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15 cheap, cheerful (and very fun) Secret Santa gifts

Spread Christmas cheer - within a $30 budget.
Friends exchanging their best secret santa giftsImage: Getty

Each year, I find myself inevitably caught up in the mad Christmas rush. I’m worried about making sure I have the right gift for each of my loved ones, whether the food and catering is all sorted, who will be where and when, and whether the tree is up and decorated on time. That Secret Santa gift exchange I agreed to months ago? It’s always forgotten in the chaos.

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This year, we’re not blowing the Christmas budget or starting to shop when the stores are stripped clean. Get ahead of the game and sort your Secret Santa shopping early, so you have one less thing to worry about when the festive season is in full swing. Whether you’re shopping for a colleague, a friend, or a family member, these Secret Santa gift ideas are all below $30 and are sure to spark joy.

Elevate the gift by wrapping them in one of these fun and festive rolls of Christmas wrapping paper.

The best cheap Secret Santa gifts of 2024

A salt lamp is a good Secret Santa gift

Salt Lamp

$29.99, at Typo

This super cute (and super affordable) salt lamp will look gorgeous on a vanity or bedside table. It lights up in seven different colours, to match whatever evening vibe you choose. To whoever has picked me for this year’s Secret Santa… I want this!

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A fresh body spray is a good Secret Santa gift

MCoBeauty Black Plum & Vanilla Fragrance Hair & Body Mist

$17.59, at Chemist Warehouse

This sweet-smelling body and hair mist is a great option if you’re buying for a pre-teen or teen who loves the viral Sol de Janeiro body sprays. Shopping for a different age bracket? Don’t overthink it. Anyone in need of a sweet scent will love this. It’s universal. Trust us.

You're My Favourite chocolate box from Hello Cookie for a Secret Santa gift

‘You’re My Favourite’ Cadbury Favourites Gift Box

$29.95, at Hello and Cookie

Choose from a selection of different statements for the cookie, and if you’re feeling a bit generous, splurge a little and personalise it with a photo of you and the gift recipient. Thoughtful and delicious!

A Grinch tree ornament is a good Secret Santa gift

Cute, simple, loveable and slightly menacing – even those of us who have all the time in the world for Christmas love this furry wee fella. Ready to catch the waves under the sun of a Kiwi Christmas, this Grinch ornament is a great bet for a Secret Santa gift.

On the go teeth whitening pens for a Secret Santa gift gift

Honestly, I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t appreciate this small and easy to use on-the-go teeth whitening pen. Who likes having yellow teeth when they’re talking to friends or colleagues?

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Nutcracker

$22.99, at Lego

This adorable wee Nutcracker Lego character is perfect for a colleague with a desk in need of decorating, or young hands that need busying. Pick between male or female facial features and have a great time making it move and talk with its movable arms and mouth.

The Dip Bowl

$28, at Shop Your Home and Garden

These hand-thrown clay bowls are perfectly sized for dips, olives, chutney or any small finger food. If you’ve drawn a foodie in this year’s Secret Santa pick, a gift couldn’t get much sweeter than these.

A set of socks is always an appreciated Secret Santa gift

This handy box set is a great gift for those who don’t quite get into the holiday spirit like the rest of us do. You know who you are.

A drinking game is always a good Secret Santa gift

For many Kiwis, a classic Christmas celebration calls for a drink or two. This drinking game is a great icebreaker and is perfect for those party animals. Don’t worry if you’re not a drinker – it can be played with water or any fizzy drink of choice!

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Lego tree ornaments are good Secret Santa gifts

Christmas Ornament Selection

$22.99, at Lego

This cute little Lego ornament set makes for a great Secret Santa gift for someone to decorate the office tree with, take home to their kiddies or even just for someone who finds peace in crafting and creating.

A calming candle makes for good Secret Santa gifts

Essano Wellbeing Candle Calm

$15.99, at Chemist Warehouse

We all know how full-on the festive season can be. Make someone’s day by giving them the gift of a calming candle so they can unwind, relax and take sometime to themselves.

California Exotic 2.2″ Remote Controlled Gold Bullet Vibrator

$24.99, at Wild Secrets

Maybe you’re trying to be cheeky with this one… or maybe you’re doing someone a sneaky wee favour. Either way, there’s no judgement here – only support!

Two rose-shaped candles make for good Secret Santa gifts

Roses Candle

$15.28, at Shop Your Home and Garden

These rose candles are great for girlfriends, mothers or mothers-in-law. Simply pick a size, colour and scent to personally tailor the candle to them and take all the credit for finding them the perfect gift. Or don’t – it depends on whether you reveal who each other’s Secret Santa’s were afterwards or not…

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Three different sized house candles are great Secret Santa gifts

Little House Candles

$17.08, at Shop Your Home and Garden

These natural soy candles make a cute-as-a-button decor addition to any home. They add a touch of festive cheer to a vanity, beside a jewellery box, on a hallway table or wherever else a bare space may be found.

Cream Chunky Cat Eye Retro Sunglasses

$24, at Pretty Little Thing

These chic sunglasses are perfect for fashion-forward individuals who can’t get enough of the sun. Pairing well with pretty much any outfit, these are sure to be a hit come summer.

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