How to get Secret Santa right

Secret Santa has a catch: you draw someone you may only ever have discussed the weather with, there is a spending limit nobody dares break, and the present is opened in front of everyone. That is where it shows whether you thought about the person or walked into the first shop on your way.

What works best is something that genuinely gets used and raises a smile on opening: a pencil pot that tidies a desk, a fan with a phrase on it for the summer, a candle for the reading corner, a witty tea infuser for someone who lives on tea. Everything in this selection is between €4 and €15, which is exactly the range these draws tend to land in.

Frequently asked questions about Secret Santa gifts

How much do people usually spend on Secret Santa?

The usual limit is €10, €15 or €20, and it is worth sticking to it: falling short shows, and going over makes everyone else uncomfortable. Almost all of this selection sits between €4 and €15, so it fits any of the three limits.

I drew somebody at work I barely know. What do I give them?

Go for the desk and the daily routine: a pencil pot, a mug, good stationery, a tea infuser. These are things that get used without you needing to know anyone's taste, size or favourite colour. If you want to narrow it down further, have a look at the office gifts too.

What if my group leans towards jokes?

Then humour wins: there are fans and small things with phrases that get read out loud and get the whole group laughing. There are more in joke gifts.

Will it arrive in time for the office dinner?

We hand the order to the courier within a maximum of 48 working hours from payment confirmation, and delivery takes 1 to 2 working days on the Spanish mainland. Even so, couriers are stretched in December: if the draw is in the second half of the month, order with some margin.

Can I order several and save on shipping?

Yes, and that is what half the group does: putting two or three things together gets you to €50 sooner than you would think, and then shipping is free. Shipping costs €4.95 on the mainland and €6.95 in the Canary Islands, Ceuta and Melilla.

What if I get it wrong?

You have 14 calendar days from receiving the order to withdraw from the purchase, with no explanation needed. Write to info@happyideas.com within that period and we will tell you how to return it.