What to give in Secret Santa, sorted by what you can spend
You've drawn a name and have no idea what to buy. Here are ideas by budget band, the same ones Gift Shuffle shows. It's an Android app for running the Secret Santa draw, and it suggests these when someone hasn't written a wishlist.
Run the draw with Gift Shuffle
Before you pick: what beats any list
The best idea is the one the other person already said they want. That's why a well-run Secret Santa has everyone jot down two or three things they'd love, within budget. If your group uses Gift Shuffle, each participant can have a wishlist, and when you reveal your match it shows up under their name. The ideas below are for when that list is empty.
Up to 15
On a small budget, things that get used or eaten win. Little gifts that rarely miss:
- Fun mug with a pack of special tea or coffee
- Cosy socks with a funny design
- Pocket notebook and a good pen
- A paperback of a book you loved
- Gourmet chocolate or local sweets
- Small plant or succulent with a nice pot
- Card or board mini-game
- Scented candle
Up to 30
The most common band for families and offices. Enough for something that lasts or gets shared:
- Board or party game for the group
- Cosy blanket or big scarf
- Personalised mug, keyring or photo print
- Small wireless speaker
- Cookbook plus a special ingredient
- Selection of craft beers, wines or teas
- Desk organiser or nice planner for next year
- Bath and self-care set
Up to 60
Experiences and quality gear for a hobby come in here:
- Experience: cooking class, escape room or tasting
- Good headphones
- A quality item for their hobby (sport, painting, music…)
- Smart lamp or sunrise alarm clock
- Leather wallet or nice bag
- Concert, cinema or theatre tickets
- Coffee maker or tea kit
- Book bundle by their favourite author
More than 60
For couples' budgets or small groups that go big:
- Weekend getaway or spa day
- Smartwatch or fitness band
- E-reader
- Good kitchen gadget (air fryer, quality knife)
- Quality jacket or boots
- Course or workshop they've wanted for ages
- Instant camera with film
- Restaurant dinner for two
When you barely know your match
It happens at work or with the in-laws. Three tips to avoid a miss:
| Tip | What to do |
|---|---|
| Ask without asking | Someone close to them usually knows what they like. Ask about several people so you don't give yourself away. |
| Consumable beats decorative | Something to eat, drink or use up doesn't clutter their home if it isn't quite right. |
| Include a gift receipt | Slip it in the package so they can exchange it without knowing whom to ask. |
Above all, stick to the limit. A gift that blows the budget makes everyone else look bad. If you haven't agreed the rules yet, here are the Secret Santa rules.
Common questions
How much do people usually spend on Secret Santa?
There's no set amount: each group decides before the draw. What matters is a clear cap that everyone sticks to.
Where do these ideas come from?
They're the ones Gift Shuffle shows for the group's budget when the person you drew hasn't written a wishlist.
Can I see my match's wishlist?
Yes, if they wrote one. When you reveal your result, on the shared phone or through the secret link, it appears under their name.
Does the budget band work in any currency?
The app takes the first number you type in the budget, such as "$25" or "20 €", and suggests ideas from the matching band.
Draw first, shop second
Budget, date and wishlists in the same group. More about Gift Shuffle, the Secret Santa generator.
Run the draw with Gift Shuffle