Office Secret Santa gift exchanges can be a lot of fun, if you end up selecting someone you know. The trouble with these games is that one of two things can happen: you get a friend that you know everything about, or you get that person you’ve said “hello” to once in the break room.
Having to buy a gift for someone you know nothing about can be difficult. You have to awkwardly ask around to find out their interests or observe them from a distance and take notes, because it’s important to show that you cared enough to put in the effort.
At the end of the day, you don’t want to be the person that bought a gift that will end up collecting dust in the back of the closet—or (gulp) re-gifted. Here are some top-notch Secret Santa gift ideas that will surely be a crowd pleaser.
The Best Secret Santa Gift Ideas for 2023
1. Cute Premium Gifts from Redbubble
High-quality gifts by artists, for the people and occasions that mean a little more. Check out metals, accessories, hoodies, sweatshirts, and more. And when you shop from Redbubble you are helping an independent artist! Redbubble gives back 9% when you shop with Giving Assistant.
2. Wireless Portable Bulldog Speakers
Whether it’s because your person loves to bump music or has a bulldog of their own, this Wireless Bluetooth Bulldog Speaker will be a hit. This speaker system easily connects to a laptop, computer, tablet or smartphone, and will look amazing on someone’s desk. Since it’s incredibly lightweight, the speaker is also very portable for on-the-go listening.
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3. Stationary Pedal Exerciser
Perfect for that coworker that loves to work out, this Stationary Pedal Exerciser is a great gift for someone who doesn’t mind working up a sweat while they’re on the clock.
The Pedal Exerciser is lightweight and its slim design makes it ideal to use while sitting at a desk. Not to mention, it can improve focus and concentration while strengthening and toning muscles, leading to a more productive day.
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4. Zen Tabletop Relaxation Fountain
Some days in the office are more stressful than others. For the coworker that is working late or has a high-pressure position, a Zen Tabletop Relaxation Fountain may be exactly what they need.
Delivering a subtle sound of water cascading over stones, this fountain is a great desk accessory that your coworker will love.
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5. Custom Engraved Slate Coasters
These Custom Engraved Slate Coasters are perfect for just about anyone. The natural slate-stone coasters come in a set of four and are a gift that will certainly be cherished. By adding their name, you just turned a basic gift into a very personable and special one.
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6. Ionic Salt Crystal Wavy Basket Lamp
We are sure you can think of a few coworkers that could use some relaxation in their lives. And for them, this Himalayan Glow Ionic Salt Crystal Wavy Basket Lamp is a great gift.
Not only does this lamp encourage relaxation, but it’s a beautiful accessory to have on a desk. Made from natural Himalayan salt, this lamp is a unique way to relieve stress in the office.
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7. Pet Calming Cuddler
Do you have to buy for a pet person? Or, is your office dog-friendly? If so, a gift for their four-legged friend is just as good as a gift for them.
Whether it’s to keep in the office or bring home, this Pet Calming Cuddler Donut Bed will keep both pet and owner happy!
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8. Alder Creek Bloody Mary Gift Basket
It wouldn’t be an office Secret Santa gift list without some mention of booze. Rather than simply getting your person a bottle of something, give them the complete open-bar experience.
This Alder Creek Bloody Mary Gift Basket doesn’t just stop at the drink ingredients, it comes with delicious cheeses, cracked pepper crackers, spiced rim salts, and more.
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How to Play Secret Santa
Secret Santa is a great way to get people in the office to interact and get to know each other better. Since the object of the game is to get a person a gift without them knowing who it’s from, it encourages people to discreetly ask questions and find out someone’s interests.
Out of the different gift exchange games, Secret Santa may be the simplest. Though party hosts can add their own twist to the game, the basic rules include:
Rule 1: Weeks before the date of the party, write each participant’s name down on a separate piece of paper and put them in a hat or non-transparent container.
Rule 2: Each participant draws one name from the pile (without revealing who they selected). If they choose their own name, put it back and pick again.
Rule 3: With a predetermined budget established, each participant has to buy the person they selected a gift and bring it to the Secret Santa party.
Rule 4: At the party, one by one each participant opens the gift assigned to them. After opening, that person gets three guesses as to who bought them their gift. If they don’t guess correctly, the buyer can then reveal themselves.
Secret Santa Gift Exchange Tips
1. Make Sure Everyone Knows the Rules
If you decide to have a theme or a list of items that aren’t allowed, it’s important to make sure that everyone is aware of it. That way someone doesn’t accidentally buy the wrong type of gift.
2. Set a Gift Price Limit
Always establish a budget. This will avoid someone overspending on a gift only to end up receiving a keychain or pack of gum.
3. Focus on the Person You are Giving the Gift
You may get a person you know very well, and that’s great. It should be easy for you to buy them something that they’ll enjoy.
There is also a good chance that you get someone you know nothing about, and that’s also great! It’s actually one of the main purposes of the game. If you get someone you don’t know all that well, it’s up to you to find out more about them.
You can strike up a conversation with them, talk to their friends, or take notes on what you notice in the office. For example, if they always wear superhero shirts on casual Friday, they might like a poster or new shirt of one of their favorite characters.
Getting a gift specific to that person is a way to ensure everyone at the party leaves with something they’ll enjoy.
4. Receive Your Gift with Grace
There are always a few gift-givers that do the bare minimum. Not everyone is going to do the proper research that a Secret Santa should. If you fall victim to a cheap gift, remember that it’s about having fun. Just smile and say thank you.