Secret Santa · Christmas 2026
Secret Santa gifts that suit any budget limit
By Priya NairUpdated 29 October 202612 ideas
The hardest part of Secret Santa is buying for someone you barely know without getting it wrong. The answer is usually a small, useful or cheerful gift that does not depend on knowing their taste, their home or their diet.
Below are twelve ideas grouped by the limits offices and families most often set, from around £5 to around £20. They avoid anything personal, alcoholic or likely to cause awkwardness, so you can wrap them with confidence and enjoy the guessing.
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Our three favourites
Around £5: small but not cheap-looking
At this level it is the thought, the wrapping and a bit of humour that do the work.
A hand cream trio
Three small tubes in a pretty box are practical in winter and easy to tuck into a bag. Pick a mild, light scent, and avoid anything strongly perfumed.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For the desk doodlerA set of colourful gel pens
Good pens are a small joy at work. A multi-colour pack suits note-takers, planners and anyone who fills in a calendar.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For the desk with no greeneryA mini succulent in a pot
A tiny plant is cheerful and almost impossible to overwater. Add a small card that says how much light it needs, and make sure it is delivered rather than carried through the cold.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
Around £10: the safe sweet spot
Enough to feel like a proper present, still small enough not to embarrass anyone.
For a gentle cosy giftA hand-poured candle in a tin
A tin candle is neat to wrap and usually survives travel in a bag. Choose a soft scent like vanilla or clean linen, and avoid the very strong ones that some people dislike.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For the desk tea drinkerA patterned ceramic mug
A mug is useful, wraps flat-ish and cheerfully avoids dietary questions. Go for a neutral pattern or a plain colour rather than a joke that may not suit everyone.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
For the game night regularA deck of quirky playing cards
A nicely illustrated pack works for almost everyone, from card players to people who simply like good design. Check that it is a standard deck if it needs to work with familiar games.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
Around £15: a little treat
At this limit you can start choosing something that feels like a treat rather than a token.
For the colleague who sharesA box of luxury biscuits
A tin of good biscuits is a gift that gets shared around the office, which makes the giver look generous. Check for nuts if you can, and avoid anything with alcohol.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the list-makerA chunky notebook and pen set
A hardback notebook with a decent pen is useful in almost every job. Choose a plain cover in a neutral colour, with lined pages for the widest appeal.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the cold-feet crowdCosy bed socks
Fleecy or chunky-knit socks are warm, unisex and easy to get the size right if you pick a one-size-fits-most pair. They also pack down small.
Expect to pay Under £10 in most UK shops.
Around £20: something properly nice
If your group has a higher limit, these feel considered without being personal.
For the sweet-toothedA hot chocolate and marshmallow set
A little gift box with real chocolate and a handful of marshmallows is cheerful and easy to share. Check the contents for allergens, and add a mug if the limit allows it.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the gym-bag regularA stainless steel water bottle
A good insulated bottle is used daily and does not take much choosing. Avoid very bright prints, as a plain colour suits more people.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
For the family or team partyA pocket-sized card game
A fast game that fits in a coat pocket can be played in minutes, in the office kitchen or at home. Check the age and player guidance on the box before you wrap it.
Expect to pay £10–£25 in most UK shops.
Good to know
Keep it inclusive
Avoid alcohol, anything very scented, jokes about appearance or age, and food you cannot check for allergies. Neutral gifts are the safest bet when you know very little about someone.
FAQ: questions people ask
How much should I spend on Secret Santa?
Follow the limit set by whoever is organising it. Offices commonly choose a figure between about £5 and £20, and families often do the same. If nobody has set one, suggest a figure in the group chat, so everyone is spending a similar amount.
What should I buy someone I barely know?
Choose something broadly useful and unlikely to offend: a mug, a candle, a notebook, hand cream, biscuits or a plant. Avoid clothing, perfume and anything that depends on knowing their size or taste.
Is it rude to give a joke gift?
It depends on the group. A funny gift can be a highlight where everyone knows each other well, but it can fall flat in a larger or more formal office. If you are unsure, pick a sensible present and add a small joke on the tag instead.
What if I draw my boss or someone I dislike?
Treat the person like anyone else. Pick something neutral, wrap it nicely and stay within the limit. It is a small gesture that costs very little, and it makes the whole exchange more comfortable for everyone.
Can I do Secret Santa with remote colleagues?
Yes. Ask people for a delivery address or agree a time for a virtual reveal. Many sellers will send items directly with a gift note, and e-vouchers are a simple alternative for anyone who prefers not to share an address.
