Secret Santa and white elephant gifts under $25
In a Secret Santa you buy for one person you drew from a hat. In a white elephant, people take turns opening a gift or stealing one that's already open.
Every pick here costs under $25 and is safe for the office. The first group suits a Secret Santa. The last group is for white elephant, where a good gift gets stolen.
Safe for any desk
Small things that get used, so the gift doesn't end up in a drawer. Good when you barely know the person.
Kitchen
Mug and hot cocoa set
Typical price under $25
Gets them through the three o'clock slump.
Home
Sticky note set in odd shapes
Typical price under $25
Sorts the desk, or at least looks like it.
Home
Succulent in a ceramic pot
Typical price under $25
Survives the vent and the long weekend.
Games and books
Wire brain teaser puzzle
Typical price under $25
Keeps the hands busy on a long call.
Snacks everyone fights over
Food is the safest bet for a mixed group. Open it at the desk and it's gone by lunch.
Food and drink
Tin of butter cookies
Typical price under $25
Buttery enough that nobody eats just one.
Food and drink
Old-fashioned candy assortment
Typical price under $25
Brings back the corner store at four o'clock.
Food and drink
Herbal tea sampler
Typical price under $25
Six flavors, for anyone tired of coffee.
The ones that get stolen
For white elephant, pick something people will want to take. Useful and a little fun is the sweet spot.
Kitchen
Mini waffle maker
Typical price under $25
The one everyone steals twice.
Home
Fleece throw blanket
Typical price under $25
Gone from the pile before the second round.
Tech
Wireless phone charging pad
Typical price under $25
Useful enough that people will fight for it.
Games and books
Card game for a crowd
Typical price under $25
Gets the whole party playing after the swap.
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