Whether it's at work, with your book club, or with friends, chances are you'll be involved in one or more gift exchanges this holiday season. If you're lucky, the price limit will be lower, and you'll have to find cheap Christmas gifts under $10 or less. But, what exactly can you get for so little that isn't completely basic? Surprisingly, quite a few things.
While secret Santa is intended to be a fun way to celebrate, it inevitably turns into yet another stressful task to add to your already-exhausting holiday to-do list. You want to find a cool gift that is personal and unique while remaining within your budget, but it isn't always easy to find the perfect gift. We've all been on the receiving end, so you know what it's like to open a gift from your secret Santa only to discover it's positively impersonal, impractical, or just plain boring. This year, don't let that happen to your secret Santa.
Here are Christmas gifts under $10 that your secret Santa will appreciate. Oh, and a special thanks to whoever my secret Santa is—feel free to choose from this list.
1. Charging Cable Protectors
With this sweet little bit that does a big job for little money, you won't have to worry about your charging cable ever becoming weakened again.
2. Phone Ring Holder
This rose gold ring makes your phone look like it's wearing jewelry, whether your secret Santa uses it as a phone holder, a stand, or a vent mount.
3. AirPods3 Case
This AirPods 2 case, available in every color imaginable, provides a stylish home for your secret Santa's favorite headphones.
4. Stylish Catch-All Dish
If your secret Santa is always looking for a place to store their jewelry, a decorative catch-all dish in their zodiac sign is not only adorable but also functional. This is a secret Christmas gift under $10 that will be used, whether they take it home or leave it by their desk.
5. Eyelet Socks
Sure, you could go with fuzzy winter socks for your secret Santa exchange, but if your secret Santa is into fashion, go for something a little more, well, fashionable. These socks are a unique and cool accessory that will keep your secret Santa warm and stylish.
6. Mini Spa Gift Box
We've all received holiday-themed bath sets, but who wants gingerbread-scented body wash? Instead, get your secret Santa a spa kit that they'll actually use (and probably enjoy) because everyone needs a little pampering during the holidays.
7. Cactus
A cactus is a great secret Santa gift for someone in your office because it is a plant that even the most inept owner can care for. It'll brighten their fluorescent-lit lives and show how cool they are. Cacti are popular, right?
8. Nail Set
For the one who likes to do it themselves, a set of nail polish is a great gift. Pick one that comes with some festive colors as well as some neutrals, so your secret Santa can use their gift for the holidays and long after that.
Wine Stopper & Charm Set
If your secret Santa is a not-so-secret wine enthusiast, they'd love anything wine-related, like this bottle stopper and charm set. It's functional, useful, and adorable.
10. Jewelry Holder
A jewelry or ring holder is another useful yet adorable gift that everyone will appreciate. They'll love the decorative touch it adds to their lives, whether it's next to their bed, by the sink, or on their vanity.
11. Stylish Wallet
Isn't it true that you can never have too many wallets? Purchase a small wallet or cardholder for your secret Santa and watch them incorporate it into their wardrobe as soon as possible.
12. Cuff Bracelet
Diamonds may be your best friend, but they are not your $10 budget's best friend. That doesn't mean you should disregard jewelry entirely. A small bracelet, such as this adjustable one, can easily be found for less than $10, and it will make all other secret Santas green with envy.
13. Comfortable Throw Blanket
This season, you can't go wrong with something warm and cozy. This sherpa throw blanket will keep your secret Santa warm.
14. Sloth Cosmetic Bag
For those secret Santas who like to go all out. This adorable sloth makeup bag will help them stay organized.
15. Temporary Tattoo Set
A temporary tattoo set is a fun way to say "Happy holidays!" and will remind your secret Santa of childhood. There are numerous designs available, the majority of which are under $10, so choose something personal that shows you know your secret Santa.
16. Inspirational Artist Poster
Who doesn't enjoy H.E.R? With this one-of-a-kind poster, you can pay tribute to this talented artist in your music room or office.
17. Mug
Show your secret Santa how well you know them by getting them a custom mug. It's cute, personalized, and useful for anyone who loves the outdoors.
