Secret Santa exchanges are a fun idea—until you realize you don't know your recipient all that well. Luckily, these Secret Santa gifts for $30 or less are here to help.
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Buying Secret Santa gifts can be stressful. Unless you know the recipient well (you might not!), it can be difficult to pick the perfect present without much insight into their personality, hobbies or interests. What do you get for someone you only know casually, like a coworker or teammate? How about a far-away family member? Fortunately, I’m a gift-giving expert who can point you in the right direction.
There are a few approaches to take when looking for the best Secret Santa gifts. Food gifts are always a good idea. After all, who doesn’t love eating? Now’s the time to treat them to goodies they’ve never experienced before, whether it’s something special sourced from around the globe or a comforting, familiar favorite of yours.
Going the silly route is another sound idea. Everyone’s a kid at heart, at least a little bit, and there’s no better time to get in touch with your inner child than the holidays. They’ll love retro toys they remember from their youth or games they can play with their families and friends.
It’s also a safe bet to go with practical gifts that feel like a splurge. Everyone uses items like coffee or oven mitts, but how often are they spending a little extra on luxurious versions of those things? Here are some of our favorite Secret Santa gifts for this holiday season that also make great affordable gifts year round.
This fantastical Nessie ladle makes serving soup, chowder or chili a whimsical experience. I own Nessie in both colors and can confirm I get a chuckle every time I see her peeking out from behind my spice rack. Plus, she’s dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. Which, dare we say it, is the greatest gift of all! See more standout presents from Amazon.
How cute are these pint-sized Jellycats? Not only are they tiny enough to display on a desk, but they’re also available in a huge variety of favorite foods and drinks. Whether they like beans, espresso or eggs, you’ll find a Jellycat that fits in perfectly with their interests.
These amusing plushies are the perfect pick-me-up, and there’s a foodie friend for every celebration. (Egglantine is a personal favorite of mine!)
Trade in those fire-engine red grocery store maraschinos for a luxurious upgrade. Luxardo cherries are a personal favorite thanks to their simple ingredients and incredible flavor. In our review, we explain that they’re ideal for baking, drinking and plain ol’ snacking. Gift your Secret Santa a jar and watch as it becomes a bar cart staple!
Sure, treats and snacks make great secret Santa gifts. But it’s fun to make a lasting impression with something that they’ll use again and again. At under $20, this Walmart throw blanket is our favorite budget blanket. It’s attractively priced and makes an affordable, cozy gift for the homebody on your list.
“Made of 100% fuzzy polyester, this throw is ultra-plush and soft to the touch,” says Shopping Editor Mary Henn. “It’s a medium-sized, lightweight blanket that feels cozy without being too heavy.”
Collecting unique Amazon gadgets is an art form, and any skilled collector needs to add this adorable honey jar to their compilation. It’s like a maple syrup dispenser but for honey.
We tried the honey drizzler and can confirm it’s the perfect vessel for displaying and pouring honey without all the mess. Not only does it make a wonderful gift for bakers, but it’s also the perfect complement to the host or hostess’ tea collection.
Bring a little dose of joy to your secret Santa’s day with this set of cactus measuring spoons. They all nestle together into a faux pot, which makes for a cute countertop display.
“Every single part of the cactus spoons display is functional,” says tester Madi Koetting. “The actual cacti serve as measuring tools for one-fourth teaspoon, one-half teaspoon, 1 teaspoon and 1 tablespoon, and the pot has measurement markings for one-fourth, one-third, one-half and 1 cup.”
Help your Secret Santa calm the Sunday scaries with a dinosaur weighted plush. These cute cuddlers went viral on TikTok for their appeal to kids and adults alike. I own two of these weighted stuffed animals and appreciate the gentle, soothing weight when my mind is racing.
Diamonds, this one’s for you! If your giftee binged Season 3 of Bridgerton a little too fast, stuff their stocking with a Colin and Penelope-inspired tea. I love the ginger-peach vanilla flavor, and 36 servings make it the ideal accompaniment for a rewatch. If you have a larger budget, consider a tea subscription, too.
Keep their sweet tooth happy with a sinfully decadent tray of Caroline’s Cake bites. These tasty morsels come in a range of southern cake flavors, like caramel, sweet potato, pink champagne and red velvet. I tried the lemon cake bites and can confirm they’re an indulgence—especially when nibbled on straight from the freezer!
The pasta-bilities for how they can enjoy this shaped candle are endless. Set the mood for a romantic spaghetti dinner a la Lady and the Tramp, or keep it in the kitchen as a reminder of their carb obsession. Choose from a farfalle or rigatoni design.
