The Best Secret Santa Surprises

Christmas will be here quicker than a firecracker and to kick things off, drawing names for your secret Santa gifts adds to the excitement of the season. Fortunately, a little creative thinking, and you want break the bank. Simplicity builds excitement.

The office brigade set their price for secret Santa gifts and these Santa gifts are for the annual Holiday Party, but I like to get a head start. Over the years, I have given many secret Santa gifts, received many secret Santa gifts, brought smiles to faces and heard much laughter. Regardless of your plan, the end results the same, laughter, fun, food, good times and secret Santa gifts for a co-worker.

A few days before the swap, I leave a small secret Santa gift each day, something inexpensive but festive. A holiday sticker on colored paper is good start and informs your co-worker something is up. The next day, leave a Hershey's Kiss or several with ribbon streamers. Cut ribbon into small pieces (about three or four "), only takes a few pieces, place Hershey's Kisses on a bed of brightly colored ribbons.

The gifts are ever so simple but Secret Santa personal. A friend who collects dragons enjoyed her dragon cut out from a magazine add, pasted on holiday paper with red ribbon for a ball of fire. Personalized, funny and inexpensive, your Secret Santa gifts can make someone's day.

As secret Santa, I have more fun than the receiver does. Watching friends trying to catch me in the act is hilarious. Look for sales throughout the year so you will be prepared. Depending on how well you know your coworker, these little gifts and the larger gifts for exchange day can be vicious and crazy.

For instance, my bosses are all engineer alumni from the University of Florida (gators), and I am a Seminole fan, The Florida State University. At our gathering, one person at a time opens his/her gift. I received a beautifully wrapped present; opened the box and wrapped in individual gator wrapping paper were pieces of coal, yes and lots of them. That is ok, FSU was on its winning streak, and that was a great gag gift. Recently, the gators are on a winning streak of their own. You know what they say about paybacks.

Here are some secret Santa suggestions. Enjoy and add to the list:

Book-markers
Bubblegum
Sports cards
Candies
Avon samples
Perfume/Cologne Samples from Department Stores
Holiday Stickers
Stickers (Sports Cars, movie stars)
Bic Pens
Cups
Petite Baskets (no more than 10 cents)
NASCAR stickers
Sports anything
Plastic bag filled with sand. (Imaginary trip to the beach with sun)
Deck of cards with some missing. Give remainder at Holiday Party)
Holiday card
Lottery ticket
Doll Furniture
Candles
Toy race cars
Paper dolls
French-fry Gift Certificate (Usually a $1)
Marbles
Tissue paper tied with ribbon with ornament
Tissue (there is always someone with allergies)
Ponytail bands
Inexpensive throw away razors
Scissors (suggesting it is time for a haircut)
Maps (Self drawn, for those getting lost)
Watches or timers (for those not on time) Inexpensive at Dollar Stores
Use magazines for cut-outs and modify them yourself, one of a kind art treasures

These fit my group, but create according to personality. Do not be offensive but funny. Err on the side of caution. If in doubt, don't. Secret Santa will be better than ever. Careful, now, do not get caught.

Sources:

Personal experiences enjoyed during the holiday season.