51 Insanely Cute (And Cheap!) Secret Santa GiftsThat Are Perfect for the Holidays
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It's hard enough to find the perfect gift for the best friends (and parents, and sisters, and cousins) you literally see every single day, but shopping for that random classmate that you sit behind in algebra and have never even spoken to? Even harder. Once you factor in the under-$50 Secret Santa game price cap, you'll be ready to reach for the classic Christmas people-pleaser — a gift card. While cash is great, your holiday giftee would definitely appreciate receiving one of these Secret Santa gift ideas even more as it shows you spent time thinking about what they love and want.
To solve the question of what you'll get your Secret Santa recipient, we've curated a list of gifts that are truly universally adored, guaranteed to be *actually* useful, and will arrive before the holiday festivities kick off. Think hot chocolate mugs, colorful Airpod cases, skincare sets, claw clip packs, novelty socks, and candy. You’ll also be giving your Secret Santa partner a gift that is easy to rewrap and regift to a loved one if they needed to — no hard feelings.
We’ve rounded up all the ~coolest~, most affordable mini gifts that your classmates, friends, and family will love — everyone from the super-artsy cousin you see once a year to the dude who plays the saxophone in band class. Trust and promise —there's a gift on this list for every person whose name you could possibly pick. Happy shopping, Santa!
One Line a Day: A Five-Year Memory Book
The paper slip you drew had the name of the best writer in English class — get them this memory book. In five years, they'll have the outline to their memoir.
Terrarium Candle
A teeny wax terrarium is perfect for anyone who can't keep a real plant alive. It'll double as decor, and we can guarantee they don't own a candle that looks anything like this.
Coco Cabana Jet Set
This is the subtle way to make sure you don't have to suffer through your desk neighbor's BO anymore. Win-win!
Comfy Smiley Face House Slippers with Memory Foam
Fluffy, funky, unisex slippers for only $20? Get us a pair of these too, please and thank you!
Women's Donut Socks Gift Box 3 Pack
Socks dressed up as donuts? Don't mind if I do!
Phone Charger Cord Protector Animals - 3pcs Cable Protector
Anyone with a phone (so, everyone) will love this cute mini gift that’ll keep their phone charging cords from constantly falling off of their desks.
The Mug With A Hoop 16 oz Basketball Mug/Cup/Bowl
Basically anyone on the basketball team will love this basketbowl (basketmug?) — it's funny, but also totally useful.
Galileo Glass Thermometer
You matched with that bio partner who was really into your class experiment. Make up for the fact that you let them do 90% of the work with this multi-colored thermometer.
Mini Donut Maker Machine with Non-stick Surface
Is anyone going to say no to a mini donut? That’s what we thought. You’ll just have to fight the temptation of keeping this gift for yourself instead of giving it away.
Non-Slip Large Hair Claw Clip For Women
If you want to avoid your Secret Santa gift being tossed to the back of a closet, go for something everyone constantly needs more of — like claw clips.
Power Mist 30ml
These adorable spray hand sanitizers will have everyone saying, "OMG, could I have some hand sanitizer?!" before every single meal.
Swiss Miss™ Balm Dotcom
What's better than hot cocoa in the cold weather? A chocolatey Balm Dotcom collab from Glossier and Swiss Miss that'll soothe chapped lips in a flash.
Funko Pop! Advent Calendar: Harry Potter
For the girl who won't shut up about Harry Potter (Me. It's me. I’m the girl who won’t shut up about Harry Potter.)
Scalp Massager, Handheld Head Massager Tingler, Scratcher
$7 is all it takes to give the gift of major relaxation. Plus, you can gift one to your Secret Santa partner — and keep one for yourself.
Silicone Brush Cleaner
The only thing you know about your Secret Santa giftee is that she comes in every day in full glam. This $5 brush cleaner is guaranteed to star in her morning routine.
Daisy Dance Notebook
These notebooks are so pretty that they're almost too pretty to write it — almost. They'll never forget anything, ever again.
Avail Money Drawing Soy Candle
Their holiday wish might be for a million bucks, which is a little above your budget, but this prosperity candle is a step in the right direction.
Smoko Pearl Boba Tea Cordi Plushie
This bubble tea pillow is a 100% necessary addition to any bedroom, dorm room, or living room.
Farberware Avocado Huggers
Their Instagram is 99% food pics – you can't go wrong with an avocado-themed gift.
