IF you're looking for a Secret Santa gift, don't panic there's still time!
We've put together our top picks of the best Christmas gifts to impress your recipient, whatever the brief or budget.
For those who are unfamiliar with the set up, secret Santa works when a group pick a name at random and buy a special gift for that one person.
The main point is not to tell the person you are buying for until you give them the gift or they open it on Christmas Day.
For some, the secret Santa giver may still remain a mystery.
When it comes to secret Santa gifts there is usually a cap on the budget, which usually ranges from £5 to £20.
But it could be more depending on how generous your group is feeling.
Secret Santa is ideal for groups of friends, smaller families and work colleagues who want to watch their spending on gifts for the festive season as each person only buys one gift.
Some may opt for jokey presents, while others will tailor gifts to suit the individual they are buying for, picking up specific items for the coffee drinker, boozy pal, fitness fanatic or beauty buff.
Sifting through all the gift options available to buy can be overwhelming, and even more so when you’ve got the short straw of buying a secret Santa gift for someone you’re not quite sure of their interests.
But don't worry, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best secret Santa gifts for him and her to buy ahead of the big day.
If you need more gift ideas check out our roundup of the best gifts for her and the best Christmas gifts for him, with some last minute ideas for those who need the perfect present – fast.
Best last minute Secret Santa gifts
1. Birchbox 3-month subscription
Makeup and skincare fans will appreciate a regular Birchbox delivered to their door each month.
Throughout December you can get a three month subscription to the popular service for just £25, instead of the normal £38 – saving £18.
Each month the recipient will receive a bundle of five full and mini sized products from top beauty brands, which is ideal for trying out new launches and cult favourites.
- Birchbox beauty box subscription, £25 for three months – buy here
2. Gin Flavour Selection Tasting Set
Gin lovers will enjoy receiving this mini gin tasting set.
The set comes filled with a selection of tasty gins, which will keep both connoisseurs and novices happy.
You Secret Santa will get to sample a Jaffa Cake Gin, as well as Tanqueray gin and many more – what's not to love?
- Drinks By The Dram Craft Gin Tasting Set, £24.95 from Sainsbury's – buy here
3. Kinder Chocolate Gift Box
If the person you are buying for loves chocolate this isa great gift set for them to tuck into over the festive season, or in one day – we won't judge.
This bundle contains Kinder delights; from Happy Hippo's to Kinder and Kinder Bueno's, plus next day delivery.
- Kinder Chocolate Gift Box, £16.14 from Amazon – buy here
4. (AD) Bare & Bond Christmas cracker
If you are looking for a Secret Santa gift to impress, this Bare & Bond cracker ticks the box.
Bare & Bond have created a fun fragrance gift created by top perfumer, Sarah McCartney, that comes in a gorgeous Christmas cracker design.
Sun readers can get an exclusive 20% off using THESUN discount code at checkout, so you can Wow your Secret Santa with this sweet smelling gift even if you're on a tight budget.
The striking cracker packaging comes courtesy of artist Bokani Tshidzu, and the cracker also includes festive dried flowers from top florist Ruthie Savile to add an extra special touch.
- (AD) Bare & Bond Christmas cracker, £19 – buy here. Use THESUN code to get exclusive 20% off.
5. 30 Minute Live Online Cookery Class
Wannabe chefs can test out their skills with this fun virtual live cookery class hosted by Masterchef star Ann Hood.
Whip up an impressive feast following Ann's expert tips and tricks as you cook along with her.
Recipients get to choose from a full timetable, covering different fun and tasty recipes including Japanese Ramen and indulgent desserts.
Each session also includes a live Q&A with Ann, where you can ask all your culinary burning questions too.
- 30 minute Live Online Cookery Class with Ann’s Smart School of Cookery, £5 from Virgin Experience Days – buy here
6. One4All gift card
There is nothing more stressful than pulling a name out of the hat for someone you don't really know, and we have all been there.
This genius One4All gift card can be topped up with as little as £10, and can be used in hundreds of stores. Secret Santa is happy, and the recipient is too.
