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Short answer: Pick something useful, consumable, or cozy that doesn’t depend on personal taste: a reusable notebook, a coffee or tea sampler, a sherpa throw, hand warmers, or a quick card game. Stay inside the price limit, and skip anything scented, sized, or personal.
Drawing the name of someone from accounting you’ve talked to twice is a classic office problem. The good news is that a safe gift doesn’t have to be boring. Stick to things almost anyone can use at work or at home, and add a small handwritten note. For a full list, see our 40 best Secret Santa gifts under $25.
How we chose: This is a researched shopping guide, not a hands-on product test. These picks come from products we already researched for our full gift guides, and the prices shown are the ones we last checked. Prices change often, so each button takes you to the retailer for current details. Our editorial standards explain how we research every list.
Useful at their desk
Work-friendly gifts are the easiest way to stay safe with someone you only know from meetings.
Rocketbook Mini reusable notebook
A reusable notebook that erases with a damp cloth and scans pages to the cloud. Great for meeting notes.
Amazon price: $14.99 (checked October 17, 2026)
Anker 10,000mAh power bank
A slim power bank for the coworker whose phone is always at 10 percent.
Amazon price: $20.89 (checked October 18, 2026)
YETI Rambler 10 oz lowball with MagSlider lid
An insulated YETI lowball that keeps coffee hot through a morning of meetings.
Amazon price: $25.00 (checked October 17, 2026)
Moleskine Classic hardcover notebook, large
A classic hardcover notebook for the person who still writes things down by hand.
Amazon price: $24.95 (checked October 18, 2026)
Cozy picks for anyone
Everyone gets cold, and nobody minds an extra throw.
Bedsure GentleSoft sherpa fleece throw blanket
A soft sherpa throw with a huge base of reviews. A safe choice for any age or gender.
Amazon price: $16.99 (checked October 18, 2026)
Rechargeable hand warmers, 2-pack
Rechargeable hand warmers for the coworker with a cold office or a long walk from the parking lot.
Amazon price: $17.99 (checked October 18, 2026)
Carhartt Iconic A18 watch cap beanie
A unisex winter beanie that fits almost anyone.
Amazon price: $19.99 (checked October 18, 2026)
Treats to share
Consumables never add clutter, and the recipient can share them with the team.
Starbucks Holiday Blend K-Cup pods
Seasonal coffee pods for the office Keurig regular.
Amazon price: $16.94 (checked October 17, 2026)
Harney & Sons assorted tea sampler, 42 bags
A 42-bag tea sampler for the tea drinker.
Amazon price: $21.95 (checked October 17, 2026)
Dunkin' hot chocolate bombs, 3-pack gift set
Boxed hot chocolate bombs that are ready to hand over.
Walmart price: $13.50 (checked October 17, 2026)
Popcornopolis 4-flavor popcorn variety pack, 12 count
Individually sealed popcorn cones in four flavors.
Amazon price: $20.49 (checked October 17, 2026)
Low-key fun
A quick game can become the break room’s new favorite.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza card game
A fast card game that takes a minute to learn and works well over lunch.
Amazon price: $9.95 (checked October 18, 2026)
Exploding Kittens card game
A quick, chaotic card game that plays in about 15 minutes.
Amazon price: $19.82 (checked October 18, 2026)
Skip this
When you don’t know someone well, these are the gifts most likely to miss.
- Anything scented and personal. Perfume, cologne, and strong body sprays are personal, and some coworkers have fragrance sensitivities.
- Clothing in a specific size. Stick to one-size items like beanies and socks.
- Jokes about age, weight, or work. What sounds funny in your head can land badly in front of the whole office.
- Alcohol. Some coworkers don’t drink, and some workplaces don’t allow it. A coffee or snack gift is safer.
- Religious or political items. Keep office gifts neutral unless you know the person well.
Coworker Secret Santa FAQ
How do you find out what a coworker likes?
Look at their desk for clues like a favorite mug, plants, a sports team, or a coffee habit. You can also quietly ask someone on their team.
How much should you spend on a coworker Secret Santa gift?
Stick to the limit your office sets. When there is no limit, $20 to $25 is a common range. For more on budgets, read how much to spend on Secret Santa.
Should you include a card with a Secret Santa gift?
A short, friendly note makes even a simple gift feel more personal. If the exchange is secret, you can sign it from Secret Santa.
