The holidays are coming up! And you know what that means – workplace secret santa gift exchanges, extended family secret santa gift exchanges, ALL OF THE SECRET SANTA GIFT EXCHANGES. It’ can be hard to shop for acquaintances, so I’ve put together a list of secret santa gift ideas for coworkers, or anyone you don’t know well.

This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated for 2020.

Secret Santa Gift Ideas for Coworkers – or anyone you don’t know well

Wine glasses & a bottle of wine

A set of 2 cute wine glasses make a great gift, especially if they are holiday themed! Pair them with a bottle of wine and this is a sure hit with any gift receipient.

Themed Calendar

A themed calendar is a functional and fun gift that lasts throughout the whole year! If you only know one of your gift recipient’s interests, you can probably find a calendar that’s themed for it. For example, if they are a fan of The Office, you can get the calendar linked above.

15 days of Socks advent calendar

Everyone loves holiday socks. Everyone needs holiday socks. Why settle for giving just one pair when you can give someone 15 pairs for $15? Target even has a bunch of different versions of this holiday advent calendar styled for men, women, and various themes like Star Wars, cats, and Harry Potter. If my coworker is reading this: PLEASE GET ME THE HP ONES.

Rocketbook Smart Reusable Notebook

This Rocketbook reusable notebook is awesome – it’s a notebook with erasable pages! (When using the supplied pen). The notebook can also be set up to upload it’s contents to email, google drive, etc. This notebook actually feels like a product from the future.

I also recommend this great set of erasable pens which work with this notebook (or with any regular paper!)

Branded Tervis Tumbler

Tervis cups are great for home or the workplace (LOL remember workplaces?) Designs exist for a variety of themes like sports teams, cities, and TV shows. If your coworker never stops talking about the Eagles, get them an Eagles themed cup – at least they’ll stop for the few seconds they are drinking.

Board Game

A board game is a great gift that anyone will love. Honestly if the person you are gifting to doesn’t love board games then it is time to EDUCATE THEM. Gift a game that they’ve probably never played before (i.e. not Monopoly, Clue, etc.) Instead, they’ll have a new game to play with friends or family over the holidays!

Cozy blanket

A blanket is always a safe (and cozy) gift. You can purchase a holiday themed blanket, or one they can use season-round during the upcoming winter months.

Paperweight decision maker

This spinning desktop decision-making gadget is a sure hit for the office – especially if your coworker is someone who has to make a lot of important decisions.

Thermos

No one dislikes a thermos. They’re practical and useful for workplace coffee, tea, or water! (Or a nice mixed drink during busy season – JK).

Desktop lightbox

Don’t know anything about your coworker? Let them fill in the blanks by gifting them this desktop lightbox that they can use to write their own messages. Maybe you’ll learn something about them from whatever they write!

Puzzle

Gift your coworker a puzzle that’s catered to their interests! Please a Harry Potter fan with a Hogwarts puzzle, or get the coworker who has been dreaming of PTO in France a puzzle featuring a scene from Paris.

Retirement countdown clock

Go the funny route and gift your coworker this countdown to retirement clock. It’s a hilarious gift that doubles as WFH desk decor.

Gift card

Last but not least – I am generally not a gift card advocate because they just don’t have that personal touch. But they can be catered toward the receiver’s interests! For example, purchasing a gift card to the lunch spot your coworker frequents several times a week. I would LOVE to get a Starbucks gift card from my workplace Secret Santa. (Hint hint – forwarding this list to everyone in my company now).

What Secret Santa gifts have you received and loved? Let me know in the comments!

xo, Liz

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