27 Cheap Secret Santa Gift Ideas Under $15 (Fun & Useful!)
Secret Santa doesn’t have to mean handing out overpriced candles or dollar-bin trinkets. The best gifts are the ones that make people laugh, smile, or say, “Wow, I’ll actually use this!”
You can find cheap Secret Santa gift ideas that are both funny and adorable, without looking like junk. With a little creativity, your gift will be the hit of the holiday exchange.
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Pro tip: For the ideas below, don’t forget the little touches that add flair for free. Cute notes, bright ribbons, and homemade items are simple, but thoughtful.
Best Cheap Secret Santa Gifts For Christmas
Everyone will love these cute and clever Secret Santa gift ideas!
1. Homemade Snack Jar
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This Christmas Snack Mix is salty, sweet, colorful, and easy to throw together with budget-friendly pantry staples. It comes with the cutest printable label, which makes it gift-ready.
2. Money Grows on Trees After All
All you need is a small Christmas tree, plant, or holiday decor item and $1 bills. Then, give your recipient a note that says “Money doesn’t grow on trees…or does it?”
3. Gourmet Hot Chocolate Kit
Everyone loves hot chocolate heading into the colder months! Of course, stick in your favorite hot cocoa brand or make this homemade hot cocoa mix in a jar.
You could also include:
- Marshmellows or whipped cream
- A fun chocolate stirring spoon
- A candy cane
- Chocolate sauce
4. Stovetop Potpourri
Want to make your holiday gifting smell as good as it feels?
Pair these free printable Christmas potpourri gift tags with a jar of festive stovetop ingredients. You will make a homemade gift that’s heartwarming, affordable, and totally unforgettable.
5. Mini Bar in a Jar (For Adults)
This Secret Santa is adorable and cheap! All you need is a few items and the free printable Mini Bar in a Jar tags to put together a creative gift in minutes.
6. Gloves or Holiday Socks Filled With Candy
Everyone needs to stay warm in the winter! While gloves or socks are useful, they’re not super exciting. That’s why it’s fun to add candy and cash inside the glove fingers. It makes for a nice surprise when they look in the gloves.
7. Mini Succulent or Plant
A little greenery in a cute pot brightens anyone’s desk or home. And is especially welcome in the winter.
8. S’more Holiday Joy
This S’mores in a Jar gift idea is the perfect blend of thoughtful and delicious! Layer classic s’mores ingredients in a mason jar, tie it up with a festive ribbon, and top it off with one of our free printable gift tags for an extra dash of holiday charm.
9. Portable Phone Charger
A portable phone charger is super handy (we use ours all the time) and always appreciated. This is a great gift for a recipient who travels often.
10. Knowledge Is a Gift Idea
Inspire your recipient! Gift a holiday book or your favorite inspiring book. Look in thrift stores, garage sales, and discount book stores to see if you can snag it for cheap.
If you have money left over, stick cash hidden between the pages. Wrap it in a bow and you have a very valuable but cheap Secret Santa gift.
Attach a note that says, “Knowledge is priceless, but here’s a little extra!”
Related: Cheap Wishlist Ideas For Christmas
11. Travel Games to Play
Give the gift of connection without spending a fortune. Look for pocket size versions of games like Uno, Monopoly Deal, or Phase 10.
Find more game ideas: Cheap Stocking Stuffers for Kids
12. Car Cleaning Kit
*Under $10
This car cleaning putty might look funny, but it’s the perfect car cleaning tool. It also makes for a great secret santa gift for a car enthusiast. You’ll even have money left over to add other car cleaning tools.
13. Festive Mug With Fun Inside
It doesn’t get much easier than this! Find a cute festive mug. (Check thrift stores and garage sales too!)
Then, load it up with whatever you’d like:
- Candy canes
- Chocolate
- Cash (I folded the cash lengthwise accordian style to get it to stand up.)
- Tea bags, homemade chai tea latte mix, hot cocoa, or coffee pods if you know what your recipient likes
Bonus points if you can find a mug with a clever or funny saying!
