We’ve all had it, that sinking feeling after drawing the name of a colleague you barely know from the Secret Santa hat. You’ve shared little more than pleasantries with them, know nothing of their life outside work and don’t even know how they take their coffee.
Then there’s the price cap, which dramatically limits the gift options, and the worry of misjudging who you’re giving the gift to, or even buying something so irrelevant to them that it will end up in the bin.
Where do you start? Well, with our gift guide, of course. We’ve searched, scoured and sourced to create a bumper list of affordable, wide-ranging gifts that will please almost anyone.
The best Secret Santa gifts for £15 or less in 2025
Arty socks
David Shrigley baked bean socks
Socks don’t have to be a boring gift – as this pair from the artist David Shrigley proves. These bold orange socks are (possibly) a love letter to the humble baked bean, in Shrigley’s trademark naive typeface.
For more great stocking fillers, check out the Filter’s big Christmas gift guide
A fold gesture
Mini plant origami kit
These mini origami plants are a two-for-one: a relaxing, screen-free activity and, once built, a cute, fuss-free way to liven up their desk. Perfect for a colleague who appreciates the simple things.
Initial offering
Eleanor Bowmer alphabet bauble
Get them a bauble with their initial on for a gift that feels personal, even if you don’t know them too well. These cheery, hand-painted decorations would be sure to brighten up their tree.
Chewable cocktail
Alcoholic cocktail gummies
We all know someone who enjoys a tipple, and now they can eat their favourite cocktails. This box is filled with a selection of Smith & Sinclair’s most popular alcoholic gummies (bear in mind they’re 5% ABV).
Magnetic charm
Ceramic pasta magnet
These handmade ceramic magnets feel like the right balance between novel and tasteful. A thoughtful “little something” for foodies.
Feline cosy
Cat mini pocket warmer
For people who run cold or those who have to stand outside a lot (golfers, parents on school pickup, to name a few), this cute pocket warmer will keep their hands toasty. Just pop it in the microwave, and it’s ready to go.
Fin-tastic!
Chocolate sardines
These whimsical-feeling sardine-shaped chocolates are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
For more, see our guide to the best (and worst) chocolate Advent calendars in the UK
Not hard to handle
Bella Freud slogan mugs
Warning: this pair of Bella Freud mugs looks so expensive they’ll accuse you of breaking the £15 limit. The duo, from the designer’s Marks & Spencer collab, is fun, tasteful and useful.
Festive fragrance
Nikura Christmas Tree essential oil blend, 10ml
Nikura’s long-lasting essential oils can be used in an oil burner or diffuser, for a massage, in the bath, and even to make soaps and candles. This festive edition blends cinnamon, orange and pine needle scents.
For more, see our guide to the best analogue Christmas gifts in the UK
Key moment
Personalised leather keyring
You need only know the person’s name to give them this stylish personalised leather key chain.
Sipping pretty
Multicolour glass straws
These colourful glass straws are a sure-fire way to liven up their iced coffee, matcha or glass of squash at home, and are a better option than a single-use soggy paper straw.
A proper stopper
Ceramic wine bottle stopper
We dare you to find a prettier bottle stopper than these. They’re hand-painted, resulting in a unique pattern every time, and have a certain Mediterranean-feel that will add some class to their evening glass of wine.
Hydration on the go
Nuactiv insulated water bottle
Save them, and the planet, from single-use plastic with this BPA-free (chemical used in plastics production) water bottle. This 500ml one keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12 hours, and is available in various designs and colours.
For more, read our guide to the best water bottles – we tested 42
Berry beautiful
Palette Royal Mulberry Silk nail paint
This lovely deep purplish-red shade feels appropriately seasonal and would be a great luxury gift on a budget.
We asked teens what they really want for Christmas … so check out our gift guide for teenagers
Gift a good night’s rest
This Works mini duo sleep kit
A deep sleep lavender spray and a calming essential oil roll-on to help them get some sleep and find moments of calm during the hectic festive season.
For your office bestie
Middle finger candle
Secret Santa gifts are usually thoughtful or humorous; this is clearly the latter. A fun present for someone you know well, and who definitely has a sense of humour.
For your office acquaintance
Spiced clementine & pomegranate candle
If it’s a co-worker you don’t know so well, this is a safer option. The warm glow of a festive-scented candle will bring cheer into anyone’s home, and this one comes in a sophisticated gold-rimmed glass jar and beautiful packaging.
