18 Secret Santa Gifts You'll Genuinely Want to Keep

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Secret Santa gifts are tricky territory to navigate, but that's why we're here to help. Whether you're doing a gift exchange with your family or a group of friends, it can feel nerve-racking if you end up with the one person you're not close to, so we came up with some clever Secret Santa gift ideas for your shopping convenience. If your Secret Santa gift exchange has a price cap, we know that can limit your options even more. But don't worry, we found the best Secret Santa gifts under
$50, so you don't have to stress.

Every one of these affordable gifts is universal enough that you could give it to your cousin you don't know so well, but still thoughtful enough to give to your best friend. There's something for plant lovers, beauty lovers, and everything in between. Whether you're looking for a cozy throw blanket, fun games, a gag gift, or a tech pick that will impress, there's a present in here that will make anyone smile. These Secret Santa gift ideas are so cute and useful, you might even want to buy one for yourself (on the off chance that your Secret Santa didn't read our gift guide). Keep reading to shop our top picks for the best Secret Santa gifts under $50 ahead. Hurry, it's already gifting season!

— Additional reporting by India Yaffe and Lauren Harano

01
Best Secret Santa Gifts For the Host
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gifts For the Host

JoyJolt Layla White Wine Glasses ($30, originally $50)

Shopping for the one who loves to host and throw dinner parties? Get them a set of chic wine glasses — something they'll not only appreciate, but actually put to use. These timeless options from JoyJolt add a contemporary and elegant vibe to a tablescape. They look and feel like high-end wine glasses, so everyone will be shocked that the set's under $50.

02
Best Secret Santa Gift For Staying Cozy
westelm.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For Staying Cozy

West Elm Aberdeen Herringbone Throw ($29, originally $49)

A high-quality, luxe throw blanket doesn't have to cost a pretty penny. This one from West Elm looks and feels plush, making it an ideal accessory for the cozy season. After all, when the weather gets chillier, there's nothing like snuggling up with a soft blanket. It comes in a variety of chic colors as well. Plus, for an extra $15, you can even personalize it.

03
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Gloss Lover
ulta.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Gloss Lover

Live Tinted Get Glossy Huegloss Trio ($25, originally $35)

We could all use some hydrating lippies as the season gets colder and drier, and this gift set from Live Tinted will be a favorite. It comes with three flattering shades, including a red, a neutral, and a pink shimmer hue. Each full size gloss contains hyaluronic acid, so the lips won't feel parched while coconut oil and shea butter lock in all the moisture.

04
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Taylor Swift Fan
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Taylor Swift Fan

Taylor's Friendship Bracelets Bracelet Kit ($28)

If you're shopping for the Swiftie who loves to get crafty and creative, there's no better gift than a friendship bracelet kit. They'll be able to make around 20 bracelets with glass beads that sparkle, letters, and charms galore. They can make enough to keep a few bracelets for themselves and trade the others with their fellow Swifties. You can shop more gifts for the Taylor Swift fan in your life here.

05
Best Secret Santa Gift For a Festive Vibe
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For a Festive Vibe

Tag Handwarmer Mug ($15)

If you're shopping for someone who is always cold, loves embracing those cozy vibes, or can't go a day without a cup of coffee or tea, the Tag Handwarmer Mug is a creative gift they'll appreciate. This unique mug has an ergonomic pocket that will keep their hands nice and warm while they hold the mug. Plus, it's something that will get them in the festive spirit with its textured sweater pattern.

06
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Baker
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Baker

"100 Cookies" Cookbook by Sarah Kieffer ($18, originally $28)

The "100 Cookies" cookbook is such a thoughtful and practical Secret Santa gift for the one who loves to bake, especially during the holiday season. It features 100 recipes for all sorts of cookies, treats, brownies, bars, and so much more. It's a gorgeous cookbook they'll want to display in their kitchen.

07
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Winter
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Winter

Winter Hat Scarf Glove Set ($33)

This set of matching hat, scarves, and gloves is such a useful and affordable get for secret santa. Made from a thick, high quality material, this set has a fleece lining that feels so soft and warm on the skin. Plus, the gloves are also touchscreen compatible. It comes in a variety of neutral colors as well, and this set actually looks stylish.

