Whether it’s a close friend, a family member, or a coworker you’ve only met through a screen, you’ll be crowned this year’s ‘best gift-giver’ with these Secret Santa gift ideas under $50.
Secret Santa can be a tricky affair. You need to find the perfect gift that balances the line between practical yet thoughtful, and exciting yet budget-friendly. To help ease your Christmas shopping stress, we’ve curated the ultimate list of gift ideas for Secret Santa that are sure to impress. From fun socks to gourmet treats, there’s something for everyone on your list.
Need some corporate gifting inspiration? Explore our guide to the Work-Appropriate Gift Ideas Your Coworkers Will Love that will have the whole office talking for all the right reasons.
8 Secret Santa Gifts Under $50
Sunscreen
Is there anything more thoughtful (and practical) than the gift of sun protection? The Ultra Violette Lil Glow Givers gift set ticks all the boxes with a lip balm and matching skinscreen that offers broad-spectrum UV protection while being soothing and nourishing. These sun-smart products make the best Secret Santa gift for a number of reasons: they look good, they do their job well, and one can never have too many sun-safe products in their collection.
An Incense Holder
Indulge that hardworking someone with the Studio Milligram Cracker Gift Set, a delightful collection featuring an incense holder and a sample incense block. A homage to the vibrancy of an Australian Summer, each piece in the Studio Milligram collection is crafted to celebrate Christmas in a uniquely Australian way. This stylish gift set will ignite their love of home fragrances and allow them to show off their good scents (puns intended).
Chocolate
For the ultimate foodie, or the casual sweet tooth, the always-perfect gift is simple: Toblerone. Everyone’s favourite smooth milk chocolate has been given a very special makeover, featuring Erik Yvon’s winning designs with a special edition Vogue sleeve, (available exclusively at David Jones). With notes of honey and nougat, you may be tempted to get one for yourself, too.
Novelty Socks
When it comes to Christmas gifts, quirky socks are the ultimate ‘always perfect’ choice. Suitable for men and women of all ages, this is a Secret Santa gift that won’t disappoint. Made from soft and comfortable cotton, the Dashing Boy Bamboo socks from Bamboozld feature a happy little design that will delight all canine lovers. Whether they’re the type of person to parade them proudly around, or if they are more suited to at-home, premium comfort wear, these socks will put a spring in their step.
A Mug
Upgrade their coffee break with the Marimekko Oiva Unikko Mug. This iconic floral mug set features a clean and contemporary design that will look good on any desk, and make any hot beverage that much better. Made from stoneware, this mug is also dishwasher, oven, microwave, and freezer-safe. If you’re having trouble deciding which colour to choose (these mugs come in more colours than a rainbow), we suggest choosing a flower in festive colours like green, red or snow white.
Tea
For the serious tea lover in your life, the Fortnum & Mason Christmas Black Tea is exactly what will make their Christmas. Delight them with a warming combination of cocoa nibs, zesty clementine and soothing Christmas spices. If the budget allows, wrap this gift up with some shortbread biscuits for some extra gifting points.
An Origami Kit
If they’re crafty and creative, lean into their passions with the Galison Frank Lloyd Wright Origami Kit. Featuring 7 of Wright’s organic geometry designs, including patterns for the Imperial Hotel, this fun little kit celebrates Japanese architecture as well as the tradition of gifting in Wright’s Taliesin Fellowship. With 78 origami papers in a variety of rich colours, they’ll love nothing more than sitting down for a good origami session to unwind after a busy year.
Panetonne
A classic for a reason. If your Secret Santa is impossible to buy for, you can always win them over with a Milanese Panettone. This hand-wrapped Limoncello Panettone contains candied lemon peels and is filled with limoncello cream for a sweet surprise. Best of all, if you’re lucky, your Secret Santa will immediately open this gift and share some with you.
Looking for more office gifting inspiration? We’ve got you covered with 7 Work-Appropriate Gifts Your Coworkers Will Love.