Picking an awesome Secret Santa present can pose a bit of a challenge: You might have a limited budget and minimal information about the person you’re gifting. The selections in this guide are ideal for someone you’re well-acquainted with or even for someone you’re meeting for the first time. These gifts are somewhat universal, yet charming and practical enough to avoid being discarded soon after New Year’s Day.

LEGO Icons Bonsai Tree

The LEGO Icons Bonsai Tree, part of Lego’s Botanical Collection, comprises 878 pieces and replicates a real bonsai tree without the need for constant care. It features adjustable leaves and cherry blossoms, making it an attractive addition to any shelf. This set, highly sought after during the peak of the pandemic, offers a sense of mindfulness and relaxation akin to tending to actual bonsai trees. Joshua Lyon, Wirecutter’s resident Adult Fan of Lego (AFOL) and supervising editor, suggests enhancing the Lego bonsai’s design using extra pieces like the Plant Vine Seaweed and Plant Flower Stems available on Lego’s Pick a Brick page.

Smart Gloves

Smart gloves are a perfect gift for anyone who’s glued to their phone or occasionally frustrated by it. These touchscreen gloves, like the Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves, are excellent options. Crafted with conductive-fiber knit, they enable precise tapping even in the era of editable tweets. Additionally, their microfleece lining offers both comfort and warmth. Unlike some touchscreen gloves that may feel too thin or overly bulky, these strike a balance. Available in three sizes and two colors, they have withstood multiple winters for some of our editors, showing no signs of wear like holes or pilling.

Word Game

Bananagrams offers the thrill of Scrabble but at a lightning-fast pace. Instead of a board and scoring, players race against each other to create word grids using tiles. Simple to grasp, it accommodates two to eight players, suitable for ages 10 and up. Plus, it’s conveniently packed in a portable, unmistakable pouch shaped like a banana. Its enjoyable and easily transportable nature has made it a staple on all of Samantha’s family excursions.

For Those Who Admire Nature

Even Secret Santa pairings who prefer the indoors will find joy in the charming Jarkyfine Window Bird Feeder, attracting delightful winged visitors directly to their window. Utilizing suction cups, it’s an ideal option for apartment residents lacking their own outdoor green areas. Homeowners might also appreciate it, affixed to a kitchen window or a similar eye-level corner. While it might not rank among our top choices for bird feeders due to its open design potentially exposing birds to cat attacks and seeds to squirrels in certain areas, placed thoughtfully at the right price, it offers ample close-up enjoyment.

For Those Who Adore Brunch

Almost everyone knows someone who loves exploring new brunch spots or sharing the latest plates from their go-to places on social media. They’d probably appreciate making their own hot, fresh waffles at home using one of our top-rated waffle makers. The Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker WMR-CAP2 is particularly ideal for those who prefer thin, crispy waffles over the fluffier variety. Out of the 30 models we tested, this Cuisinart stood out for its user-friendly design, consistent performance, and compact size (just a bit over 10 inches wide, making it easy to store, even in smaller kitchens). If you’re fortunate, your recipient might even invite you over for a waffle feast.

For Chocolate Lover

Not many dislike chocolate, making it an excellent gift choice. But if you’re aiming for something less traditional than a box of chocolates, think about presenting a collection of gourmet bars. Tony’s Chocolonely bars come in vibrant, cheerful packaging, and the flavors inside are equally delightful. This set of four includes some of Tony’s top flavors (milk chocolate hazelnut, milk chocolate caramel sea salt, dark milk chocolate pretzel, and 32% milk chocolate), catering to any dessert craving your gift recipient might have.

Sleeping Mask

For the Secret Santa recipient familiar with the rejuvenating effect of a midday nap during their work-from-home lunch hour or on a leisurely Sunday, a comfortable eye mask is an ideal gift choice. The Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask features contoured eyecups that comfortably fit over the eyes, allowing for easy movement. Its adjustable Velcro strap ensures a secure fit, perfect for restless sleepers. Additionally, for travel purposes, this eye mask efficiently blocks out harsh cabin lighting on planes and works well alongside a face mask if your recipient needs to wear one.

Earplugs

If your giftee enjoys lively events, consider gifting them the Loop Experience Earplugs, the ultimate choice for concerts or bustling environments. Unlike regular foam plugs, these earplugs lower the overall volume without compromising the sound quality, preserving the music’s excellence while reducing the loudness. They’re comfortable for prolonged wear and include various tips (four pairs) to suit nearly every ear shape.

Conclusion

There are various gift ideas suitable for Secret Santa exchanges, catering to different preferences and interests. It highlights items like smart gloves for tech enthusiasts, LEGO sets for creative individuals, and practical yet enjoyable gifts like waffle makers or eye masks. The article emphasizes the suitability of these gifts for diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring a thoughtful and enjoyable Secret Santa experience for the recipients.