Be the Best Secret Santa with Our Favorite Gifts Under $20

Just like decorating the tree or sipping hot chocolate, participating in a Secret Santa is something we do every December. And whether it’s with your co-workers, friends or family, there’s always that Secret Santa gift that’s the envy of everyone. On the flip side, there’s the White Elephant gift that no one tries to steal. When you’re shopping for your own Secret Santa or White Elephant swap, you know which extreme you want to be on! That’s why we’ve rounded up the best Secret Santa gifts that all come in under $20.

Even though $20 gifts are the standard for Secret Santa or white elephant parties, they can be very tricky to get right. For those just entering the workforce, Secret Santa or White Elephant parties are classic corporate techniques to help stir up some fun and bonding among teams around the holidays. In the case of a Secret Santa party, you’ll be assigned a teammate (usually at random) for whom you’ll have to buy a present. Generally speaking, your company will set a limit for how much the presents can be (so that way nobody goes crazy or feels they have to). Similarly, White Elephant parties call for buying a gift that’s under a certain price point, and then an exchange happens the night of the office holiday party.

Quite often, buying these gifts comes with a heavy amount of anxiety. Lucky for you (after countless blunders at parties) we’ve scoured the deep depths of the internet to find fantastic gifts that will do well at any Secret Santa or White Elephant party. What’s more, we made sure all of our options are under $20, as that’s generally the monetary limit for such parties.

Take a look at our list below and remember, though it’s the thought that counts, it never hurts to give the best Secret Santa gift!

1. The Bloom Times 2 Pcs Fake Plants

FOR THE BROWN THUMB

We all have that co-worker or friend who brings a new plant to the office only to watch it wilt away after a few months. Take them — and their plants — out of their misery with this duo of two cute faux potted plants. At 4.75″ x 5″, they’re just the right size for their desk, or even a kitchen, living room, dining table, bedroom, bathroom or anywhere, really. The clean, classic design means they’ll complement any decor, making them impressively versatile. The plants are made of plastic and come in gray paper pulp pots. Best of all, they’ll always look healthy and green!

2. Funwares TriceraTaco Holder Ultimate Dinosaur Taco Stand

FOR THE TACO TUESDAY FAN

If your Secret Santa wishes every day was Taco Tuesday, then this is the best Secret Santa gift hands down. The adorable taco stand will make every taco look and taste even more delicious. Choosing between the T-rex and the triceratops will be a tough decision though. Delightfully versatile, it can also hold crackers, waffles, sandwiches, nachos, panini sandwiches, pizza roll-ups, cheese flautas and plenty of other snacks. It’s made with materials that are 100% food-safe and BPA-Free.

3. Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters

FOR THE MIXOLOGIST

Any home bar setup will be instantly elevated with Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters. The bourbon barrel-aged bitters have a fine taste that was aged to perfection. Add them to a classic cocktail, like a Manhattan, or let the aspiring mixologist in your life create their own cocktails around them.

4. Accoutrements Bacon Strips Bandages

FOR THE COLLEAGUE WHO IS ALWAYS GETTING PAPER CUTS

Getting a boo-boo is never fun — but these quirky band-aids will ease the pain! The best Secret Santa gift for the office klutz is sure to crack everyone up during the holiday party. Each tin contains 25 bandages, as well as a bonus trinket. Once the bandages are all used up, they can keep the tin on their desk to make them smile.

5. TV Store Wonder Woman Knee High Cape Sock

FOR THE SUPERWOMAN

Not all heroes wear capes, but the very lucky winner of these Wonder Woman socks will! Socks with capes clearly qualify as one of the best White Elephant gifts, as these will probably get stolen again and again during a White Elephant swap. The officially licensed socks are made from a comfy polyester-spandex blend and fit most women’s shoe sizes.

6. Zombies Hate Stuff by Greg Stones

FOR THE ZOMBIE LOVER

Everyone has that colleague who still hasn’t gotten over their zombie obsession and this book is for them. But it’s so charming and funny that even non-zombie lovers will adore it, too. The clever book is filled with illustrations by artist Greg Stones of things zombies hate, including clowns, hippies, unicorns, zip-lines, penguins, nudists, weddings, sharing and kittens. Every turn of the page will entertain the winner of this witty book.

7. Beanie Cap Decorative Silicone Bottle Stopper

FOR THE WINE DRINKER

Why is it that when you need a wine stopper you can never find one? Solve that problem with this best Secret Santa gift that provides not one but two adorable bottle stoppers that look like winter beanie hats, complete with pom-poms. The ideal cork replacement, they can be used over and over again, delivering an airtight seal to keep drinks fresh. They fit any standard glass beverage, so they can also keep champagne or soda bubbly and crisp. They’re dishwasher safe and easy to pop on and off.

