The 35 Best Secret Santa Gifts Under $50
PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Read the original article on Purewow.
Being an awesome gift giver is great. Being an awesome gift giver without spending an arm and a leg is better. Way better. If you’re taking part in a secret Santa gift exchange this year that has a budget of $50 or less, we know it can be a bit tricky to find something that won’t be tossed in the junk drawer, which is why we scoured the web to find budget-friendly items suitable for every person you could have drawn. (Like home office decor for a coworker, cozy items to get through winter for a family member or funny games for a friend.)
Keep scrolling for the best secret Santa gifts under $50 that anyone would be happy to open this holiday season.
The Best Secret Santa Gifts Under $50 at a Glance
How Do Secret Santa Gifts Work?
A good secret Santa will largely depend on who your giftee is, but some of the best ones are useful and feel like you’re treating them to something they wouldn’t get themselves. Start by zeroing in on their hobbies and interests; scan their social feeds for any Facebook Groups they’re part of or pages they’ve liked.
Then ask: What are the odds they’ll actually use or enjoy this? That’s your sweet spot. (And no worries if you feel clueless, that’s where the ideas below come in!)
Want to know which buzzy products are *really* worth buying? Sign up for our shopping newsletter to uncover our favorite finds.
1. Lululemon Dual Pouch Wristlet
We all have that friend who hates wearing a bag—and we guarantee this is the solution she won’t know how she lived without. It’s made with water-repellent nylon and features detachable pouches that let you customize the look and feel. “As someone who hates bags and purses, this is exactly what I was looking for,” one Lululemon reviewer raves. “It’s small enough to not be a burden, but fits all my cards and some other small necessities. I like that the pouches zip and feel good quality so I don’t have to worry about cards falling out.” Another person also adds, “This was an early Christmas gift for our granddaughter. She absolutely LOVES it. She uses it every day, and especially likes how cards fit in one pouch and cash fits perfectly in the other. She attached her car keys to the ring, so she is now all set!” Oh, and did we mention that it comes in five beautiful colors?
2. BlendJet Portable Blender with Lid
One of the coolest gifts on this list (especially for someone who loves a smoothie)? This portable, 16-ounce blender. First and foremost, it’s rechargeable with 15 blends per charge—and it fully charges in just one hour and 40 minutes. Plus, it comes with a removable lid, so you can drink directly from it. One reviewer raves, “This is literally a GAME CHANGER. [I] was using a handheld mixer for my greens/protein shakes and they’d always be so clumpy and it was awful getting them down. This blendjet works perfectly and my shakes are so smooth with zero clumps… Blends so smooth, easy to pack and take on go, easy to clean and so convenient to charge when on the go. If you’re like me and drink shakes every day, [this is for you]!”
3. JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker
This speaker is pocket-sized, connects wirelessly via Bluetooth and lasts up to five hours on a full charge—so it’s perfect for that friend who’s bound to blast ABBA after a few glasses of wine (and you won’t have to worry about spills, thanks to its waterproof design). Take it from one reviewer, who hung the speaker from a carabiner during a rafting trip: “It took a full-on river plunge several times and still pumped out the beats without missing a note. Talk about resilience! [Plus], it's not just great at surviving my adventurous mishaps; the sound quality is genuinely impressive. We're talking crisp highs, punchy bass, and a clarity that you'd expect from bigger, pricier models.” They also add, “Its sleek design is super trendy; fits right into my active, on-the-go lifestyle. And here's the kicker: Five hours of playtime. That's a lot of river rides, shower jam sessions, or just chilling in the backyard. Speaking of showers, I [also] use it as a shower speaker. It's like having a mini-concert while you lather, rinse, and repeat.”
4. Stanley The Quencher Tumbler
Sticking with the theme of portable must-haves: You’ve seen this tumbler everywhere for good reason. Thanks to its double-walled, vacuum insulation, it keeps up to 40 ounces of liquid cold for nearly two days or hot for up to seven hours—and it’s dishwasher-friendly. That means it can keep their coffee piping hot and prevent ice from melting for an entire day. Plus, aside from nine colorways to choose from, it’s designed to fit in your car’s cupholder and comes with a screw-on lid that can be used in three resting positions (see: this TikTok). Just be sure to hurry up and snag one now because the tumbler is notorious for selling out during gifting season.