For candles
Bauhaus candlestick
If you think giving candles is overdone, give them a beautiful candlestick instead.
For more, see our guide to the best home gifts in the UK
Winter warmer
Hot-water bottle
As the winter weather sets in, any recipient is sure to appreciate an extra boost of warmth. This one comes with an extra soft fleece for maximum cosiness.
Spin and slice
Vinyl pizza cutter
This hits the Secret Santa sweet spot of silly-but-useful. The novelty vinyl pizza cutter would delight music-lovers and those into all things retro alike.
Personal touch
Personalised Tony’s Chocolonely
Add a picture or message to a delicious bar of Tony’s Chocolonely to give a personal touch to a crowd-pleasing gift.
Coasting to victory
Personalised football shirt coaster
Football fans rarely keep their passion quiet so, even if you don’t know the person receiving the gift that well, chances are you know if they follow a team. Personalise this coaster with their name and the shirt of their club.
For more, see our guide to the best personalised Christmas gifts in the UK
Rinse and repeat
Reusable face cleansing cloths
Perfect for people who are into skincare, but also care about the planet.
For more, see our guide to the best sustainable Christmas gifts in the UK
Grate plates
Ceramic garlic plate
This lesser-known kitchen tool turns garlic into a paste with ease.
Illuminate their reading
Clip-on book light
A practical-but-thoughtful gift for bookworms and night owls.
Intriguing seasoning
L’Isolina pasta spaghetti dust
This ready-to-go mix of aglio, olio e peperoncino seasoning is the perfect conversation starter and flavour enhancer for a plate of pasta.
Bee merry
Solid hand cream bar
These natural hand cream bars, made with beeswax, coconut oil and cocoa butter, will leave their hands soft and nourished. Plus, they come in a sweet-looking storage tin.
Strawberry swirl
Strawberry lip butter
Made with shea butter and strawberry seed oil, this Body Shop balm will help fight the dry lips caused by harsh winter weather.
Woody scent
Palo Santo and sage incense sticks
These Paddywax incense sticks come in an ingenious glass jar with a lid that doubles as an incense holder, so the recipient can enjoy their spicy woody scent straight away.
Just add water
Shampoo and conditioner bars in a tin
This solid shampoo and conditioner set from Hairy Jayne is useful, vegan and can even help trim down the use of plastic bottles. Just add water to these plastic-, cruelty- and palm-oil-free bars to create fragrant formulas suitable for all hair types. Choose from floral, citrus, musk and herbal scents.
Upcycled accessories
Scarf scrunchie
Made from scarves, saris and other clothes, these scrunchies would make a great addition to any outfit.
Spice it up
Peanut rāyu chilli oil
White Mausu’s vegan-friendly peanut rāyu (a blend of garlic, peanuts, sesame, gochugaru, tamari and agave syrup) is a worthy addition to most meals (and particularly eggs). A great gift for foodies who enjoy cooking at home.
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A touch of TLC
Treatwell gift voucher
A voucher to go towards a spa or beauty treatment is always a safe bet.
Perfect for chocoholics
Hot chocolate flakes
A decadent treat that’s sure to get them in the Christmas spirit.
A little taste of luxury
Mini panettone
Fortnum’s classic panettone is a tasty mix of fruity, buttery and sweet. This miniature version would make a delicious and festive treat for anyone you pull in the draw.
Bottoms up
Personalised glass
Whether the recipient is a craft beer lover or a gin fan, you can personalise the most suitable glass for them with a name or message.
Kindness for chapped lips
Tokens of appreciation lip balm
Nourish their soul and lips with a cute lip balm from the Slow Down Club, which comes in a cute pot sporting one of three thoughtful messages. The balm inside is unscented and 97% organic, making it ideal for combating winter-chapped skin.
Golden words
A5 luxury notebook
We can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want this gorgeous V&A Japanese Golden Leaves notebook on their desk.
Crafty and cute
Peanuts Charlie Brown cross stitch kit
A far cry from your usual twee embroidery, this Charlie Brown mini kit is simple enough for even novices to enjoy.
Let them make a mark
Magnetic cat bookmarks
Finger bookmarks
Which of these two quirky – but useful – bookmarks you go for will depend on how well you know the person you’re buying for. Either suggestion is sure to rouse a smile, though.
For more, read the best Christmas gifts for 2025 and the best home gifts