8. Be Good Company Executive Mini-Sandbox Beach Break

FOR THE PERSON WHO NEEDS A VACATION

Yet another drawback of 2020 is it wasn’t exactly travel-friendly, so there are plenty of people wishing for a real vacation. Consider this cute little sandbox the tiniest getaway, which makes it one of the best Secret Santa gifts. It’ll instantly earn a spot on their desk and as they play in the sand, they’ll almost be able to hear the ocean. The sandbox comes with a plastic tray, white sand, a sand pail, a grooming rake, a digging shovel, mini seashells, a sun umbrella with a stand and one beach chair. Tan not included.

9. Swag Brewery Store Beer Soap (Hoppy IPA)

FOR THE BEER LOVER

Who knew that beer was so good for your skin? This fragrant soap is made with ingredients like orange peel, crushed oats and real hops that truly nourish skin, as beer is chock full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. The artisanal soap is made in small batches in the US, just like your favorite beer. It lathers up like a dream and won’t dry out skin. Even non-beer lovers will drink it up!

10. Maybe Swearing Will Help Adult Coloring Book

FOR THE CLASS CLOWN

We’ve all heard that adult coloring books can help take the edge off and that’s especially true when you have a laugh-out-loud-worthy one that puts the “adult” in “adult coloring book.” This one certainly isn’t for kids! Snarky, sarcastic and fun, Maybe Swearing Will Help: An Adult Coloring Book of Motivation, Puns & Cursing isn’t about staying in the lines — and that’s exactly what makes it one of the best Secret Santa gifts. It comes with a set of 30 Sargent Art Classic Fine Tip Markers in a case to complete the gift.

11. Anker Wireless Charger

FOR THE GADGET LOVER

You may not know the interests and tastes of all of your co-workers, but there’s one thing they have in common: the desire for a charged phone. Anker’s Wireless Charger is the necessity they didn’t know they needed, making it one of the best and most practical Secret Santa gifts. All they need to do to charge their phone or earbuds is to place them in the middle of the PowerWave Pad. No cables or plugs are necessary! And yes, it even charges through phone cases. It’s compatible with most devices, including iPhones and Androids.

12. Godiva Chocolatier Patisserie Chocolate Truffle Flight Box

FOR THE SWEET TOOTH

It doesn’t get more classic than a beautiful box of chocolates, so this crowd-pleaser is a pretty safe bet. The fact that it’s a tasting flight of truffles makes this Secret Santa gift even more delightful and delicious. The box includes six chocolate truffles inspired by cakes and pastries, such as tiramisu, red velvet cake, creme brulee and chocolate souffle. Translation: It delivers the most delectable desserts are in chocolate truffle form. What’s not to love?

13. Dizaul Mobile Phone 3D Magnifier Projector Screen

FOR THE MOVIE BUFF

Expect to see some serious haggling at your White Elephant swap when you bring this ingenious device. The screen magnifier is basically a movie projector for your phone screen, creating a 12-inch screen so you can watch movies and videos in full HD on a bigger, better screen. Lightweight and portable, it’s great on the go and will make your next work break, trip, commute or whenever you like a little screen time much more enjoyable. You can add a Bluetooth keyboard to use it for HD gaming, too. Even better, it doesn’t require any batteries and is designed to fit most smartphones.

14. Tiny Arcade Pac-Man Miniature Arcade Game

FOR THE ARCADE FAN

Know someone who still talks about their high score? This mini Pac-Man Arcade Game is the Secret Santa gift made for them. Just like the original full-size arcade game, this tiny game offers multi-level gameplay. At just 3.75 x 1.75 x 1.75 inches, it literally fits in your pocket. Impressively, it has a high-definition color screen, complete with the full arcade sounds just like the original game with a light-up header.

15. Sower’s Source Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit

FOR THE GARDENER

Gardening has many benefits including stress reduction and the obvious supply of fresh food. This indoor herb garden kit includes everything you need to start your own little garden and also makes a great addition to an expert gardener’s collection. The kit contains five kinds of seeds — basil, cilantro, parsley, sage and thyme — as well as pots, soil and markers.

16. Ugly Holiday Sweater Puzzle

FOR THE PUZZLE ADDICT

This Ugly Holiday Sweater Puzzle will definitely get laughs at the holiday party, making it a great Secret Santa gift. Sure to get the lucky recipient in a festive spirit, it’s ideal for cozy winter nights at home. The 1,000-piece puzzle depicting classic ugly holiday sweaters in the form of gingerbread cookies will keep them busy for a while. Even better, it’s made in the US from 100% recycled chipboard.

