Gift giving is a skill. You have to craft it and practice the art in order to truly become good at it. And if you struggle at thinking of presents for everyone special in your life, you're certainly not alone. It's definitely difficult, and makes the holidays that much more stressful. But thank the heavens that someone was watching out for us and created Secret Santa. It allows you to put all of your effort in finding a must-have (and cheap) gift, without having to search for the perfect individual present for each of your friends. We put together a list of a few Secret Santa gift ideas under $20 that everyone will be fighting over. And the best part about it is that none of these items will stress your wallet out.
While some may find it impersonal, doing some sort of gift exchange or grab bag is great if you have a huge group of friends, or for a work environment. This can still be a tad tricky, though, because there are usually different tastes involved. This present roulette can mean you have to have anything up your sleeve, especially if it's for someone you don't know very well.
I've struggled with this since I was in grade school. Do I go with something too cheap? Really nice? Big? Small? There are so many possibilities and paths to go down. But to get your hunt started, here are some really nice Secret Santa presents under $20 that everyone is bound to want.
01A Personalized Leather Keychain
Custom Leather Keychain, $10+, Etsy
A keychain like this one is super trendy, stylish, and makes for a great present choice. Not only is it aesthetically appealing, but you can customize it as well. Who wouldn't feel super special receiving a monogrammed keychain? It's inexpensive, and the quality is great — it's handmade and full grain leather.
02A Critically-Acclaimed Book
Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxane Gay, $16, Amazon
There's really nothing like a good book, and the holiday season is a great time to give out your faves. This may not seem like your typical go-to gift, but with a book like Hunger, the person receiving it will not want to put it down. It's gotten rave reviews and is a great conversation piece once your friend has finished it.
03The Staple Gag Gift
The Simpsons Duff Energy Drink Six Pack, $19, Amazon
If you want to be that person (and I know you do) who gives a funny gift, this a great choice. There are so many gag gifts to choose from, but pretty much everyone knows The Simpsons, and everyone should know Duff Beer. While you're not giving alcohol here, you are giving a good laugh. So, sit on that one for a second.
04A Unique Key Holder
Sparrow Key Ring by Qualy Design Studio, $20, Amazon
Everyone loses their keys every once in awhile, but why not give a super cute gift while also stopping that problem for your friend? This gift comes with a wall decoration that sits your little bird keychain (connected to your set of keys) right there where you want it. Did I mention it's oh-so-adorable?!
05A Phone Charging Station
Apple Watch Stand, Bamboo Wood Charging Station, $12, Amazon
I freaked out when I saw this charging station was under $12. If your Secret Santa recipient is tech-savy (or even if they just have either of these gadgets), this is a must-have. You can even snag one for yourself too, because it's so useful and so cheap.
06Shatterproof Wine Glasses
Govino Wine Glass Flexible Shatterproof Recyclable, Set of 4, $13, Amazon
If your friend is 21 and up and loves wine, this present is truly a staple. We all have, unfortunately, gone through our fair share of glasses because of slippery fingers (or too much of said wine). So, you'll be a great Santa if you buy this gift that keeps on giving — a set of four shatterproof glasses bound to last awhile.
07An Earth-Friendly Sandwich Wrapper
Planet Wise Sandwich Wrap, $7, Planet Wise
Our planet really needs our love and affection, and this sandwich wrap is a great way to do that. It's inexpensive and also super useful. It comes in a couple of different patterns, and is definitely something anyone can use for a long time.
08A Cute Gift Box Of Holiday Candy
Candy Cane Caramels and Reindeer" Reindeer Noses, $8 - $9, Sugarfina
While Sugarfina is known for their super trendy and boozy candies (I'm looking at you, Rosé All Day Gummies), they also have holiday gifts. You don't have to break the bank with a shopping trip to Sugarfina. These delicious candies are also already packaged in cute containers, and are bound to be a sweet gift for "your person."
09An Attitude Mug
"35 'WTF's' Per Hour" Travel Mug, $19, Jac Vanek
Jac Vanek is known for their sassy, awesome merchandise. And while they have a lot of clothing and accessories for women, their mugs are always fair game. Anyone will love a snippy cup like this one, and it's totally useful for those commutes to the office when you're just not having it (but want your coffee, nonetheless).