Ever heard of whipped honey? I won’t beat around the flower bush—it beats regular honey by a country mile. This whipped honey sampler is a buzz-worthy gift for those who enjoy the sweeter things in life. Not only are the little jars adorable, but the variety of flavors brings delightful variety to toast, tea or buttered scones.
Bring on the fun, old-fashioned family Christmas with this set of cork coasters from National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Each of the four options is emblazoned with a graphic and a quote from the festive film. Bonus points if you also buy them a moose mug.
A great gift for bakers, the Brownie Buddy lets you bake, cut and store bars right in the pan—and it actually works. No more broken brownies or squished sides! Each piece comes out perfectly portioned for a pretty presentation.
When I tried the Brownie Buddy (check out my full review here), I was initially skeptical that the cutter would slice through gooey brownies, but it did—and with ease. I plan on ordering a few to give as housewarming gifts or to send to friends in need of a sweet pick-me-up.
Product Testing Manager Annamarie Higley can’t get enough of Kosterina olive oil. In her review, she explains that these sleek bottles are a delightful upgrade to a daily staple. “The oil elevates dressings, pasta, fish and even a dish as simple as eggs. I feel like a pro with the pour spout—it’s an absolute game-changer,” she says. “Plus, I have no problem leaving these bottles on the kitchen counter as decorative pieces.”
If your Secret Santa errs on the practical side, get them a classic kitchen update. We can all but guarantee their oven mitts have seen better days, and this set from the Beautiful by Drew Barrymore collection brings chic elegance to a ho-hum essential. I love the sage green color.
For bookworms, there’s always one more chapter to be read. Grab the reader on your list this clever neck reading light for a hands-free way to enjoy their favorite books before bed.
“This little product packs so much power,” says tester Reina Galhea. “I’ve only charged it a handful of times since I bought it last year and despite near-nightly use it hasn’t lost brightness or durability.”
Perk up their morning ritual with this orange juice vase. They can fill it with flowers, preserved bouquets or faux fern stems to add a little cheer. It’s a surefire way to brighten up the best meal of the day! Editor Emily Way has had hers for a few years now, and still gets compliments on it. She notes that it’s especially fun to fill with fresh-cut flowers when she gets her monthly flower delivery!
We’re partial to Advent calendars at Taste of Home, especially for gifting. After all, who doesn’t love enjoying a new surprise every day? This Advent calendar is made up of 12 fun Christmas ornaments that cover a range of holiday icons, from Christmas ham to mulled wine. But there’s a twist—each comes complete with googly eyes, plus a sassy little message! It’s guaranteed to spark joy for almost anyone who loves the holidays.
For the one obsessed with throwback tunes, make their musical heart sing—pun intended—with a set of these upcycled record coasters. Each set contains six coasters made from assorted real records, so the genre or artist you get in yours will be a fun surprise. Handmade by an artist in Philadelphia, each one is unique and, most importantly, sealed so they won’t be damaged by water or a spilled iced tea.
Commemorate their favorite pastime with a cutie ornament set inspired by the iconic Nordic Ware Bundt pans. Made of durable cast aluminum, these teeny tiny tree additions look exactly like their larger counterparts.
Cooking should be fun. You know what isn’t fun? Grating cheese. Your friend will thank you the next time they make mac and cheese using this handy rotary cheese grater. Not only is it faster than a box grater, but it’s also fun to use—and it works for more than just cheese!
“Of the two rotary graters I tested, this is my preferred grater,” raves tester Nicole Doster. “The blades seem slightly sharper, making it almost effortless (and really fun) to grate through cheese, potatoes and veggies. I am now a rotary grater convert—it’s so much easier than a box grater.”
Festive Secret Santa gifts send a winter wonderland directly to their door. This sweet paper Advent calendar helps your Secret Santa count down the days until Christmas with the help of a bunch of cute forest creatures frolicking in a snowy scene. It’s one of the best Advent calendars you can buy in 2024.
There’s no greater gift than quality time with friends and family, which is why games make some of the best Secret Santa gifts. Avocado Smash! is a fun, food-themed card game that’s easy for almost all ages to pick up quickly, and it’s fast-paced enough to keep everyone off their phones and on the edge of their seats.
Any home baker knows that the secret to rich, chocolaty brownies is high-quality cocoa. Give them the best of the best with this Valrhona cocoa powder. Our Test Kitchen named it their best splurge pick, and it’s the only cocoa I use in my home kitchen.
With more than 1,500 reviews from shoppers, these wine glasses are sure to be a hit with the vino-loving friend or family member on your list. The delicate thin stems, wide cylindrical bowls and modern flat bases make them an elegant addition to any home bar or wine cart. There are four sizes to choose from, including champagne flutes, should your giftee have something to celebrate this year.
