Secret Santa Gift Ideas Under $20
A small budget does not mean a boring gift. Many Secret Santa groups set a limit of under $20 to keep things fair and stress-free, and some of the most memorable gifts are the inexpensive ones chosen with care. This list groups affordable ideas by who you are buying for, with tips for making every dollar go further.
Prices vary by shop and region, so treat these as ideas that can typically be found within the budget rather than exact price points. For a wider range of options, see our main list of Secret Santa gift ideas.
Under $20 gifts for coworkers
A low budget is common in office exchanges. Focus on small upgrades to the workday that anyone can use.
- A fun mug filled with individually wrapped teas — two small items that look like a bigger gift.
- A pack of colourful sticky notes and gel pens — cheerful stationery that actually gets used.
- A mini desk succulent — low maintenance and brightens any workspace.
- A reusable coffee cup — useful for commuters and kinder to the planet.
- A hand cream or lip balm set — welcome during cold, dry winter months.
- A cable tidy or set of cord clips — cheap, clever and surprisingly appreciated.
Under $20 gifts for friends
For friends, a little personality goes a long way. Play to their hobbies and your shared history.
- A paperback from your own favourite list — add a note on why you think they will love it.
- A pair of novelty or extra-cozy socks — a fun, low-risk classic.
- A small puzzle or pocket game — good for travel or a quiet evening.
- A printed photo in a simple frame — personal and memorable for very little.
- A hot sauce, spice or snack sampler — perfect for the friend who loves trying new flavours.
- A candle in a scent they like — choose something gentle if unsure.
Under $20 gifts for family
Family exchanges on a budget work well with homey, shareable or nostalgic gifts.
- Homemade cookies or fudge in a jar — a gift that shows effort and tastes great.
- A set of nice tea towels — practical, festive and always handy.
- A deck of cards with a family game rules sheet — teach a game you played as kids.
- A packet of seeds with a small pot — a mini garden kit for any age.
- A holiday ornament — comes out every year as a reminder of the exchange.
Under $20 gifts for kids and teens
Younger recipients often love small, playful items. Check the age and interests with a parent if needed.
- A craft or slime-making kit — hands-on fun for a rainy afternoon.
- A sketchbook with a set of markers — for budding artists of any age.
- A phone grip or fun phone stand — a small, useful item teens tend to like.
- A card game for groups — easy to bring to school or sleepovers.
- A water bottle with stickers to decorate it — useful and personal at the same time.
Under $20 gifts that suit almost anyone
When you know little about your match, these safe picks work in nearly every group.
- Quality chocolate or a festive treat box — check for allergies first if you can.
- A cozy pair of gloves or a beanie — useful through the winter.
- A small notebook and pen set — neutral and practical.
- A gift card with a handwritten note — lets them choose while staying personal.
- A hot chocolate kit — a mug, cocoa and marshmallows make a warm bundle.
DIY gifts that cost very little
Handmade gifts let you stretch a small budget and often mean the most.
- A jar of homemade spice mix or infused sugar — easy to make in batches.
- A personalised playlist with a printed track list — free to create and fun to receive.
- “Coupons” for favours — a coffee run, a home-cooked meal or help with a chore.
- A hand-decorated mug or tote bag — a blank item plus paint pens becomes one of a kind.
Practical tips
- Bundle two or three small items around a theme so the gift feels generous without overspending.
- Presentation matters: tissue paper, a ribbon and a handwritten tag make an inexpensive gift feel special.
- Shop early to avoid paying extra for fast shipping, which can eat into a small budget.
- Check whether the limit includes wrapping and shipping, and ask the organizer if unsure.
- Consumables (snacks, tea, candles) avoid the risk of clutter and are easy to tailor.
- If you are crafty, a handmade gift can be worth far more to the recipient than its cost.
- Keep a gift receipt where possible, even for low-cost items.
Haven’t drawn names yet?
Use our free Secret Santa generator to draw names with exclusions, set a budget, and send everyone a private link.
Making a small budget work
The best budget gifts usually come from paying attention rather than spending more. Listen for small complaints — cold hands on the commute, a pen that always runs out, a favourite snack that is hard to find — and solve one of them. That kind of gift feels personal because it shows you noticed.
Another approach is to pick a theme and build a tiny kit: a movie night (popcorn, a cozy pair of socks and a handwritten list of film suggestions), a self-care evening (a face mask, a candle and herbal tea) or a desk refresh (a plant, a notebook and good pens). Kits look thoughtful, are easy to wrap, and let you mix and match to stay inside the limit.
If you are organizing the exchange, agree on the budget up front and write it in the event details when you draw names with our Secret Santa generator — it appears on every participant’s private page. For more on setting expectations, read our Secret Santa rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is $20 enough for a Secret Santa gift?
Yes. Under $20 is one of the most common budgets for Secret Santa, especially at work. With a little thought, a small gift can be just as appreciated as a pricier one.
How do I make a cheap gift look more special?
Bundle a few related items, wrap them carefully and add a personal note. A clear theme, such as a cozy night in or a coffee break, makes small items look intentional.
Does the $20 limit include shipping and wrapping?
That depends on your group. Most groups count only the gift itself, but it is worth asking the organizer so everyone follows the same rule.
What is a good under $20 gift for a coworker I don’t know well?
Choose something neutral and useful, such as a nice mug with tea, a desk plant, quality chocolate or a reusable coffee cup.
Are homemade gifts OK for Secret Santa?
Yes. Homemade treats, crafts or personalised items are a great way to give something thoughtful on a tight budget, as long as you consider allergies for food gifts.
Should I go over the budget if I find the perfect gift?
It is best not to. Staying within the agreed limit keeps the exchange fair and avoids making others feel uncomfortable about their own gifts.
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