Quick answer: Good Secret Santa gifts under £20 in the UK are thoughtful but universally safe: things people will actually use, enjoy or eat. Strong options include a colouring book of your town or office's city (£16.99), a quality notebook, local food treats, a desk plant or a puzzle. If you know the person a little, a gift linked to their hometown or interests always beats a novelty item.
What makes a good Secret Santa gift?
- Stays within budget. Most UK office Secret Santas sit at £10 to £20.
- Works for almost anyone. Especially if you don't know the person well.
- Not clutter. Avoid jokes that end up in the bin by January.
- Shows a little thought. A small personal touch goes a long way.
Secret Santa gift ideas under £20
A colouring book of the local town or city (£16.99)
For an office Secret Santa, a hand-drawn colouring book of the city your office is in is a clever, inclusive choice. Everyone has a connection to it. We cover places including Leeds, Liverpool, Sheffield, Bradford, Reading and Durham.
A themed colouring book (£16.99)
Not sure where they're from? Themes like UK Castles or Classic British Seaside suit almost anyone.
Colouring pencils (£4.99 to £7.99)
A 10-pack or 20-pack pairs perfectly with a book, or works as a small top-up gift.
Food and drink treats
Local chocolate, fudge, a nice coffee or tea. Consumable gifts are almost always welcome.
Desk upgrades
A quality notebook, a good pen or a small plant brightens any workspace.
Puzzles and games
A jigsaw, a puzzle book or a pocket card game works brilliantly over the Christmas break.
Secret Santa gifts to avoid
- Novelty gifts with crude humour
- Toiletries, which can feel like a hint
- Alcohol, unless you're sure they drink
- Anything you'd be embarrassed to see opened in front of the team
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Secret Santa gift for a colleague you don't know well?
Something inclusive and useful, such as a colouring book of your office's town or city, a puzzle or a food treat.
Is £20 a good Secret Santa budget?
Yes. £10 to £20 is the most common UK office budget, and £20 gets you a genuinely nice gift.
Are colouring books a good Secret Santa gift?
Yes, especially a hand-drawn book of a local place. It's personal, calming and fits a £20 budget.
More ideas in our stocking fillers for adults guide.
