Secret Santa Gift Exchange Ideas

Secret Santa can be a fun activity to do with friends or family, but it can also become incredibly stressful and overwhelming when you’re asked to do a gift exchange at work or anywhere else you may not know your giftee as well.

The holidays are stressful enough without the added pressure of finding the perfect gift for your Secret Santa, but maybe you don’t want to miss out on the festivities. If you’re strapped for time and short on ideas for your gift exchange, try out some of these foolproof gift ideas that are sure to be a hit at your next Secret Santa:

The number one tip for gift exchanges is to keep it simple. No one wants to get a gift they won’t use, so practicality is essential for a good gift exchange.

For the caffeine addict

Have a co-worker that is always sipping on a hot cup of coffee? Maybe they’d appreciate a fun mug topped with a gift card to their favorite coffee shop and candy canes. They’ll think of your thoughtful gift each time they use the gift card or drink out of their mug, making this gift idea a win for the coffee lover in your life.

For the gym rat

Got a friend who’s committed to their workout regime? For the fitness-obsessed ladies try picking out a nice water bottle, yoga mat, or headband set for their gift. For the gym junkie guys, maybe a new gym bag, towels, or shake cup. Your giftee will be sure to appreciate the thought that went into their gift and the fact that you got them related to something they’re passionate about.

For the neat freak, or opposite

Whether you’re paired with someone who never misplaces anything or the one who can never find anything, the same type of gift can still apply.

Personalized notepads, stationery, or fun desk organization items are a perfect way to win the heart of the organization-obsessed and encourage those who are a little messier. Either way, your Secret Santa recipient will more than love their gift.

For the person you don’t know very well

Are you stumped trying to get the perfect gift for a someone you’ve talked to maybe only a couple times? A more generic present will still be appreciated, and it takes away some of the stress on your end. Here are a few gift ideas for that acquaintance you just don’t know–

Everyone loves fuzzy socks. Man or woman, the cold weather of the holiday season calls for comfy attire. Maybe get a few differently decorated holiday socks and present them to your giftee with some candy or cocoa. This gift is one that they’re sure to use.

An ornament for their tree. Maybe you could even customize it for your place of work. Decorating the ornament yourself adds an extra layer of personalization, even if you don’t know the recipient very well. Regardless, any ornament you choose is sure to be a gift used year after year.

Hopefully, these ideas help take the stress out of picking out a gift for your Secret Santa gift exchange. The holidays, albeit stressful, are a fun time meant for celebrating with friends and family. The office gift exchange allows you to get to know coworkers you may not have really talked to before, and that’s what the holidays are all about, right?