‘Tis officially the season to get started on your Secret Santa gifts list. And whether you’re buying for your beloved work wife (easy!) or you’ve been paired with Janet from accounts, there’s an art to nailing the Kris Kringle brief and (“funny guys” take note) it doesn’t lie in the novelty aisle of your local dollar store.
Show your co-workers you actually care with a considered festive pick that’s guaranteed to brighten someone’s Christmas before it even begins.
From beauty lovers and office organisers, to those that might be a little harder to please, these budget-friendly Secret Santa gifts are your no-fail formula to getting it right.
Whoever you need to buy for this Christmas, we’ve found an affordable option that’ll take the stress out of the whole situation – and have your colleagues questioning how you stayed under budget – which is the exact reaction you want.
2024’s top Secret Santa Gifts
- Dear Dahlia Mini Paradise Dream Velvet Lip Mousse Set, $18, Sephora (here’s why)
- Face Washer Set, $29, Hommey (here’s why)
- Alpha-H In Good Hands Renewing Hand Treatment, $29.95, Adore Beauty (here’s why)
The Best Secret Santa Gifts Under $30
Best for: The beauty buff
This is a perfect example of a Kris Kringle gift that looks – and feels – way more expensive than it is. With six mini lip mousses in a range of colourways, there’s an option to suit any skin tone, making for the ultimate stocking-stuffer for the beauty lover in your life.
02
Face Washer Pack in Espresso
$29 at Hommey
Best for: The desk mate with a seven-step skincare routine
Give the gift of a spa-like experience at home this Christmas with a luxe-feeling set of face towels that offer the perfect balance of super soft texture and practical absorbency.
03
Alpha-H In Good Hands Renewing Hand Treatment
$29.95 at Adore Beauty
Best for: The colleague who prioritises self-care
On the hunt for an elevated on-the-go essential this Christmas? Rest assured you’ll be in good hands with this guaranteed Kris Kringle gifting hit.
04
Crew Grip Socks
$15.16 (usually $18.95) at Your Reformer
Best for: The Pilates princess
If you’re colleague never misses a lunchtime reformer Pilates class, or lives for their morning yoga session, then you can’t go wrong with a stylish pair of grip socks. Available in a range of timeless colourways and styles, these gym bag beauties are a guaranteed mood booster for any workout.
05
Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc
$22 at Liquorland
Best for: Your after work drinks buddy
Elevate your summer entertaining with Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc. Whether it’s a casual catch-up with friends, a festive meal with family or a moment to yourself to sit back and relax, this premium Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a delicious choice for any Secret Santa selection.
06
Nova Marble Incense Holder
$24.99 at Dusk
Best for: The meditation master
If you’re looking for a secret Santa gift that feels elevated sans the steep price tag, then you can’t go past this festive season find, that’ll take your gifting game to the next level.
07
5kg Of Seeds Charity Gift Card
From $19 at Plan International Australia
Best for: The office advocate
Give a gift that keeps on giving this Christmas. Plan International Australia’s Gifts of Hope offer life-changing gifts that support girls’ education and equality, transforming lives in vulnerable communities worldwide. All donations – whether for yourself or on behalf of a friend, are tax deductible and with options that start at $10, there’s an option for any and all gifting budgets.
08
Pear Keyring
$20 (usually $25) at Gorman
Best for: For the Gen-Zer in your life
So you pulled out the name of your Gen-Z co-worker in the office Kris Kringle and your mind went blank? Say no more! This kitsch-but-cute keychain (or bag charm) is the perfect pick for when your Secret Santa radar needs a reset.
09
In-Scribe 2025 Weekly Diary
$29.99 at Kikki.K
Best for: The office organiser
Everyone appreciates the gift of some extra organisation – no matter how calm they appear on the outside. What better way to help your colleague kick off the new year in style, than with a fresh diary to keep things on track from day one.