14. 9 in 1 Multitool Pen
This handy multi tool pen comes with 9 very handy functions: twist ballpoint pen, ruler, screwdriver (flat & phillips), bottle opener (can act as phone holder), stylus, level, and LED flashlight.
Need more ideas for men? Don’t miss this Instant Read Meat Thermometer or This Magnetic Wristband for holding screws.
15. Homemade Granola in a Jar
This homemade granola in a jar idea is cute, practical, and so tasty. You can find a free printable tag right on the post that lists the ingredients too, in case your recipient has any food allergies.
16. Candy Wrapped in a Festive Bow
Simple and effective! For this gift, I used higher end chocolate that any adult would love. All you need is a big bow or ribbon to tie it together.
17. Winter Wonderland Relaxation Jar
Everyone craves relaxation this time of year, when schedules are so busy. And this unique winter jar idea is specifically tailored for the holidays!
Things you can include:
- Peppermint or vanilla bath salts
- Candy cane or hot cocoa
- Peppermint or pomegranate tea bags
- Mini lotion in a wintry scent (like “Frosted Pine” or “Sugar Cookie”)
- Cozy socks
- Peppermint lip balm
- Hydrating face mask
Write a cute little tag that says: “Stay cozy and calm this winter!”
18. Reusable Tote Bag
A reusable tote bag is great for travel, groceries, or even as a library book bag. You can also fill it with small snacks and drinks for your gift.
Bonus if you can do a cute or funny design!
19. DIY Paperwhite Flowers Kit
If you’re looking for flower bulb gift ideas that are thoughtful, easy, and elegant, this DIY paperwhite project is the perfect choice. It’s simple enough for non-gardeners, affordable to make in batches, and is so pretty when it blooms.
20. Cute Stationery Set
Notebooks, fun sticky notes, or colorful pens always come in handy. Mix and match these things until you get your custom gift.
Related:
- Cheap But Awesome Birthday Gifts
- Best No Clutter Christmas Gift Ideas
- Cheap Christmas Gifts for Neighbors
21. DIY Movie Night Gift Basket
Instead of just tossing snacks into a basket, build the theme around creating the ultimate movie night experience.
- Gourmet popcorn packs (butter, kettle corn, or even flavored seasoning shakers)
- Movie theater candy (classic boxed candy like Milk Duds, Skittles, or M&Ms)
- Cute cups or mason jars with straws for drinks
- Cozy socks or throw blanket for that snuggly theater vibe
- A streaming gift card (like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime) or a fun DVD/Blu-ray of a classic movie
Related: Most Creative Ways to Give Gift Cards
22. Santa’s Emergency Fund
It appears to be a mason jar filled with candy, but there’s a roll of cash hidden in the middle. I used a rubber band to keep it together, but a clip also works. Make sure the candy covers the cash and you’ll be giving your recipient a super sweet surprise!
To make this for Christmas use: red and green m&ms, holiday chocolates, or mini candy canes.
Related:
23. Sayings Sign For Affordable Secret Santa Gift
The picture above comes from my sister-in-law’s kitchen. But you can recreate any of your favorite quotes using a felt letter board. It’s beautiful inspiration you walk past daily!
24. Nacho Average Christmas Gift
If you’re looking for a gift that’s fun, easy, and guaranteed to make someone smile, this Nacho Average Gift Basket is it! It’s exactly what you need for anyone who deserves a little extra “cheesy” love.
And it can be customized for just about anyone or any occasion.
Related: Cheap & Fun Coworker Christmas Gift Ideas
25. Puzzle Book + Pens
Want to help your recipient get off screens a bit? Gift a fun crossword, Sudoku, or brain teasers for cozy downtime.
26. Warm Throw Blanket
You can find soft ones for under $15 during holiday sales.
Related: Inexpensive Gifts for Coworkers
27. Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar
This simple cozy gift is layered with love and simple ingredients. Friendship Soup is a thoughtful way to share kindness that lasts long after the holidays. And it’s the perfect gift for neighbors, teachers, or anyone who could use a bowl of comfort.
28. Christmas Cookies in a Jar
Who doesn’t love finding an easy treat in the cupboard when they’re craving something sweet? And nothing warms the heart at Christmas like these M&M cookies in a jar.
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