Every year, when Secret Santa is drawn in the office or for the extended family, a universal sigh is heard around the world. This is one of those Christmas traditions that can become time-consuming and tricky to tackle.
However, Kris Kringle can actually be a blessing in disguise, depending on how you look at it.
A strict budget to follow means you won’t overspend, and only buying a gift for one person means less time spent on multiple gift purchases. And, since they’re usually drawn so early, there’s no need to go to the shops at all; instead, you can surf the web to your heart’s content!
If you’re stuck for ideas or need a Secret Santa gift stat, we’ve got you covered. With both under $30 and under $50 options, everyone will be wishing that you had them when it comes around to present time.
Secret Santa ideas that are under $30
Don’t let a limited budget cramp your gifting style. You’ll be surprised how good ‘affordable’ can be. Here are our top picks for Secret Santa gifts that are budget-friendly, practical and full of fun:
01
Otto Tiny Human trailing plant
from $17.18, Officeworks
Best for: office Kris Kringle exchanges
For your work colleague or manager who needs to add a little life to their desk, this trailing plant is perfect for them. The best part is, it’s artificial!
So, if you’ve got no natural light, or they definitely don’t have a green thumb, this plant is the best choice. Who could resist that cute smiley face planter?
02
Olivetta extra virgin olive oil robust
from $28, Olivetta
Best for: the foodies in your life
Being a food lover comes at a high cost, and usually it’s the fancy olive oil that takes the cake. This bottle from Olivetta is a great gift for the entertainer who loves dipping sourdough into oil and vinegar.
Wrap this one up with a delicious baguette, so they can enjoy their new gift ASAP!
03
Popular Penguins
from $11.72, Amazon
Best for: readers and bookworms
All the classics available in the Popular Penguins range are great stocking stuffer, Secret Santa gifts. Whether your person is an extensive reader, or just needs a good book for the holidays, these are guaranteed to please.
Pair this gift with their favourite bottle of wine (or drink of choice) and a promise of a night away from the kids!
For the entertainer
If they love hosting dinner parties or having friends over for afternoon tea, then you can’t go wrong with a bit of crockery. Here are a couple of our favourite, fun-coloured options:
Chasseur Macaron collection mug set, from $30
Adairs Tuscany pink & orange stripe round platter, from $29.99
Big W Openook coloured cocktail glasses, from $8
Big W Openook festive tropical side plates, from $8
For the self-care queen
If self-care is at the top of your Secret Santa’s priority list, it’s a great idea to lean into it! Try to think of how they like to relax – a movie night with a face mask or having a nice, long bath? Here’s a couple of options to get you started:
Urban Jungle Party Pair Bon Bon, from $24
Muji cotton insole slippers , from $14.95
Mavala sparkly shades, from $11.95
L’Occitane Fleurs de Cerisier bauble set, from $29
For the aesthetic and crafty
If you’re looking for something more generic that still screams, ‘This was picked out especially for you’, think about your Kris Kringle’s personal aesthetic. If they’re the type to love a funky-shaped vase, or making one themselves, here are a couple of gift ideas for them:
Morgan & Finch Klara glass vase, from $29.95
Morgan & Finch Chinoiserie planter, from $29.95
Officeworks Otto floral accessory case, from $17.87
Officeworks Hobbycraft polymer clay kit, from $12
Other Secret Santa gifts under $30
Secret Santa gifts under $50
If you’ve got a little more wriggle room in your Secret Santa budget, these are the gifts for you. Covering both practical and downright fabulous, these gifts under $50 are ideal for Kris Kringle:
01
Reusable veggie bag in Gum Blossom
from $46.99, Produce Pod
Best for: food-waste hater
If your Secret Santa person abhors having to throw out leftovers or rotted produce, this veggie bag is for them. This fridge bag ensures your vegetables stay fresh and crisp for weeks.
The perfect way to package this up is by putting their favourite fruits and veggies inside, so they’re in for a feast!
02
Flower Premium Vintage tea cup candle
from $42, Miss Blooms
Best for: those who love a good bath
For self-care queens who occasionally need a long soak in the tub, what better way to help them relax than with a cutesy, decorative candle?
This tea cup candle has a strong scent that’s perfect for the bathroom, and looks darn adorable!
03
Resso hoop earring in Green Komi print
from $49, Elk
Best for: accessory fanatics
For giftees who love a good belt or necklace, gifting jewellery is a no-brainer. These hoop earrings come in a unique and colourful print, perfect for adding to plainer outfits that need a bit of something.
04
Tell Me More conversation starter game
from $35.63, Amazon
Best for: someone you want to get to know better
If your Secret Santa person is someone you don’t know too well, then there’s nothing better than some conversation starters. With 52 cards, you’ve got a heap of questions ready to ask, and soon you’ll uncover all their secrets, hopes and dreams!
How to pick the perfect Secret Santa gift
If you’re stuck on what type of gift to get for your Kris Kringle, look through the list below to help narrow down your options:
1. Never pick something Christmas-themed
Items that are Christmas-themed tend to be priced higher due to the season and date quickly. Any Christmas gift that was on-trend, like Christmas bows, may be great for now, but will be outdated by next year! And, don’t even get us started on Christmas gifts that have 2025 stamped on them.
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, whether it’s edible or a crafty project.
4. Avoid things with an easy-to-guess price tag
While a Ferrero 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.
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