17. Urban Map Glass

FOR THE IMBIBER

Whether you opt for a glass of your own city or one where we’d all like to visit (who doesn’t want to be among the palm trees in sunny Los Angeles this time of year?), these transport you to the city streets while sipping your poison of choice. Each glass is etched with a city’s individual map, with details like street names and the location’s coordinates. You can take an imaginary walk every time you kick back with a drink. Bonus: these are completely crafted in the USA, with the glasses made in Ohio and etched in New Hampshire.

18. Washable Holiday Plate Tattoos

FOR THE HOST WITH THE MOST

Some people take decorating for the holidays very seriously. For those who are always in the holiday spirit, get them these Washable Holiday Plate Tattoos for a Secret Santa gift. These single-use decals transform their everyday plates into tableware that’s ready to party. You’ll see how adding an elf or a snowflake will instantly and easily bring holiday cheer to any tablescape. And no need to worry —they’re made with edible vegetable inks, making them super safe. They easily wash off with water and a wipe of a sponge. The set comes with six sheets.

19. Tile Mate

FOR THE FORGETFUL

There’s no reason to your lose keys, phone or wallet in 2020. This tiny Tile tracker clips onto your keychain or goes in your wallet and connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth. Then when you lose your wallet or keys, ring the Tracker using the Tile app. And if you’ve misplaced your smartphone, a button on the Tile tracker will ring your phone. Plus, a community-find feature allows you to use other Tile trackers around the world to find your stuff if you lost it while out and about.

20. Tackless Cordless Screwdriver

FOR THE HANDYMAN

This cordless screwdriver from Tackless makes a great gift for everyone from serious handymen to occasional DIYers. It’s small, lightweight and uses a USB port for charging, making it much more convenient than bigger drills. It’s ideal for little fix-ups and projects around the house (i.e. assembling furniture, mounting TVs, etc), but it can also be used for non-DIY jobs like quickly opening wine bottles at an event.

21. Shower Beer Holder

FOR THE BEER DRINKER

Warm showers and a cold brew go together better than you might think. That’s why this shower beer holder makes a great drink. It’s sure to get a laugh at any white elephant party or secret Santa, and chances are your giftee will actually use the device too. Plus, reviewers say it’s also perfect for having a glass of wine in the bath.

22. Hasbro Gaming Coinhole Game

FOR THE PROCRASTINATOR

We all have that one coworker that slacks off at their desk. Upgrade these slackers and procrastinators’ time with a great desk game, such as this mini cornhole set. The game uses small coins (included) that your coworker will try to bounce into one of the cornhole boards. The whole thing also comes in a handy carrying case, so your coworker can bring it with them to work, the library, or while traveling.

23. The Legion of Regrettable Supervillains

FOR COMIC BOOK FANS

The obvious choice for superhero comic lovers is a comic book, but we found a more unique gift instead. This book, The Legion of Regrettable Supervillains: Oddball Criminals from Comic Book History, profiles over one hundred of the strangest, most cringe-worthy villains in comic book history. Hilarious supervillains such as Animal-Vegetable-Mineral Man make the book great for non-comic-readers as well as veteran enthusiasts.

24. LOVEHANDLE Phone Grip

FOR THE SCREEN-CRACKER

Everyone could use an extra hand preventing accidental phone drops. This highly-rated Lovehandle phone grip does just that, offering a small finger strap to keep your phone securely in-hand. It works for nearly any smartphone and comes in a variety of fun colors to match any personal style.

25. Toysmith Zen Garden

FOR THE ZEN MASTER

Whether you know someone with monk-level zen or someone in desperate need of some peace, this mini zen garden makes a great gift. Your giftee can put it by their bed for some nighttime relaxation, or even better, on their desk at work for a stress-relief break from screens. Zen gardens can get big and pricey, so we suggest this one from Toysmith Zen Garden because it’s compact and affordable at $18, but includes stones and rakes to keep your garden looking good.

25. Avocado Huggers

FOR THE AVO ADDICT

Everyone has that one friend, significant other or family member who always has half an avocado in their fridge. For that avocado lover, get this set of avocado huggers. They wrap around a half avocado to keep it fresh for avo toast the next morning of guacamole days later.

26. Choose Your Dog Breed Socks

FOR COLD PAWS

You can never gift dog lovers too much dog stuff. These socks are great because you can get specific with your giftee’s own breed on the ankle — and no one can have too many socks. They come with 17 different breeds, but even if you can’t find the exact one, chances are you can get close enough. The socks are a gift that will hit home for any dog lover, and at just $12, they’ll keep your pockets full too.

