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It can be hard choosing a secret Santa gift.
By Nia Tipton — Written on Nov 24, 2021
When it comes to secret Santa and trying to pick out the right gifts to buy for your friends, the process can be a bit overwhelming, especially if there is a certain budget to stick to.
Even though $20 can usually be the right budget for a white elephant or secret Santa gift exchange, finding something that is both within the price range and also something that your friend will love is the hard part.
You don’t have to experience the heavy amount of anxiety that often comes with picking out a present with this list of gifts that are all under your allotted budget.
Here are 47 best secret Santa gift ideas that are under $20.
For the plant lover who lacks a green thumb.
The Bloom Times 2 Pcs Fake Plants
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
We all have that one friend who can’t keep a plant alive to save their life. Instead of buying them a real plant that will probably be dead within a day, these fake plants can be the better option.
For the ponytail lovers.
Pure Silk Skinny Hair Ties
Photo: Nordstrom
Where to buy: Nordstrom, $20.00
Get your friend who always wears their hair in ponytails a better option for their hair with a hair tie that is made out of silk. They prevent frizz, breakage, all while keeping your hair in place.
For music lovers.
AirPods case
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
If your friend has a pair of AirPods, a perfect gift might be a case for them. They come in different covers, and the attached clip helps ensure that your friend will not lose them.
For the ice cream lovers.
Nostalgia 4-Quart Electric Ice Cream Maker
Photo: Walmart
This fast and easy ice cream maker is perfect for the friend who cannot live without the dessert. All you have to do is add your ingredients into the aluminum canister, place in the middle of the bucket, layer with ice and salt, and let the electric motor do the rest.
For the one who likes to stay cozy.
Pavilia Fleece Ombre Throw Blanket For Couch
Where to buy: Amazon,
Keep cozy al winter long with a throw that is just as chic as it is warm.
For succulent lovers.
Mini Cactus Humidifier
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
If you have that friend who is always complaining of a dry nose or stuffy air, this humidifier can be the perfect gift for them.
For the person who loves to blast music.
Mini Wireless Speaker
Photo: Walmart
A bluetooth speaker is always the perfect gift for that friend who is always listening to music. They can take it to the bathroom to blast their music while showering, or leave it in their room to listen to a podcast.
For the coffee lover.
Bean Box - Gourmet Coffee Sampler
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
For the friend who shows up to every occasion with a coffee in hand, this variety pack of coffee grounds will probably make their year.
For the people who want soft feet.
Plush Fleece Indoor Slippers
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
The comfort of these soft, fuzzy, indoor slides, are great for the friend whose feet are always cold.
For the spice fanatic.
Coghlan's Multi-Grill Spice and Herb Assortment Shaker
Where to buy: Amazon,
Shake things up in the kitchen with this multi-grill spice arrangement.
For the mixologist.
Woodford Reserve Spiced Cherry Bourbon Barrel Aged Cocktail Bitters
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This bourbon barrel-aged bitter has a fine taste that was aged to perfection. It can be added to any classic cocktail for the perfect drink.
For the non-morning person.
Own Your Morning: Reset Your A.M. Routine To Unlock Your Potential
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
The best gift for the friend who has a hard time waking up in the morning, this book is packed with advice on how to maximize your morning routine with tips from Women’s Health editor-in-chief, Liz Plosser.
For the artist.
Beeswax Skin Tone Crayons
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This set of crayons are meant to inspire diversity, and are perfect for your secret Santa who will appreciate adding these to their art set.
For the ones who love Oprah (and staying organized).
Oprah's The Life You Want Planner
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This Oprah-approved planner is perfect for the friend who is either looking to become organized or is already obsessed with it.
For the wine drinkers.
Stainless Steel Wine Tumbler
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This stainless steel tumbler has nothing but positive reviews on Amazon and comes in many different colors so whoever you give this gift to can drink their wine in style.
For the person with an extensive skincare routine.
Beakey Makeup Sponge Set
Where to buy: Amazon,
Blend makeup seemlessly with these award-winning makeup sponges. They make a great gift for any beauty afficianado.
For the room decor lovers.
Echo Glow
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Even though this smart lamp is designed for kids, everyone can benefit from some cool mood lighting. It pairs with any compatible Alexa device to control color and brightness with your voice.
For the tech lover.
Lenovo XT89 Wireless Earbuds
Photo: Amazon
This affordable tech gift is high quality and offers the best kind of sound that is compatible with all smartphones.
For the hair accessory lover.
Canitor 4.1 Inch Large Hair Claw Clips 4 PCS
Where to buy: Amazon,
With the rise of early 2000s hair clips back in style, this accessory is both fashionable just as much as it is practical.
For the skincare lovers.
Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This skincare tool is easy to use and is great for de-puffing and sculpting the face. It’s the best addition to your friend's skincare routine.
For the ones who love working out.
1.5lb Ankle Weights
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
These comfy and easy-to-use ankle weights are the best gift for your secret Santa that loves to workout.
For the one who loves taking baths.
Bath Bomb Set
Photo: Target
Where to buy: Target, $10.00
This set of bath bombs come in assorted holiday-inspired designs and colors. It’s perfect for the friend who enjoys taking baths and enjoys the colorful effect of bath bombs.
For the ones who love game night.
Do You Know Me? Adult Party Game
Photo: Walmart
Where to buy: Walmart, $19.99
This card game is the perfect gift for that friend who enjoys game night. It’s the best way to test your knowledge of your friends and reveal things you never knew about them.
