Most of us have been there. Names get put into a hat (figuratively or literally) and we pass it around, and suddenly, we’ve adopted someone and are their Secret Santa.
It’s a fun game, and it feels so fun to bless others and receive gifts, but it can certainly bring a lot of stress as well!
So we’ve gathered some ideas for you to use as inspiration, and these can easily be transferred to any other type of gift-giving time, it doesn’t have to be just Christmas! Use these ideas and tailor them to the person you’ve chosen!
1) Favorite coffee/gift card to favorite coffee place
If you see the person you’ve chosen always coming in with a Starbucks Caramel Macchiato, then surprise them one day with one! Or if their taste tends to vary, choose a gift card to one of their favorite places. You could even do a box of their favorite K-Cups or even just a bag of their favorite beans. Are they not a coffee fan? Give them a cute mug with some hot cocoa powder or tea bags!
2) Favorite candy/treat
Does your person have a sweet tooth? Do they have a hankering for something sour? Or maybe they like more salty things? If you’ve noticed what their favorite snack, candy, or dessert is, surprise them with that! Or, even a gift card to their favorite lunch place would be a hit!
3) Mani/Pedi/Massage certificate
This idea can range from the cheaper side to the more expensive side of things, so it’s totally up to you! You can get a certificate for a manicure or a massage, or anything in between! If the person you’ve chosen is in desperate need of some relaxation, then this could be such a blessing!
4) Cozy blanket
Who doesn’t like to get a new fluffy blanket for Christmas? I personally love the ones from Costco, which are also pretty inexpensive! But this is a great idea and really practical as well.
5) Scarf/hat/gloves
It’s wintertime, right? Who doesn’t love a new pair of gloves or a nice warm hat at Christmastime? I know I do. If you’re buying for a particularly fashionable woman, this is a great way to add to her wardrobe! Or even just a nice practical gift that will be able to be used for a long time, definitely a gift that keeps on giving!
6) Christmas ornament/decoration
Does the person you are shopping for love Christmas and all the decorations that come with it? This is a fun way to speak to their personal taste and add to their Christmas collection! Even if they don’t have a huge affinity for all things Christmas, this is still a great idea to spread the Christmas spirit, especially to someone who maybe doesn’t have time to put a lot of thought into decorating (like me). Either way, this is one that fits in well with the Secret Santa idea!
7) Gift card/tickets to a fun event
This one has endless possibilities! You can keep the Christmas focus with tickets to something like Lights of Christmas or Zoo Lights, or even something for after the holidays. If the person you are shopping for is a mom, maybe some tickets to a children’s museum or kid’s activity! Also, if you’re looking for a great event, check out An Evening at the Well, hosted by Spirit 105.3 on January 21st! (insert link??)
8) Houseplant/flowers
This is a good one for people on both sides of the spectrum, whether they have a green thumb or not! You can give anyone flowers, but if you know that the person you are shopping for really loves to grow their own flowers and plants, then you have all sorts of options on how to approach this! Maybe an addition to an herb garden, or an orchid to put in their kitchen window. There are lots of ways to go with this one!
9) Candle
Who doesn’t love a nice, new, yummy smelling candle? Give the gift of relaxation, comfort, and a nice smelling space! I know that I love getting new candles and having a new scent fill my home. This is a versatile gift that can be matched to any budget, preference, or style. The options for candles are endless!
10) Coloring book/nice markers
I think this gift is especially awesome for moms of little ones, because we are so often coloring with our kiddos and their big markers or tattered crayons, and feel the need to express ourselves creatively as well! So find some markers that can be “just for mom”, pretty ones that can be put away and saved for those special projects or for that day when stress is overwhelming and she needs an outlet. Maybe find a coloring book with bible verses or encouraging messages, for when she needs an extra boost!
These are just a few ideas for Secret Santa gifts, and I know there’s a lot more out there! I always love seeing people get creative with how they bless the people in their lives! We would love to hear from you and see what ideas you’ve come up with this year!
