Secret Santa is a fun, festive tradition where friends or colleagues secretly buy a gift for someone else in the group. But if you don’t do your research on the best Secret Santa gift ideas, it can mean a last-minute panic for the buyer and an unwanted novelty gift for the recipient.
You’re not alone in worrying about finding the best Secret Santa gift. To help spark inspiration, we’ve suggested 42 cool and affordable Secret Santa gifts for every type of person — foodies, hard workers, home lovers, good friends — and different budgets, plus tips for making the gift special and well-presented.
- The process of buying a thoughtful Secret Santa gift that the recipient loves starts with understanding their lifestyle, interests or habits, not just what’s trending.
- With creative packaging, customised touches and clever twists, affordable Secret Santa gifts can become special and meaningful.
- Personalised gifts, from mugs to puzzles, can be bought with small budgets and are popular with friends and colleagues.
- The best Secret Santa gift ideas are humorous, useful or sentimental, and sometimes all three!
- A simple custom upgrade, like themed wrapping or a handwritten tag, can turn any Secret Santa gift into a memorable one.
Best gifts for foodies
Food-related gifts are super-Christmassy and can be shared with colleagues or family (as well as with the gift-giver, if you’re lucky!).
Secret Santa, as it’s known in the UK and US, is also known as Kris Kringel in Ireland, Australia and Canada and Amigo Secreto in Spanish and Portuguese-speaking countries.
Under £10
1. Custom can cooler
A can cooler is an insulated jacket for the recipient’s favourite brew to keep their cold drinks cool. Make this Secret Santa gift fun and personal with a funny photo or message.
Custom can cooler
Make a can cooler an even better gift by including the recipient’s favourite drink inside!
2. Festive condiments
Condiments like chutney, mustard or hot sauce can last all year, meaning they don’t have to be eaten during the festive period. Small sauce bottles make great Secret Santa gifts — they’re affordable and can transform leftovers or a desk sandwich into a tastier treat.
Source: TRUFF Mini Original Hot Sauce via TRUFF
Under £20
3. Personalised mug
If your Secret Santa is more of a coffee or tea drinker, give a custom mug, featuring a photo, joke message or name. In a shared office, that means you’re not just gifting a personalised mug, you’re making sure no one has an excuse for using their mug in the future.
Personalised mugs can be funny Secret Santa gifts for colleagues
4. Custom foodie cap
Knowing what the recipient likes can be a springboard to other gift ideas. Give a nod to their love of a particular food by getting it printed on clothing, like a custom cap featuring the company logo of their favourite snack?
Custom gifts are a great way to tailor the present to the person. Our festive gift guide with the best personalised Christmas gift ideas is packed with inspiration.
Under £30
5. Personalised glass
Is the recipient a wine buff who loves nothing more than relaxing with a glass of their favourite tipple? Or perhaps they’re known for their love of cocktails or fresh juice? These stemless etched wine glasses can be monogrammed with initials for an added personal touch.
Personalised etched stemless wine glasses
Don’t assume everyone likes the same thing. A wine glass isn’t a great gift if they don’t drink, while meat products are an obvious no for vegetarians. If in doubt, ask around to find out what they like and don’t like!
6. Personalised photo coasters
Does your housemate or colleague rely on their morning cup of coffee to get them through the day? Rather than bags of coffee beans, give them a single-serve cafetière or help keep their desk clean with a set of four personalised photo coasters.
Personalised photo coasters
7. Custom bottles and flasks
Christmas is a time to be merry, and for many people, warm festive drinks are at the heart of that. Custom insulated bottles come in a range of different styles, shapes and materials, from sports to stainless steel bottles that will keep the recipient’s hot chocolate or mulled wine warm on a winter’s walk.
Custom insulated bottles
8. A food hamper
Hampers can be as big, luxurious and Christmassy as you like. You can also visit a deli or specialist shop, using what you know about the recipient’s tastes as a starting point to select a few food items. The best hampers contain a good mix of different foods (so they’re bound to like something in it) and are tailored to any likes and dislikes.
Custom food hamper and kitchen knives
For an extra special touch, personalise your food hamper with personalised ribbon or wrapping to make the unboxing experience even more memorable.
Best gifts for hard workers
We all know someone who sends emails when they should be tucked up in bed or is halfway through that report before anyone else has logged in. If your friend or colleague never seems to be out of the office, consider brightening their workday with one of these thoughtful Secret Santa gifts.
Under £10
9. A personalised pen
Whether used to write to-do lists or mark up documents, a custom pen is more tactile and personal than a digital device. This metal engraved ballpoint pen gives you that, plus the chance to personalise it with the recipient’s name, initials or a short message.
Custom engraved pen
10. Custom tech accessories
The best Secret Santa gift ideas for workaholics are about injecting a bit of fun into the workday. Most people don’t think twice about their mouse mats, but a personalised photo mouse mat with a picture of a recent office get-together, a friend’s party or a great view you shared on holiday can remind them of a happy memory at just the right moment. A custom USB stick with laser engraving is a handy alternative.
