56 Best Secret Santa Gifts in 2024 That They’ll Actually Want
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Well, pals while it may not feel like it (or even look like it on paper), we are once again headed into the season of Secret Santa gifts. Similar to a white elephant gift exchange, Secret Santa typically occurs within friend groups and workplaces. Each participant draws someone else’s name from within the group and anonymously picks out a present for them, usually within a certain affordable budget (think, under $25). These gifts are traditionally given at a party (though we’ve done ’em over family Zooms) which is when you find out who your Secret Santa is, too. It’s a silly, unexpected way to bond and saves everyone involved from stressing over what to buy for multiple people.
Of course, figuring out the right gift for your boss, or that aunt you hardly see, for instance requires some finesse. Shopping for a picky BFF or hard-to-please teen? You can’t go wrong with a self-care gift like a fancy tea mug or a silk pillowcase. Looking for a present for the man who says he doesn’t want anything? Wrap up a popcorn machine or tub of premium salt flakes. Shopping for a coworker you barely know? Pro tip: Scroll through their Instagram feed for hints about their hobbies, or go deep on their LinkedIn, and if you’re stuck, opt for a gag gift like a tiny desk pickleball set or a burrito throw blanket. You can’t go wrong with something funny that’ll put a smile on their face. Below, we’ve gathered some of the best Secret Santa gifts for everyone, most of which are wallet-friendly.
Our top picksBest for Coworkers: Dash Mini Waffle Maker, $10Best for Friends: J Jimoo 100% Silk Pillowcase, ($28) $24Best Under $15: Anthropologie Bistro Tile Monogram Mug, $14Best Under $20: Codenames Board Game, ($25) $20Best Under $25: Zens Tea Infuser Cup, $25Best Under $50: Lululemon Everywhere Belt Bag 1L, $48Best Gag Gift: Worldâs Smallest Vacuum, $151/56
Zens Tea Infuser Cup
Better than another coffee mug, this is the perfect gift for tea drinkers. This ceramic mug includes an interior infuser for loose-leaf tea, plus a lid to keep their brew piping hot.
2/56
Dash Popcorn Maker
Finally, a way for them to enjoy theater-level popcorn without having to pay for cinema tickets.
3/56
Kate Spade âHeart of Goldâ Idiom Bangle
Remind them that theyâve got a âheart of gold,â with this sleek Kate Spade bangle. Everyday jewelry always makes for a solid holiday gift; plus, who can resist an engraved heartwarming message?
4/56
J Jimoo Mulberry Silk Pillowcase
Silk pillowcases make some of the best gifts for women (and men!) and this one is undeniably luxe for the price point. Their skin and hair can thank you later.
5/56
Czech Games Codenames Boardgame
This addictive group card game will have anyone begging to play another round, even people who donât host game night every week. College students will be especially grateful for this one.
6/56
Apple AirTag
The perpetually forgetful person will get plenty of use out of this helpful Bluetooth-enabled AirTag thatâll keep track of their keys, luggage, and even pets!
7/56
Bodum Pour-Over Coffee Maker
This pour-over coffee maker is cheaper (and loads more convenient) than their daily Starbucks run.
8/56
Haus Aus Hues Custom Pet Portrait
For less than $20, you can treat any pet parent to a customized portrait of their very best friend. You can also have it framed for a small additional charge.
9/56
AnĂĄlĂș Therapy Dough
Meant to mimic the clay that art therapists use to relax their patients, this essential-oil-infused dough is ideal for your most stressed-out coworker.
10/56
Usaga Scalp Massager
When you know next to nothing about your recipient and youâre hit with a $15 limit, you can always turn to feel-good, fail-safe gifts like a soothing scalp massager.
11/56
Dash Mini Waffle Maker
This mini bestseller will bring the joy of a hotel breakfast to their home kitchen. It doesnât just do DIY waffles; it can whip up hash browns, pizza, and cookies, too.
12/56
Cats Rule the Earth Tarot: 78-Card Deck and Guidebook for the Feline-Obsessed
A beautifully illustrated tarot card deck is a fun and unique gift for a magical friend. It even comes with an accompanying guidebook to give beginners a solid intro.
13/56
Harney & Sons Gingerbread Festival Tea, 30 Sachets
Toast the season with festive gingerbread tea from Harney & Sons. The set includes spicy gingerroot, cinnamon, molasses, and vanilla flavor, and is a yummy addition to any kitchen or office.
14/56
Yeti Rambler Colster Can Insulator (For 12-Oz. Cans)
Is your giftee on a hard-seltzer kick? This slim holster will keep their flavor of choice chilly for hours. Buy through Yeti, and you can even have it personalized for a small fee (and it comes in other sizes too).
43/56
Uniqlo Round Mini Shoulder Bag
Uniqlo’s viral crossbody bag somehow fits so much more than you’d expect. âI see this bag everywhere in New York. I think it’s because despite its trim size, it stretches to store so many things: my Kindle or a book, a water bottle, compact umbrella, phone, makeup, you name it,â says Glamour commerce editor Malia Griggs. âIt comes in a ton of colors and materials (and is only $20). I have it in three colors.”
44/56
Vlando Plush Velvet Personalized Jewelry Case
This personalized gift organizes their necklaces and earrings so theyâre not all tangled together from travel.
45/56
Ewrkbr Bubble Letter Monogram Necklace
Initial necklaces are a big jewelry trend this yearâthey’re personal, pretty, and stylish. âI gave one of these to a friend with the first letter of her daughter’s name, and she wears it everyday,â says Glamourâs Griggs.
