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Uncommon Goods
- You don’t have to spend a lot on Secret Santa gifts to find something that’s still special.
- We rounded up 38 fun gifts under $25 that they’ll actually really like.
- Check out all of our gift guides for even more inspiration, including White Elephant gift ideas.
- Sign up for Insider Reviews’ weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals
In theory, Secret Santa is a great idea. In practice, it can be a little underwhelming. You could end up with that cozy scarf your best friend knew you wanted — or, you could end up with lackluster socks from your neighbor that will definitely end up in your re-gift pile.
Whether you’re responsible for getting a gift for someone you know really well or someone you barely do, get them a gift they won’t relegate to the storage closet. If you’re spending money, make it count with something they’ll actually want.
Don’t worry, we already did the grunge work and found 38 gifts that your secret Santa recipient will love. We’ve got everything from the more generically-appealing, like chocolate for your sweet coworker, to the more personal, like a portable cheese melter for your cheese-obsessed friend. Plus, they’re all $25 or less, so scroll with abandon.
Most of these items are available with expedited shipping, and some should arrive within a few days’ time, so don’t stress too hard if you’ve left it to the last minute — just remember that the sooner you order, the better your chances of a timely arrival.
Keep reading for all 38 Secret Santa gifts under $25:
Amazon
Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office, available at Amazon, $20.99
If they’re a super fan of The Office, this tell-all book of the franchise is a must-have gift. The humorous book spills the inside story of the show with memories from every character and 100 behind-the-scene photos to relive the iconic series.
Amazon
UBeezie 10″ LED Ring Light with Tripod, available at Amazon, $21.99
Secure the best lighting for your friend that always needs to be camera-ready. This luminous ring light is the perfect solution for getting the best angles whether it’s video calls or content creation posts. The ten-inch ring light comes with a desk tripod stand, 360 degrees of adjustable phone angles, and three lighting modes with 11 brightness levels.
Amazon
Nostalgia 16-Cup Air-Pop Popcorn Maker, available at Amazon, $19.99
This popcorn maker makes movie night at home much more easier and enjoyable as they never have to leave their spot. This must-have item pops 16 tasty cups of healthy, homemade popcorn with no oil required.
Baggu
Standard Baggu, available at Baggu, $16
If they hate single-use plastic, they’ll love this cute, reusable bag. It comes in a variety of fun colors and patterns and the simple style makes it a go-to choice for bringing to the gym, grocery shopping, or even to use like a purse.
Beekman 1802
Any fan of “Schitt’s Creek” will love getting to feel like they shopped at David’s chic general store, Rose Apothecary. Part of a limited edition collection, this tinted lip balm is made from natural goat milk and botanicals, and fittingly scented with the signature Beekman 1802 fragrance, Heirloom Rose.
Amazon
Boska Holland Partyclette Melting Pan, available at Amazon, $19.49
Melted cheese can make pretty much every meal better. If you don’t believe us, check out this video to see the gooey goodness in action.
Amazon
Rokono Bass + Mini Speaker, available at Amazon, $19.22
This speaker isn’t the best in the world audio-wise (for that you’ll have to spend a bit more), but for less than $20 it’s a great choice. Give it the friend that values convenience, since this thing is so small they fit it in their pocket and can literally take it anywhere.
Amazon
Divine Your Dinner cookbook, available at Amazon, $19.49
For the mystical friend, this cookbook lets them conjure a magical meal according to a fortune. The tarot cookbook contains 78 tarot card-inspired recipes divinely crafted by a tarot priestess and chef.
Amazon
Mineralamp Glow Salt Lamp, available at Amazon, $19.97
Himalayan salt lamps have recently become a big trend in home decor, but they’re also said to have healing properties that can potentially help purify the air around them. Whether they believe in the health benefits or not, anyone can enjoy the warm glow and aesthetic appeal of this hand-carved, 100% pure Himalayan salt lamp.