Custom USB stick
Gift bags instantly make even a small present feel more thoughtful. Choose colours, patterns or tags that match the recipient’s interests to create a memorable unwrapping moment that’s still within budget.
11. Motivational Post-it note set
A pack of custom sticky notes with witty affirmations or productivity prompts adds a bit of fun and focus to even the busiest workday. Bonus points if you personalise the Post-its with inside jokes.
Custom Post-it notes
Under £20
12. A custom journal
Journalling has become increasingly popular in recent years, with celebrities and psychologists extolling its benefits. Gift a custom journal featuring a design or personal mantra to make the contents feel even more meaningful, whether they’re filling it with their deepest thoughts or meeting notes.
Custom notebooks
13. Blue light-blocking glasses
Yours, mine and definitely your work-obsessed friend’s eyes are increasingly glued to screens. Specialist glasses help by blocking out blue light from screens, giving their eyes a break when they’re still at their desks and everyone else is winding down. Blue light-blocking glasses also make a great gift for late-night scrollers.
Under £30
14. Succulents
A plant can be a pretty short-lived Secret Santa gift if it’s not watered. But because succulents can survive on little water, even the most work-absorbed friend or colleague should be able to keep them alive. Plus, greenery has proven psychological benefits, and you can get a succulents gift box sent right to your door.
Source: Gift pack of succulents by rahajoe via 99designs by Vista
15. Noise-reducing earplugs
For colleagues who thrive on deep focus, a pair of reusable silicone earplugs or discreet noise reducers can offer welcome relief from office or home distractions. Pair them with a small storage case for easy carrying.
Still not sure what to buy your hard-working colleague? Find more inspiration in our list of Christmas colleague gift ideas.
Best gifts for home lovers
Christmas is all about a break from the grindstone, so if you have a friend or colleague who loves nothing more than a night in or a weekend pottering about the house, lean into their homey vibe with a gift they can enjoy at home.
Under £10
16. Fridge poetry set
Magnetic poetry kits are quirky, creative and great for anyone who loves to spend time in the kitchen. Go classic, romantic or silly to suit any mood.
Under £20
17. Kitchen gifts
If you don’t know your Secret Santa recipient that well, it’s best to keep things generic. Just about everyone uses a fridge and washes the dishes (at least sometimes), making a classy but affordable tea towel or a fun selection of custom fridge magnets easy but satisfying options.
Source: Tea towel via Fortnum & Mason
18. Custom keyrings
A keyring is a great gift for someone who’s always losing their keys. But custom keyrings can also feature photos, fun messages or personal catchphrases, making great Secret Santa gifts that the recipient will carry with them in their pocket wherever they go, reminding them of home (and you).
Custom photo keyring
19. A transparent puzzle
Indoor games offer fun (or arguments) for the whole family. But the festive season can be a quiet time for some. Puzzles hit that sweet spot; they’re great for groups or one person. For something a bit different, give a puzzle with a twist, like a transparent puzzle that claims to be impossible.
Source: Transparent puzzle via Always personal
Under £30
20. Personalised puzzle
If a transparent puzzle looks too complicated, why not give your recipient something more familiar, like a custom puzzle of their face, a favourite photo or a place they know well, giving them a head start.
Personalised puzzle
21. Personalised cushions
Comfort is big at Christmas, so a custom cushion decorated with an image of the recipient’s pet, favourite place or an arty design may be just the Secret Santa gift idea for home lovers.
Custom cushion
If you’re buying this comfy gift for a colleague, it could make the perfect desk chair cushion.
22. Canvas prints
If you’ve got a good picture of the recipient, give a custom canvas print to fill an empty wall or desk space. If you don’t know them that well, you can always use a design template or text instead of a photograph. Think of a slogan or mantra they live by.
Custom canvas prints
Best gifts for self-care
Amongst all the gift-giving and trips to visit relatives, or the nights at home wondering if everyone else is having more fun than you, it’s important to look after yourself. These Secret Santa gift ideas are all about self-care.
Under £10
23. Skincare and custom beauty products
Chapped lips and dry hands can be a symptom of cold Christmas weather if you’re in the northern hemisphere. So use the season to inspire your gift with products that beat the chill by gifting high-end lip balm or hand salve. Turn self-care into a jokey present by getting your own custom beauty products made to give as gifts all year round.
Source: Lip balm by PLVD via 99designs by Vista
24. Pocket-sized aromatherapy roll-on
Essential oil blends are designed to calm, energise or de-stress, perfect for a midday pick-me-up or bedtime routine. Choose festive scents like peppermint or cinnamon for a seasonal twist, or go classic with lavender or eucalyptus.
25. Sheet face mask set
A selection of sheet face masks (often sold in multipacks) makes for a light, pampering gift. Pop them in a small envelope with a handwritten ‘Me Time’ card for instant feel-good vibes.
If you’re the Secret Santa organiser, make sure the budget works for everyone. If it’s difficult for everyone to draw names from a hat, there are plenty of free generator apps.
