30 Best Secret Santa Gifts Under $25 for Co-Workers, Friends and Family

Marlen has been a writer and editor for the past 10 years, covering beauty, fashion and commerce. When she's not writing, she's traveling abroad and exploring new cities.

Natalia Lusinski Contributor

Natalia is a contributing writer for CNET. Her work can also be seen in places like Business Insider, Yahoo and Forbes. She spent several years living abroad, from goat-sitting in the Swiss Alps to staying with nuns at a monastery in Venice. Back in Los Angeles, she runs a popular pizza Meetup and is still on a quest to find her favorite slice.

‘I Had To Deal With People Today’ Wine Glass

We all know those co-workers who get sick of dealing with others. Or they may be an introvert and it’s an inside joke between the two of you that they prefer working on their own. In any case, this wine glass is perfect for them. Add a bottle of wine to go the extra mile.

Shutterfly Photo Coasters (set of four)

Some gifts only last a short while, but this one will last a lifetime. If you and your family are doing a Secret Santa gift exchange, these coasters are perfect, especially if the photos you choose are meaningful, like from a memorable trip or of funny moments.

Voiday Apple Watch Portable Charger

We all know that co-worker who often forgets to charge their smartwatch, which is where this gift comes in handy. In addition to being a portable charger, it's a keychain so your co-worker’s Apple Watch never has to run out of juice. CNET's Russell Holly is a fan and says it’s “small enough to be tucked away in a backpack or purse.”

Humans of New York Coffee Table Book

You’ve probably heard of Humans of New York. It’s the New York Times bestseller that was based on photographer Brandon Stanton’s blog of the same name, where he talked to various New Yorkers and profiled them and their stories. The book has more than 400 full-color photos and is great to read in short stints, like when a dinner party guest comes over and sees it on the coffee table. Your co-worker is bound to love and appreciate it, too. 

Work Chronicles 2025 Day-to-Day Calendar

Your co-worker will love laughing at the comic strips that make up this calendar. They sum up office life perfectly, whether it’s at your co-worker’s current or former job. Everything’s covered, from bad job interviews to clueless bosses. (You may like it so much that you may want to grab one for yourself, too.)

Anker 523 PowerCore Slim 10K PD

Everyone can always use an extra power bank -- especially that co-worker whose phone is always dying -- and this one made our pick for best portable chargers and power banks. CNET’s David Carnoy says it’s “impressively slim for a 10,000-mAh portable phone charger and has a fast 20-watt USB-C out charging port (it's also a USB-C input to charge its battery).” It also has a 12-watt USB-A out port, which is an added bonus.

Fly by Jing Spicy Duo: Sichuan Chili Crisp & Zhong Sauce

These two renowned hot sauces by Fly by Jing, Sichuan Chili Crisp and Zhong Sauce, will definitely heat things up. Whether your co-worker’s a fan of all things spicy or likes to dabble in heat, they’re sure to add a kick to dishes. The first in the duo is a chili sauce, while the second is sweet and tangy, yet spicy and umami-rich. Both can be added to literally anything, from eggs to dumplings to ice cream.

The Cheese Board Deck: 50 Cards for Styling Spreads, Savory and Sweet

This is perfect for when your co-worker has parties, with or without the office. This deck will help them think of creative cheese boards and food platters. And since there are 50 cards, there are endless possibilities for what they can create. (You can always offer to be their official taste-tester.)

‘Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come’ T-shirt

This shirt speaks for itself. It's the perfect gift (and inside joke) for that friend who always tries to avoid social outings -- and shows up super late when they do -- and is sure to be a hit.

Foldable Bamboo Bath Tray

A friend of mine can’t live without this bamboo bath caddy -- and if your Secret Santa gift recipient is a bath person, they’ll love it, too. It has room for a book or tablet, phone, candle, snacks and drinks. And the best part? It folds up when not in use. If you have a few extra dollars to spend, you can also include some Lush bath bombs and Sol de Janeiro body wash.

Light Up Wavy Photo Frame

This 4x6-inch wavy frame is fun -- but even more so when it’s illuminated. Whether your Secret Santa giftee puts it on their desk, nightstand or in their living room, it will add nice ambient light. Some people also use it as a nightlight. And if you want to personalize it and know who your gift recipient is, adding a photo of the two of you is a nice touch.

We’re Not Really Strangers: Friendship Edition Card Game

Help your Secret Santa gift recipient get even closer to their best friends -- or to you -- this holiday season with this card game. Packed with 150 thoughtful questions, it will jumpstart deep conversations and make them remember forgotten memories.

That’s So Dad - Dad Joke Talking Button

We all know those dads who tell Dad jokes, and with this button they don't need to think up their own. Or they can press the button to see if it's a joke that's in their regular joke rotation. With more than 100 jokes, Dad (or another Dad joke fan) can hear one anytime he needs some comic relief.

‘Do You Really Know Your Family?’ Game

This is the perfect Secret Santa gift for that family member who loves conversation-card-type games. Sure, you may think you know your family, but once you play this game, you’ll learn a lot of things you never knew. With questions like, “If I could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be?” it’ll be eye-opening to hear each others’ guesses and answers.

