It sounds like a great idea. A £25 budget, a name pulled out of a hat, a little gift to make someone smile at Christmas. Simple, right? Except that £25 doesn’t quite go as far as it used to. Back in the day you could probably buy three tubs of Celebrations, a box of 50 Freddos and a scratch card, and still have change. Now it barely covers a round at the work Christmas do. No pressure though...
The good news is that Secret Santa gifts have never really been about the money. It’s about getting something the person will actually use, laugh at or be quietly impressed by. All without it looking like you grabbed the nearest thing on your lunch break (even if you did).
Here are 14 Secret Santa gift ideas under £25 for every personality and interest. And if you’re a Blue Light Card member, check what offers are live before you buy.
Velvetised Chocolate Tasting Experience Gift Set
Not all chocolate gifts are created equal, and this one is firmly at the impressive end of the scale. Inside the set you’ll find three chocolate batons, two Velvetised spirits and a beautiful coupe glass. It’s basically Christmas in a box. The kind of thing they’d never pick up for themselves but will absolutely make the most of.
Before you order, it’s worth a quick look at Blue Light Card so you can save on your gift from Hotel Chocolat.
Match the Bottle Memory Hidden Pattern Game
A memory game with a fun twist. The kind of activity where dads stand watching with arms folded, insisting they won’t play, before relenting five minutes in and taking it far too seriously. It’s fun, tricky and goes down a treat at a Christmas party. A solid Secret Santa for someone who loves a game night or needs a reason to get off their phone.
Menkind is available on Blue Light Card, worth checking for savings before you shop.
Secret Santa Mystery Book Gift
This one is exactly what it sounds like: a mystery book. Your recipient has the excitement of not knowing what they’re getting, and you look like you've put in more thought than a last-minute Amazon panic. A brilliant option for a reader who’s always looking for their next favourite. No poring over different blurbs to find the perfect book needed, as this gift takes the guesswork out entirely.
Log in to Blue Light Card and check the Not On The High Street saving before you purchase.
Socks used to be a present you smiled politely about on Christmas morning. But quality gym socks from a brand people rate is a different conversation entirely. A practical option for anyone who trains regularly or spends a lot of time on their feet – which, for much of our Blue Light Card community, is most of the working week.
Blue Light Card has a Gymshark saving, so check it before you hit checkout.
Whether they’re the kind of person who needs a coat in September or just spends time pretending the unpredictable British weather doesn’t exist, a Levi’s beanie is a great Secret Santa. It’s warm and versatile enough to suit most people. And if they feel the cold quite easily, it’ll be a staple piece from November to March. In other words, the whole winter.
Have a look for any current Levi’s discounts on Blue Light Card before you buy.
This Body Shop gift set includes a shower gel, body yoghurt and hand balm, all in the brand’s signature mango scent. It’s that rare Secret Santa combination of something that feels like a treat without requiring any research into the recipient’s likes and dislikes. It’s ready to go, so no stress come December.
The Body Shop is available on Blue Light Card – pull up the app before you buy to make sure you get the best price.
Perfect Night’s Sleep Scented Candle (Travel)
Neom is the kind of brand that feels luxurious, which makes for a lovely surprise as a Secret Santa gift. This candle is compact and beautifully scented with lavender, chamomile and patchouli, all expertly combined to help the mind and body wind down. Perfect for anyone wanting to decompress after a hard day.
Your Blue Light Card gets you a Neom saving, so have a look before purchasing.
Personalised Leather Corner Bookmark
Many devout readers these days use e-readers or audiobooks. But among those who love a physical book, there are two types. Those who fold over the corner of a page. And those who consider folding pages an act of chaos. This gift is for those who fall into the second group. The personalised leather corner bookmark can be engraved with their initials. Looks handmade, feels considered and is perfect for a stationery lover.
Not On The High Street is available via Blue Light Card, so it’s worth checking before you order to save a few quid.
Available in gold or silver, the Initial Pendant is a clean, elegant everyday piece that suits most styles and is personal without being overly intimate. Ideal for someone who you might not know super well but still want to give something thoughtful.
