When it comes to gift giving at family Christmas, I’m all for Secret Santa. Honestly, in this economy, it’s much more practical (and way less stressful) to purchase one small gift under $50 than scrambling to buy for everyone including your aunty’s boyfriend’s kid who you’ve met once. Plus, Secret Santa is simple to organise. My hot tip? Use a free online generator to draw names, although you might need to help Nana if she can’t use her iPhone.
Then, there’s the office Secret Santa, an entirely different beast. Sit this one out if you’re in your quiet-quitting era. If you’re game, a round of ‘Stealing Santa’ will keep your colleagues on their toes – it’s the perfect icebreaker before that slightly awkward Christmas lunch.
Finding small, affordable gift ideas under $50 is about finding the right balance between thoughtful and practical. There are plenty of Secret Santa presents that are useful without being cliché, and fun without veering into tacky territory. So, read on to shop this fabulous edit of affordable Christmas gifts under $50, and don’t be surprised if you end up adding a few to your own wishlist, too.
Secret Santa gifts under $50 for Christmas 2025
La Tourangelle, Infused Basil Oil, 8.45 fl oz (250 ml)
$19.17 at iHerb
The best Secret Santa gift for a gourmand
A Tahaa Affair Car Diffuser
$49.95 at Glasshouse Fragrances
The best Christmas gift under $50 that adds a little luxury to their daily commute
Metal Travel Marg
$29.99 at Typo
The best Secret Santa gift under $30 for the colleague who always needs a drink
Embroidered Felt Corner Bookmark
$11.59 at Etsy
The best personalised Christmas gift idea for bookworms
Cactus Leather Bottle Holder
$49.99 at Frank Green
The best Christmas gift under $50 for the friend who brings their ’emotional support’ water bottle everywhere they go
Mum’s Busy Work by Jacinda Ardern
$25.99 at Mighty Ape
The best Christmas gift under $30 for the working mum
Available at:
- $25.99 at Mighty Ape
- $31.99 at Amazon AU
Pickleball Starter Kit – 2-Player Pickleball Set
$49 at Space General
The best Secret Santa gift under $50 for competitive people
Pepper & Me ‘Sesh Oil’ Chilli Oil
$14.99 at Paddock to Pantry
The best Secret Santa present for foodies who love turning up the heat
Moana Road Camping Lights
$37.99 at Mighty Ape
The best Christmas gift under $50 for holiday campers
MCoBeauty 3-in-1 Super Glow Face & Body Oil Stick
$27 at Adore Beauty
The best beauty gift under $30 for the person who loves a little glow
BBQ Rolling Grill Baskets
$25.99 at Mighty Ape
Sunnylife Gold Underwater Camera
$36.58 at The Iconic
The best Christmas gift under $50 for making memories
Available at:
- $36.58 at The Iconic
- $44.99 at Mighty Ape
- $24.99 at Sunnylife
Milk Chocolate with Salted Caramel
$14 at Nespresso
The best Christmas gift under $20 for sweet-tooths
Chasseur Mini Cocotte
$34.43 at Mighty Ape
The best small Christmas gift for the hostess with the mostess
Bladeless Neck Fan
$15.99 at Mighty Ape
The best Secret Santa gift for co-workers who are always complaining about the heat
Nine Granite Whisky Stones Set
$18.37 at Mighty Ape
The best Secret Santa gift under $20 for your boss
What are some ideas for gifts under $50 for women?
Looking for a thoughtful gift under $50 for her that’s just as fabulous as she is? While she might be priceless, there are plenty of affordable, small gift ideas she’ll appreciate. Here are a few ideas:
- If she loves beauty products, the illuminating body oil from cult-favourite MCoBeauty will give her that sun-kissed glow.
- For the bookworm, an embroidered bookmark personalised with her initials is a sweet idea.
- If she’s your “passenger princess,” a scented car diffuser adds a little luxury to her rides (even if you wish you weren’t her personal Uber driver).
- If she deserves some quality me-time, a beautifully packaged tea set offers multiple moments of calm – and is also a reminder for you that she probably needs a break from you and the kids, so do not disturb.
What’s a good work Secret Santa gift idea?
Let’s be real. You don’t need to go all out when spending your hard-earned salary on your boss or colleagues. The key to finding a great work Secret Santa present is one that makes it look like you’ve put in effort, and is perhaps a little humorous, but workplace-appropriate. Try these:
- A portable neck fan is funny and practical if your desk buddy constantly fights Karen from accounts over the air conditioning.
- Nespresso’s milk chocolate with salted caramel is a sophisticated upgrade for a colleague who loves a sweet treat. It shows you didn’t just run to the dairy for a last-minute gift on your lunch break.
- If they’re always borrowing your lip balm (and yes, that’s disgusting), the ultra-glowy Laneige Balm will make them feel special while saving you from their germs.
- A quality chilli oil for the office foodie will inspire their next meal creation. Maybe they’ll share their leftovers with you too.
Related articles:
- The best Christmas advent calendars for adults
- 13 deliciously stylish gifts for foodies
- Where to buy a real Christmas tree in Auckland
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