Secret Santa gifts under $20
Twenty dollars (roughly £15, €20 or A$25) is one of the most common Secret Santa limits, and it goes further than you might think. These ideas are useful, tasty or fun, and suit coworkers and friends alike.
What $20 buys
Below are 40 ideas, grouped by type, each with a line on why it works. Prices vary by shop and country, so treat the budget as a guide and check before you buy. Equivalents in other currencies are rough round numbers, not exchange rates.
Still need to draw names? Use the free Secret Santa generator.
Cozy and comfortable
- Fluffy or wool-blend socks Why it works: Everyone wears socks, and a soft pair feels like a treat rather than a chore.
- A fleece throw Why it works: Big enough to feel generous, light enough to post, and nobody has too many.
- A hot water bottle with a knitted cover Why it works: Cheap to buy, lovely on a cold evening, and it lasts for years.
- Microwavable heat pad Why it works: Soothing for stiff shoulders at the desk or on the sofa.
- Touchscreen-friendly gloves Why it works: Practical in winter, and they solve a daily annoyance.
- A sleep mask and earplugs set Why it works: Useful for commuters, travelers and light sleepers alike.
Food and drink
- Gourmet hot chocolate Why it works: Feels indulgent, suits almost everyone, and is easy to check for allergies.
- A selection of loose-leaf teas Why it works: Lets the person try new flavors without committing to a big box.
- Small-batch coffee beans or ground coffee Why it works: A daily ritual, upgraded. Check whether they use beans or ground.
- Hot sauce sampler Why it works: Fun to open and a talking point for anyone who likes spice.
- Fancy popcorn kernels and seasonings Why it works: Turns a movie night into a small event.
- A jar of local honey or jam Why it works: Feels thoughtful and supports a local producer.
- Premium chocolate bar collection Why it works: Easy, loved by most, and you can match their taste: dark, milk or vegan.
Desk and everyday
- A good insulated mug with a lid Why it works: Keeps coffee hot through long meetings and stops spills.
- A hardback notebook Why it works: Useful for lists, ideas and meetings, and it feels nicer than a pad.
- A smooth gel pen set Why it works: Small luxury for anyone who still writes things down.
- Phone stand Why it works: Handy for video calls and recipes, and it fits on any desk.
- Cable organizers Why it works: A tidy solution to a messy drawer or desk.
- A small succulent or air plant Why it works: Brightens a desk and is very hard to kill.
- Weekly desk planner pad Why it works: Helps busy people see the week at a glance.
Fun and games
- A pocket card game Why it works: Easy to learn, fun at parties, and fits in a coat pocket.
- A 500-piece jigsaw puzzle Why it works: Gives a calm evening activity for one or a family.
- A book of crosswords or logic puzzles Why it works: Good for commutes and lunch breaks.
- Mini desktop basketball or golf set Why it works: A light-hearted office toy without being a gag gift.
- A deck of conversation-starter cards Why it works: Great for dinners and long car journeys.
- Sketchbook and drawing pencils Why it works: An invitation to try something creative.
Small luxuries
- A scented candle (if they like scents) Why it works: Classic and cozy. Check the questionnaire first: many people avoid strong fragrance.
- Lip balm and hand cream set Why it works: Winter essentials most people use daily.
- A silk-feel scrunchie or hair clip set Why it works: Useful, pretty and low risk for anyone with longer hair.
- Bath soak or shower steamers Why it works: A small spa moment at home.
- A nice reusable shopping bag Why it works: Useful every week, especially in a print they’ll like.
- Keyring multi-tool Why it works: Small, practical and always on hand.
Thoughtful and personal
- A paperback by an author they like Why it works: Shows you read the wish list, and books are easy to wrap.
- A small framed print Why it works: Brightens a wall or desk, and you can match their interests.
- Seeds and a small grow kit Why it works: A little project that grows into something.
- A recipe card set with a favorite spice Why it works: Practical, personal and easy to tailor.
- Personalized bookmark Why it works: Inexpensive, lasting and clearly chosen just for them.
- A puzzle or activity book for their hobby Why it works: From birdwatching to football, there’s a quiz book for most interests.
- Charity donation in their name, with a card Why it works: Meaningful for people who have everything. Pick a cause they care about.
- A reusable coffee cup Why it works: Saves money and waste for anyone who buys takeaway coffee.
How to choose a gift under $20
- Read their wish list or questionnaire answers first
- Check allergies and diet before buying food
- Skip strong scents unless you know they like them
- Avoid clothing unless you know the size
- Stay within the agreed limit, including postage if that’s the rule
- Add a short note: it makes a small gift feel personal
Not sure what they’d like? Send them the Secret Santa questionnaire.
More gift ideas
Frequently asked questions
How much should Secret Santa gifts cost?
Whatever your group agrees on; the most important thing is that everyone knows the same number before shopping. Many groups pick a modest, round amount so nobody feels pressure, often lower at work than among close friends or family. Put the amount in the Budget field and it appears on every reveal.
Is it OK to go slightly over the Secret Santa budget?
It’s better not to. The point of a shared limit is that every gift feels equal, and a noticeably more expensive gift can make others feel awkward. If something costs a little more, combine a smaller item with a handwritten note instead.
Is it OK to give gift cards?
If your group allows them, yes: they’re practical, easy to post and impossible to get “wrong”. Some groups prefer to ban them because they feel less personal. Put your group’s decision in the rules or the note so everyone knows before shopping.
What’s a good gift for a coworker I don’t know?
Check their wish list first. If there isn’t one, choose something useful and impersonal that most people enjoy: a nice drink or snack (mind dietary needs), a desk item, a mug, a plant, stationery or a small book. Avoid very personal items like clothing, perfume or anything that could be awkward at work.
What should I write on the gift tag?
Write the recipient’s name and “From your Secret Santa”. If you want to stay anonymous, print the tag or ask someone else to write it, since handwriting is easy to recognise. Some groups add a riddle or a hint for a fun reveal.
Do you earn money from these gift ideas?
No. There are no affiliate links or sponsored products on this page, and nobody paid to be included. The ideas are generic so you can buy them wherever you like.
How did you choose these gift ideas?
They are general suggestions that suit most people at the budget: useful, consumable or fun things that are hard to get badly wrong. There are no product tests or reviews behind them, and prices vary a lot by shop and country, so check before you buy.
What if our budget is in pounds, euros or Australian dollars?
The pages use US dollars because that is how most people search. Equivalents in the text are rough round numbers, not exchange rates. Pick the page closest to your own limit, or simply use the hub and choose by the amount you agreed.
Updated · Written by the GiftShuffle team