It’s a workplace tradition this time of year. Drawing names out of a hat to discover who you’ll be gifting in this year’s Secret Santa. Maybe it’s the gentleman from IT, or the new girl in Human Resources, or the sports fan from sales. Such diverse options are what make this yearly happening both exciting and challenging, especially when there’s a budget to work with. So, what kind of Secret Santa will you be this year? One that’s put some time and thought into a gift they’ll actually use, or a last-minute-Larry who’ll be yelling “bah humbug” at the company party?
In case you’re of the former persuasion you’re in luck. And because it is the giving season we decided to go ahead and help you out this year with a Secret Santa gift guide. From pocket knives to music to condiments they’ll can’t do without to everyday carry items that will never leave their side, it’s a list of quality Secret Santa items that won’t break the bank but are sure to bring a smile to the face of whoever was lucky enough to have their name drawn by you, the ultimate gifter.
Under $10
Wondermade Beer Marshmallows
Combing sweets with beer is never a bad idea. Especially when those two elements are fused into one tasty treat. In this instance, it’s Guinness and marshmallows, and the result has never tasted so good.
Smart Mass Kinetic Sand
We’ve all heard that idle hands are the devil’s workshop, so when times are slow at the office, you’ll be glad you gifted this Kinetic Sand to the mischievous Marvin across the room. It molds like wet sand but without the mess, never leaving a trace no matter how many times it’s broken.
Upstairs “Grably” Beard Comb
Built out of old vinyl records, this beard comb is designed with longer teeth and increased spacing, helping them tame that long, thick and curly beard that has a habit of getting out of hand.
Under $15
The Art Of Fixing Things
Keeping a stocked took kit and knowing your way around a wrench is part of growing up. However, if the MacGyver-in-training is still learning, here’s a weighty tome of how-to’s that will save them money in the long run.
Bees Knees Spicy Honey
Made from sweet honey from the Hudson Valley with a spicy mix of chili peppers, this savory honey will sure be the condiment of choice for the aspiring foodie in the office. Just make sure they share.
Zippo Chrome Lighter
Even if they’re not a smoker, Zippo’s classic design will never go out of style. This offering, featuring their windproof and refillable design is made in the USA and comes in a variety of different styles.
Archer Air Fresheners
When it comes time to freshen up the joint nothing’s better than a bit of air freshener to keep the nostrils at ease. These offerings from Archer, however, will keep things fresh without making your bathroom or home smell like the inside of a department store.
Swiss + Tech Micro Pocket Multitool
Here’s a handy pocket tool that’s small enough to attach to a keychain but hosts enough functionality to be used for camping, auto repair, hunting or general outdoor use. It includes two hex wrenches, 6 screwdrivers, pliers, a bottle opener, wire cutter, and stripper.
Under $20
Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)
No brainer. Hands down one of the greatest hip-hop records of all time, 36-Chambers is everything you could ever ask for out of the New York-based rap ensemble. And if you can get away with playing it at the office, even better.
Whiskey Soaked Campfire Jerky
Whiskey? Beef Jerky? If you know someone who would answer ‘yes please’ to both of these questions then this next pick is an easy one, especially when each batch of jerky is soaked in Bulleit Bourbon and smoked Texas style before shipment.
Prismacolor Premier Graphite Drawing Pencils
An obvious choice for the office artist or graphic designer. This 18-piece drawing set features an assortment of professionally graded artist pencils, a steel sharpener, and magic eraser that’s sure to bring hours of doodling joy.
Opinel No. 8 Trekking Knife
A quality pocket knife that won’t break the bank is never a bad option. This one features a 12C27 Sandvik stainless steel blade and Virobloc safety ring that helps the knife easily lock and stay closed for enhanced safety.
Norpro Pig Shaped Cast Iron
Nothing is more upsetting come breakfast time than unevenly cooked bacon. This pig-shaped cast iron solves all that, made from heavy cast iron and hosting a wooden knob handle for ease of use.
Stance Star Wars Socks
Every nerd has their day. So this time, give your Secret Santa nerd their day by gifting them a pair of these Star Wars socks. Offerings include Darth Vader, Chewie, and the ever dependable Droids.
Matador Mini Pocket Blanket
Ultra compact, hosting a sleek design, and boasting a water repellant backside, the Matador Mini Pocket Blanket is a fantastic addition to any day hike or afternoon picnic. It’s large enough for one person to relax or two to sit side by side and folds up into a compact 3x2x1 inch storage pack.
Gearward Keychain Duct Tape
Duct Tape is the ultimate on-the-fly fix-it material. So why not help someone keep it by their side at all times? It’s all possible through this small EDC item that attaches to a standard keyring and comes equipped with 18-inches of Gorilla tape.
Picopen
Yet another desirable option for the EDC fan. This pocket-sized pen is only 3.25 inches in length, and hosts a keyring attachment, is compatible with Fisher pressurized cartridges and is built from stainless steel.
Soto Pocket Torch
Burn baby burn. That’s what they’ll be saying after witness this little guy convert an ordinary disposable lighter into a blowtorch that burns at 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit. Oh, and it also increases the life of each lighter by up to 60 percent.
Over $20
Anker Soundsync Drive
Turn that ordinary car stereo system into your personal DJ booth with the Anker SoundSync. Simply put, it routes any smartphone through your car speaker via Bluetooth technology allowing you to take phone calls on the fly and listen to your own music whenever your want.
Twelve South New Mac Candle
Better question, who doesn’t like candles? This 100 percent soy wax offering features scents of mint, peach, basil, lavender and sage in a 9 oz hand-poured design.
Carry on Cocktail Kit
For the Mad Man in the sky, the Carry On Cocktail Kit turns any ordinarily mundane airplane bottle of rye or bourbon into a handcrafted masterpiece a mile high. In this case, it’s the Old Fashioned, with each kit equipped with everything you need minus the booze for a drink worth remembering.
Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
For the office alcoholic, this whiskey wedge is housed in a double old fashioned glass and comes with a silicone mold with which you can freeze an ice wedge that will chill but not water down that fine dram they adore so much.
Bull & Stash Travel Notebook
Nothing like a little analog documentation to get the gears going. And if you know someone who’s got the will and penmanship to jot down notes as they go, this leather bound notebook featuring 50 refillable pages of 60lb bleed-resistant paper is a dynamite gift idea.
Tin Mill Key Safe
Keeping a secret stash of cash is never a bad idea. And any EDC junkie will attest to that notion. In that case, this Key Safe is the perfect option since it attaches to an ordinary key ring, built from quality stainless steel, and is watertight so those Benjamin’s stay nice and dry no matter what.
Zojirushi Stainless Steel Mug
For the coffee addict, this minimalist mug features a non-stick coating and stainless steel construction. The Zojirushi also houses up to 16oz of their preferred beverage and each much comes with a 5-year warranty on its heat retention.