27. Edibles Cookbook

FOR THE BAKED CHEF

Now that weed is legal in several states, weed-related gifts are acceptable — even in some offices. This edibles cookbook provides some dessert recipes that would be great on their own, but get even tastier thanks to a low dose of pot. The cookbook provides much-needed details about dosage, so you can get zonked without going crazy (which sometimes happens with homemade edibles).

28. The New York Times Crossword Puzzles

FOR THE PUZZLE LOVER

This book features 50 New York Times crossword puzzles for cozy winter mornings. It has Monday through Friday puzzles (the difficulty increases each day) for all levels of crossword-enthusiasts. This makes it doable for beginners and masters alike, so you can gift it to virtually anyone.

29. Potty Putter Toilet Golf

FOR THE BATHROOM HOG

Every minute of practice gets you closer to the perfect golf game. Even though it’s been around for a while, the Potty Putter always gets a laugh, and always gets put to good use. It’s a putting green and hole that you set-up right under your toilet and comes with a squatting-length putter club to match. Great if you’re giving a gift to an avid golfer or if you want to break the tension at the White Elephant party.

30. Apexel Phone Photography Kit

FOR THE AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Now that phone cameras are the norm, it’s hard to stand out as a real photographer. But all of that is about to change with this clip-on lens from Apexel Phone Photography Kit. This lens snaps directly onto your smartphone to enhance image quality and make your pictures look much more professional. It makes a great gift for any photographer, but the lens’ usability also makes it a fun White Elephant gift as well.

31. A Daily Dose of Dad Jokes

FOR THE OFFICE CLOWN

Looking to finally one-up the office clown’s game? Or, perhaps, is your Secret Santa the office clown? Win everyone over with this hilarious (and surprisingly extensive) book of so-bad-they’re-good dad jokes. It has 365 terrible wisecracks which are enough for any comedian (self-proclaimed or otherwise) to learn something new. Here’s one from the book: “bowling jokes are right up my alley.”

32. InnoGear Essential Oil Diffuser

FOR THE STRESS CASE

If you got stuck gifting that one person that never stops talking about how stressed they are or how poorly they slept last night, do them a solid by gifting this essential-oil diffuser. It releases a nice-smelling, stress-reducing oil mist, and doubles as a color-changing night light as well. Although there are many of these machines on Amazon, this one is definitely the best with over 16,500 reviews and a low price of just $13.

33. Sriracha Keychain Combo Pack

FOR THE HOT SAUCE ADDICT

We all know that person that drenches their food in hot sauce. These Sriracha keychains let any hot-sauce fiend keep their prized ingredient close at hand, just in case the restaurant doesn’t have it. They’re also ideal for traveling, as good hot sauce can be hard to come by on the road. This two-pack includes a one-ounce bottle and 1.7-ounce bottle, so your giftee can store one in their desk and one with their house keys.

34. Don’t Speak! Coffee Mug

FOR THE MORNING GRUMP

For the partner, friend, or family member that “can’t even” before their coffee, it’s always hard to find out when they “can even.” This mug solves the problem by letting everyone know when to start chatting, when to hold on a sec, and when to think about leaving the room.

35. Vintage Mason Jar Salt & Pepper Shakers

FOR THE DECORATOR

Joke gifts are fun, but sometimes you want something your giftee will use and appreciate for a long time. For an easy, chic gift, we recommend these mason jar salt & pepper shakers. They come in a stylish blue or white and liven up any kitchen or dining table with a rustic look.

36. Drunk Stoned or Stupid

FOR THE PARTY LOVER

Drunk Stoned or Stupid is one of the hottest party games right now, and for good reason. Each card contains a prompt that starts with “most likely to…” and the group must pick the friend that matches the description. It’s ideal with big groups, and, as the name suggests, is especially fun when you’re not sober. This makes a great White Elephant gift as it usually ends up being played immediately.

37. Geek Battle Board Game

FOR THE GEEK

Geek Battle includes trivia from video games, sci-fi, comics, science and more for the ultimate geek showdown. And don’t worry if you’re not a geek — the game is made to include everyone. This is another great gift for White Elephant parties as after a few drinks, most will be down to give the game a shot!

38. Zoee Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

FOR THE DJ

A Bluetooth speaker is a great cheap gift because people of any age or personality will enjoy it. This one uses HD audio and enhanced bass to provide impressive wireless sound quality for a sub-$20 speaker. It comes highly-rated too, with over 4,000 reviews, so don’t worry about gifting a crappy piece of tech.

39. Amazon.com Gift Card

FOR THE PICKY PERSON

Shopping for the impossible giftee? We’ve all been there. Luckily, in 2020 you can give a gift card to Amazon, which is basically cash without being, well, cash. Your picky giftee can go wild and buy whatever it is they want. Is it a cop-out? Maybe. But at least you’ll know they’ll find something they like.

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