- One4All gift card, from £10, One4All – buy here
7. Office Bingo Card Coaster
This one is bound to go down a treat.If you are buying for a friend in the work place, or other colleague, it will guarantee the giggles, but also indirectly keep some in check.
- Office Bingo Card Coaster, £4.99, Amazon – buy here
8. Townhouse treatment
Live in London? Or heading up for a girly weekend? My Townhouse has expanded their salons with Fitzrovia, Liverpool Street an Kensington available to book now.
If you know someone who loves a pamper, or needs one but never makes time, this is a great gift.
You can select a pre-paid amount for the gift card, or a particular treatment, and you can leave it as late as you want to sort, and noone will know.
- My Townhouse gift card, from £25, My Townhouse – buy here
Best Secret Santa gifts 2022
1. At Mama’s Table by Rochelle Humes
Rochelle Humes has recently released her debut cookbook filled with hearty home-cooked meals for the entire family to enjoy.
Whether you are a budding chef, or need a little helping hand in the kitchen, there is something for all foodies to recreate and enjoy over Christmas and well into the New Year.
- At Mama's Table By Rochelle Humes, £5 (Was £20) from The Works – buy here
2. Satin Gift Set
With all the festive parties in full swing, getting a full night's sleep can be tricky, and tossing and turning can cause damage to your hair and skin, which is why satin pillow cases and hair toggles are a fan favourite.
This luxe looking gift set features a satin sleep mask, satin pillowcase and two satin scrunchies.
So not only will you be gifting your Secret Santa this three-piece set, but also the gift of a glamorous night's sleep this Christmas.
- Satin Gift Set, £16.50 from Beauty Bay – buy here
3. Rascals Mr & Mrs Pocket Edition Game
Nothing says Christmas more than games.From card games, to board games, trivias, the lot.
This game is ideal for couples, and to test how well you know your other half – just like the show.
- Rascals Mr & Mrs Pocket Edition Game, £9.99 from John Lewis & Partners- buy here
4. Sanctuary Spa Special Occasion Hamper
Sanctuary Spa never fail to deliver when it comes to gift sets, and this unmissable deal is a great Secret Santa treat.
The gorgeous package includes a salt scrub, body wash, body butter, heel balm and more.
Perfect for some post Christmas pampering for your recipient to enjoy in the comfort of their own home.
- Sanctuary Spa Special Occasion Hamper, £25 from Boots – buy here
5. Mattel Scrabble Original Board Game
Scrabble is a Christmas classic to play with the whole family on Christmas Day, and the blurry few days in between Boxing Day and the New Year.
A great gift for someone who has a competitive streak who loves playing games, and ideal for all ages too.
- Mattel Scrabble Original Board Game, £20 from The Works – buy here
6. The Flat Lay Co Pink Velvet Make Up Bag
Beauty buffs are arguably amongst the easiest to buy for, as you can easily snap up plenty of coveted beauty gift sets and accessories at this time of year
This flat lay make-up bag is the ideal gift makeup fans probably never knew they needed.
It can hold all your essential cosmetics and makes it easier to pack them away after too, and we love the luxe pink velvet design.
- The Flat Lay Co Pink Velvet Make Up Bag, £16.50 from ASOS – buy here
7. Must-Have Cologne Multi Pack
Buying fragrance can be expensive, especially when on a budget for Secret Santa gifts, but Hollister has a solution.
There is one thing many comment on when they walk in the doors of any Hollister store, and it is the strong aromas. Well, why not bottle them and gift this Christmas?
- Hollister Fragrance Set, £12 from Hollister- buy here
8. Luxury Hot Chocolate Selection
For those who are not a tea drinker, coffee consumer or boozy beverage guzzler, a hot chocolate selection may be for you.
This trio includes a selection of hot chocolates, including Whittard's luxury hot chocolate powder, white chocolate and 70% cocoa chocolate, so you can sip on a warm cup of cocoa watching your favourite movies this Christmas.
- Luxury Hot Chocolate Selection, £18 from Whittard – buy here
9. Original Gourmet Coffee Gift Set
Christmas is a busy time, so any coffee drinker will be grateful for their stocks to be replenished this Yuletide.
