Secret Santa gifts under $20

With $20 you can aim for something a little special. Work out what you know about your person first, then shop in that lane.

Create your group, free

Start with what you know

A $20 gift works when it connects to one fact. That fact might come from the questionnaire, the wishlist, or something you noticed: a desk plant, a sports team, a mug always on the table. If you have nothing, ask one harmless question in the anonymous chat. Coworker exchange? See gifts for coworkers too. "Coffee or tea?" costs you nothing and removes the guesswork.

Ideas by what you know

You knowBuyWhy it works
They drink coffee or teaA small good bag or samplerGets used and does not stay on a shelf
They work at a deskA small organizer or a nice notebookUsed all day by the person who gave you no clues
They love gamesA card game or a puzzleEasy to open at a party
They cookA small tool or a spice setLooks nice and gets used
They are always coldWarm socks, a wrap or a hot drink setSafe and appreciated in December
NothingA treat in a nice packageLow risk with high odds

What $20 does not do

  • It does not buy electronics you would want to own. Skip chargers and cables from unknown makers, and anything that needs setup.
  • It does not buy a set you would want to display. Aim for a single useful thing.
  • It does not cover a surprise: if your gift needs a battery or a subscription, the person pays the rest.

If you are tempted to go over, put the extra into the wrapping or a note, not the gift.

Make it feel chosen

Tell the person why you picked it. A short tag such as "For the long meetings" adds more than another $5 would. You can also use the group wall in Hollyhush for hints before the swap, and the guess-your-Santa game for the reveal.

If your group needs help choosing a limit, how much to spend on Secret Santa compares typical amounts for family, office and friends.

Put the $20 limit and swap date where everyone can see them. Create your group, free

Broadly liked and low risk.

If you know nothing, $15 to $20

DP Dog puzzle toyA treat puzzle for bored dogs. ~$15 PC Packing cubesZip cubes that sort a suitcase. ~$18 RD Reed diffuser setA scented oil diffuser with reeds. ~$18 HG Honey gift setA jar of honey with a wooden dipper. ~$18 1J 1000-piece jigsaw puzzleA cosy-evening project. ~$18 TS Tea sampler boxThirty tea bags across a dozen flavours. ~$19

As an Amazon Associate Hollyhush earns from qualifying purchases. Gift links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Good if the questionnaire says they snack or brew.

If they love their coffee or snacks

PS Pizza scissorsScissors with a spatula for cutting pizza. ~$12 MJ Mason jarsA pack of jars for cocoa mixes, scrubs and gifts. ~$14 CZ Citrus zester and graterA fine grater for zest, cheese and spices. ~$14 TS Tea sampler tinsA few small tins of different teas. ~$15 BR Blank recipe bookA blank book for writing down family recipes. ~$18 CG Chipotle gift cardA gift card for burritos and bowls. ~$20

As an Amazon Associate Hollyhush earns from qualifying purchases. Gift links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Comfort gifts for winter people.

If they are always cold or tired

CB Cinnamon broom and pine cone setCheap winter decor. ~$12 HC Hot cocoa gift tinA tin of cocoa mix with a mug-friendly scoop. ~$15 BS Bath salts gift setBath salts in a few scents. ~$16 WH Wool hiking socksThe warm-feet gift nobody buys themselves. ~$16 1J 1000-piece jigsaw puzzleA cosy-evening project. ~$18 DS Dog sweaterA knit sweater for small dogs in the cold. ~$20

As an Amazon Associate Hollyhush earns from qualifying purchases. Gift links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Games and craft items for people who like to make or play.

If they have a hobby

WT Washi tape setDecorative tape for wrapping and cards. ~$8 PC Party charades gameA card game of acting things out. ~$18 CP Calligraphy pen setBrush pens and a practice pad. ~$18 HS Headphone standA desk stand for headphones. ~$18 MD Mechanical desk padBig, smooth, and quietly luxurious. ~$19 NE Nintendo eShop gift cardA gift card for Nintendo games. ~$20

As an Amazon Associate Hollyhush earns from qualifying purchases. Gift links are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Frequently asked questions

What are good Secret Santa gift ideas under $20?

Coffee or tea sets, a warm accessory, a card game, a desk item or a snack box. Match one detail you know about the person.

Is $20 a normal Secret Santa limit?

Yes, it is one of the most common limits for offices and friend groups. Others use $10, $15, $25 or $30.

Should I include the receipt?

Keep the receipt for yourself, but do not put the price in the bag. A gift receipt is optional if you are worried about a miss.

How do I choose when I know nothing?

Ask a harmless question in the anonymous chat, or pick a good treat. Food and drink are the safest default.

Try it now

A draw takes about a minute. No signup, no email, a private link for everyone.

Create your group, free
  • Couples & exclusions
  • Wishlists & anonymous questions
  • Deletes itself in 60 days

More in: Gift ideas →

Ready when you are

Make a draw in a minute. No signup, no email, private links for everyone.

Create your group, free