The best Secret Santa gifts in the UK under £15: fun ideas they’ll actually want to keep

We’ve all had it, that sinking feeling after drawing the name of a colleague you barely know from the Secret Santa hat. You’ve shared little more than pleasantries with them, know nothing of their life outside work and don’t even know how they take their coffee. Then there’s the price cap, which dramatically limits the gift options, and the worry of misjudging who you’re giving the gift to, or even buying something so irrelevant to them that it will end up in the bin. Where do you start? Well, with our gift guide, of course. We’ve searched, scoured and sourced to create a bumper list of affordable, wide-ranging gifts that will please almost anyone. *** The best Secret Santa gifts for £15 or less in 2025 *** Arty socks David Shrigley baked bean socks £15 at Tate Shop Socks don’t have to be a boring gift – as this pair from the artist David Shrigley proves. These bold orange socks are (possibly) a love letter to the humble baked bean, in Shrigley’s trademark naive typeface. For more great stocking fillers, check out the Filter’s big Christmas gift guide *** A fold gesture Mini plant origami kit £11.99 at Waterstones £12 at Green Tulip These mini origami plants are a two-for-one: a relaxing, screen-free activity and, once built, a cute, fuss-free way to liven up their desk. Perfect for a colleague who appreciates the simple things. *** Initial offering Eleanor Bowmer alphabet bauble £8 at Eleanor Bowmer Get them a bauble with their initial on for a gift that feels personal, even if you don’t know them too well. These cheery, hand-painted decorations would be sure to brighten up their tree. *** Chewable cocktail Alcoholic cocktail gummies £14.99 at Heal’s £15 at Smith & Sinclair We all know someone who enjoys a tipple, and now they can eat their favourite cocktails. This box is filled with a selection of Smith & Sinclair’s most popular alcoholic gummies (bear in mind they’re 5% ABV). *** Magnetic charm Ceramic pasta magnet £7 at Òr These handmade ceramic magnets feel like the right balance between novel and tasteful. A thoughtful “little something” for foodies. *** Feline cosy Cat mini pocket warmer £14.50 at Oliver Bonas For people who run cold or those who have to stand outside a lot (golfers, parents on school pickup, to name a few), this cute pocket warmer will keep their hands toasty. Just pop it in the microwave, and it’s ready to go. *** Fin-tastic! Chocolate sardines £2.65 at Brindisa £2.95 at Artisanal Deli Market These whimsical-feeling sardine-shaped chocolates are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face. For more, see our guide to the best (and worst) chocolate Advent calendars in the UK *** Not hard to handle Bella Freud slogan mugs £12 at M&S Warning: this pair of Bella Freud mugs looks so expensive they’ll accuse you of breaking the £15 limit. The duo, from the designer’s Marks & Spencer collab, is fun, tasteful and useful. *** Festive fragrance Nikura Christmas Tree essential oil blend, 10ml £4.49 at Nikura Nikura’s long-lasting essential oils can be used in an oil burner or diffuser, for a massage, in the bath, and even to make soaps and candles. This festive edition blends cinnamon, orange and pine needle scents. For more, see our guide to the best analogue Christmas gifts in the UK Related: The best beauty Advent calendars in 2025, tested (yes, we know it’s early!) *** Key moment Personalised leather keyring From £7.50 at Etsy You need only know the person’s name to give them this stylish personalised leather key chain. *** Sipping pretty Multicolour glass straws £10 at John Lewis £12.49 at B&Q These colourful glass straws are a sure-fire way to liven up their iced coffee, matcha or glass of squash at home, and are a better option than a single-use soggy paper straw. *** A proper stopper Ceramic wine bottle stopper £5.99 at Etsy We dare you to find a prettier bottle stopper than these. They’re hand-painted, resulting in a unique pattern every time, and have a certain Mediterranean-feel that will add some class to their evening glass of wine. *** Hydration on the go Nuactiv insulated water bottle £13.99 at eBay £8.19 at Amazon Save them, and the planet, from single-use plastic with this BPA-free (chemical used in plastics production) water bottle. This 500ml one keeps cold drinks cold for 24 hours and hot drinks hot for 12 hours, and is available in various designs and colours. For more, read our guide to the best water bottles – we tested 42 *** Berry beautiful Palette Royal Mulberry Silk nail paint £9 at Palette London £9 at Amazon This lovely deep purplish-red shade feels appropriately seasonal and would be a great luxury gift on a budget. We asked teens what they really want for Christmas … so check out our gift guide for teenagers *** Gift a good night’s rest This Works mini duo sleep kit £9 at Lookfantastic £10.80 at This Works A deep sleep lavender spray and a calming essential oil roll-on to help them get some sleep and find moments of calm during the hectic festive season. *** For your office bestie Middle finger candle £6 at More Bees Please Secret Santa gifts are usually thoughtful or humorous; this is clearly the latter. A fun present for someone you know well, and who definitely has a sense of humour. *** For your office acquaintance Spiced clementine & pomegranate candle £7 at John Lewis If it’s a co-worker you don’t know so well, this is a safer option. The warm glow of a festive-scented candle will bring cheer into anyone’s