Secret Santa gift ideas by budget
You’ve drawn a name and have no idea what to get? Here are gifts that stay within budget and work even for people you hardly know. Prices are rough, and the same ideas work in pounds or euros.
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Under $10
- A good chocolate bar or a small box of truffles
- Hand cream or lip balm
- Nice tea or a small bag of good coffee
- A small houseplant or a pack of flower bulbs
- Homemade cookies in a jar
- Fun socks
Under $20
- A notebook with a nice cover and a good pen
- A card game for travel
- A scented candle
- A spice blend or a small bottle of good olive oil
- A mug filled with cookies or tea
- A small puzzle or brain teaser
Under $30
- An insulated travel mug for the commute
- Cozy socks with hot chocolate
- A paperback with a short note inside
- A pocket-size board game
- A recipe card with the ingredients to make it
- A gift card for a local shop or café
If you barely know the person
Go for something that gets used up: food, tea, candles, hand cream. It won’t sit on a shelf for years, and it suits almost anyone. If in doubt, quietly ask around whether they avoid certain foods.
What to skip
- Alcohol, unless you know the person drinks
- Perfume and strongly scented products
- Anything about looks, weight or age
- Diet and fitness products, unless they’re on the wish list
- Gifts well over the budget. It puts pressure on everyone else.
Questions
- What’s a good Secret Santa gift for a coworker?
- Something for the desk or something that gets used up: a mug, a notebook, tea, chocolate. Keep it on the safe side, nothing too personal.
- Is a gift card okay?
- Yes, especially if you can’t meet in person. A handwritten card with it makes it feel more personal.
- How do I find out what someone wants?
- The easiest way is a wish list. On Groupilla everyone can add a few ideas, and only the person who drew them can see it.
Ready to draw names?
Add the names and share the link with your group. Each person sees only who they’re buying for.