Secret Santa slipped your mind? Shhh - we won’t tell.
But, whether you’ve got your dearest chum or a distant cousin, you’ll want to make sure you choose something thoughtful.
We’ve gathered 20 of our best Secret Santa gifts, plus some extra ideas - all of which they’ll actually use this year.
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Secret Santa is an anonymous gift exchange between a group of people. Everyone is randomly and secretly assigned another person in the group to buy a present for.
Nobody can tell each other who their “Secret Santa” is until the gifts have been opened.
Any group of people can play Secret Santa! It’s particularly common between friend groups and colleagues. It’s also great for larger families, as it means everyone buys and receives one main gift instead of shopping for everyone.
Secret Santa ideas for…
...the beauty lover
Help them melt away the stresses of festive planning with some bath products or a luxury cleanser. Or treat them to something they can use to get party-ready come New Year.
You could include:
- A matching cleanser and toner
- A serum for glowing skin
- A crystal face roller
- A hair mask
Handpicked content: 15 of the best self-care Christmas gifts 2022
...the foodie
Christmas is a time for treats…and more treats.
Give your Secret Santa something to snack on while they curl up to a film. We’ve picked chocolates here, but you could go for savoury snacks, drinks, or retro-style sweets.
Or consider:
- A cookbook
- Some fancy kitchenware
- Some homemade baked goods
- A set of sauces, rubs, or spices
Depending on your budget, you could even make a personalised hamper to suit them.
Handpicked content: 10 Christmas vegan hamper ideas
...the practical joker
In a long-running prank war with a friend? There’s no better way to spread Christmas cheer than with laughter (or embarrassment).
Get them a rude or funny Secret Santa gift and you’ll have the upper hand…for now. Try:
- A funny book
- A rude party game
- A novelty mug
- A personalised item (who wouldn’t want socks with their face on them? Or better yet, yours)
Just remember that our Vegan Toys - and other rude Secret Santa gifts - are 18+ and should only be bought for someone who you know would appreciate the joke. Keep it to close friends and partners only!
...the one you don’t really know
Okay, so you’ve drawn a mystery name.
You could subtly try to find out what this person might like. But, if you don’t have time for detective work, staying general is your best bet.
Who doesn’t love a box of chocs or a fancy drink? Choose vegan, alcohol-free, nut-free, and gluten-free varieties to be on the safe side.
You could also choose:
- Simple accessories that seem to suit their style (like a scarf or earrings)
- A personalised notebook or planner
- Candles or pampering gifts
- A voucher for a local restaurant, bakery, or experience (such as an afternoon tea) that’s in your budget.
Secret Santa on a budget (under £10)
It’s best to arrange a budget when you’re doing Secret Santa; that way no-one spends more than they’re comfortable with or gets embarrassed receiving a too-generous gift.
A lot of the time, they’re just a bit of fun with friends! But that doesn’t mean your gift has to be an afterthought.
Below you’ll find our favourite H&B Secret Santa ideas under £10:
The final say
The secret’s out - you’re a great gift-giver!
If there’s still shopping to do, why not check out our other Christmas present articles?
The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Last updated: 25 October 2023
