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The best Secret Santa gifts ideas available for under £20

Win the gift exchange game this year.
By Team Commerce  on 
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Surprised looking Santa Claus
Secret Santa made easy. Credit: Pexels

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

The festive season is full of many wonderful traditions and fun activities, like drinking mulled wine, eating pigs in blankets, and non-stop TV.

It's not all good though, because it's at this time of year that we get those super-fun-but-super-hard-to-shop-for gift exchanges. There's normally some sort of draw in which you get someone from the office that you've never actually met, and there's usually a really restrictive price limit.

Sure, you can find something under the limit in no time, but is your money really worth a gag gift that will be re-gifted next year? It can feel almost impossible to find something cheap and useful for a small fee, but this is where we can help.

We have searched all over the internet to bring you an exclusive list of the best Secret Santa gifts, with cheap options that the recipient will want to keep. You can find everything from pet selfie sticks to cool tech in this gift guide, with something for everyone.

These are the best Secret Santa gifts for under £20 in 2024.

Gym Keg water bottle
Credit: Gym Keg

Gym Keg

For The Fitness Freaks

Each plastic drink bottle holds a massive 2.2 litres of water, supporting all-day hydration of any athletes on your list. The built-in carry handle makes it easier to take this bottle to work, the gym, outdoor sports, or hiking. It looks seriously funky, too.
Buying Options
£18.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
Super Mario Mushroom Light
Credit: Paladone

Super Mario Mushroom Light

For The Mario Fanatic

If you have someone in your life who breaks blocks with their head instead of watching Netflix, this aesthetically pleasing lamp could really light up their day. Even if your pal isn't an avid Mario fan, this lamp is just 10 times more exciting than the traditional lampshade.
Buying Options
£15 from Amazon Amazon Prime
Dog selfie clip
Credit: Geluode

Pet Selfie Stick

For The Dog Parent

We all know that one person who is obsessed with their dog a little bit more than the average person. This gift is for them. This pet selfie stick clip makes taking selfies with their dog effortless — thanks to a tennis ball holding the dog's attention.
Buying Options
£10.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
Self Stirring Coffee Mug
Credit: Kare & Kind

Self Stirring Coffee Mug

For The Coffee Addict

Spice up someone's morning routine with a self-stirring mug. The self-stirring feature makes drinking on the go even more convenient — perfect for lazy mornings.
Buying Options
£19.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime

Google Cardboard

For The Tech Head

Virtual reality, meet cardboard. OK, so this isn't the most high tech VR headset out there, but for under £10, it's pretty darn impressive. The Google Cardboard is a headset that works with the person's smartphone and an app, allowing them to become immersed in whatever is on their phone screen.
Buying Options
£9.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
Millionaire shortbread truffle chocolates
Credit: John Lewis

Truffle Chocolates

For Anyone With A Sweet Tooth

If you’re lost for ideas at Christmas, you can do a lot worse that picking up a box of posh chocolates. This mini box of eight chocolates is especially special, as it combines some of the great indulgent treats — billionaire shortbread truffles by Charbonnel et Walker. Delish.
Four shatterproof wine glasses
Credit: Michley

Shatterproof Wine Glasses

For The Wine Connoisseur

Everyone knows how risky it is to leave a wine glass sitting in the sink or on the counter (cats are real brats.) A four-pack of shatterproof wine glasses is the perfect, worry-free gift for the wine lover in your life.
Buying Options
£19.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime

Ear Buds

For The Music Lover

There isn’t a person alive who wouldn’t appreciate a reliable pair of ear buds, whether they’re a gym enthusiast or commuter. These JLab ear buds have a solid connection and blast out an excellent sound quality for the price. They come equipped with a handy charging case so they’re always ready to go.
Buying Options
£19.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime

Bluetooth Tracker

For The Forgetful Person

If you're shopping for a person who misplaces all of their belongings on a daily basis or constantly leaves their phone lying around in a public place, this is the gadget for them. Give your slightly spacey friend the gift of being able to track and find their phone, wallet, luggage, keys, pet, and all other important belongings with a Bluetooth smart tracker.
Buying Options
£19.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime
Handheld Pinball Game
Credit: Funtime Games

Handheld Pinball Game

For The Nostalgic Gamer

It's sad that arcades aren't really a thing anymore. Wouldn't it be great to while away the hours at the pinball machine like when we were kids? Well it's possible now with this mini pinball game, which fits in the palm of your hand.
Buying Options
£9.99 from Amazon Amazon Prime

Cold Brew Coffee Maker

For The Trendy Coffee Addict

We all have that friend who has to be the trendy one, whether it's with their fashion or diet. Luckily, this cold brew coffee maker glass can help them out. You won't have to worry about dumping any leftover cold brew in the morning and enjoy a nice cup after work.
Buying Options
£15 from Amazon Amazon Prime
Ticket Stub Diary
Credit: Peter Pauper Press

Ticket Stub Diary

For The Nostalgic Hoarder

We all know that one person who keeps everything —wristbands, receipts from special events, and especially tickets. This ticket stub diary is every nostalgic hoarder's dream — with page after page of clear sleeves with multiple pocket sizes and margins below to write down details from the event. Every memory can now be stored in an organised way with this adorable book.
Buying Options
£13.99 from AMAZON

Galileo Thermometer

For The Self-proclaimed Nerd

If you've got a friend or family member who loves all things science, why not get them a science gift that doubles as a sick decoration? This Galileo thermometer is just as classy as it is functional. The glass spheres on the inside are all different densities that individually rise or fall depending on the temperature. We bet they don't have one of these yet.
Buying Options
£16.60 from Amazon Amazon Prime
Handbag Light
Credit: FRColour

Handbag Light

For The Purse Hoarder

We all have that one friend whose bag is constantly overflowing with stuff. You know they won't change their ways and clean anything out, but you can help them find items faster with a mini handbag light. These tiny lights are motion-sensing, so they'll turn on when your friend begins digging around and help them see what's buried.
Buying Options
£13.59 from Amazon

Star Wars Lego

For The Wannabe Jedi

Do you know someone who’d love to find a Star Wars shaped gift in their stocking this Christmas? Of course you do. We all do. You’d could select any one of the many, many Star Wars Lego sets and they’d be happy, but we especially like this Mandalorian and Baby Yoda BrickHeadz two-pack. The Force is most definitely strong with this gift.
Buying Options
£13.50 from Amazon Amazon Prime

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