How to pick the perfect Secret Santa or Kris Kringle gift
1. Never pick something Christmas-themed
Items that are Christmas-themed tend to be priced higher due to the season and date quickly.
2. Choose something useful
Choose a gift that is practical, edible or can be grown – this way you know your gift will be put to good use. Think along the lines of gourmet food products from local markets, hardy plants such as Devil’s Ivy or windowsill herbs, and practical items such as eco-friendly drink bottles, cute keep cups, and glammed-up versions of everyday items.
3. Get personal
The key to a successful Secret Santa of Kris Kringle gift is to add a personal touch. Try to ferret out what your allocated person loves – be it Star Wars, British Shorthair cats, dinosaurs or crossword puzzles, and try to incorporate it into your gift.
A great way to personalise a gift is by making it yourself; take a look at the video above for inspiration on easy gifts to create at home!
4. Avoid things with an easy-to-guess price tag
While a Ferraro Rocher box may seem like a good gift - everyone knows exactly how much these items cost. Look for unique gifts that very few people would be able to accurately price, such as items from local independent small businesses or markets.
5. Wrap it beautifully
A beautifully-wrapped gift communicates to the receiver that you put time, effort and thought into the gift. Brown paper, a luxe ribbon and beautiful gift tags are usually a winning combination.
Our top picks for Secret Santa:
These are priced on the lower end ($20) to a higher priced gift ($50-$60). Pick one that suits your gift recipient best, and wrap it all up with a bow to put under the Christmas tree!
The Future Is Yours Lips Day & Night Set (Holiday Limited Edition), $20, Sephora
What could be better than a holiday kit that can fit right in your bag? This day and night set will have your gift recipient covered for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!
Vanilla & Tonka Bean Mini Madison Candle, $22.95, Ecoya
This new fragrance from Ecoya is sure to fill your person's home with beautiful aromas. If vanilla is not their style, check out the rest of their mini range for the ideal candle scent!
Mountain Culture Cult IPA Cans 355mL, $28, BWS
Great for the craft beer lover, this beer is brewed in the Blue Mountains and tastes like the perfect Aussie beer.
Wildflower 2024 Diary, $50, Papier
For those that love personalised gifts, this 2024 diary is the ideal Secret Santa gift! Decorated with beautiful wildflowers, what's not to love?
Plant Stakes – Garden Art, $59, BHG Shop
For the garden guru, these plant stakes are a great gift and will give them an excuse to talk about their climbing plants! Choose the Aussie native bird you think will suit them best.
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