Gift Guide: Five Last-Minute Secret Santa Gifts
Dec 18, 2014
Yesterday, I got a frantic text from a friend, “My office holiday party is Friday afternoon. White Elephant + No gift = Save Me!” Here are a few inexpensive, last-minute gift ideas for people you don’t really know that well.
Knock Knock makes humorous notepads for almost any occasion. This “Another Meeting” pad is good for work; I also like the Paper Voodoo Doll option.
Bluetooth Camera Shutter Release ($10)
Set up your phone to take family photos from a distance or use remote to take a “selfie on a stick.” This would also make a good stocking stuffer for a photo-obsessed teenager.
Kikkerland Multi-Tasking Tool ($6)
This handy gadget contains a screwdriver, a wrench, a bottle opener, a box opener, a ruler, and more. It’s made of stainless steel and fits in your wallet.
Krazy or Funny straws are a cheerful, lighthearted gift. I think all 80s/90s children have fond memories of them. And even if the recipient doesn’t use them, she probably knows a child she can give them to.
Over a decade ago, my younger brother gave me a lump of coal for Christmas. He was so proud of his cheeky gift, and we all had a good laugh about it. In fact, that lump of painted coal still sits on my dresser.
A lump of coal is a fun, non-specific holiday gift that works for any recipient, whether you know the person or not. It’s good for a chuckle and it doesn’t lose its sparkle when you re-gift it.
Lastly, if none of these gifts work for you, I’ve had great luck with items from the As Seen on TV shop. You can usually find Chia Pets, Bacon Bowl makers, Instant Picture Hangers, and the like at Walgreen’s or CVS.
So funny, my husband came home last night and said I need a gift for the white elephant on Friday. Luckily for him, bringing booze is a-ok at his workplace.
Liquor always works.
Fun bottle openers are also fun. I gave one carved like a squirrel last year and it was the hit of the party. World Market is a good place to stroll thorough for white elephant gifts.
Good idea!