Gift ideas perfect for your Secret Santa exchange (at any budget)

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Secret Santa, White Elephant, Kris Kringle — whatever you call it and whatever rules you have, the objective is always the same: give the best gift possible. The two biggest factors are often budget and creativity: a good budget increases the likelihood you can get something your recipient actually likes, whereas creativity ensures that it’s something they’ve never thought of, or at least wouldn’t treat themselves to on their own. Thankfully, we have some ideas to help with both. Here’s a roundup of Secret Santa or white elephant gifts that are sure to be crowd-pleasers at any budget.

Why we love it: It’s cinnamon and apple cider-scented candle season, and since no one wants to be without a light, this flameless lighter will inevitably come in handy. Plus, it comes in five different colourways, you’re spoiled for choice and can pick the style that works best for your mystery giftee.

Where to buy: Anthropologie

Why we love it: Give the gift of screen-free peace and quiet with these ear plugs designed for concert go-ers, athletes, musicians and the like. These stylish plugs are for anyone who loves (or hates) loud noises and still wants to look good while they protect their ear drums.

Where to buy: Amazon

Why we love it: Here’s a Yeti that can do anything: it can camp with you under the stars while keeping your double shot of espresso extra hot. These stackable and machine washable cups fit under most espresso machines and will surely be a top ‘steal’ in your next white elephant exchange.

Where to buy: Yeti | Amazon

Why we love it: It’s winter, which means ’tis the season to make bread and other delicious carbs for all the upcoming holiday parties. This silicone bread maker is dishwasher and microwave-safe, and when used in the oven (up to 428 degrees Fahrenheit), your giftee will have the crispiest, crustiest, homemade bread they’ve ever baked.

Where to buy: Amazon | Linen Chest

Why we love it:   This gender-neutral travel set from Le Labo smells like you spent $1M to ‘shower’ the recipient with gifts, even though you won’t have to break the bank.

Where to buy: Le Labo

Why we love it: Lymphatic drainage massages are expensive, so this gua sha is the next best thing. With daily use, this agate stone gua sha can tone the face, freshen complexion, and relieve the many stresses of the holiday season.

Where to buy: Ember Wellness

Why we love it: Gone are the days of clunky steamers taking up space in our suitcases; this handheld steamer has a sleek mini design and heats up in just 15 seconds for 10 minutes of steaming, perfect for your gift recipient who lives out of their carry-on.

Where to buy: Amazon

Why we love it: For the unpredictable giftee that may live in a condo one day and set out on a van road trip the next, this Power Pot by Our Place, of Always Pan fame, comes with a steamer, lid, spatula and detachable plug, ensuring your adventurous friend will never have to sacrifice good cuisine due to lack of space or quality cookware.

Where to buy: Our Place

Why we love it: This one might have the coffee addicts in the gift exchange start a fight. This WiFi and Bluetooth-enabled Nespresso is compact enough to fit in the tiniest counter space and powers off after two minutes of inactivity, so you’ll never have the coffee jitters from worrying if you left it on.

Where to buy: Amazon

Why we love it: You can’t go wrong with a neutral, genderless fragrance at a gift exchange where you’ve been given the budget to splurge a bit, especially with this fig and sandalwood PHLUR scent that also happens to be cruelty-free.

Where to buy: Sephora

Why we love it: Forget charm bracelets — motif bag charms have taken over as the new ‘final touch’ of accessories. This cherry charm from Coach is made of brass and resin, so durability won’t be a concern, and with the detachable dog clip, it can easily be clipped on anytime your giftee wants to add some extra style to their house keys.

Where to buy: Coach

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