Crate & Barrel
Stainless Steel Drinking Straws, available at Sur la Table, $14.95 (set of 6)
For those trying to make a positive impact on the planet, give them these reusable straws so they never have to rely on the wasteful plastic ones again. Use these for cocktails, lemonade, frozen coffee drinks, smoothies, and more.
Uncommon Goods
Old Fashioned Carry-On Cocktail Kit, available at W&P, $24
This kit fits right in their carry-on bag and has all of the fixings for two Old Fashioned cocktails. All they need to do is add whiskey or rye. This cocktail kit can be enjoyed at any altitude, but it will most definitely make for a fun flight activity, and help inspire future travels when the time is right.
Urban Outfitters
One Question a Day Journal, available at Amazon, $14.59
A gift for your ambitious friend who’s always asking where you see yourself in five years. Help them answer this question for themselves, with a daily journal that poses a new question each day for five years.
Amazon
Felt Letter Board, available at Amazon, $20.99
This is a fun message board and a great piece of home decor all in one. They’ll love using this to display mantras, messages for roommates, or just to show off some random thoughts. It comes in plenty of colors, so you’re sure to find one that fits their space and aesthetic.
Amazon
OXO Good Grips Shatterproof French Press, available at Amazon, $20.99
A French press makes it easy to enjoy delicious, rich coffee every morning. It’s not as quick as a Keurig (you have to let the grounds steep for a few minutes), but the results are worth the wait. Plus, they’ll love that they can fill it with their favorite beans.
Nordstrom
Mario Badescu Azulene Calming Mask, available at Amazon, $18
This light, refreshing face mask is made with botanical ingredients that calm irritated skin. It’s delicate on skin and will leave it looking more hydrated, even, and refreshed.
Uncommon Goods
Pizza Rescue Kit, available at Etsy, $15.75
All pizza is not created equal. That’s why the pizza aficionado in your life deserves this pizza rescue kit. With three flavorful spices, this set will transform even the most “meh” slices to something delicious. If you’re not sold, it was made by New Yorkers — and they know good pizza.
Amazon
“Salt Fat Acid Heat,” available at Amazon, $16.65
Home cooks will love honing in on their craft with this book. Don’t expect just a recipe book, though. The vivid illustrations in this one help explain how to master cooking techniques by looking at those four important elements that are in everything we cook and eat.
Uncommon Goods
Ticket Stub Diary, available at Uncommon Goods, $14
A great gift for anyone who is constantly attending shows, concerts, or sports games — and never throws away their tickets. Instead of keeping them hidden in a shoe box or desk drawer, they can use this diary, which has plastic sleeves to fit all different kinds of tickets as well as open margins on the sides where they can scribble notes to remind them of each event.
Amazon
Tile Mate, available at Tile, from $19.99
Your forgetful friends and family will be so thankful for this gift. They can place this tracker in their wallet, purse, or phone case to make sure they never lose their things, because if they do, the Tile app makes it easy to retrace.
Amazon
Mkono Modern Succulent Planters, available at Amazon, $25.99 for three
Help them add some greenery to their space with these cool concrete planters. Add some small plants if you want to complete the gift.
Urban Outfitters
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, available at Amazon, $19.99
This pint-sized pinball machine brings all of the fun and nostalgia of their favorite retro arcade game. It even comes with a keychain, so they can take it with them wherever they go.
Urban Outfitters
Loose Knit Beanie, available at Urban Oufitters, $15
It’s that time of year when everyone needs a cozy hat. With a classic cable knit, this one is as cool as it is comfortable.
Thrive Market
Mozzarella and Ricotta Cheese Making Kit, available at Thrive Market, $24.99
The only thing better than cheese is cheese that you made with your own two hands. Cheese fiends will love the chance to make their own favorite Italian cheeses. Plus, once they learn they’ll be armed with cheese-making knowledge to last a lifetime — now that’s a gift that keeps on giving.
