23 Secret Santa Gifts Perfect for Family, Friends, Colleagues, and Beyond

By Real Simple Editors
Updated December 16, 2020
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Credit: urbanoutfitters.com

Secret Santa is a great way for large groups of friends, family, and coworkers to affordably exchange gifts in an organized manner without ruining the surprise or spending beyond their respective budgets. But this inclusive present swap can sometimes stump even the best gift-givers, especially when paired with someone they’re not that close with. Our tips? Avoid giving the recipient another bottle of wine, box of chocolate, or gift card. Instead, opt for small, indulgent gifts for their home—like a luxurious scented candle, an elegant kitchen towel, or something that elevates their exercise, office, or kitchen game. Most people will appreciate upscale versions of items they wouldn’t necessarily spend the money on if shopping for themselves.

Not so sure that’s the right angle? You could also give an item they can use while entertaining—like an artisanal cocktail mixer, a novelty puzzle, or a stylish serving tray. These are the gifts that will keep on giving, as they’re likely to share them with guests during special occasions. Or say you're exchanging gifts with your oldest pals or sibling-cousin circle: You can also shoot for light-hearted options for recipients you know have a great sense of humor. 

RELATED: The Best Christmas Gifts for 2020

To help jumpstart your search, we scoured the market looking for worthy finds to suit for everyone on your list. And though financial limits might feel restrictive, there are a host of great Secret Santa gift options for all price ranges (all of our recs here are $75 and under—but most are less than $50). Each piece is sure to please even the most discerning person, so there’s no need to stress about what to get. From candles to cocktail kits, any coworker, friend, or family member will appreciate receiving one of these presents during a Secret Santa exchange.

RELATED: The Best White Elephant Gift Ideas for 2020

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

For the Ultimate Lounger: Z Supply Hoodie

Credit: zsupplyclothing.com
$56, zsupplyclothing.com

Your dog-loving giftee can cozy up in this relaxed, oversized hoodie from Z Supply, a chic brand that's been outfitting homebodies and self-avowed couch potatoes in style. Trust us, they'll never want to take this super-soft crewneck sweatshirt off.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

For the Comedian: Rainbow Socks Food-Themed Socks

Credit: amazon.com
$20, amazon.com

A pair of socks is a classic, if somewhat been-there-done-that gift—but hilarious, colorful socks printed and packaged to look like jarred fruit is a unique gift perfect for amusing your Secret Santa assignment. Rainbow Socks knocks it out of the park with product options: Choose between socks designed to look like preserved fruits and veggies, iced coffee in a can, french fries, pizza, and even gorgeous-looking sushi.

3 of 23

For the Planter Lover: The Sill Bird’s Nest Fern

From $38, thesill.com

Liven up their personal space with a real house plant from The Sill that's fully potted and ready to display. They'll love this tropical Bird's Nest Fern that's a standout piece of greenery thanks to its trademark rippled fronds. And this one arrives with a pretty, minimal planter.

Advertisement

4 of 23

For the Whiskey Connoisseur: Ultimate Whiskey Set

$35, williams-sonoma.com

Outfit the whiskey swiller on your gift list with a must-have Schott Zwiesel Ultimate Whiskey Set. Nothing too over-the-top here: Just two classic double old-fashioned tumblers (made of chip- and shatter-proof crystal) and two large sphere silicone ice molds for chilling favorite whiskey without watering it down.

5 of 23

For the Desk Athlete: Tabletop Air Hockey

Credit: urbanoutfitters.com
$44, urbanoutfitters.com

Gift your Secret Santa something they can play on any surface—even in their home office in between tasks—all year around, rain or shine. We're talking about tabletop air hockey, equipped with a fan motor, two mallets, and two pucks. Game on.

6 of 23

For the Brew Maestro: Lomli Coffee Satchets

$22 for 10, lomlicoffee.com

Their morning pour is about to get a makeover. No need to get the clunky coffee maker out. Lomli coffee isn't your typical brew: High-quality coffee grounds are bundled in mini sachets and get steeped in boiling water just like tea. The result? A strong, smooth, rich, and delicious cup of coffee that's mess-free and oh-so convenient. Genius, right? Gift them a 10-pack to try for themselves.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

For the Scent Appreciator: Nest Fragrance Set

Credit: anthropologie.com
$75, anthroplogie.com

There are some fragrances that never disappoint, and the Birchwood Pine scent from Nest is simply one of the best, especially around the holidays. Gift your Secret Santa a luxe fragrance candle and diffuser set that will make their favorite rooms smell incredible for months.

8 of 23

For the At-Home Yogi: Yoga Dice

Credit: bando.com
$17, bando.com

Ensure their yoga flow will never be the same twice. This set of seven wooden dice from Chronicle Books features a different category of pose (sitting, standing, balancing, twisting) and promises an endless number of combinations with each roll. They're like a fun, dynamic yoga class without the price tag.

9 of 23

For the At-Home Manicurist: Olive & June The Mani System Kit

Credit: oliveandjune.com
from $50, oliveandjune.com

Build a customized manicure kit from Olive & June for the amateur manicurist in your life. This create-your-own-box gift includes all of the essentials: polish remover, clean-up brush, flat-edge nail clipper, nail file, buffer cube, a universal polish bottle handle, top coat, cuticle serum, and the nail polish color of your choosing. It's a luxe pick they probably wouldn't treat themselves to (that's what you're here for).

