Best Secret Santa Gifts
Each holiday season, traditions like White Elephant and Secret Santa gift swaps are popular in offices, among friend groups, and even in communities. Secret Santa is a fun alternative to having to purchase gifts for everyone on your list, and it still leaves everyone feeling included and welcome. The rules of Secret Santa are simple, everyone pulls a name at random and has to purchase a gift for the person they receive. Then, at a party or gathering, you exchange the items. The recipient of each gift never knows who the item is from and has to guess who is their Santa. Typically, groups set a price range for items to keep the gift-giving fair.
Whether you’re having an office secret Santa gift swap or are trading gifts over a dinner with friends, here are the best Secret Santa gifts for your holiday season. And, better yet, many of these items can be entirely customized so you can make your gift as personal as possible!
Needlepoint Christmas stockings
Needlepoint Christmas stockings are a holiday favorite each Christmas, and they bring joy each year when hung over the mantle. Unlike typical stockings, needlepoint stockings are more stiff and thick as they are all hand-stitched. You can choose from designs that are traditional holiday scenes with Santa and reindeer, or you can opt for a more modern embroidered design. To customize your needlepoint Christmas stockings for a Secret Santa party, add personalization like a monogram or embroidered first name to the stocking. Simply add a couple of days to the order for personalization. The extra thought and effort will go a long way and make your gift receiver extra grateful.
Christmas Sweaters
You can get as fun and festive as you please with this Secret Santa idea, whether you choose a sophisticated patterned Christmas sweater or a funny design with all the bells and whistles – literally! With options from modern, woven snowflake patterns to bright and bold cartoon embroidery with embellishments like ringing bells and sequins, you can have fun with this gift idea. Invite your friend to wear their Christmas sweater at the gift swap for a fun photo op that you can cherish for many years to come.
Matching Pajamas
Next on the list is a fun item that can be customized and also used time and time again. Matching pajamas come in all sizes and different cuts, from night dresses to full-body pajama sets. Did you get a notable couple as your Secret Santa this year? Matching pajamas can double as a jokester gift that is also practical. Choose from either a classic holiday plaid pattern or a more festive design like Christmas trees or packages for a gift that is sure to please. You can take this gift one step further by personalizing the pj’s with a monogram or a name in a color that complements the design. Like all other personalized gifts, add a couple of days to your order for the customization.
Tech Bags
If your office or workplace is hosting a Secret Santa, or if your gift recipient is a workaholic, tech bags are the ultimate, useful gift! With organized compartments for toting around laptops, cellphones, tablets, and more, tech bags are perfect for those who commute or can work from anywhere. There are so many stylish options from leather to canvas bags that can be worn as a backpack or over your shoulder. You can also personalize these bags with an initial or monogram, which is perfect for the distinguished gentleman, or the college kid who is likely to misplace their bag. Tech bags come in several shapes, sizes, and fabrics, so it can fit flexible price ranges.
Monogrammed Beach Towels
Are you searching for a Secret Santa gift for a true beach bum? At a moderate price point, monogrammed beach towels are the perfect gift idea for anyone who loves the beach. Choose a bright and colorful pattern for your beach towel, and add a monogram or name to make the gift more personal. You can even group this item with other beach-favorite gifts like a beach bag or a drinkware tumbler. Beach towels come in several sizes, from oversized bath sheets to traditional sizes.
Monogrammed Blankets
Similarly, monogrammed blankets and throws also make for wonderful holiday gifts. Available in various colors and cozy fabrics from fleece to luxe chenille, choose a blanket that is fluffy for snug days lounging inside. Add a monogram or initial to a blanket for a personalized gift that not only looks great thrown over a chair or bed but is also functional during the holiday season. You can add to this gift by wrapping the blanket with hot cocoa mix, tied with a ribbon, for a package made for cozying up by the fire. After all, isn’t that what the winter season is for?
Don’t stress out about Secret Santa this year. With these personalized gifts, you can brighten anyone’s day, from office acquaintances to longtime friends.