Urban Outfitters
Dash Mini Waffle Maker, available at Target, $10
This miniature waffle maker is adorably small and will look super cute in their kitchen. Plus, it makes for a delicious, easy breakfast.
Uncommon Goods
Gochujang Sriracha, available at Sur La Table, $9.95
Give them a gift to take their hot-sauce habit to the next level. The blend of Thai sriracha and Korean gochujang is sweet, spicy, and unlike anything they’ve ever tasted before.
Uncommon Goods
Shower Beer Holder, available at Uncommon Goods, $15
Shower time might not seem like the most opportune moment to crack open a cold one — that is, until now. This silicone beer holder sticks to tile (or any other glossy surface), so they can always have their favorite brew by their side, whatever time it is.
West Elm
Llama Trinket Dish, available at West Elm, $20.80
Everyone could use a catch-all to collect the small odds and ends around the house. Llama lovers will love using this cute trinket dish modeled after their favorite animal.
Society6
Blue Aqua Agate Coaster, available at Society6, $13.59 (set of 4)
Let’s be real — nobody wants water stains and rings on their nice tables, but admittedly, telling guests to put down coasters first isn’t the coolest move. These agate-style coasters are practical, but also add a nice aesthetic, so you’ll actually want to leave them out to be used.
Uncommon Goods
Tea Leaf Reading Set, available at Uncommon Goods, $23
Give tea lovers the chance to try something new every day with this tea leaf reading kit. It comes with a mug, loose leaf tea, and of course a lesson that explains how to read different symbols.
Amazon
PopSockets Grip, available at Amazon, from $9.97
They might seem unnecessary at first, but PopSocket Grips are extremely useful. They can use them as a kickstand to prop up their tablet and to comfortably hold their phone while reading on the subway. It’s a very useful way to spend $10 (or less.)
Amazon
Cards Against Humanity, available at Amazon, $25
If they don’t already own Cards Against Humanity, you owe it to them. It’s a fun party game that always leaves everyone cackling, and I’m not the only one that thinks this — the game has over 29,000 5-star reviews on Amazon.
Uncommon Goods
Color Map Mugs, available at Uncommon Goods, $25
No matter what they’re sipping on, they’ll love doing so in this mug that they can completely customize. With the included markers they can color in the destinations they’ve been to or want to go to, for a map of the world that’s unique to them.
Uncommon Goods
100 Things To Do Scratch Off Poster, available at Uncommon Goods, $15
This bucket list suggests 100 unique activities to look forward to once they’re safe again — from little things like “take a cooking class” to big ones like “see the Northern Lights.” They can scratch each box off after they complete it to reveal a colorful image. It’s a cool poster to have hanging and a definite conversation starter.
Amazon
Kikkerland Potted Pen Phone Stand, available at Amazon, $12
If they’re stuck inside an office all day, they could benefit from the sight of something green. This plastic plant isn’t as good as the real deal, but it adds some much-needed color and works as desk decor, plus it functions as a phone stand and organizational tool.
Amazon
mDesign Modern Marble Round Pastry Board, available at Amazon, $21.99
For the entertainer, this elegant marble cheese or pastry serving board will make for a great addition the next time they host a wine and cheese night. To complement the board, you can also pick up a matching wine bottle chiller.
Uncommon Goods
“F in Exams,” available at Uncommon Goods or Amazon, from $8.50
This is a great gift for the person who can laugh at the little things in life, or for anyone who works as a teacher. It’s a collection of hilarious wrong test answers that is sure to keep them laughing.
Nordstrom
Kiehl’s Creme de Corps, 2.5-ounce, available at Nordstrom, from $14
Help them treat their skin right with Kiehl’s beloved, and super-hydrating Creme de Corps, another one of our favorite remedies for dryness.
Uncommon Goods
Decadent Chocolate Fondue, available at Uncommon Goods, $24
Sweeten up their holiday season with this incredibly easy-to-make chocolate fondue. All they have to do is heat up the stoneware containers (which are pre-filled with chocolate) and find some fruit for dipping.
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