Check Blue Light Card for the Abbott Lyon saving before you purchase.
Myprotein x Promixx Eco Shaker Bottle 700ml
If they meal prep on a Sunday, track their macros and have a strong opinion about protein powder flavours, they’ll appreciate this. The shaker is a quality gym bottle from a brand the fitness community rates. It’s excellent value and a practical gift that regularly gets used, which is more than can be said for a lot of Secret Santa finds.
Myprotein is available on Blue Light Card – log in and check before buying, as the discount could make a nice difference.
Dotted & Spotted Softback Spiral Lined Notebook
Papier makes beautiful stationery. Plus, with free personalisation included, it looks like you’ve put in serious effort. The Dotted & Spotted notebook is a proper step up from a standard spiral pad. It’s the kind of thing that actually lives on a desk rather than getting lost in a drawer. Great for someone who works in an office, journals or likes having somewhere to write things down. Teachers, we see you.
It’s worth a look at Blue Light Card for the current Papier offer before you place your order.
If they always have a protein bar in their bag – and a lot of nurses, paramedics and members of the Blue Light Card community absolutely do – this Secret Santa gift will make them unreasonably happy. From cookie dough to raspberry, mint and fudge brownie, they can work out which is their favourite. Or like them all equally. We’re not judging.
Check Blue Light Card for the Grenade saving before you check out.
A classic, clean kind of watch that works with everything from gym kit to a work outfit. It’s the kind of item that people always mean to buy for themselves but never quite get around to. Also, an excellent Secret Santa choice for someone who is perpetually late and would take it in good spirit. The timing couldn’t be better.
Pull up the Blue Light Card app before you buy and check for the Casio saving.
One of the more personal options on the list, this 500-piece jigsaw is made from a photo of your choice. Upload a group memory, favourite moment or something that’ll make them laugh when they tip it out of the box on Christmas Day. Perfect for a close friend, family member or colleague you actually get on well with.
Check Blue Light Card for the current Snapfish saving before ordering.
Keeping it under a tenner doesn’t mean settling for something they’ll immediately regift. Here are some ideas that punch above their price:
If you’re a Blue Light Card member, check out the various categories we have available before buying to make that £10 budget go further than expected.
A £5 Secret Santa is a challenge. But it can be done.
Sometimes the point of Secret Santa isn’t to be useful; it’s to give someone a proper laugh. A few ideas that land well:
The best funny Secret Santa gifts work because they show you’ve actually paid attention. A weird inside joke will always beat a random novelty item.
Buying for a colleague adds a few extra considerations. It needs to be appropriate, not too personal and ideally won’t cause an awkward silence when they open it in front of the whole team.
It’s the day before the office Christmas party or the day before all your friends meet up. You’ve just remembered about this whole Secret Santa situation. Here’s what can actually save you at the last minute:
Generally, it’s whatever the group has agreed. If there’s no set budget, here’s a rough guide:
The most important thing is that everyone sticks to roughly the same amount. No one wants to hand over something they spent time finding only to receive a rubbish gift. Make sure the budget is agreed upfront to keep things fair.
If you’re struggling to think of something that stays in your agreed budget, Blue Light Card can help. It doesn’t take long – have a browse on our website or app to see what you can save this Christmas. It’s a nice bonus when every pound counts.
Remember: it’s not the retail price that matters; it’s what you actually paid. A saving on a £30 gift can bring it closer to that £25 budget, which takes the edge off a difficult task.
£10 is a common budget and enough to get something good. £20-25 gives you more flexibility, whereas £5 might be more difficult. Try to go with a specific gift rather than something generic. Just make sure that everyone sticks to the same amount.
For a work Secret Santa, the safest territory is food and drink, stationery, practical accessories and personalised small gifts that they would understand. When in doubt, stick with those.
For a genuine last-minute save, head to somewhere on the high street or a supermarket. Look for beauty gift sets, food and drink or buy a digital gift card that can be sent or printed immediately.