Pride & Prejudice Candle
A Pride and Prejudice-themed candle for the girl who longs to bewitch someone, body and soul. This Etsy brand has a ton of unique book-themed scents.
Mean Girls She Doesn't Even Go Here T-Shirt
It won't even be a problem if they don't get the reference, because then you can give them the gift of watching Mean Girls for the first time. You can't put a price on that.
Head-To-Toe Skin Hydration Holiday Set
This hand salve/lotion/eye treatment/face cream combo is the ultimate set for all-over body hydration. The best part? It's only $30.
Sunset Nudes 3-piece Set
For only $27, you can snag an entire bronzed makeup look from NudeStix. This limited-edition set comes with a lip color, a cheek color, and an eye color. Honestly, you might want to buy one for yourself while you're at it.
Spiral Jewelry Stand
Everyone needs a good jewelry holder for when they're too lazy to put their earrings away at the end of a long day. This beauty is under $30.
Dottie Glitter Airpods Pro Case
Nothing could be more festive than having a confetti Airpod case this holiday season.
Portable Nail Dryer
For the friend that is always smudging their nails after an at-home mani.
Variety Loop
Anyone would love this 5-piece hydrogel sheet mask set. Pop them in the fridge for that extra ~cooling effect.~
Minding My Black Owned Business
As soon as they open this tee, they'll know your dollars went to a good cause.
"Belladonna" by Adalyn Grace
For the classmate who always has a book in her hand, there's only one option: another book. Plus, they can join in on Seventeen's Book Club while reading this pick!
ZipTuck Reusable Sandwich Snack Bag
Slipping reusable sandwich bags under the tree is a great way to force the recipient to cut down on single-use plastic. 😜
Friends TV Show Seasons Jigsaw Puzzle - 1000 Pieces
This puzzle is a pretty safe bet, because come on – who doesn't love Friends?
Peyton Tall Mug
This short, swirly font mug is too cute for words and serves as a great reminder to "Feel your feelings."
Bodum Caffettiera French Press
This colorful coffee-maker is perfect for that kid who shows up ten minutes late every day with an iced coffee in hand.
Glitter Bomb Sip Sip Tumbler with Straw - You've Got This
Iced coffee is so much better when it comes with a side of glitter. The most extra student in your class will obsess over this snow globe tumbler.
Letters for Santa 2 Piece Mailbox
This kit reads like a list of Buddy the Elf's favorite foods: Santa's Cookies, and Reindeer Peppermint Marshmallow Puffs.
Agate Chip Hoop Earrings
Support your local VSCO girl this holiday season with earrings.
Travel Size All Day Hydration Set
A hydration mist that comes with a nourishing cream? Yeah, we'll gift one and take a set for ourselves, too, pls.
Exfoliating Sugar Cube Gift Box
Small exfoliating sugar cubes: $12. Glowing skin: priceless.
Zip ID Case
Every time your Secret Santa giftee takes out their ID or credit card, they'll think of you.
Hey You, You’re a Bright Light ($68 Value)
Give the gift of bright, glowing skin with the help of this Glow Recipe trio.
Velvet Swirls Press Ons
Give them the gift a hassle-free manicure with these press-ons.
Book Club Candle
This is the perfect candle for Your Secret Santa to curl up with a good book.
Mini Projector
Nothing beats curling up with a movie in your own bed. This mini projector will be one of the most coveted Secret Santa gifts.
Plant Terrarium
Everybody loves plants and this gift gives it a DIY spin. Your Secret Santa will think of you everytime they walk past their mini garden.
Heat Changing Constellation Mug
Your Secret Santa just has to add piping hot coffee or tea and watch 11 constellations appear.
make sparks fly set
For $25 this set Tarte makeup set is such a win. Comes with the tartelette spark Amazonian clay palette, mini maracuja juicy lip balm, and mini tartelette tubing mascara!
Textured Scrunchies
The perfect wrist accessory and functional hair piece, these colorful scrunchies is perfect for the girl who is always on the go.
Blush Ice Roller
Have your secret santa pop this into the freezer overnight for a glam skin care routine the next morning.
Small Portable Charger
This is the gift for the classmate who is super involved. Tennis practice? Then play rehearsals? You've got them covered with this super portable plug-in charger.
Night Light Bluetooth Speaker
The perfect gift for anyone on the Secret Santa list. This color-changing speaker also doubles as an alarm clock. What's not to love?!
Kawaii Stationery Pouch
Perfect for makeup or pencils, this pouch is for the boba lover on your Secret Santa list.
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