The Good Design Journal
15 Secret Santa Gift Ideas for When You Have No Clue What to Buy
Let’s face it—Secret Santa can be brutal. You’re tasked with finding the perfect gift for someone you either barely know or whose wish list is as mysterious as the office Wi-Fi password. No pressure, right?
But don’t panic just yet. Whether you’re shopping for a colleague, a friend-of-a-friend, or your second cousin twice removed, I’ve got your back. These 15 Secret Santa gift ideas are foolproof, hilarious, and actually useful. No gift cards. No generic mugs. Just stuff they’ll actually want to keep (or at least pretend to).
So take a deep breath, and let’s make you the hero of this year’s gift exchange. Ready? Let’s dive in.
Our Designer Secret Santa Gift Ideas You Can’t Go Wrong With
1. A Sip of Fancy
DESIGNSTUFF Curve Glass Straw, Set of 4
Make every drink Instagram-worthy with these chic reusable glass straws. Fancy colours, sleek design, and zero plastic guilt? Cheers to that.
Why They’ll Love It: The perfect crowd-pleaser for a Secret Santa—you don’t need to know their drink of choice to gift these beauties.
2. Shower Like You Mean It
DESIGNSTUFF Saebe Body Wash, Tangerine & Cedarwood
This body wash is basically a spa day in a bottle. It’s zesty, woodsy, and way too fancy to share with housemates.
Why They’ll Love It: A safe Secret Santa pick for anyone—it’s practical, indulgent, and smells incredible.
3. Game Night, Upgraded
PRINTWORKS Play Games 'Four in a Row'
This isn’t your childhood Connect Four—it’s the grown-up, Scandi-chic version that actually looks good on a shelf.
Why They’ll Love It: A playful option that’s perfect for the office joker or the sibling who loves game nights.
4. Napkin Goals
DESIGNSTUFF Napkin w/Fringe, Set of 2
Forget paper towels—these fringe-detailed napkins are here to class up dinner parties. Bonus points if they actually use them.
Why They’ll Love It: A Secret Santa win for that friend who “totally has it all.”
5. A Packet of Calm
ADDITION STUDIO Mandarin, Lime & Basil Incense Refill Envelope
Because sometimes lighting incense is easier than meditating. This citrus-herb blend is a quick ticket to chill-town.
Why They’ll Love It: A subtle way to say, “I hope you relax this holiday season.”
6. A Tea Towel, But Make It Cool
HÜBSCH Easypeasy Tea Towel
Finally, a tea towel they won’t hide in a drawer. This one’s colourful, practical, and might actually make them want to dry dishes (no promises).
Why They’ll Love It: Perfect for Secret Santa when you’re stuck on what to gift—they’ll use it, and it looks great.
7. For the Quirky Plant Parent
HACHIMAN-KASEI Garden Beetle Watering Can
This beetle-inspired watering can is small, cute, and ripply delight. Their plants deserve this level of charm.
Why They’ll Love It: A fun option for that colleague who keeps their desk jungle thriving.
8. The Light They’ll Actually Use
DESIGNSTUFF Motion Sensor Cordless Night Light
No more stubbed toes or late-night guessing games. This sleek night light is motion-activated and cordless, because cords are for amateurs.
Why They’ll Love It: A practical Secret Santa pick they’ll actually thank you for later.
9. Tidy, But Make It Stylish
HAY Colour Storage Crate V2
Storage that doesn’t make you feel like you’re still in uni. These foldable crates look chic and actually work—who knew?
Why They’ll Love It: The ideal gift for the one who loves organising—or needs a little help with it.
10. Mirror, Mirror in the Shower
TOOLETRIES The Oliver Shower Mirror
Fog-proof, shatter-resistant, and ideal for multi-tasking in the shower. Who wouldn’t want to look this good while shampooing?
Why They’ll Love It: A quirky yet functional choice for that hard-to-buy-for Secret Santa.
11. Small But Fancy
BLACK BLAZE Oasis Small Marble Dish
This little marble dish oozes understated luxury. Jewellery, keys, random bits and bobs—it makes them all look posh.
Why They’ll Love It: The kind of small, chic gift that feels thoughtful without trying too hard.
12. A Tiny Dose of Culture
THE POSTER CLUB Sofia Lind, You Art Print, A5
This pint-sized art print is a mood. Simple, thoughtful, and way more meaningful than a last-minute gift card.
Why They’ll Love It: Artsy enough for anyone but small enough to suit everyone.
13. Measure Up
EVA SOLO Liquid Lounge Cocktail Jigger
Because cocktails are serious business, and this sleek jigger ensures they get it right every time. Even margaritas deserve precision.
Why They’ll Love It: A sure-fire hit for that friend who keeps the party alive—one drink at a time.
14. Serve Looks (and Snacks)
BLOOMINGVILLE Catia Glass Plate
From appetisers to pastries, everything looks better on this grey glass plate. It’s like the Instagram filter of tableware.
Why They’ll Love It: An elegant pick for anyone who appreciates good food and good design.
15. Keys, But Make Them Cool
ORBITKEY Ring V2
Finally, a keyring that’s as stylish as it is functional. No jingling, no bulk—just clean, organised vibes.
Why They’ll Love It: A small, useful gift that’s great for anyone—even if you’ve only spoken twice.
Your Secret Santa Stress? Solved.
And that’s a wrap—15 Secret Santa gift ideas to save you from another round of last-minute panic buying. Whether it’s for your work bestie, your “barely-know-you” office mate, or that one cousin who’s impossible to shop for, you’re now armed with gifts that’ll actually impress.
So go on, grab one of these gems, and watch as your gift steals the show. You’ll look like you totally planned this (even if you didn’t). Happy gifting!