5. Nodpod Sleep Mask
Dubbed by the brand as a ‘Weighted Blanket For Your Eyes,’ this award-winning sleep mask was designed to help calm overactive minds, soothe headaches and help you sink into a deep restful sleep. It features a strap-free construction that targets key pressure points for a better night’s rest—and you can start to feel the pressure-relieving effects sink in after only three minutes. “My husband got me this for Christmas and it has changed my life,” one well-rested reviewer writes. “This is THE BEST eye cover for sleep… I like that I don’t have a strap around my head like other sleep masks. I can roll from side to side and the Nodpod stays in place.” Plus, another person adds: “The weight is perfect - enough to be relaxing, but not so much that it’s annoying. Falling asleep is so much easier without light reaching my eyes. It also muffles the sound and protects my ears from the blowing air of the AC and/or ceiling fan.”
6. Quince Mongolian Cashmere Gloves
Part of becoming a city dweller is realizing winter gloves—especially ones as warm and cozy as these—are essential to surviving freezing walks to work. This set is not only made with Mongolian cashmere, which promised to be three times as warm as wool (per the brand), but they also have a long cuff for extra coziness. “I usually lose my gloves, but I love these so much I take extra care. The length is great for my ¾ sleeve coats. Your wrists will thank you! These are so cozy and warm and extra luxury you didn't know you needed. What a treat! Thicker than expected for the price,” one reviewer raves.
7. Beautiful by Drew Barrymore Immersion Blender Set
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful (not to mention useful) kitchen appliance for the person who whips up a rack of lamb like it’s no big deal. The set features a two-speed immersion blender with an 8-inch detachable shaft that’ll fit into their deepest pots and pans—along with an extra-long, 5-inch cord that’ll let them move around the workstation uninterrupted. Add to that, the fact that it comes with a 2 ½ cup chopper, a stainless-steel whisk attachment and a 24-ounce measuring cup. And don’t even get us started on the *stunning* soft matte finish, which is available in black sesame, cornflower blue, oyster grey, sage green and white icing.
8. Olaplex Hair Repair Treatment Set
We all have that friend who spends (probably too much) time at the hair salon—and we guarantee this is a set that won’t sit dormant in her cabinet. It involves a signature routine from Olaplex that promises to restore strength and shine to all hair types, per the brand, and it includes a full-size No. 7 Bonding Oil, a mini No. 3 Hair Perfector, No. 4C Bond Maintenance Clarifying Shampoo and No. 6 Bond Smoother. Take it from one salon addict, who says it’s a game-changer: “It left my hair brilliantly shiny and incredibly soft, making it perfect for the holiday season. The kit's combination of products truly revitalizes hair, and the results are nothing short of fabulous. It's a must-try for anyone looking to achieve that stunning, salon-worthy shine at home.”
9. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
The name may be silly, but Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is quickly becoming the hottest card game since Apples to Apples. The game itself is simple: Be the first to slap the card that corresponds with the spoken word. Not only is it fast-paced and hilarious, but it’s also great for all ages (aka great for family game night). “This game is a rollercoaster of fun and excitement, and it's a must-have for anyone who loves fast-paced, reflex-testing card games,” one reviewer writes. “What sets this game apart is its simplicity and the sheer amount of laughter it generates. The rules are straightforward, making it easy for anyone to jump right in…Whether you're playing with family or friends, it's sure to provide hours of entertainment and leave you with lasting memories. Don't be surprised if you find yourself introducing it to everyone you know – it's that addictive!
10. Sunday Riley Travel Skin Care Set
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include this viral Sunday Riley set for the beauty guru who’s on a first-name basis with the Sephora makeup artists. It features two of the brand's best-sellers—the C.E.O. Glow Vitamin C + Turmeric Face Oil and Luna Sleeping Night Oil—where the C.E.O. Glow delivers cold-pressed, nutrient-rich extracts to make your skin feel radiant during the day while the Luna reduces pores, wrinkles and neutralizes visible redness to deliver even-toned complexion at night. “I have rosacea and hate how red my face is! Within seconds of applying Luna my face looked significantly less red…it keeps getting better with continued use—and definitely noticing brighter skin with C.E.O glow,” one reviewer backs.
11. Milk Bar Assorted Cookie Tin
Sure, $27 for cookies seems a little steep, but once you’ve tried Milk Bar’s Cookies, you’ll understand why it’s worth every penny. In this set of six, Milk Bar’s leftover cake scraps-turned-truffles, creamy soft serve and, of course, cookies, are just a few go-tos on the menu. The secret ingredient? The cereal milk that Milk Bar’s batters, doughs, icings and ice creams are all mixed with (hence, the name), which gives its treats a uniquely nuanced layer of sweetness. Plus, you can choose from individual cookie flavors, like corn or confetti, or gift all six varieties by ordering an assorted tin instead.