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

For the Diligent Note-Taker: Striped Memo Pad

Credit: Anthropologie.com
$14, anthropologie.com

To-do lists don't need to be dull. How about a happy yellow to brighten things up? This cheerful striped memo pad will make everyday note-taking just a tad more pleasant.

11 of 23

For the Outdoor Drinkers: Acrylic Stemless Wine Glasses

Credit: markandgraham.com
$49, markandgraham.com

Hosts with the most and solo sippers will love this set of four delicate, acrylic stemless wine glasses. Perfect for outdoor gatherings where glassware could break (and ruin a good time), these are an easy, classy, and customizable gift for anyone from newlyweds to neighbors.

RELATED: 26 Holiday Hostess Gift Ideas

12 of 23

For the Lover of Linens: Lillian Dish Towels

Credit: anthropologie.com
$24, anthropologie.com

Anyone with a kitchen—yes, even the tiniest apartment kitchen nook—appreciates a fresh set of quality dish towels. These three colorful, waffle-weave beauties will brighten up any towel rack they hang on and last for a good, long time.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

For the Workout Class Subscriber: P.volve Ankle Weights

$20, urbanoutfitters.com

This fitness-themed gift will win major points with anyone who’s been getting serious about their workout routine (particularly if they're sweating from home). P.volve’s 1.5-pound ankle weights strap on easily, sit comfortably, and add an extra boost of intensity to a variety of moves.

RELATED: 30 Great Gifts for Your Sister (That She Would Never Dream of Returning)

14 of 23

For the Flavor Seeker: TRUFF Infused Hot Sauce

Credit: food52.com
$40, food52.com

Hot sauce lovers, prepare to spontaneously combust—because these bad boys are infused with earthy, decadent black truffles. TRUFF laces its mouthwatering base of red chili peppers and vinegar with the irresistible umami of truffles. Trust us, TRUFF isn't your average condiment—and this two-pack is an unexpectedly awesome Secret Santa gift.

15 of 23

For the Multitasker: Wine Holder Bluetooth Shower Speaker

Credit: gabbagoods.com
$37, gabbagoods.com

You know what they say: It’s always 5:00 somewhere. With this shower-ready wine glass holder and Bluetooth speaker, happy hour can start while they're getting ready.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

For the Hydrated Hogwarts Fan: 'The Boy Who Lived II' S'well Bottle

Credit: swell.com
$20, swell.com

The only thing better than a sleek, stainless steel S'well water bottle might be a themed S'well water bottle that perfectly aligns with your recipient's favorite book series. A Harry Potter–themed bottle is the magical Secret Santa gift for your Hogwarts-loving friend, relative, or coworker.

17 of 23

For the Traveler: Gray Malin 'Beaches' Two-Sided Puzzle

Credit: amazon.com
$24, amazon.com

Puzzles are some of the best gifts because they work for super-close friends and not-as-close acquaintances (aka potential Secret Santa assignments at work or in a larger group). And this isn't just any puzzle—it's a two-sided, 500-piece puzzle of aerial photographer Gray Malin's best coastal snapshots. It's fun (and challenging!) to piece together, beautiful to display on a coffee table, and ideal eye candy for travelers dreaming of lying on the beach somewhere far, far away.

18 of 23

For the Cheese Sharers: Mateo Serving Paddle Board

Credit: crateandbarrel.com
$40, crateandbarrel.com

Looking for something sophisticated? This light acacia wood cheese board makes for a rustic serving piece that’s a great entertaining staple year-round.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

For Whiskey Drinkers: Baseball Park Map Glasses

Credit: uncommongoods.com
$35, uncommongoods.com

Do they love baseball and cocktails? These fun tumblers—featuring a map of their favorite MBL team's stadium—will be a total hit they can add to a growing barware collection.

20 of 23

For the Optimist: Ban.do Women's Compliment Pencil Set

Credit: thepaperstore.com
$10, thepaperstore.com

Be the Secret Santa who doles out compliments with their gift. Each pencil in this colorful assortment comes with an upbeat message of encouragement to put a smile on your buddy's face every time they use it. The perfect pick-me-up for friends, coworkers, kids, and beyond.

21 of 23

For the Mixologist: Casamigos Cocktail Mixer Trio

Credit: williams-sonoma.com
$55, williams-sonoma.com

Here's the ideal present for the cocktail connoisseur on your list. This delicious set includes a trio of Casamigos best-selling small-batch cocktail mixers: Blackberry Basil Smash, Grapefruit Orange Paloma, and Signature Margarita. Just add ice, tequila, and a good shake. Thanks to their Secret Santa, they'll never have another lackluster margarita.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

For the *Serious* Cheese Lovers: Cheese of the Month Club Delivery

Credit: cheesemonthclub.com
from $39 per month, cheesemonthclub.com

If you want to give them something edible you know they'll be obsessed with, treat them to an indulgent delivery of three gourmet cheeses they can savor for days. Not only will they love it, but this will probably end up being the best Secret Santa gift of the bunch.

23 of 23

For the Selfie Obsessed: PopWallet+

Credit: Ted + Chelsea Cavanaugh
$25, popsockets.com

A pop-up handle for a phone, plus a slot to stick a work ID or ticket stubs. Sounds like the perfect, multi-purpose (and very affordable!) Secret Santa gift.

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Real Simple Editors