15 Secret Santa gift ideas under £20

Finding Secret Santa gift ideas under £20, for someone you sometimes barely know, is the whole challenge of the game. The good news: on this budget, you can give something genuinely nice without resorting to a gimmick that ends up at the back of a drawer. Here are 15 ideas sorted by style, plus our tips for getting it right.

Before you choose: three questions to ask yourself

1. Has the person written a wish list? If so, start there. It's the surest way to hit the mark.
2. Do you know them well? If not, go for something that can be shared or enjoyed and used up (a treat, a hot drink, a game).
3. Is it a present for the office? Steer clear of anything too personal (perfume, clothes) and humour that's a bit too cheeky.

Treats for food lovers

• Christmas tea or herbal tea gift set

  around £15

  A safe bet: lovely to give, useful all winter, and suits almost everyone.

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• Hot chocolate gift set

  around £12

  A jar of quality drinking chocolate or a kit with marshmallows: the ultimate cosy present.

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• Christmas biscuit selection

  around £10

  In a pretty tin that will still come in handy long after the festive season.

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Practical presents (that aren't boring)

• Insulated travel mug

  around £18

  For the morning coffee on the commute, or tea that no longer goes cold during meetings.

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• Rechargeable book light

  around £15

  Perfect for keen readers who like to read in bed without waking anyone up.

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• Elegant hardback notebook

  around £12

  For lists, ideas or doodles: a beautiful notebook always goes down well.

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• Compact power bank

  around £20

  The present nobody ever thinks to buy for themselves, and one that saves whole days.

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Presents that raise a (kind) laugh

• Party card game

  around £15

  A game to bring out at drinks or over lunch: the present the whole group gets to enjoy.

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• Novelty Christmas socks

  around £10

  The great Secret Santa classic. Pick a pair that's really funny, or really soft.

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• Wooden puzzle

  around £12

  Something to keep playful minds busy over the holidays.

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Cosy presents

• Fleece throw

  around £20

  Soft, warm and always welcome in December.

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• Scented candle

  around £15

  Choose a subtle scent (wood, vanilla, spice) if you don't know the person well.

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• Hot water bottle with knitted cover

  around £15

  The retro present that's back in fashion, and a real comfort in winter.

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Presents for the curious

• Grow your own seed kit

  around £15

  Herbs or a mini indoor veg patch: a living present that lasts.

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• Recipe or cocktail book

  around £15

  For weekend cooks or the life and soul of the party.

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Our tips for a great Secret Santa present

• Take care with the wrapping: nice paper and a tag make a present look far more generous.
• Add a little note (unsigned, of course): it's often the part that touches people most.
• Stick to the budget, in both directions. A much more expensive present makes people uncomfortable.
• Keep the receipt, or choose something that's easy to exchange.

Haven't done the draw yet? Create your group in a minute: it's free and no account is needed. And if it's your first time, have a read of the Secret Santa rules.