12. Béis The Dopp Kit
If they’re constantly jetting off to Paris or Rome (or Idaho for a monthly conference), they’re definitely in need of a good toiletry bag. This one from Béis has gone viral for a reason: It’s a spill-proof bag that can house all of their bottles, tubes, jars and sprays—and besides its pair of organizational compartments—people love it most for the clever loop, which allows you to hang the bag on hooks (aka it’ll keep all their lotions and potions from falling off tiny hotel vanities).
13. Salton S'mores and Fondue Maker
The thing about all-star hosts is that they usually have everything they need for a perfect soirée. But chances are, she won’t have this s’mores fondue maker. It features a unique, flameless heating element at the center—so it’s safe to use around kids when entertaining inside—and the serving tray is thoughtfully designed with compartments to accommodate all chocolate, graham crackers and marshmallows. Not only that, but the kit also comes with four roasting forks, and according to the brand, it takes just two minutes for flawlessly roasted marshmallows.
14. Stylpro Electric Makeup Brush Cleaner
If they always have a flawless face of makeup, they also always have a collection of makeup brushes that need a deep clean. This brush washer does just that, where it can clean and dry brushes in just 30 seconds. It includes eight silicone collars to fit everything from large foundation brushes to tiny eyeshadow brushes and it’s super easy to use: All you do is pour a little makeup brush cleanser into the base, dunk the brush and turn on the cleaner for 10 seconds. Spin the brush in the air for an additional 10 seconds to let it dry, and voilà—clean, ready-to-use brushes in under a minute.
15. Nécessaire The Body Duo
Packed with peptides and multivitamins, this limited-edition set features is a must-have for skincare lovers. It was designed by Nécessaire as a daily ritual routine, where you start with the body serum—a hyaluronic acid treatment that hydrates, replenishes and plumps skin—and follow with the body lotion, a nonirritating, multivitamin moisturizer that absorbs quickly and helps improve long-term skin health. One happy shopper says, “I have very dry skin in general and also live in a very dry climate. This lotion is not greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin. You can apply it and put your clothes on right after. For me, the true test is if it keeps the ashy dry skin away all day without reapplying, and this lotion does it well. I’ll put it on after my morning shower and by night time my skin is still soft and hydrated. I especially love that it’s fragrance-free, as I can’t stand smelly products overwhelming me. Also since it’s also free of parabens, sulfates and phthalates, I feel very comfortable spreading it over the largest parts of my body.”
16. Ecolution Micro-Pop Popcorn Popper
If they love movies, there’s a 99 percent chance they love popcorn just as much—and this patented, microwavable popcorn maker is just the ticket. It’s crafted from durable temperature-safe borosilicate glass (dishwasher-safe) and was designed to prevent acids or chemicals from seeping in, as they do from single-use popcorn bags. Even better, the dual-function lid lets you measure the serving size, pour the kernels into the Micro-Pop and place in the microwave for three minutes or less—allowing you to skip extra butter or oil if you’re trying to stay healthy. “No oil, no flames, no inorganic additives, no mess, no disappointment over un-popped kernels,” one happy shopper says. “[It’s] simple to use and offers a healthy snack that you can enjoy as is or top with anything from butter to chocolate to BBQ seasoning… This is my favorite popcorn maker ever.”
17. '47 New York Yankees Classic Baseball Hat
Look through any chic Gen Zer’s Pinterest board, and you’re bound to find (more than a few) saves with this hat as the finishing accessory. The structured six-panel cotton fabric is topped with a New York Yankees logo on the front—and it includes an adjustable closure at the back with a curved brim. Bonus: It comes in five vintage-inspired colors that will go with virtually everything in their closet.
18. iWALK Small Portable Charger
You know they’ll appreciate a slim, portable charger if their last text is always, “Call you later, phone dying.” It’s about as compact as a lipstick tube and has an extended charging dock that can fit most iPhone models—even when the phone has a thick silicone case on it. The battery can also bring your iPhone (or AirPods) to a full charge, according to the manufacturer, and includes a power bank and USB cable for when the iWalk needs a recharge itself. (The LED lights at the bottom of the dock will let you know when the charger needs to be plugged into the power bank).
