All gift ideas

Secret Santa gifts under $25

Secret Santa is hard because the person is often someone you see at work or at the edge of a family gathering. You know their name and their coffee order, and not much else. The goal is a gift that is pleasant without being personal.

Pick things almost everyone uses: something for the desk, the kitchen, a cold evening or a lazy weekend. Skip anything that depends on size, taste in scent or a hobby you are guessing at. If you can, listen for small clues, like a sweater that is always on the back of their chair.

Every idea here stays at or under $25, which is a common limit for an office exchange. Check your group's own rules, and look at the store's page for the final price and shipping before you order.

  1. A good ceramic mug

    Nearly everyone drinks something warm, and a mug with a nice shape and weight gets used at the desk or at home.

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  2. A soft throw blanket

    Small enough to keep at a desk or on a sofa, and no one has ever needed to ask what size it is.

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  3. A plain scented candle

    Choose a mild, familiar scent like vanilla or cedar, so it is easy to like even if you do not know their taste.

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  4. A tea sampler

    A box with several flavors lets them find a favorite, and caffeine free options mean it works for more people.

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  5. A set of nice pens

    A smooth writing pen is a small luxury for someone who takes notes or signs things all day.

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  6. A card game that works for a group

    Easy to learn and quick to play, it is a gift that can be brought to a party or a break room.

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  7. A fast phone charger

    Everyone has a drawer of slow, frayed cables. A compact wall charger is practical and a bit of a relief.

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  8. A cozy pair of slipper socks

    Grippy soles and a soft lining make cold floors easier. One size usually fits most feet.

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