Tis' the season to be jolly and once again Father Christmas faces the trying task of gift-giving. As WhatsApp groups bicker over Secret Santa draws, preparing for the one occasion we get to try on Santa's hat comes with its own pressures.
We’ve all bared witness to a lousy gift reveal at a Secret Santa party. You’ll remember the mood shifting from well-oiled banter and festive cheer to a stunned silence after someone has unwrapped a tea towel.
For an occasion that supposedly bears no judgement in the spirit of festivity, there are a few unwritten rules that a Secret Santa gift must comply to. It should be original, fun, and should fit within a budget.
It may not seem like a big ask, however your gift recipient can often be a friendly acquaintance of whom you know little about beyond an Instagram stalk and occasional office chat. Finding a gift generic enough to please anyone yet personalised to a certain degree so not to appear lazy may require a Christmas miracle.
To avoid the awkward ‘oh this is lovely’ tea towel saga, we’ve rounded up a list of gifts slightly more personalised than a kitchen cloth and with their own conversational quirks. All under £15, these bargain buys will keep your wallet merry.
Cat Gurus: Wisdom from the World's Most Celebrated Felines
For life-affirming advice, why not look to your favourite feline? Cat Gurus is the new spiritual seeker's vice with a tongue-in-cheek approach to tarot cards. Packaged in a gift box including a booklet introducing all the advice-giving gurus from the Cheshire Cat to Puss in Boots. The perfect gift for any cat-lover, and a fun activity at festive shenanigans.
£12.99 | Laurence King | Buy it now
Price compare on Amazon here.
Kanye Notebook
How many Kanyes does it take to make a notebook? Prepare to spice up any boring business meeting when you casually reveal this beauty that features the rapper's signature unsmiling face - but you can be sure your colleague, family or friends will be smiling everywhere they take this thoroughly enjoyable notebook.
£10 | Central 23 | Buy it now
Grow It Sloe Gin
A perusal around a Waterstones online gift section provides a sanctuary of random gift ideas that are as unique as they are affordable. This DIY kit from Gift Republic allows you to grow your own sloe gin, perfect for any green thumb or gin connoisseur. The kit includes everything you need with a growing instructions booklet, seed packets, five growing pots, compost disks and plant markets.
£12.99 | Waterstones | Buy it now
Personalised Shot Glass - Engraved
Add a personal touch to your Secret Santa gift giving with this shot glass that you can customise with a message up to six lines. The more silly the better with this one.
£5.99 | Prezzy Box | Buy it now
The Beatles Flower Power sock
For a gift guaranteed to make one smile, look to Happy Socks for a pair of socks that could stop traffic. Inspired by The Beatles psychedelic era of the late 60s, this limited edition range from the Swedish sock powerhouse is a cheery homage to a British national treasure. Aside from being characteristically colourful, the brand is prized for their high-quality cotton socks, making for a well-thought unisex gift.
£11.95 | Happy Socks | Buy it now
Bunlimited Hot Dog Making Kit
Say goodbye to sad office lunches thanks to this all-in-one hot dog making kit that comes with everything you need to create the perfect combo of sausage, bread and toppings. Just grab a bun and get started - and don't forget that more is always more.
£3.50 | Tesco | Buy it now
Glitter Resin Drop Earrings
For your fashion-loving friend, a festive pair of earrings is not only occasion-fitting but well in trend. These red glitter resin earrings from Topshop have a bold 7cm drop for those who like to make a statement with their accessories. Make it the perfect pairing with a Christmassy jumper or channel a chic glam look with a beige turtleneck.
£10 | Topshop | Buy it now
Port Sipper Glasses
Let red wine lips be a thing of the past with these must-have glasses that come complete with a straw. These revolutionary glasses are not only super practical but the quirky design means the wine or port comes from the bottom of the glass and therefore without oxidation. At least that's what we're telling them.
£7.99 | IWOOT | Buy it now
Sandwich Idea
Anyone who works in an office knows how much a decent lunch can brighten the day. A jar of mayo all by itself might not seem like the most impressive Secret Santa gift but just hear us out. Pair this disco version of everyone's favourite mayo (can you even name another one?) with a hearty loaf of bread, a small slab of cheese and a bag of crisps and voilà: The gift of excellent lunches all week long.