19. Any Day The Small Dish Set
Meal prepping in the dorm room is no easy feat…or it wasn’t, until this set of meal-prep dishes came along. They’re made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass, so the microwave-, dishwasher-, freezer- and oven-safe design allows you to cook pretty much anything—from proteins to pasta. The lid’s special silicone attachment also keeps steam and moisture in during cooking (essential for the microwave) and releases excess air through the knob vent. What’s more, the knob sits flush on the lid when it's pressed down, so that the dish is stackable, airtight and leakproof.
20. Fresh Cut Flowers Tote
You aspire to have fresh flowers on your countertops like she always does—and this is the tote that will keep her peonies in perfect condition on the way home. You simply slide the stems inside and secure them with the attached ties, then sling the tote over your shoulder like a backpack, courtesy of the extra-long straps on the outside. It’s also made from soft-yet-durable cotton, which is machine-washable, and the cone-shaped build can accommodate flower bunches of every size.
21. Wallet Ninja Card
This all-in-one tool goes out to the guy who makes DIYing a bookcase look easy. Despite its credit card-size, it offers 18 functions as a screwdriver, bottle opener, box opener, can opener, cellphone stand, eyeglass screwdriver, beer opener, fruit peeler, hex wrench and nail puller. Plus, not only is it crafted from heat-treated steel—so it won't bend, break, or rust—but it’s TSA-friendly with no sharp edges and under 4 inches.
22. Caitlyn Minimalist Zodiac Pendant Necklace
She knows which signs are compatible and when Mercury is retrograde, so she’ll adore this pendant necklace (which also happens to be ultra-trendy). It’s available in sterling silver, 18K gold or rose gold finishes—and the delicate tag pendant hangs on a box chain necklace, making it unique and personalized while staying minimal. Speaking of personalization, you can also engrave messages on one or both sides of the charm for an extra $10 and customize the length of the chain anywhere from 14- to 24-inches.
23. Simon & Schuster Mega Crossword Puzzle Book
He can keep track of his progress by filling out this crossword puzzle book, which consists of more than 300 puzzles (!) and includes perforated pages for record keeping. One avid crossword puzzle solver says, “I have been solving crossword puzzles every day for decades—and I can honestly say that this book has some of the best puzzles I have ever worked. (And I have worked a lot of them.) They are medium to medium hard which I like. If they were too hard, I would get too frustrated…Whether you are new to puzzle solving or a real enthusiast, you will certainly enjoy these crosswords. It can be addictive.”
24. CouchCoaster Cup Holder
Yes, this is the most ingenious gift on this list. And yes, it’s a coaster that will get tons of use by anyone who treats watching football Sunday like a sport of its own. The flexible, weighted silicone body attaches with a non-slip tacky base, so it can securely hold beverages on the arm of a couch, armchair, recliner—you name it. Translation? Say goodbye to knocking over your IPA on the leather sofa when Travis Kelce scores a touchdown (or your wife sees Taylor Swift on the big screen).
25. Ivation Wine Opener Gift Set
Upgrade their at-home bar game with this nine-piece wine set, which includes an air pump wine opener, a battery-operated wine opener, a foil cutter, a wine aerator, a stand, two wine stoppers, and two champagne stoppers. It has everything they need for the perfect glass of wine—and according to one reviewer, it’s a gift they’ll actually use: “My brother and sister-in-law were given this for Christmas. They could not believe they received such a great gift—they started charging it the second they opened it up…They do enjoy their wine, so now, they can open more than one bottle of wine at the same time and have an honest chance of saving the taste after opening. They love they can seal up their bottles again after they open them,” one reviewer backs.
26. PicassoTiles Magnet Building Tiles
This PureWow reader favorite flew off the shelves during Black Friday this year for good reason—it’s a more affordable alternative to the O.G. Magnatiles, which sell for three times the price of Picasso. It includes 60 colossal building blocks, which per the brand, will help children develop strong skills in identifying colors, geometric shapes and 3D forms, as well as counting, magnetic properties and architectural design. And just like the original tiles, it’s fun for just about any age (we’ve seen both one-year-olds and 11-year-olds play with them for hours) and cleans up extremely quickly.
27. Scuddles Garden Tool Set
If your friend’s a gardening newbie, you can take the complexity out of the tool-buying process for them by gifting this single eight-piece set. It comes with five tools (a hand trowel, a digging fork, a shovel, a spade and a weeder) that will give a nice base for a proper planting job, plus, they’ll get a pair of gloves, a washable bag and a spray bottle. So basically, everything they need to get started.
