Whether you’ve been matched with a coworker, a close friend or a distant family member, following the Secret Santa gifting tradition is one of the most exhilarating aspects of the holiday season.
Shopping for someone you may not be too familiar with can incite a feeling of dread, but luckily we’ve got you covered with the perfect anonymous Secret Santa gifts across all categories from beauty to home to style. CNN Underscored editors have years of experience helping readers find the best gift ideas for everyone on their holiday shopping list, so we’re confident we can help you pick out a present that’ll have everyone wishing you were their Secret Santa.
Need more inspiration? Check out our favorite white elephant gift ideas, gift ideas for men, gift ideas for women and gift ideas for teens.
Best Secret Santa gift ideas under $15
A simple gift that's great for anyone who's in the Christmas spirit, this set of three gingerbread ornaments can be customized as they're built and will bring an extra ounce of cheer to their seasonal decor.
Coloring books aren't just for kids anymore. Adults can tap into their creative side, stay off their phones and maybe even relieve some stress with this coloring book that features intricate designs inspired by ocean life.
You can add this colored pencil set along with your coloring book gift, but it also makes a good solo gift for the crafty friend who loves to draw, doodle and create illustrations in their free time.
Best Secret Santa gift ideas under $25
Sometimes we just need something to squeeze our stress into. Unlike a stress ball, this therapy dough set will let them tap into their creative side. They can mold it into fun shapes, satisfyingly squash it and even get a dose of aromatherapy stress relief thanks to the essential oils infused into the dough.
Simple, sleek and infinitely useful, this Swiss Army tool is the kind of thing everyone should have on hand. Having this mini tool on their keychain will come in handy the minute they need to trim a loose thread, open a package or clean underneath grimy fingernails.
Claw clips are a pretty practical gift, but that doesn't mean they can't show a little bit of personality. Jenny Lemons makes all kinds of fun food-themed clips, including this hand-painted papaya one.
Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks
For the person who takes a hiking trip every weekend
The outdoor adventurer or hiker in your life will appreciate these Darn Tough socks, which are made to support feet through even the hardest of hikes (though our editors use them for running, walking and everyday wear too).
Made with merino wool to help keep feet dry, these Darn Tough socks also have reinforced footbeds for added comfort. Plus, Darn Tough socks have a lifetime warranty, so even if they get a hole or tear, they can be returned for another pair with no questions asked.
The Catch Phrase game is perfect for the person who's always looking for a way to get the whole gang involved. An easy word game that anyone can learn, it's also portable so they can play anywhere, whether they're at home, at the park or even on vacation.
For that friend or coworker who's always reapplying their lip gloss or balm, this four-pack of Summer Fridays' beloved balms will give them a lippie to keep in their purse, work bag, pocket or anywhere else. They'll never be far from instant lip moisture.
This one's for the person who's always bringing you baked goods. Featuring vegan, gluten-free and classic cookie recipes, this cookbook will give bakers a cookie for every mood they're feeling.
This Japanese teacup is adorably designed with characters from Hayao Miyazaki's "Spirited Away movie. And if they're a fan of "My Neighbor Totoro," no worries, there's a mug for that too.
A puzzle makes a great Secret Santa gift because it's equal parts activity and work of art. For lovers of NYC's Metropolitan Museum of Art, this puzzle will end in a sweeping image of the museum's collection and is sure to be a brain-bending challenge to assemble.
For the person who's always posting their stunning trips from US national parks, this poster will give them a visual and motivational display to record their progress and inspire their next adventure.
You know that coworker who's always talking about the great show or movie they watched the night before? This personal popcorn maker is just the thing they need to create the perfect streaming snack.
And if you're feeling really generous, you can pair the personal popper with this set of popcorn kernels and seasonings. But, if you're looking to keep everything under $25, this set still makes a great solo gift for the person who can't stand a bland bite.
If you truly have no idea what to get your Secret Santa recipient, we guarantee that this Hydro Flask tumbler is a gift that is sure to get plenty of use. The 16-ounce tumbler comes with its own lid and is perfect for taking their coffee and tea on the go. As a bonus, it's also great for ice-cold cocktails or mocktails.
If they're even remotely into the "Real Housewives" series, they'll get a kick out of this coloring book featuring some of the most memorable and ridiculous things uttered by the women of Bravo.
Best Secret Santa gift ideas under $50
This is a gift you'll hope they never have to use, but for the practical friend who's always thinking about the worst-case scenario, this fire blanket will give them peace of mind should they have a kitchen or home mishap.
Made with vetiver and bergamot for a calming, earthy scent with citrus notes, this solid lotion stone will moisturize their skin while also delivering a subtle massage to relax them from head to toe.
Perfect for your friend who's always throwing dinner parties and cooking up a storm, this automatic pan stirrer will give them a helping hand in the kitchen while they get their grand feast prepped and ready.
We all have that friend whose phone or headphones are never fully charged. This handy portable charger even comes with cables, so there's one fewer thing for them to have to keep track of.
Are they still yearning for their times under the Mediterranean sun? This trio of candles will help transport them back to their favorite summer spots with scents inspired by the shores of Santorini, the Italian countryside and the Parisian cobblestone streets.
Burning a candle is a great way to make a room feel cozy, but some people are better at remembering to blow out the flame before they leave than others. This candle lamp, which is loved by home and gifts editor Amina Lake Abdelrahman, will deliver all the cozy ambience they need — without the flame. It's a cute decor addition to a side table or nightstand.
That friend who is always pitching you interesting ice cream flavor combos can now create their own custom mixes at home with this personal ice cream maker that whips up creamy treats in just 20 minutes.
Coffee and chocolate, what's not to like? Bean Box has expertly matched artisan coffee with delicious chocolate so they'll be able to satisfy their caffeine and sugar cravings all at once.
Even in the drab winter months, this power pink scarf will brighten up their outfit (and hopefully their mood). And if pink is not quite their vibe, this scarf also comes in other hues like green, brown and multicolored rainbow.
A candle is a safe Secret Santa gift, but what we love about this salted caramel and whiskey-scented one is that once it's burned out, it also doubles as a functional jar that can hold their odds and ends, not to mention its adorable pancake design.
For the friend who always needs their essentials close by, anytime, this fanny pack is roomy enough to hold their phone, wallet, keys, snacks, beauty products and more. Plus, it comes in nine colors and prints so you'll be able to gift them one in a muted neutral or an eye-catching design — whichever matches their style.
Know someone who recently got into pickleball? They probably don't need any more gear, but these pint glasses will let them rehydrate after their match is done or celebrate their victory with a post-match beer.
Some nights, even your friends who love cooking don't want to make a laborious meal. Instant ramen is great, but these Omsom noodles are ready in four minutes and are sure to taste much more flavorful. Inspired by Chinese, Thai and Vietnamese flavors, this sampler set will provide them with 20 servings of delicious noodles.
A gift for hot dog lovers might seem strange, but we all know at least one person with a passion for the savory snack. This decorative jar will let them showcase their love for the dog and add some more personality to their standard flower vase collection.