Being a part of a Secret Santa swap can be a lot of fun. It’s a great way to surprise a family member, co-worker, or friend. But when you’re trying to save a pretty penny, it helps to brainstorm Secret Santa gift ideas for under $25. A limit is usually set for this type of activity, after all. By keeping gifts under $25 (or even $20), everyone can guarantee that gifts are fair and square.
It can also be a huge help to your wallet and bank account. This is especially true if you already have a long shopping list outside of the Secret Santa group. Thankfully, the wonderful world of the internet is home to so many unique and inexpensive gift ideas. All it takes is some searching and patience.
The key to gifting an awesome Secret Santa present is to carefully think about the recipient. Take into consideration their hobbies, passions, and interests. Keep in mind their likes and dislikes. If you don’t know them that well—ask people that do. By doing so, you’ll have the knowledge you need to choose a gift that truly contributes to their lifestyle. It sure beats a generic box of chocolates or another bath towel.
To get you started, check out this jam-packed collection of Secret Santa gift ideas under $25. There’s truly something for every type of person—22 kinds, to be exact—in this list.
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For The Pizza Rat
Slice Slice Baby Pizza T-Shirt, $22, Etsy
It's no secret that pizza has a cult following. Help a die-hard pizza fan show off their passion with this punny "Slice Slice Baby" pizza t-shirt by Etsy seller Bad Pickle Tees.
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For The Artist
Silver Brush Monaco Deluxe Artist Travel Case, $24, Blick Art
Every artist knows the struggles of toting around their precious arsenal of supplies. Make their life a little easier by gifting a Silver Brush Monaco deluxe artist travel case. They'll be creating on the go in no time.
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For The Techie
60-Inch Metallic Gold Charging Cord, $18, Bando
For the person that can't live without their phone, a charger is a must-have. Spruce things up with this fancy 60-inch metallic gold charging cord from Ban.do. It also makes an excellent gift for the lover of all things shiny.
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For The Gardener
Mini Concrete Planter, $8, Etsy
Does your Secret Santa recipient have a green thumb? Contribute to their passion by gifting a simple and chic mini concrete planter by Etsy seller Birch Bear and Bee. Pair it with a packet of herb seeds for a complete present.
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For The Bookworm
Knock Knock Personal Library Kit, $15, Amazon
It goes without saying that nothing can get in the way of a bookworm and her books. Help a literary nerd protect a book collection with a Knock Knock personal library kit.
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For The Boss Lady
Jotblock, $15, Uncommon Goods
In a world full of emails and notifications, taking notes can be a huge game changer. This clever Jotblock merges a notepad and desk organizer into a space-saving office accessory. Freelancers, small business owners, and office works will adore it.
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For The Cyclist
Bike Multitool Keychain, $17, Uncommon Goods
Bike enthusiasts are all about representing their favorite activity. For a cheap and useful Secret Santa gift, check out this multi-tool bike key chain from Uncommon Goods. It even doubles as a bottle opener.
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For The Feminist
"Feminist" Baseball Cap, $15, Etsy
Feminist merchandise is especially important for spreading feminist awareness and recognition. If your Secret Santa pick is all about this crucial movement, gift them a "Feminist" baseball cap by Etsy seller Impure Thoughts.
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For The Cat Lady
Oops I Don't Care Cat Mug, $15, Look Human
If you know someone that is a cat lady and proud, any item embellished with cats will make their heart swoon. Look Human offers this hilariously sassy" Oops I Don't Care" cat mug that would pair well with a bag of coffee beans or tea.
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For The Writer
Notebook Set, $14, Bando
If your Secret Santa pick is a writer or loves to journal, pick up a cheery notebook set. A stationary lover can never have enough notebooks, after all.
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For The Beauty Maven
Nails Inc. Nail Polish Candy Set, $19, Sephora
Keep things festive by gifting a beauty lover a set of holiday products. This nail polish candy set from Nails Inc. will help them gear up for parties in advance.
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For The Musician
Moleskine Music Journal, $18, Blick Art
It can be easy to spot a musician. Usually, they're tapping a beat with a pencil or playing chords in their mind. Luckily, you can gift them a Moleskine music journal to make sure none of their brilliant ideas are forgotten.
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For The Snacker
Microwave Popcorn Popper, $15, Uncommon Goods
Some people take their snacks very seriously. And thanks to this microwave popcorn popper, an avid snacker can make a batch of popcorn without any oil. How's that for a healthy alternative?
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The Jetsetter
Gallivanter Clear To Go Bags, $18, Sephora
People who are always on the go know how crazy packing can get. With this set of set Sephora Gallivanter Clear to go bags, they'll be able to easily pinpoint where everything is. It will make packing (and unpacking) that much simpler.
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For The Coffee Addict
Bando Thermal Mug, $14, Bando
If a coffee lover was just added to your holiday shopping list, pick up a "But First, Coffee" thermal mug. Not only is it environmentally-friendly, but it's pretty darn cute, too.
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For The Chef
Paperchase Holiday Confetti Recipe Book, $15, Target
Although Pinterest comes in handy, some people love the physical aspect of recipe books. This is especially true if some recipes have been handwritten by loved ones. Sound like someone you know? Gift a Paperchase holiday confetti recipe book from Target.
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For The Tea Drinker
Baby Nessie Tea Infuser, $11, Amazon
Like coffee, tea doubles as morning fuel for some. Keep things fun and interesting with this adorable baby Nessie tea infuser by Ototo. This is another one that would pair especially well with a box of delicious teas.
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For The Hogwarts Student
Snitch Bracelet, $9, Etsy
If you know someone who would love nothing more than to receive an admissions letter to Hogwarts, buy this snitch bracelet by Her Secret Flames on Etsy. It might not be an owl, but it sure is cute.
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For The Fitness Fiend
Captain Blankenship's Mermaid Dry Shampoo, $24, Sephora
Gym rats, personal trainers, and joggers can make excellent use of freshening products on the go. A gift like Captain Blankenship's Mermaid Dry Shampoo can be a crucial addition to their gym bag.
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For The Yogi
Yoga Mat Spray, $14, Etsy
With yoga becoming a more popular practice, there's a good chance that you'll have a yogi on your shopping list. Consider gifting a soothing yoga mat spray by Etsy seller Dave and Athena. It can even double as an air freshener for the room or car.