This affordable bundle comes complete with five speciality coffees from around the world, so they can channel their inner barista.
- Original Gourmet Coffee Gift Set , £11.35 from Amazon – buy here
10. William Morris at Home Golden Lily Gardening Glove Set
For the green-fingered out there a pair of stylish gardening gloves will be a thoughtful gift, and a practical one too – double tick.
The stylish gloves are made from cotton, while the palms have the addition of PVC dots for protection and grip.
The accompanying hand cream contains soothing shea butter, which is just what you need after a hard day’s work.
- William Morris at Home Golden Lily Gardening Glove Set, £25 from John Lewis & Partners – buy here
11. Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon Light Up Candle
Candles and home scents are another hugely popular gift idea forChristmas. Warming scents, with notes of cinnamon, clove and other spices are the ones to go for during the festive season.
For those on a budget who want to spend under £10, but still want to impress, look no further than this gorgeous light up M&S candle.
Not only does this candle smell divine, the exterior is ornately decorated so when the candle is lit it brings the festive theme design on the outside to life – perfect for those cosy winter nights in.
- Mandarin, Clove & Cinnamon Light Up Candle, £9.50 from Marks and Spencer – buy here
12. Fur Slippers Memory Foam
Similar to a yearly planner, new pair of slippers and nightwear, are also a firm favourite gift idea come December 25.
Whether you are buying for a man or woman, no matter what age, these are a no brainer, and look very similar to the highly coveted Ugg design – but for a fraction of the price.
These are made from high-density plush fleece interior that are soft on your feet, while the memory foam moulds to your feet for a snug fit.
The sole is made from rubber, and has grips on the base to make them non-slip.
- Fur Slippers Memory Foam, £12.99 to £19.99 from Amazon – buy here
13. Clinique For Men Starter Kit
Not sure what to buy for your colleague at work? A skincare bundle is a safe bet.
This set comes with a face wash, shaving cream and hydrating gel, so they can pamper themselves through the party season.
It is ideal for beauty beginners, as well as those who are more seasoned in the skincare department.
- Clinique For Men Starter Kit, £9.60 from Boots – buy here
14. Dr Paw Paw Sleeping Beauty Collection
December is a hectic time and a lack of sleep is common for most people. So treat your loved ones to a gift set to help them catch up on the all-important Z’s.
This set includes Dr. Paw Paw’s lip scrub, a deeply nourishing lip mask that can be worn all day long in the winter, and an eye mask to help you get enough shut eye.
- Dr Paw Paw Sleeping Beauty Collection, £16 from Oliver Bonas – buy here
15. Bella Wallet
Those who are lucky enough to be given vouchers or money for Christmas will need a stylish place to keep their stash, which is why a new purse is always a great secret Santa gift.
This stylish design is neat and compact enough to fit into your handbag, and has a separate area to hold notes, coins and cards . Secret Santa shopping couldn’t be simpler, right?
- Bella Wallet, £3 from Accessorize – buy here
16. Resourceful Living Coffee Table Book
A coffee table book is all the craze these days, and even better when it is on a topic where you can pick it up at any page to get stuck in.
New homeowners or renters will fall head over heels in love with this book on how to be resourceful in the home.
It provides tips and tricks on how to spruce up your home with the guidance of interiors blogger Lisa Dawson.
- Resourceful Living, £14.37 from Amazon – buy here
17. Candy Kittens sweets 12-pack bundle
Christmas is all about eating, right? Well, part of it.
If you are buying for a friend, relative, or colleague, and are truly stumped for gifting options, a bundle of sweets is a great solution.
This multi-pack comes with 12 bags of Candy Kitten Sour Watermelon chewy sweets, which are vegan and taste divine.
A simple gift, but one which will be appreciated by anyone with a sweet-tooth.
- Candy Kittens Sour Watermelon Vegan Sweets, £16.80 from Amazon – buy here
18. Pinch of Nom: Quick & Easy
Post-Christmas means the start of a health kick, so it is no surprise when the buzz around the latest influx of healthy cookbooks kicks off.
Popular cookbook, Pinch of Nom, is filled with over 100 healthy and delicious recipes, so your secret Santa can rustle up some tasty dishes with leftovers or try something new.
