It’s the beginning of December, and those Secret Santa parties or White Elephant gift exchanges are on the near horizon. They’re a great tradition, allowing gift-giving in large groups without putting too much strain on wallets, but sometimes there’s a ton of pressure to find the perfect present. This is especially true for Secret Santa exchanges, where you have to prove that you know the person you’re giving a present to well enough to get them a present they’ll like. Sigh.
Luckily, most of these types of gift swaps have a price limit – usually somewhere between $10 and $25. Still, you need to find something appropriately funny or thoughtful to impress your coworkers or friends and ensure everyone wants to get you next year.
Whether you’re buying for someone in the workplace or in your friend group, here are some of the best gift ideas under $25, perfect for those Secret Santa gift exchanges.
Das Horn ($24.99, pictured) – This one is bound to be a hit – a Viking-style drinking horn, complete with neck strap, that holds 24 ounces of (presumably) alcohol. At $24.99, it only barely meets the under-$25 criteria, but the clapping and cheering when someone opens this present is going to be worth it.
Demotivational Poster ($20) – With slogans like “Perseverance: The Courage to Ignore the Obvious Wisdom of Going Back,” these are great spoofs of motivational posters. You could also buy them in mug format for $15.
Ctl-Alt-Delete Cup Set ($7) – This cup set, made to look like the ctl-alt-delete keys, is perfect for any techie friend or coworker.
Infinity Scarf (usually $10-$20) – Can’t decide what to get for that new coworker, or need something a little more practical? A snuggly infinity scarf is always a good bet. A knit scarf is both fashionable and functional and should be well-received.
MBTA Train Ornament ($20, pictured) – For your friend who always gets stuck on the T or constantly complains about their commute, there are ornaments of cars from all the lines! (You can pick the one most offensive to them.) Also a good gift for anyone who mysteriously, unconditionally loves the T. If an ornament’s not good enough, theMBTA’s gift websitehas tons of options to choose from, including t-shirts, posters, signs and furniture.
Day and Night Mug ($9.99) – Here’s something else that could work for the office. This mug, decorated with the image of Earth from space, changes from dark to light when hot coffee or tea is poured in. And best of all, when the beverage cools, the receiver will be able to tell at a glance!
Reindeer Hat ($15) – Want to make the object of your generosity look a little bit ridiculous? Do they love that type of thing? Get them this plush reindeer hat, also featuring hand warmers!
Book-inspired iPhone Case ($5-25) – For the bookworm amongst you, these iPhone cases that look like books would be perfect! Check out the full list, but favorites include a Marauders Map Phone Case ($24) and a “Classic Book Series” set that includes Hamlet ($15).
Boskke Sky Planter ($18) – An upside-down planter: A cool novelty gift, especially for gardeners, or that friend with a ton of plants around their home.
Christmas-themed Bow Ties ($12-18, pictured) – For the fashionable man (or woman) in your life, here are a series of Christmas-themed clip-on and tie-yourself bow ties. Perfect for all of those holiday parties!
Tech-Friendly Gloves ($14) – Absolutely everyone can use a pair of these knit gloves with touchscreen-compatible fingertips. Especially in Boston. In the winter.
Mr. Tea Infuser ($10) – This tea infuser turns your mug into a hot tub! Perfect for that person who hates coffee and gets all their caffeine through tea instead.
Red Solo Cup Shot Glasses ($9) – Everyone knows at least one person who would absolutely love these and one person who absolutely deserves them.
What do you think? Any go-to items or websites for Secret Santa exchanges? Tell us in the comments!