18. Fashion Poster Set
A poster based on your secret Santa's interests is another decorative item for the home or office that shows you know to who you're giving the gift. It will also brighten up their apartment or cubicle, and everyone could benefit from a home or office makeover now and then.
19. Customized Notes
If you're doing a secret Santa exchange with coworkers, office supplies are a good choice. Instead of boring pens and organizers, try these personalized sticky notes. It will brighten up your secret Santa's day at the office.
20. Gudetama Macaron Lip Balm
Lip gloss + macarons + Gudetama = the ideal secret Santa present. It's adorable on the outside, and what's inside will make your secret Santa feel equally adorable.
21. Assorted Coasters
These NSFW coasters are a great addition to the home of the secret Santa who sends you Someecards regularly. They're hilarious, and they'll keep your secret Santa's coffee table from getting rings on it, so it's a win-win situation.
22. Himalayan Salt Candle Holder
Everyone enjoys candles, but if your secret Santa is anything like mine, they have too many candles and not enough holders. Rather than a holiday-themed candle holder, get them one that they can incorporate into their decor and use all year.
23. 2022 Planner
Help your busy secret Santa stay organized into the New Year with a planner that understands her eternal mood.
24. Ring
A ring is another jewelry-related option that makes a great secret Santa gift. It's small, delicate, pretty, and inexpensive. You can stay on the safe side and get a simple decorative band, or go with something a little funkier, like this antler one, that will stand out from the rest of the rings on your secret Santa's fingers.
25. Phone Power Bank
A phone power bank is a great gift that will be used frequently, saving your secret Santa from having to ask the already busy bartender to charge their phone.
26. Burt's Bees Misteltoe Kiss Set
This gift set includes three festive lip balms to get your secret Santa ready for the winter months.
27. Superfoods Travel Pouch
Give this adorable, on-brand travel pouch to your secret Santa if they are wellness-obsessed.
28. Thoughtful Reminders
The purpose of the season is to uplift others. Encourage your secret Santa with these thoughtful cards that will help them get through the day.
29. Vegan & Gluten-Free Birthday
If your secret Santa has a food allergy and can't eat the office snacks, look no further than these gluten-free and vegan birthday cake-flavored cookies.
30. Candles
Candles can help you relax, make your home smell better, and set the mood, so get one for your secret Santa to take with them wherever they go. They can bring these candles with lids wherever they go, whether it's to a hotel or their significant other's house, and calmness will undoubtedly follow.
31. Twin Wire Journal
If your secret Santa is a writer, keeps a to-do list, or keeps a journal, they are probably always in need of a new notebook. Get them one with a beautiful design (this one is by Spoonful of Faith artist Jena Holliday) and an inspiring mantra, and they will love filling up all of its pages.
32. Ode To Alcohol
Games and activities make excellent secret Santa gifts for adults as well as children. This adult-themed Mad Libs book, ideal for a train ride or a trip to the airport, will have your secret Santa laughing out loud.
33. Beer Or Wine
A secret Santa gift exchange can never go wrong with booze. Choose a bubbly wine or a festive beer, and if you're lucky, the recipient will want to open it that night.
34. Steeped Coffee Bags
If you have a coffee-obsessed secret Santa, make sure they always have a stash of java on hand.
35. Winter Hat
If this winter is anything like last year's, your secret Santa will most likely require a warm winter hat. This adorable Forever 21 winter-themed one will keep ears warm and outfits fashionable.
36. Chocolate
Like wine and beer, chocolate is loved by almost everyone. Because we're all adults now and don't get stockings, your secret Santa will appreciate a sweet holiday treat.
37. Cactus Grow Kit
For those people who can't keep a houseplant alive, these cool cactus grow kit will give them a chance to know what it's like to have a green thumb. Like those science kits you wished for as a kid, this is a fun activity with funky, beautiful results.
38. Vino Marker Metallic Wine
These wine glass pens will come in handy for the secret Santa who is always hosting at their house.
39. Hand Cream
Prepare your secret Santa for the winter months with this coconut hand cream that they can keep at their desk.