The Ultimate Bathroom Reader

We all know that family member who spends too much time in the bathroom (even if it's just to escape from some of the holiday season fanfare, especially when guests are over). That’s where this book comes in. Whether your Secret Santa giftee places it in the bathroom or uses it as a coffee table book, it’s full of fun facts and trivia, like “How likely are you to be hit by the ball while in the stands of a baseball match?”

Awkward Family Photos Greatest Hits

In this super funny game, players use movie lines to caption the 100 awkward family photos and the best one wins. And, nope, no one needs to be a movie buff and know the movie lines in advance -- they’re provided on the game cards. Your Secret Santa gift recipient is sure to love this game and hopefully you’ll get to play too!

Running Press’ The Screaming Goat

Given that getting a real goat is out of the question for most folks, this toy one is the next best thing. It makes real goat sounds and the book will test your Secret Santa giftee’s goat knowledge with trivia.

Sprinkles of Joy: A Self-Care Card Set

As the year comes to a close, most of us are reflecting on what we'd like to do better next year. With this card deck, you can help a family member stay on track with self-care and become more mindful. It has all kinds of prompts -- from making gratitude lists to printing out a photo of their happiest memory from the last year -- that will definitely sprinkle more joy into their life.

Puppy Poop Toothpaste Dispenser

This will make the right Secret Santa recipient laugh. It screws on to the end of the tube and dispenses toothpaste, in a way they've never seen before, that's for certain. (I already ordered a few for people I know who will love it.)

Lamicall Foldable Phone Stand

At just $8, this is a steal and makes for a great Secret Santa gift (and a great gift for yourself). Not only does it fold up -- which makes it convenient for someone to bring along anywhere -- but it also comes in all sorts of colors, from black to light blue to yellow, among others. 

Nax Caki Large Ice Cube Tray with Lid

I love getting this ice cube tray for people, especially for family members who enjoy making cocktails as a Secret Santa gift. The big square ice cubes make the drinks seem as though they stepped out of a trendy speakeasy -- and the cubes make for great conversation-starters too.

Bon Maman Chocolate Hazelnut Spread

This chocolate hazelnut spread is so good, your Secret Santa recipient will want to eat it straight out of the jar -- and why not? Unlike Nutella, there's no palm oil in it. They can also drizzle it over ice cream or spread it on toast, waffles, matzo crackers and much more.

Aroma Naturals Cool Wish Holiday Candle

Christmas or not, I buy this candle all year long, yet its vanilla and peppermint scent makes it the perfect Secret Santa gift. Aroma Naturals candles are made from soy wax and essential oils and have lead-free wicks.

Dash Mini 4-inch Waffle Maker

This is not only super cute, but it’s also functional, and any Secret Santa recipient will love it. A friend of mine always has a DIY mini waffle station at her parties, complete with toppings, from chocolate chips to whipped cream to berries. And if you order directly from Dash, there are several waffle maker variations available, including a star, heart and snowman.

The Atlas of Christmas: Holiday Traditions from Around the World book

Whether your Secret Santa giftee loves history, travel or just really enjoys spreading Christmas cheer, The Atlas of Christmas is the perfect coffee table book. It details different holiday traditions around the world, like how, in Japan, people have a big bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Day. And in Sweden, the Yule Goat is a popular symbol of Christmas. The best part is, your Secret Santa recipient can even try out some of the traditions for themselves.

Music Through the Decades Puzzle

Does your giftee love spending an evening piecing together puzzles? This 1,000-piece jigsaw is perfect because not only is it wonderfully retro, but it also has plenty of different patterns, making it pleasurable rather than overly challenging.

Funpeny Light-Up Mini Birch Christmas Tree

I not only own this light-up tree, but I also love getting it for people -- especially for those who are from snowy climates or would appreciate a snow-dusted tree. Your Secret Santa recipient would appreciate it, too. It's just 18 inches tall, so it’s easy to fit on tables and desks to make things more festive. (Hint: It makes a great host gift.)

Cleverfy Shower Steamers

Ever since I received these as a gift, I’ve been hooked and your Secret Santa giftee will enjoy the calming scents too, from lavender to eucalyptus and more. Using them could not be simpler -- just place one in the corner of their shower and as it evaporates, it’ll be like aromatherapy for their soul.

Platypus Platy 2-liter Collapsible Water Bottle

Anyone will appreciate getting a water bottle, especially one that doesn’t take up much space and folds up when empty. Whether they use this for hiking or in their day-to-day life, your Secret Santa recipient is bound to like it.

Wool dryer balls

Not only are these wool dryer balls ridiculously cute, but they also soften laundry naturally and will help cut back on drying time. And because there are no chemicals or synthetics in them, they’re great for people with sensitive skin. They're made of 100% premium organic New Zealand wool and come with a cloth bag and foldable felt box for storage, too. Plus they'll make doing laundry more fun -- every time your Secret Santa giftee uses them, we guarantee the sheep will bring a smile to their face.