For the ones who love to party.
Inflatable Rainbow Cloud Drink Holder
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This blow-up drink caddy can keep their wine, beer, or seltzers nice and cool while they are enjoying time in the pool.
For the skincare fanatics.
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion & Rose Facial Spray Duo
Photo: Sephora
Where to buy: Sephora, $19.00
This limited edition set features Mario Badescu's iconic Drying Lotion and cult-favorite Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater.
For the candle lovers.
Glade Cookie Caramel Rush Candle
Photo: Target
Where to buy: Target, $7.39
This scented candle is the best way to sweeten the air. It sets the festive mood of Christmas and is perfect for the friend who is always obsessing over candles.
For the ones who love essential oils.
Multi-Purpose Oil
Photo: Sephora
Where to buy: Sephora, $5.00
This multipurpose oil is enriched with super ingredients to pamper your face, body, and hair. The benefits include nourishing, purifying, and soothing skin and hair.
For the hot drink lovers.
Stainless Steel Whistling Tea Kettle
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This stovetop kettle is perfect for tea, coffee, and matcha-lovers alike. With the flip-up spout cover it makes for safe and easy pouring.
For the person who pushes their body to the limit.
Round Foam Roller
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
If your secret Santa is an athlete, this gift is perfect to alleviate their soreness from working out. It’s ideal for balance, strengthening, flexibility, and rehab exercises.
For the one who loves to travel.
Smart Luggage ID Tag
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
If your friend is someone who is always on the go, they will absolutely love this new luggage tag that can actually help them track down a missing or stolen suitcase.
For the hair clip lovers.
Tortoise Shell Hair Barrettes
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This six-pack of tortoise hair barrettes is the perfect gift for your fashionista friend who enjoys matching their hair accessories to their outfits.
For the beer lovers.
Swag Brewery Store Beer Soap
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This fragrant soap is made with ingredients like orange peel, crushed oats and real hops that truly nourish skin, as beer is full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids.
For the amatuer artist.
Painting with Bob Ross
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Bob Ross is, of course, always on-trend, and this mini numbered art set comes with three pre-printed canvases to paint just like the legend himself.
For the gadget lovers.
Anker Wireless Charger
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Anker’s Wireless Charger is the necessity that your secret Santa didn’t know they needed. All they need to do to charge their phone or earbuds is to place them in the middle of the PowerWave Pad, no plugs or cables necessary.
For movie lovers.
Dizaul Mobile Phone 3D Magnifier Projector Screen for Movies, Videos and Gaming
Where to buy: Amazon,
The screen magnifier is pretty much a movie projector for your phone screen, creating a 12-inch screen so you can watch movies and videos in full HD on a bigger, better screen.
For the aspiring basketball player.
Mini Desktop Basketball
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This gift is perfect for your secret Santa who loves to procrastinate from doing their work. It can also help relieve stress and improve hand-eye coordination and folds up for easy storage.
For the person with a green thumb.
Sower’s Source Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This indoor herb garden kit includes everything you need to start your own little garden and also makes a great addition to an expert gardener’s collection.
For the puzzle addict.
Ugly Holiday Sweater Puzzle
Photo: Uncommon Goods
Where to buy: Uncommon Goods, $18.00
This 1,000-piece puzzle features a couple of holiday classics: “ugly” holiday sweaters in the form of gingerbread cookies.
For the person obsessed with getting their beauty sleep.
Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Help relieve the stress from your secret Santa’s inability to get a good night’s rest. This eye mask is lightweight and blocks out all visual stimuli to create complete darkness anywhere.
For the at-home chefs.
Bear Hands Oven Mitts
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Who doesn’t love a cool and funky pair of oven mitts? They’re also insulated with paw pads made from heat-resistant silicone to protect your hands from even the hottest dishes.
For the ones with sensitive noses.
Beeswax Candle
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Not everyone enjoys an extremely scented candle. This hand-rolled pillar candle is made from 100 percent beeswax, meaning it’s all-natural and perfectly safe for any nose.
For the ones who never miss Comic Con.
The Legion of Regrettable Supervillains
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This book, ‘The Legion of Regrettable Supervillains: Oddball Criminals’ from Comic Book History, profiles over one hundred of the strangest, most cringe-worthy villains in comic book history.
For the ones who are focused on wellness
Syntus HM065 Himalayan Salt lamp
Where to buy: Amazon,
This unique nightlamp extracts high purity of crystal salts from Himalayan mountains.
For the avocado addicts.
Avocado Huggers
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
For your secret Santa avocado lover, this gift is perfect for them. The avocado huggers wrap around a half avocado to keep it fresh for avocado toast the next morning or guacamole days later.
For the puzzle lovers.
The New York Times Crossword Puzzles
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
This book features 50 New York Times crossword puzzles and includes Monday through Friday puzzles that get difficult as the days progress.
For the ones who don’t want to stink up the bathroom.
Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
Probably the best gift of all. All you have to do is spray Poo-Pourri in the toilet before you use it, and the smell isn’t as bad. It also doubles as a really funny white elephant gift.
For the budding photographer.
Apexel Phone Photography Kit
Photo: Amazon
Where to buy: Amazon,
The lens in this photography kit snaps directly onto your smartphone to enhance image quality and make your pictures look much more professional.
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Nia Tipton is a writer living in Brooklyn. She covers pop culture, social justice issues, and trending topics. Follow her on Instagram.
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