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Secret Santa gift ideas
for any adult you draw.

A good Secret Santa gift is useful, easy to like and close to the budget: a nice mug or tumbler, a card game, a desk gadget, or good chocolate or coffee. That holds whether you drew a coworker, a friend or a grown-up cousin. Pick a budget below, or see ideas for coworkers.

Under $25

From pocket games to one really good thing.

All ideas under $25

Under $50

Speakers, bigger sets and things they'll keep.

All ideas under $50

For coworkers

Desk, coffee and snack ideas for someone you know from work.

All ideas for coworkers

Funny gifts

A laugh when it's opened, and still useful after.

All funny gift ideas

List updated . We start with what people are adding to their GiftList lists, plus our team's picks, then narrow it down to your budget. Stores set the prices, and they change often. We may earn a commission if you buy through these links.

How to pick for whoever you drew

  • Drew a coworker? Keep it useful and neutral: a mug, a desk gadget, a game or good coffee. Clothes, perfume and skincare are hard to get right for someone you mostly see at work.
  • Drew a friend? Start with what you already know they like: a hobby, a favorite snack, a game for game night.
  • Drew family? You probably know their tastes, so use them: a favorite treat, a book by an author they love, or a puzzle for a slow weekend.
  • Shopping for him or her? Go by what they're into, not by gender. A coffee drinker, a gamer or someone who's always on their phone is easier to shop for than "a guy" or "a woman."
  • Spend close to the limit. Coming in just under the budget feels thoughtful. Going way over can make everyone else's gift look small.
  • Look for a hint. If they've shared a wishlist, start there. If not, ask someone who knows them.

Secret Santa gifts,
answered.

More questions? See all FAQs

What is a good Secret Santa gift?
One thing they'll actually use, close to the budget. If you know them, shop their hobby. If you don't, pick something everyday and easy to like, such as a small lamp, a puzzle or a good notebook.
How much should you spend on a Secret Santa gift?
There's no standard amount. Pick a number everyone in the group is comfortable with, and say up front whether it's a limit or a target. Then aim close to it.
What do you get someone you don't know well?
Go for something useful and easy to like: a nice mug or tumbler, a desk gadget, a card game or a cozy lamp. Skip clothes, strong scents and anything too personal.
What if I drew someone in my family?
Use what you already know: their hobby, a treat they love or something they keep meaning to buy for themselves. For a relative you rarely see, an everyday item is safer than something personal.
Can you run a Secret Santa on GiftList?
Yes, and it's free. One exchange can draw names for 3 to 100 people. Each person sees only who they drew (who drew them is revealed on the exchange date), and the organizer can't see the full draw. Everyone needs a free account to see their match. For a quick draw with no signup, use the Secret Santa generator instead; there, the organizer and anyone with the group link can see every pairing.

Let people know
what you’d like.

Make a free wishlist and share it with whoever is shopping for you, including your Secret Santa.

Create a free wishlist