Help your Secret Santa take work breaks that are a little more productive than just scrolling on their phone. This desktop pickleball set brings a little friendly competition to the office. It comes with two paddles, a removable net and a ball.
Know someone who’s always wanted to get into crocheting but didn’t know where to start? This complete beginner’s kit will have them churning out blankets in no time! The kit includes five colors of yarn, 14 aluminum crochet hooks of various sizes, nine crochet hooks with ergonomic rubber grips and plenty of small tools, such as seam rippers, needles and rulers. Take a look at these gifts for sewists as well.
Kids (and kids at heart) will shriek with delight when they unwrap this Squishmallows mystery box. It includes a mix of three oh-so-soft, 8-inch toys that are ready for cuddling. This makes for a great St. Nick gift, too.
Looking for a stocking stuffer for a hot dog-obsessed pal or a Secret Santa gift for someone who loves sausages? This hilarious hot dog iPhone case costs less than $15, and they’ll agree it’s well worth the money! Made of soft, shock-resistant silicone, it has three-dimensional features and textures, making it much more interesting than the average phone case. And if hot dogs aren’t really their thing, the company also offers cases shaped like other foods, like avocados, pears and cheese.
You might not believe someone could get excited about dates—we had our doubts ourselves. But then we tasted these California-grown Medjool dates from Rancho Meladuco, and suddenly, all we wanted were dates for Christmas. Writer and professional chef Allison Robicelli explains that they have intense notes of buttery, dark toffee and undertones of an aged whiskey. We knew dates were delicious, but we had no idea they could possibly taste this good. Buy one for them and one for yourself—you’ll thank us later.
They’ll never need to worry about their bottle opener going missing again because this tipsy balancing bottle opener is so stunning, that they’ll want to show it off all the time! This functional gift doubles as a piece of art, defying gravity while its chrome finish shines.
If you need a gift for foodies that costs less than $10, this set of cheese knives and charcuterie utensils is the answer. Packed in an attractive box ideal for gifting, it includes a thin knife for semi-firm cheeses like cheddar, a chisel for crumbly cheeses like feta or waxy cheeses like Parmesan, a versatile heart-shaped knife for soft cheeses and a small serving fork. There are also four miniature forks for serving nibbles like olives and meats and four small spoons for spreads and dips.
Need Secret Santa gifts for a baker? You can’t go wrong with a bottle of the good stuff. This 4-ounce bottle of Nielsen-Massey Madagascar Bourbon pure vanilla extract will amp up cookie dough, cake batter, buttercream and any other sweet bakes.
For the person who can’t stop talking about her fur baby, this custom pet ornament is the way to go. Choose from a three design options and multiple colors to create a Secret Santa gift as unique as Fido. Unwrap more gift ideas for dogs and cats, according to pet parents.
For the friend who counts The Nightmare Before Christmas as a year-round classic, these Santa Jack flavored coffee beans are a must. The festive blend combines holiday cheer with a hint of spooky charm, making every cup feel like a trip to Halloween Town.
For the coworker who’s never without a puzzle book, this crossword puzzle mug is a winning clue. It comes printed with a real, solvable crossword, so they can sip their morning coffee while sharpening their brainpower.
Need a gift for a new brother- or sister-in-law or a boss you’re looking to impress? Custom whiskey stones as Secret Santa gifts are a solid choice. These stones are hand-cut from natural soapstone, which is renowned for its ability to hold a chilled temperature for long periods of time.
Tiered spice shelves are practically a necessity in the kitchen, but most are sorely lacking in the looks department. Not this three-tier spice shelf! Made from sustainable, renewable wood resources and recycled plastic, it can expand to fit the width of any cabinet but is attractive enough to be used on the countertop. Send this to someone who pre-ordered a Lenox Spice Village!
A spritz of fresh lemon juice is often just what a dish needs to come alive, and this innovative kitchen tool makes it easy! The Fluicer is a citrus press that folds up flat, so instead of a bulky juicer that takes up space, they’ll have a sturdy tool that fits neatly in a kitchen drawer. Its award-winning design makes it seamless to squeeze, so it’s a great gift for moms who love to cook, bake or make lemonade.
Doing the dishes is a drag. But these hanging sloth sponges as Secret Santa gifts will make the chore a little more fun. This set of three is ready for any soapy, scrubby mess. My husband and I use these every day to much delight.
The coworker or friend who’s always cold will enjoy unwrapping this oversized blanket scarf. Available in over a dozen colors and patterns, this pretty accessory is ideal for any occasion.
Chocolate is one of the safest Secret Santa gifts you can buy. And this truffle gift box from Lindt adds a gourmet spin. I love the sophisticated packaging and assortment of delicious flavors. Fudge swirl milk chocolate truffle, anyone?
