It’s the season of giving — which means it’s also time to start thinking about the best Christmas presents to give at all those Secret Santa gift exchanges. From finding gifts that your giftee will actually like (and use!) to finding presents that fit within a tight Secret Santa budget, being a top-notch Secret Santa can be stressful — but it doesn’t have to be.
This year don’t fear your Secret Santa lists! We’ve rounded up some of the best Secret Santa gift ideas for three of the most common budgets: under $10, under $25 and under $50.
See also: Gift ideas 2022: Shop these Canadian makers at the One of a Kind Show.
How does a Secret Santa gift exchange work?
First, for those of us who are currently facing our first invitation to a Secret Santa gift exchange, here’s how it usually works.
A group of people (such as friends, family or coworkers) each privately draw names at random: the person whose name you get is the person who you have to get a gift for. Sometimes, the gift recipients will offer a wish list, but sometimes it’s up to you to choose something special for that specific person — often working with a set budget.
Then, when the giftee opens their present, they have to guess who gave them their gift (AKA who their Secret Santa is). As the popular Secret Santa generator website Elfster explains, a Secret Santa exchange is “a holiday classic where the guessing is as much a part of the fun as receiving the gift.”
Secret Santa gift ideas under $10
A pretty little lippie
Have a coworker who despises dry lips? This mini lip oil offers soft lips and shine in a cute, compact package.
Quo Beauty Mini Lip Oil in Spearmint, Shoppers Drug Mart, $8.
A special moment, framed
As much as we love a social media moment, there’s something to be said about a framed picture of a special moment. If you shared a snap with your Secret Santa giftee this year, why not print it out and put it in a unique, display-worthy frame (this geometric number will do perfectly).
Umbra Prisma 4×4 Picture Frame, Amazon, $9.
A trend-right mani
Give them a pop of sparkle for the season with a mini nail polish in a trend-right shade. We love this shimmery hue that reminds of a holiday-season-ready version of Hailey Bieber’s famous glazed-donut nails.
Sephora Collection Color Hit Mini Nail Polish in Silk Dreams, Sephora, $7.
Related: We predict the most popular Christmas gifts for 2022.
Secret Santa gift ideas under $25
Sustainable (and stylish) kitchen accessories
If your giftee loves to cook, a pretty and practical kitchen gift is sure to surprise and delight. Designed in Canada and inspired by DIY and home decor YouTuber Alexandra Gater, this gift set features a Ten and Co. Swedish Sponge Cloth (which can replace the use of up to 40+ rolls of paper towels) and an exclusive Check Tea Towel in a stylish print.
Alexandra Gater x Ten and Co. Gift Set, Ten and Co., $25.
A yummy holiday DIY for Hogwarts fans
Shopping for someone who loves the Wizarding world? This DIY kit is a fun rainy day activity — perfect for a cozy day in. They can make the DIY hot cocoa bombs, and then enjoy them while they watch their fave Harry Potter movie. The set includes everything they need to make DIY cocoa bombs, like a star silicone mold, milk chocolate wafers, house sprinkles and mini marshmallows.
The Modern Gourmet Harry Potter DIY Cocoa Bombs, Shoppers Drug Mart, $25.
A perfect piece for plant parents
Anyone with a green thumb or a passion for interior design will love these macrame plant hangers. Made of natural cotton rope without any artificial ingredients, these stunning pieces are sturdy enough for ceramic pots and can hold plants of many different shapes and sizes.
Sfee 2 Pack Macrame Plant Hangers, Amazon, $18.
Related: Amazing gifts your best friend didn’t even know they wanted.
Secret Santa gift ideas under $50
Sweet dreams
This set of sleep supporters is perfect for a friend or family member who you know is dreaming of, well, more dream time. The set includes a Sleep Well Roll-on, Dreamy body butter, a lavender-scented mist and a limited-edition eye mask — making it the ultimate luxury.
Dream Routine Bedtime Routine Kit, Saje, $48 (on sale now for $34).
A next-level passport holder
If you’re buying a gift for someone who loves to travel, but who isn’t always the most organized, this just may be the perfect present. This zip-up passport holder features a built-in pouch with a removable and rechargeable portable cell phone charging power bank. There are also spots for travel essentials like credit cards, their passport (of course), cash and travel documents.
Phone Charging Passport Holder, Amazon, $48 (Prime Exclusive Deal).
A bit of (cult-fave) blush
Whether you’re shopping for someone who’s a major beauty product aficionado or someone who likes to dabble in the latest makeup trends, this three-piece set will make them flush with joy. The set includes two mini Soft Pinch Liquid Blushes (in “Truth”, a mauve maroon, and “Happy,” a cool pink) and a full-size Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in “Encourage,” a soft neutral pink.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Soft Pinch Liquid Blush 3 Piece Set, Sephora, $39.
Related: Christmas gifts 2022: 10 best gifts under $50 in Canada.
