Secret Santa gift ideas
The best Secret Santa gift is one chosen for that person, not a generic one. Start with their wishlist; if it's empty, the ideas below will get you going.
Before you buy
- Read the wishlist of the person you drew.
- Think about their day: the commute, hobbies, pets.
- Stick to the group budget: a much pricier gift puts everyone else on the spot.
- Keep the receipt so it can be exchanged if needed.
Ideas by category
Practical, everyday
For the desk
For the home
Games and hobbies
FAQ
What if the person has no wishlist?
Pick something useful that anyone can enjoy, such as an insulated mug or a good treat, and keep the receipt. Next time, ask everyone to fill in the wishlist on their Secret Santa page.
Is cash or a gift card okay?
It depends on the group. A gift card is practical, but some find it impersonal; agree on it together with the budget.
Which gifts are best avoided?
Joke gifts that might offend, perfume and cosmetics if you don't know the person's taste, and alcohol unless you're sure they drink.
Draw names and collect wishlists
Everyone writes their wishes on their own page, and their Secret Santa sees them, without names.
Organise Secret Santa