- Pinch of Nom: Quick & Easy, £10 from The Works – buy here
19. Livia Peach Pink Glass Storage Pot Small
Keeping your precious jewellery safe and organised, not only makes it easy when it comes to getting dressed, but also ensures your dressing table stays neat and tidy.
This organiser helps you access your rings, necklaces or bracelets with ease, while also keeping your space tidy.
- Livia Peach Pink Glass Storage Pot Small, £14 from Oliver Bonas – buy here
20. Personalised Velvet Airpods Case
This personalised Velvet Airpods case is a great gift for Secret Santa.
Never again will the music lover you are buying for get their headphones mixed up or misplace them with this stylish case in tow.
Plus you can personalise to suit their personality for an extra special touch.
- Personalised Velvet Airpods Case, £22, Not on the High Street – buy here
21.Personalised Small Cosmetics Bag
There's nothing we love more than receiving a new cosmetics bag come Christmas.
It can hold your make-up, solely your brushes, your jewellery, even hair essentials. And you can never have too many.
- Personalised Small Cosmetics Bag, £15, from M&S – buy here
22. FIFA Trivia Quiz
Everyone knows a football fan?
If you do, and if your secret Santa budget is £5, this ticks both boxes.
- FIFA Trivia Quiz, £5 from M&S – buy here
23. Gentlemen's Hardware Bicycle Repair Kit
If you are buying a secret Santa gift for a work colleague, there is often a cyclist in the work group, and this would be the perfect surprise treat for them.
This repair kit comes complete with a wrench, metal rasp, and self-adhesive patches, as well as plastic tyre levers and more.
- Gentlemen's Hardware Bicycle Repair Kit, £15 from John Lewis – buy here
24. Mini jada jewellery box
Accessorize never fails to impress with their vast array of gift ideas, whether it's accessories, jewellery, socks, and much more.
Whether you are looking for a jewellery box for at home, or to take on the go and keep your jewels safe, this is the perfect gift.
- Mini jada jewellery box, £16 from Accessorize – buy here
25. Clip-On Smart Phone Holder
For those who love a movie, or are often on the road, this clip on phone holder is the genius gadget for them.
You can move the holder to suit your needs, so you never miss a thing on your screen.
- Clip-On Smart Phone Holder, £6 from Menkind – buy here
26. Magnetic Wristband
If you know someone who is a dab hand with DIY, or maybe not so great and needed a little helping hand.
Or if you know someone who is in the midst of renovations, this nifty magnetic wristband to hold any screws which could roll away, is a must.
- Magnetic Wristband, £7, Menkind – buy here
27. Lakeland Winter Berry Cotton Apron
Know someone who loves cooking, baking, or may have been recently inspired by Great British Bake Off? Then an apron is a failsafe essential.
- Lakeland Winter Berry Cotton Apron, £19.99, Lakeland – buy here
How much money should I spend on my Secret Santa gift?
People often agree in advance about the amount of money they're going to spend on a Secret Santa gift.
So ask around if there's an amount set. If that's not the case, it solemnly depends on you and your wallet.
You can find something nice to gift for as little as £10, or you can slash out a bit and treat the person with something more luxurious.
What are some good unisex Secret Santa gift ideas?
If you're doing Secret Santa at your workplace, you can get something like an engraved pencil, reusable box to go, or even a good water bottle.
You can even get a funny mug or a popular board game.
If you don't want to splash out, home-baked items are a good and thoughtful present too.
Check out our guide above for some shopping inspiration.
What are good secret Santa gifts for co-workers?
The best present will match receiver's interests and hobbies.
So if you're wondering what to get to a co-worker, you might want to find out ahead of time what they like.
Want to play safe? Presents like a beautiful notepad, coffee, water bottles work well.
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Looking for more Christmas gifting inspiration? Check out our best gifts for him and best gifts for her guides to help get your festive shopping underway
If you're buying for younger loved ones and need some ideas, check out our best Christmas gifts for teens and best gifts for kids guides too.
For even more Christmas guides, recommendations and reviews check out our Sun Selects Christmas hub.
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