14 Secret Santa Gifts You'll Genuinely Want to Keep
Secret Santa gifts are tricky territory to navigate, but that's why we're here to help. Whether you're doing a gift exchange with your family or a group of friends, it can feel nerve-racking if you end up with the one person you're not especially close to. Plus, Secret Santa gift exchanges usually have a price cap, which limits your shopping even more. But, not to fear: these 14 gifts are all $50 or less, so you don't have to stress.
Every one of these gifts is general enough that you could give it to your cousin you don't know so well, but still thoughtful enough to give to your best friend. There's something for plant-lovers, beauty-lovers, and everything in between. Whether you're looking for a cozy throw blanket, fun games or a gag gift, or a tech picks that will impress, there's a present in here that will make anyone smile. They're so cute, you might even want to buy one for yourself, on the off chance that your Secret Santa didn't read our gift guide. Keep on reading to shop our top picks!
— Additional reporting by Anvita Reddy and Lauren Harano
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Lip Balm Collector
Laneige Midnight Minis Set ($20)
We could all use some lip balm as the season gets colder and drier, and this gift set from Lanegie will be a favorite. It comes with five minis in the flavors berry, gummy bear, sweet candy, mint choco, and mango. According to one of our editors, the Lip Sleeping Mask doesn't feel sticky yet feels soothing on the lips, noting that the tiniest amount goes a long way. To see why it's worth the hype,check out our review of the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Winter
Winter Hat Scarf Glove Set ($30)
This set of matching hat, scarves, and gloves is such a useful and affordable get for secret santa. Made from a thick, high quality material, this set has a fleece lining that feels so soft and warm on the skin. Plus, the gloves are also touchscreen compatible. It comes in a variety of neutral colors as well, and this set actually looks stylish.
Best Secret Santa Gift For Staying Cozy
Nordstrom Bliss Plush Throw Blanket ($29)
A high-quality, luxe throw blanket doesn't have to cost a pretty penny, this one from Nordstrom looks and feels plush, making it an ideal accessory for the cozy season. After all, when the weather gets chillier, there's nothing like snuggling up with a soft blanket. It comes in a variety of chic colors as well.
Best Secret Santa Gift For Hydration
Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler ($35)
The Stanley Quencher has been 2023's emotional support water bottle, and has taken over social media. Available in a ton of different colors, this vacuum insulated tumbler is a useful gift that will help them stay hydrated. One of our editors put it to the test and says, "it keeps drinks cold legitimately all day. The brand says it can do so for up to 11 hours, but I'm convinced it's kept mine colder even longer than that. Sometimes when I take a sip of it in the night, I'm surprised to find that it's still refreshing and not lukewarm like a normal glass of water would be." Read her in-depth review of the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler to see why it's worth the hype.
Best Secret Santa Gift For Candle Lovers
Homesick Premium Scented Candle ($28, originally $38)
Set the cozy season vibe with a holiday candle that will transform their space into a winder wonderland. This candle from Homesick has notes of fraser fir and holly berry, eucalyptus, mistletoe wreath, spruce and cedar, for a fresh yet earthy scent. The candle will make them feel like they are in a cabin resort in Vermont.
Best Secret Santa Gift For Tech Enthusiats
Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen Smart Speaker ($23, originally $50)
Give your secret santa a helping hand with something smart for their home, like this Echo Dot. They can play audiobooks, playlists, podcasts, and so much more just with a simple "Alexa!" They can also ask Alexa for the weather, set timers and reminders, create routines and automate the home, and even ask for a few jokes.
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Traveler
Twelve South AirFly SE ($35)
Shopping for someone who travels often? This nifty gadget lets them use their Bluetooth enabled earbuds or headphones on in-flight entertainment systems, gaming devices, or gym equipment. Your secret santa will appreciate something useful and unique.
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Beauty Lover
Slip Mayfair Silk Skinny Scrunchie Ornament Gift Set ($25)
This cute ornament from Slip has four skinny silk scrunchies, and it is a coveted gift that's actually useful. It holds hair in place without that annoying dent that comes with traditional rubber bands, and contains four hair ties.
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Game Night Host
Game of Phones ($20)
This modern take on the classic scavenger hunt requires your favorite possession — their smartphone! Game of Phones asks players to engage in a smartphone scavenger hunt in which only the fastest players will survive (just kidding, they'll win points).
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Busybody
Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook ($20, originally $30)
The Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook contains only 36 pages, but they can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and be exported to Slack, email, Google Drive — you name it. It's a genius gift they'll use all the time.
Best Secret Santa Gift For the One Who Brings the Party
These Cards Will Get You Drunk ($16, originally $20)
These Cards Will Get You Drunk will be a hit at any party. It's super easy to learn, and will be one your friends want to put to use ASAP. Just make sure the person you're gifting actually drinks before you go with this present.
Best Secret Santa Gift For the French Fry Lover
French Fry Holder and Sauce Holder ($10, originally $11)
We don't trust anyone who doesn't like french fries. This French fry and sauce holder might be the best invention ever. It'll keep their french fries from being lost in the dreaded abyss between the middle console and the car seat.
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Sweet Tooth
Prep Solutions by Progressive Microwave S'mores Maker ($13, originally $14)
This microwavable s'mores maker makes s'mores a year-round treat. No campfire needed! It's such a fun gift, and will make anyone smile. If you also bring the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, it makes for the perfect present.
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Plant Parent
Bottle Stopper Garden Kit ($19)
This Bottle Stopper Garden Kit turns old wine bottles into a growing garden. It's great for the DIY lovers in your life. There are two kits available, one of cosmos, marigold, and zinnia, and one of sweet basil, dill, and parsley.