08
Best Secret Santa Gift For Hydration
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For Hydration

Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Stainless Steel Vacuum Insulated Tumbler ($35)

The Stanley Quencher has been 2023's emotional support water bottle, and has taken over social media. Available in a ton of different colors, this vacuum insulated tumbler is a useful gift that will help them stay hydrated. One of our editors put it to the test and says, "it keeps drinks cold legitimately all day. The brand says it can do so for up to 11 hours, but I'm convinced it's kept mine colder even longer than that. Sometimes when I take a sip of it in the night, I'm surprised to find that it's still refreshing and not lukewarm like a normal glass of water would be." Read her in-depth review of the Stanley Quencher H2.0 FlowState Tumbler to see why it's worth the hype.

09
Best Secret Santa Gift For Candle Lovers
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For Candle Lovers

Homesick Premium Scented Candle ($29, originally $38)

Set the cozy season vibe with a holiday candle that will transform their space into a winter wonderland. This candle from Homesick has notes of fraser fir and holly berry, eucalyptus, mistletoe wreath, spruce and cedar, for a fresh yet earthy scent. The candle will make them feel like they are in a cabin resort in Vermont.

10
Best Secret Santa Gift For Tech Enthusiats
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For Tech Enthusiats

Amazon Echo Dot 5th Gen Smart Speaker ($23, originally $50)

Give your secret santa a helping hand with something smart for their home, like this Echo Dot. They can play audiobooks, playlists, podcasts, and so much more just with a simple "Alexa!" They can also ask Alexa for the weather, set timers and reminders, create routines and automate the home, and even ask for a few jokes.

11
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Traveler
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Traveler

Twelve South AirFly SE ($35)

Shopping for someone who travels often? This nifty gadget lets them use their Bluetooth enabled earbuds or headphones on in-flight entertainment systems, gaming devices, or gym equipment. Your secret santa will appreciate something useful and unique.

12
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Beauty Lover
sephora.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Beauty Lover

Slip Mayfair Silk Skinny Scrunchie Ornament Gift Set ($25)

This cute ornament from Slip has four skinny silk scrunchies, and it is a coveted gift that's actually useful. It holds hair in place without that annoying dent that comes with traditional rubber bands, and contains four hair ties.

13
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Game Night Host
Uncommon Goods

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Game Night Host

Game of Phones ($20)

This modern take on the classic scavenger hunt requires your favorite possession — their smartphone! Game of Phones asks players to engage in a smartphone scavenger hunt in which only the fastest players will survive (just kidding, they'll win points).

14
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Busybody
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Busybody

Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook ($20, originally $30)

The Rocketbook Everlast Reusable Smart Notebook contains only 36 pages, but they can be wiped clean with a damp cloth and be exported to Slack, email, Google Drive — you name it. It's a genius gift they'll use all the time.

15
Best Secret Santa Gift For the One Who Brings the Party
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the One Who Brings the Party

These Cards Will Get You Drunk ($10, originally $20)

These Cards Will Get You Drunk will be a hit at any party. It's super easy to learn, and will be one your friends want to put to use ASAP. Just make sure the person you're gifting actually drinks before you go with this present.

16
Best Secret Santa Gift For the French Fry Lover
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the French Fry Lover

French Fry Holder and Sauce Holder ($14)

We don't trust anyone who doesn't like french fries. This French fry and sauce holder might be the best invention ever. It'll keep their french fries from being lost in the dreaded abyss between the middle console and the car seat.

17
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Sweet Tooth
amazon.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Sweet Tooth

Prep Solutions by Progressive Microwave S'mores Maker ($21)

This microwavable s'mores maker makes s'mores a year-round treat. No campfire needed! It's such a fun gift, and will make anyone smile. If you also bring the marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers, it makes for the perfect present.

18
Best Secret Santa Gift For the Plant Parent
uncommongoods.com

Best Secret Santa Gift For the Plant Parent

Bottle Stopper Garden Kit ($19)

This Bottle Stopper Garden Kit turns old wine bottles into a growing garden. It's great for the DIY lovers in your life. There are two kits available, one of cosmos, marigold, and zinnia, and one of sweet basil, dill, and parsley.