home, and this one comes in a sophisticated gold-rimmed glass jar and beautiful packaging. *** For candles Bauhaus candlestick £10 at Perch & Parrow If you think giving candles is overdone, give them a beautiful candlestick instead. For more, see our guide to the best home gifts in the UK *** Winter warmer Hot-water bottle £6.99 at Boots As the winter weather sets in, any recipient is sure to appreciate an extra boost of warmth. This one comes with an extra soft fleece for maximum cosiness. *** Spin and slice Vinyl pizza cutter £7.99 at Temptation Gifts £9.99 at Amazon This hits the Secret Santa sweet spot of silly-but-useful. The novelty vinyl pizza cutter would delight music-lovers and those into all things retro alike. *** Personal touch Personalised Tony’s Chocolonely £7.49 at Tony’s Chocolonely Add a picture or message to a delicious bar of Tony’s Chocolonely to give a personal touch to a crowd-pleasing gift. *** Coasting to victory Personalised football shirt coaster £9.90 at Etsy £12 at Studio Hop Football fans rarely keep their passion quiet so, even if you don’t know the person receiving the gift that well, chances are you know if they follow a team. Personalise this coaster with their name and the shirt of their club. For more, see our guide to the best personalised Christmas gifts in the UK *** Rinse and repeat Reusable face cleansing cloths £13.99 at Superdrug £9.99 at Amazon Perfect for people who are into skincare, but also care about the planet. For more, see our guide to the best sustainable Christmas gifts in the UK *** Grate plates Ceramic garlic plate £8 at the Great Garlic Grater £10 at Amazon This lesser-known kitchen tool turns garlic into a paste with ease. *** Illuminate their reading Clip-on book light £6.99 at Amazon £11.49 at eBay A practical-but-thoughtful gift for bookworms and night owls. *** Intriguing seasoning L’Isolina pasta spaghetti dust £7.50 at Dowse £7.90 at Superette Store This ready-to-go mix of aglio, olio e peperoncino seasoning is the perfect conversation starter and flavour enhancer for a plate of pasta. *** Bee merry Solid hand cream bar £12.99 at Edinburgh Skincare £12 at Amazon These natural hand cream bars, made with beeswax, coconut oil and cocoa butter, will leave their hands soft and nourished. Plus, they come in a sweet-looking storage tin. * * * Strawberry swirl Strawberry lip butter £6 at the Body Shop £7.51 at Amazon Made with shea butter and strawberry seed oil, this Body Shop balm will help fight the dry lips caused by harsh winter weather. *** Woody scent Palo Santo and sage incense sticks £11.99 at Temptation Gifts £13.49 at Amazon These Paddywax incense sticks come in an ingenious glass jar with a lid that doubles as an incense holder, so the recipient can enjoy their spicy woody scent straight away. *** Just add water Shampoo and conditioner bars in a tin £11 at Hairy Jayne This solid shampoo and conditioner set from Hairy Jayne is useful, vegan and can even help trim down the use of plastic bottles. Just add water to these plastic-, cruelty- and palm-oil-free bars to create fragrant formulas suitable for all hair types. Choose from floral, citrus, musk and herbal scents. *** Upcycled accessories Scarf scrunchie £5.95 at Etsy Made from scarves, saris and other clothes, these scrunchies would make a great addition to any outfit. *** Spice it up Peanut rāyu chilli oil £5.90 at Ocado £8.99 at Selfridges White Mausu’s vegan-friendly peanut rāyu (a blend of garlic, peanuts, sesame, gochugaru, tamari and agave syrup) is a worthy addition to most meals (and particularly eggs). A great gift for foodies who enjoy cooking at home. ‘Hits that sweet spot between funk and freshness’: the best kimchi, tasted and rated *** A touch of TLC Treatwell gift voucher From £10 at Treatwell A voucher to go towards a spa or beauty treatment is always a safe bet. *** Perfect for chocoholics Hot chocolate flakes £8.30 at Guppy’s £10 at Amazon A decadent treat that’s sure to get them in the Christmas spirit. *** A little taste of luxury Mini panettone £9.95 at Fortnum & Mason Fortnum’s classic panettone is a tasty mix of fruity, buttery and sweet. This miniature version would make a delicious and festive treat for anyone you pull in the draw. *** Bottoms up Personalised glass From £4.95 at Etsy Whether the recipient is a craft beer lover or a gin fan, you can personalise the most suitable glass for them with a name or message. *** Kindness for chapped lips Tokens of appreciation lip balm £7 at the Every Space £8 at Radical Living Nourish their soul and lips with a cute lip balm from the Slow Down Club, which comes in a cute pot sporting one of three thoughtful messages. The balm inside is unscented and 97% organic, making it ideal for combating winter-chapped skin. *** Golden words A5 luxury notebook £9.66 at Amazon £9.99 at eBay We can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want this gorgeous V&A Japanese Golden Leaves notebook on their desk. *** Crafty and cute Peanuts Charlie Brown cross stitch kit £12 at Not on the High Street £12 at Etsy A far cry from your usual twee embroidery, this Charlie Brown mini kit is simple enough for even novices to enjoy. *** Let them make a mark Magnetic cat bookmarks £4 at Oliver Bonas £7.28 at Amazon Finger bookmarks £6.45 at Etsy Which of these two quirky – but useful – bookmarks you go for will depend on how well you know the person you’re buying for. Either suggestion is sure to rouse a smile, though. For more, read the best Christmas gifts for 2025 and the best home gifts