51 Insanely Cute (And Cheap!) Secret Santa GiftsThat Are Perfect for the Holidays (2024)

It's hard enough to find the perfect gift for the best friends (and parents, and sisters, and cousins) you literally see every single day, but shopping for that random classmate that you sit behind in algebra and have never even spoken to? Even harder. Once you factor in the under-$50 Secret Santa game price cap, you'll be ready to reach for the classic Christmas people-pleaser — a gift card. While cash is great, your holiday giftee would definitely appreciate receiving one of these Secret Santa gift ideas even more as it shows you spent time thinking about what they love and want.

To solve the question of what you'll get your Secret Santa recipient, we've curated a list of gifts that are truly universally adored, guaranteed to be *actually* useful, and will arrive before the holiday festivities kick off. Think hot chocolate mugs, colorful Airpod cases, skincare sets, claw clip packs, novelty socks, and candy. You’ll also be giving your Secret Santa partner a gift that is easy to rewrap and regift to a loved one if they needed to — no hard feelings.

We’ve rounded up all the ~coolest~, most affordable mini gifts that your classmates, friends, and family will love — everyone from the super-artsy cousin you see once a year to the dude who plays the saxophone in band class. Trust and promise —there's a gift on this list for every person whose name you could possibly pick. Happy shopping, Santa!

The paper slip you drew had the name of the best writer in English class — get them this memory book. In five years, they'll have the outline to their memoir.

A teeny wax terrarium is perfect for anyone who can't keep a real plant alive. It'll double as decor, and we can guarantee they don't own a candle that looks anything like this.

This is the subtle way to make sure you don't have to suffer through your desk neighbor's BO anymore. Win-win!

Fluffy, funky, unisex slippers for only $20? Get us a pair of these too, please and thank you!

Socks dressed up as donuts? Don't mind if I do!

Anyone with a phone (so, everyone) will love this cute mini gift that’ll keep their phone charging cords from constantly falling off of their desks.

Basically anyone on the basketball team will love this basketbowl (basketmug?) — it's funny, but also totally useful.

You matched with that bio partner who was really into your class experiment. Make up for the fact that you let them do 90% of the work with this multi-colored thermometer.

Is anyone going to say no to a mini donut? That’s what we thought. You’ll just have to fight the temptation of keeping this gift for yourself instead of giving it away.

If you want to avoid your Secret Santa gift being tossed to the back of a closet, go for something everyone constantly needs more of — like claw clips.

These adorable spray hand sanitizers will have everyone saying, "OMG, could I have some hand sanitizer?!" before every single meal.

What's better than hot cocoa in the cold weather? A chocolatey Balm Dotcom collab from Glossier and Swiss Miss that'll soothe chapped lips in a flash.

For the girl who won't shut up about Harry Potter (Me. It's me. I’m the girl who won’t shut up about Harry Potter.)

$7 is all it takes to give the gift of major relaxation. Plus, you can gift one to your Secret Santa partner — and keep one for yourself.

The only thing you know about your Secret Santa giftee is that she comes in every day in full glam. This $5 brush cleaner is guaranteed to star in her morning routine.

These notebooks are so pretty that they're almost too pretty to write it — almost. They'll never forget anything, ever again.

Their holiday wish might be for a million bucks, which is a little above your budget, but this prosperity candle is a step in the right direction.

This bubble tea pillow is a 100% necessary addition to any bedroom, dorm room, or living room.

Their Instagram is 99% food pics – you can't go wrong with an avocado-themed gift.

A Pride and Prejudice-themed candle for the girl who longs to bewitch someone, body and soul. This Etsy brand has a ton of unique book-themed scents.