Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Co-Workers

Secret Santa has been a western tradition for the holidays where groups of people such as office co-workers exchange gifts secretly. Members of the group will typically put their names in a hat and the names are mixed up in the hat. Then each person draws a name out of the hat and that is the person that they buy gifts for. The gifts are given anonymously. Usually a limit is set for the amount of money that should be spent on the gift. Sometimes groups of people who are doing a Secret Santa will give one gift towards the end of the work week before the holiday break. Or groups might choose to do a gift every day for a week leading up to the holiday break. In this case, if the limit is set at $25 then all gifts combined that are given that week must not go over the $25 limit.

To make it easier, sometimes groups will agree to submit a short list of some of their favorite things or things they would like to receive. These lists could be put on the same piece of paper that goes in the hat with their name on them. There are so many things you can give for a Secret Santa gift. Here are some ideas for Secret Santa gifts you can buy for under $25 for your co-worker.

Candy: Most people enjoy receiving candy for Christmas. Some of my favorites holiday treats are chocolate covered cherries, gourmet candied apples or a nice box of chocolates! You could also fill a beautiful jar or bowl with their favorite candies. This would be a nice gift that they could keep on their desk and refill throughout the year.

Jewelry: You can find some nice piece of costume jewelry for under $25. Most department stores run sales on their costume pieces around the holidays. Watches, tie clips, cufflinks, rings, bracelets, necklaces, anklets and earrings are popular jewelry pieces. Remember if you are buying earrings, find out if the lady you are buying for has pierced earrings or not. You might need to buy clip-on earrings.

Cologne/Perfume: You might find some small sample sizes of the higher end colognes and perfumes at your local department stores for under $25 especially when the holiday season starts. Don't forget to check out your local discount stores and drug stores. They often have good deals on colognes and perfume sets.

DVD: Buying your office mate a copy of their favorite movie or a new release in the genre that they like is something they can use over and over again.

Desk Set: A coordinating desk set would be nice. Perhaps a set that includes holders for paper clip, pens or pencils, business cards, post-it notes, etc. Small to medium picture frames are also nice gifts for your coworker because they can use them at home or at work. Lots of people like to display photos on their desks at work or in their lockers.