28. Nike Challenger 2 Running Fanny Pack
While we may not understand how he wakes up before sunrise to train for the marathon, we certainly know he’ll appreciate a runner’s sling that keeps his essentials in place. It has a zipped main compartment with a divider to keep items organized while its contoured and lightweight design makes it comfortable while subtracting bounce. The best part? It will keep cool from start to finish with a mesh backing that enhances breathability.
29. Kosas The Wet Set Undressed Set
Not too dark, not too light, this lip set creates an effortlessly chic finish that can work day to night. It combines Kosas’s signature, Wet Stick moisturizing sheer lipstick (in ‘Heatwave’) with Wet Lip oil gloss (in ‘Unhooked’) and it promises to give your lips a hydrating boost with a touch of color. What’s more, the Wet Stick is enriched with hyaluronic acid, peptides, and nourishing ingredients like squalane and ceramides while the lip oil is formulated with peptides, so you’ll see visible plumping and hydration.
30. Twelve South AirFly Airpods Transmitter
Give them the gift of zero tangled cords with this wireless audio transmitter with more than 7,800 five-star reviews. Basically, it allows you to transmit audio from various devices with an audio jack that connects to AirPods, earbuds, or wireless headphones. Think: the TVs at the gym or on the back of the airplane seats (which you usually have to plug into). One happy shopper raves: “Worked like a charm on the airplane. And now I use it in my job! I'm a court reporter and sometimes can't hear in the courtroom when they're doing sidebars. I plug this into my digital recorder, put my wireless Bose headphones on, and now I can hear through my recorder! It's a freaking Godsend.”
31. Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set
One trend your (hair-obsessed sister) has probably seen all over TikTok? Heatless curls. This is the set that’s gone viral, mainly, because it creates the perfect waves and curls—without the heat damage. Plus, the satin construction keeps hair frizz-free while preventing breakage and the set includes a foam curling rod and two scrunchies that gently secure your hair. “I have thick, fine, very straight hair—and I've always dreamed of having Taylor Swift Fearless-era curls…let me tell you, I am AMAZED at how good my hair looks [after using this set]. [It’s delivered] beautiful curls all day and I can't tell you how many compliments I've gotten,” one happy shopper reports.
32. Dugout Mug
Bring the baseball lover back to the good ‘ol days with a vintage-inspired mug (that’s sure to make all the other dads jealous). First and foremost, it’s made from a solid wood baseball bat barrel, but it’s double-sealed inside and out to ensure your drink never touches the wood. Beyond that, it can hold up to 12 ounces of hot or cold liquid, from coffee to beer to soda. And the best part? It's not just a mug; the engraved details make it a statement piece all on its own.
33. Julie Pedersen Dessert and Baking Salts
A baker would be nothing without an artillery of sugars and spices in their cupboards—and this set of baking salts is just another excuse for her to whip up some delicious cookies. The set features tons of flavors, like vanilla lavender, lemon ginger, and espresso, so it’s the perfect gift box to kick their favorite desserts up a notch. Plus, per the brand, they can add vanilla cardamom to cookie batter, sprinkle muffins with wild blueberry salt, and top a vanilla cheesecake with fruity rose peppercorn salt.
34. Siblings No. 13 Candle
Siblings's candles are the ultimate foolproof DIY—the brand touts that if you can make coffee, you can make their candles—and after testing them firsthand, our editors agree. All it takes is a microwave, a clean, heat-proof jar and a few minutes' time to create an exquisitely scented candle. (The brand also sells solid brass jars you can use repeatedly, which are just the right size for each bag of wax.) Numerous scent options are available, but we're particularly fond of No. 13, a blend that provides a sophisticated take on roasting marshmallows over a campfire, with a hot throw that easily fills smaller spaces—like offices and bathrooms—without overwhelming them.
35. Gray Malin The Dogs at the Beverly Hills Hotel Puzzle
Here, a glam, Barbie-inspired puzzle that doubles as artwork (and should totally be framed as such, once completed). It includes 500 pieces showcasing two photographs from Gray Malin’s famous ‘Dogs at the Beverly Hills Hotel’ collection. While the first side captures dogs lounging by a pink poolside, the reverse reveals them checking in with a vintage-style Cadillac. The completed puzzle also measures 24"W x 18"L, so it would make for a unique statement piece on the coffee table when it’s done.
39 White Elephant Gifts for Just About Everyone, from a Boozy Card Game to a Mini Pool Table
Why You Should Trust Us
PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