Under £20
26. Custom hats
A custom beanie with a name or personalised design will help keep the recipient warm and is more personal than any old hat. Choose from cuffs and bobbles or broaden your search to include trucker hats for that old-school hipster feel.
27. A custom bag
Custom tote bags like this cotton tote for are eco-friendly and practical. Turn a tote bag into a self-care gift by printing a wholesome message on it and filling it with pampering goodies or a voucher for a spa day, depending on your Secret Santa budget.
Custom tote bag
Under £30
28. Custom sleep mask
Help the recipient drift off with a silky sleep mask customised with names, initials or a fun slogan. Paired with a matching pouch, this luxurious gift is perfect for travellers, night owls or anyone needing better sleep.
29. Essential oil diffuser
Compact and quiet, a mini essential oil diffuser brings spa vibes to any room. Pair the diffuser with a calming scent like lavender, and this gift will quickly become a daily self-care ritual.
Best gifts if you know them well
Do you know your friend or colleague like the back of your hand? Buying them a Secret Santa gift should be easy, but the pressure is on to get them a good one. Think about what they’re known for — do they have an (office) alter ego or a reputation for a specific thing?
Under £10
30. Personalised enamel badge
Whether it’s their favourite phrase, hobby icon or pet’s face, a custom enamel badge is a low-cost but high-impact way for them to wear their personality quirks on their jacket, tote bag or backpack.
Under £20
31. Personalised T-shirt
Buying for a friend is when humour can work best, because you’re less likely to get the tone wrong or offend them. Customise a cotton T-shirt with an iconic photo or private joke for the perfect Secret Santa gift. Custom T-shirts come in a range of colours and styles, making them easy to tailor to your friend.
Custom-printed T-shirts
32. Custom stamp
Do they love books? A custom stamp like this self-inking stamp personalised with their initials or name can help your friend feel like they’re a librarian. Combine it with a book or two to help them build their collection.
Custom stamp with initials
33. Movie poster
You know them, so use that intel and incorporate their interests. If they love films, how about a movie theatre subscription or a scratch-off movie poster?
Source: Scratch-off movie poster via Uncommon Goods
If you’re buying for someone you don’t know well, recipe books or book-club-recommended novels are universally popular. Books are also easy to regift or exchange (slip the receipt between the book’s pages).
Under £30
34. A personalised calendar
If you’re close enough to have plenty of pics of the recipient, a custom wall calendar is a brilliant gift idea. With easy-to-manage templates, you can personalise the calendar using photos of them for each month.
Custom calendar
35. Cameo-style message from their idol
For a one-of-a-kind gift, check platforms like Cameo or Memmo, where you can get a short, personal video shoutout from a celebrity or sports hero. They’re surprisingly affordable and guaranteed to get a laugh.
Best gifts for the impossible to please
Most Secret Santa recipients aren’t someone you know inside and out. Gently ask those who know them better, or choose a universally useful gift. The following gifts will please everyone.
Under £10
36. Travel-size game kit
A portable set of classics — think chess, backgammon, cards or dominoes — makes a universally appealing gift, perfect for holidays, commutes or impromptu game nights.
37. Custom scratch card
Add mystery to your gift with a custom scratch card revealing a fun message, mini challenge or DIY reward. Whether it says ‘Your coffee’s on me’ or ‘Redeem for one night off the washing up’, this Secret Santa gift idea is playful, personal and cheap — ideal when you’re shopping for someone who’s tricky to buy for.
Under £20
38. A voucher with a difference
A voucher or gift card gives your recipient the gift of choice, but it can feel like a cop-out as a Secret Santa gift. So give a voucher that feels different, like a tour of their town or city. Local businesses may also have schemes that feel more personal than a chain-store voucher. Alternatively, make a DIY voucher for an experience you know they’ll love.
39. Phone charger
A charged phone is essential, making a power bank or wireless charger a decent Secret Santa gift idea for any recipient, especially if they enjoy travel or hiking. Customise this gently rounded wireless charging pad using a template or custom photo, depending on how close you are.
40. Custom phone case or wallet
A personalised phone case or slim wallet is both practical and personal. Add their initials, a favourite photo or a bold design that they’ll love to carry everywhere.
Personalised wrapping paper and a thoughtful note can elevate any Secret Santa gift.
Custom Christmas card
Under £30
41. Monogrammed scarf
Cold-weather clothing accessories are fairly universal and deeply Christmassy. Give gloves, mittens or a scarf a personal twist by customising them with the recipient’s initials. This useful and thoughtful gift will be cherished for winters to come and is guaranteed to win any Secret Santa.
42. Digital gift subscription
Instead of a one-off item, gift a subscription, like three months of a meditation app, puzzle subscription or audiobook platform. It’s a low-effort, high-value gift and will please almost everyone.
Secret Santa buying made easy
Secret Santa gift-giving can be joyous but it can also be stressful. To keep it simple, we recommend thinking about what you can buy within your budget, who you’re buying for and using lists like this one for inspiration. Focus on finding a fun and useful personalised Christmas gift, and you might just get something good in return.