Fore! The golfer or brother on your squad will go bunk-ers over these personalized tees. Pick from natural wood or white tees, then add an engraving of their name, special date, cheeky saying or other text. Talk about a great Christmas gift for him!
Take game day to the next level with a YETI insulated can cooler. This tailgate essential holds cans of beer, seltzer or soda and keeps them ice cold for hours. Choose from over 10 pretty colors and, for an additional fee, customize with text or graphics. Our Product Testing Team has been thoroughly testing YETI products this year (like the Hard Cooler), and we can confirm the performance is top notch.
As winter approaches we’ll be spending more time indoors, so why not keep occupied with a fun and cozy game? The Hygge Game is designed to spark conversation and bring people together. Since it doesn’t involve game pieces, spinners or other accessories, The Hygge Game can even be made Zoom-friendly for distant gatherings.
This friendly, red kitchen crab will keep their seafood boils from boiling over and their cooking tools clean. The sturdy silicone claws hold spoons for stirring, ladles for serving and tongs for lifting. Your giftee can rest him on the counter or clip him onto the sides of their stockpot. I love that he’s made of soft silicone for easy washing.
For the hostess on your list, this set of 50 food board ideas is a must-own. These creative cards go way beyond basic charcuterie, with themes like “Build Your Own BLT,” “Crudit-Yay” and “Baked Brie.” Each card includes a gorgeous photo, ingredient lists and expert tips. It’s one of our favorite cheese board gift ideas!
Imprinted with their Zodiac sign, these comfy socks will help your friend stay cozy as he or she interprets their star chart. Bonus: Each pair is made with sustainable materials. If your budget is a little bigger, you can’t go wrong with a Birthdate candle, either.
This jelly collection is a fun and tasty choice for a spice-loving in-law or acquaintance. The spreads are delicious on plain toast, but they really come alive when served on crackers or used as a glaze on chicken or pork. Pair with some crackers and a bottle of wine for an easy, inexpensive Christmas gift basket.
If your recipient can’t swing a trip to France, this jigsaw puzzle is a thoughtful consolation prize. It offers the soothing scene of a Paris street, complete with the Eiffel Tower in the background. We bet they would also enjoy a puzzle of the month club.
Make the most of a BBQ with these hilarious meat claws. They’re designed for lifting and shredding everything from pork to chicken, plus they’re dishwasher safe for easy cleanup. This gift for grillers is one of our top picks.
We could all use a bit of extra self-care this year, which is why this tea infuser cup makes such a thoughtful gift. It includes a reusable strainer that the recipient can fill with their favorite loose-leaf teas.
No matter who they are or what they like, everyone can use a relaxing spa treatment. Give them a spa-worthy experience at home with this set of shower steamers they can throw in the tub to wash away the day’s stress. These tablets contain essential oils that turn their shower into an aromatherapy steam bath. They’ll find six soothing scents: Eucalyptus Mint, Citrus Grove, Lavender, Jasmine, Bergamot Spring and Chamomile.
These plush mittens may be even cozier than Santa’s. Lined with oh-so-soft faux fur and available in five gorgeous hues, this practical Secret Santa gift is a welcome choice.
Secret Santa gift exchanges typically have a price limit, set by the host or organizer and shared with participants. Sticking to this limit is important, as exceeding it can be considered rude and may make others uncomfortable. The typical range is around $20 to $25, and there’s no harm in going a bit under the limit as long as the gift is thoughtful and appropriate.
There are endless options as long as you stay within the price limit. People often opt for small, thoughtful, playful gifts that can make the recipient smile while still being useful. Just ensure your gift is suitable for the group and avoids offensive themes.
Avoid gifts that could be considered offensive unless the theme specifically calls for it. If the gift is NSFW (not safe for work), it’s best to choose something else unless you’re absolutely certain it will be well-received. If you don’t know your recipient super well, it’s also a good idea to avoid things like alcohol or allergy-laden treats. Always be mindful of the crowd and the occasion.
Katie Bandurski, Taste of Home’s senior shopping editor, has over eight years of experience in the home and food space, connecting readers with the best gifts, kitchen gear and home essentials. A devoted foodie and holiday enthusiast, she has personally tested hundreds of products—from Christmas trees to coffee gear—ensuring each recommendation meets her standards for quality and joy. Before joining the shopping team, Katie worked at Better Homes & Gardens and on Taste of Home’s editorial staff, honing her expertise in curating items that make life easier and more meaningful.
Paul Rankin, Content Updates Editor at Taste of Home, updated and contributed research to this article. Paul is also a product tester and writer at Bob Vila and has written shopping guides since 2021.
