It’s that time of year again and chances are you’ve been roped into the office Kris Kringle.
We know that something that should be straightforward can actually be fraught with difficulty. Like what if your joke present falls flat? And what do you get for someone you’ve only ever spoken to once in the office kitchen?
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the ten best Secret Santa gifts for under $10. So no matter who you’ve drawn out of the hat, they’re sure to be grateful for your thoughtful gift.
1. Cute pot plant or cactus.
Brighten up their desk with a small pot plant or cactus. Studies show plant life in an office improves workers’ wellbeing. Just make sure it’s a hardy plant – or you pass on the watering instructions – if you want the plan to make it to next Christmas. On second thought, maybe just go with the cactus.
2. Frame... with a photo of you and them in it.
This one's for perfect for your 'work wife' or office bestie. Buy a frame and put a photo of you and them inside (or just you). And if you've drawn someone you're not so close to for Secret Santa, you could also frame a snap of something they love. Whether they're passionate about their car, their boat, their golf clubs or even their pet - take a photo from their social media, print and frame it for a gift that will make them smile all year round.
3. Reusable takeaway coffee cup or travel mug.
For the coffee lover in your office, a reusable coffee cup will help feel especially good about their morning latte. If they're more of an instant or coffee pod user (or they just prefer tea) a travel mug is great for keeping their drink warm at their desk.
4. (Ridiculously easy to make) homemade fudge.
Warning: This one is not for those watching their weight (but then again, who really is at Christmas time anyway?). Give your colleague this homemade three-ingredient fudge and watch their eyes light up as they taste it. Just don't tell them how easy it was two make.
All you need is a tin of sweetened condensed milk, 350g of chocolate and a 150-200g packet of any lolly of your choosing (lolly bananas work well). Simply add condensed milk and chocolate to a bowl, and heat in microwave for one minute and stir (pop in for an extra 30 seconds if needed). Stir until completely melted and smooth. Wait a minute then add in the lollies and stir to combine. Pour mixture into a lined tin and leave in the fridge for two to four hours to set. Once set, chop up and store in a nice mason jar or bag.
5. Biscuit mixture in a jar.
This one's another quick and easy homemade gift that will go down a treat. Best of all, it can easily be adjusted to allow for your colleague's food intolerances. All you need to do is grab your favourite biscuit or brownie recipe and pack the dry ingredients into a large clean jar. Start with the flour and spices then sugar and leave the choc chips, oats or sultanas to last and fill to the brim with them. Print that recipe and attach it to the lid, which you could also decorate with some ribbon. Ta-da!
6. Fancy water bottle.
Most of us are trying to drink more water - and you can do your workmate a favour by buying them a water bottle they'll want to drink from. Whether it's a stainless steel bottle or one with markers that encourage you to drink more, this one's insanely practical and won't go unappreciated.
7. Tube of nice hand cream.
Who doesn't love hand cream? It's a simple go-to gift for any woman (or man) in the office. Pick a festive scent, try something fruity like mango or strawberry or go for a classic scent like rose or vanilla. And if they've got sensitive skin there are great all-natural hand creams available too.
8. Hair rescue hit.
Give them the gift that keeps on giving with a mini hair rescue kit. Simply put together a mini dry shampoo, a packet of bobby pins and a pack of hair ties in a box or makeup bag. They can keep this in their handbag or their desk draw and never be caught out when their hair tie snaps or a client meeting pops up.
9. Homemade body scrub.
Another no-sweat homemade gift idea that is sure to impress. A sugar face and body scrub is a fab choice, or try this three-ingredient DIY coffee scrub, which is a favourite at Mamamia. Make it look extra special by putting into a decorated jar.
10. When all else fails, chocolate.
Because everyone likes chocolate. And if they don't, they'll have a grateful family member who does. Extra points if you can subtly suss out their favourite type and cater to that.
Happy gift-giving.
What's the best gift you've ever given or received at work? Got a Kris Kringle idea under $10? Tell us!
This content was created with thanks to our brand partner Instant Scratch-Its.
Top Comments
The best gift I’ve received from work Kris Kringle was a bag full of products from my state. It included lovely SA produced products like virgin olive oil, Menz Fru Chocs, cheese & fruits. The best gift I’ve given was a large bowl of mixed herbs to stand in the kitchen or by the BBQ.
Some nice ideas here, but Number 2 is just too stalker-y...
If you want to go the full creep you could give them the home made body scrub and say 'think of me when u use this'.
"Take a photo from their social media, print it and frame it..." then go directly to HR for a nice chat about boundaries and professionalism.
Yes! hahahahahahaha! Not creepy At All!!!!
I had not thought of that, but I did think that it was quite a personal gift, not something you'd give a random person from work you don't know. And a message like that would reeeeeally ramp up the stalker-y-ness!