£2.55 | Ocado | Buy it now
Pretty Pink Doughnut Maker
Who doesn't love doughnuts? Not only is this a money-saving answer to Crispy Creme impulses, it's a healthier alternative to the traditionally deep-fried doughnut as we know it best. Featuring a non-stick interior for easy cleaning and a light indicator to signal when the doughnuts are ready, it's a fail proof appliance for the home baker or sweet-tooth.
£12.99 | Argos | Buy it now
Fizz Twerk Pong
Open this fun gift at the work Christmas party and put your twerking skills to the ultimate test. The winner is the fastest to dance all the ping pong balls out of the box that is tied on with waist straps. Guaranteed to make all participants feel absolutely ridiculous.
£9.99 | Very | Buy it now
Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2019
Hopeless wanderers out there will take refuge in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel guide for 2019. A gift well received by anyone who loves to travel or is planning their next vacation, the Lonely Planet travel gurus list their top ten countries, regions, cities and best-value destinations to visit now. For getting ahead of the curve on the up-and-coming hot spots, this is the ultimate travel zeitgeist.
£7.13 | Amazon | Buy it now
Standing Rose Gold Frame 4x4"
If you're really short of gift inspiration, you can never go wrong with a photo frame. Whether you fill it with a sentimental snap or enjoy the artsy Oliver Bonas paper filling, this rose gold frame is a timeless addition to any mantelpiece and a lovely personalised gift with the right photo.
£12 | Oliver Bonas | Buy it now
EOS Lip Balm Sphere
For those wanting to stick their spending to single digits or need a little something extra to finish a gift, why not consider a funky lip balm? This EOS balm's unique spherical shape is entirely Instagrammable as it is satisfying to use. Available in a variety of colours and flavours, their shea butter-based formula will give your lips the moisture they need in a flavour as delectable as Christmas pudding.
£6 | Urban Outfitters | Buy it now
ASOS DESIGN clutch bag with ring pearl detail
This elegant clutch bag will be well received by any female friend. Versatile enough to go with any outfit, it will suit most tastes as a go-to evening bag or oversized wallet. With a front flap closure and inner zip pocket for keeping valuables safe, it comes at a bargain price for those with expensive taste.
£12 | Asos | Buy it now
Feminists Don't Wear Pink (and other lies): Amazing women on what the F-word means to them
Curated by journalist and feminist activist Scarlett Curtis , Feminists Don't Wear Pink is a collection of essays from 52 influential women from Emma Roberts to Nimco Ali on what it means to be a woman. The Sunday Times bestseller is published in partnership with the UN women's foundation Girl Up, which royalties from the book go towards. A poignant gift that will be very much appreciated.
£12.99 | Foyles | Buy it now
MIU COLOR Glass Water Bottle 550ml
In the spirit of saying goodbye to single-use plastic, a good quality water bottle is a great gift for anyone. Available in a variety of punchy colours in an eco-friendly glass and silicone design, the 550ml bottle is the ideal size for keeping you hydrated with a carrying loop attached that comes in handy when on the move.
£12.99 | Amazon | Buy it now
Moleskine CLASSIC NOTEBOOK - RED
Whether your friend is a notorious list-maker or avid doodler, one can always find a use in a good quality notebook. This hardcover classic from Moleskine features an elastic band closure, bookmark ribbon, and a back pocket for storing additional notes or cut-outs. Available in a variety of colours and sizes, we love it in this festive Scarlet Red.
£11.99 | Moleskine | Buy it now
L'OCCITANE Cherry Blossom Festive Bauble
Indulge your friend in a little DIY pampering with a body care gift box. This limited edition Christmas package from L'OCCITANE unifies the best of their renowned Cherry Blossom range including a shower gel, body lotion, and hand cream. Packaged in a spirited red Christmas bauble, hang it on their tree for the full effect.
£12 | L'OCCITANE | Buy it now
100 Places Scratch Bucket List Poster
If your gift recipient has some wall space, consider a poster. This bucket list is like a giant scratchie that is entirely interactive in design and intention. Listing 100 must-see places in the world, jet-setters will love scratching off these beautiful landmarks after visiting them. Consider it 100 great gifts for the bargain price of one.
£12.99 | Not on the High Street | Buy it now
