will look pretty (briefly).
5. Have fun and enjoy yourself!