Pick a Fun Theme That Everyone Can Enjoy
Themes add flair and keep everyone on the same festive page. Try these ideas:
“As Seen on TV or Temu” Gifts: The weirder, the better—hello, avocado slicers and magic lint rollers!
Ridiculously Useless Gadgets: Who wouldn’t love a banana-shaped pencil sharpener?
Ugly Holiday Accessories: Think over-the-top socks, bedazzled Santa hats, or reindeer antlers.
A theme guarantees laughs and makes shopping an adventure. Just make sure it’s not so niche that Bob from accounting shows up confused and empty-handed.
Set a Budget (and Stick to It)
Nobody wants to be “that person” who brings a diamond necklace to a mug-and-candy budget party. Set a range everyone can manage—something low enough to be stress-free but high enough to avoid the dreaded "pack of gum and a handshake" gift.
Turn Gift-Giving Into a Game
Skip the simple handoff and add some drama to the gift reveal!
The Great Swap: Once everyone picks a gift, roll a dice or draw cards to swap with others. Watching Steve reluctantly trade his fancy chocolates for a singing fish is priceless.
Riddles and Rhymes: Have givers write a riddle or poem about their gift before it’s opened. The cheesier the rhyme, the better!
Blind Grab Bag: Toss all the gifts in a bag and let the recipient pick blind. (Warning: May result in “Wait, who thought I’d want this?” moments.)
Embrace the Absurd
Secret Santa is the perfect time to let your gift-giving imagination run wild. Practical is great, but hilarious is better. Ideas include:
A shirt with your face on it (you’re welcome).
A mug that says “World’s Okayest Human.”
A framed photo of Leon Schuster. (It’s a classic, trust us.)
Sometimes the most memorable gifts are the ones nobody saw coming.
Personalize It (With a Twist)
Adding a personal touch shows thoughtfulness—but let’s keep it light-hearted. For example:
If your recipient loves coffee, get them a coffee-themed survival kit with instant java, a silly mug, and some caffeine-themed socks.
If they’re a dog lover, how about a pair of matching human-and-dog ugly sweaters?
Personalization doesn’t have to be fancy, but it’s always appreciated (especially if it comes with a good laugh).
Plan a Big Reveal Moment
This is where the magic happens! Build suspense by playing guessing games, like:
Guess Your Santa: Have everyone write one funny clue about themselves on a card. The recipient has to match the clue to the giver before opening the gift.
Who Bought THAT? Watch the room light up with laughter as everyone tries to guess who bought the “USB-Powered Pap Stirrer.” – like why?
Reveals are where all the giggles and happy chaos come to life!
Reward Creativity over Cost
Handmade gifts often win the most smiles (and sometimes the most laughs). Think:
A jar of “cookies in a mix” for the baking enthusiast.
A DIY “Adulting Survival Kit” with coffee, chocolate, and a stress ball.
A hand-knit scarf that’s... slightly lopsided but full of love.
The effort matters more than the price tag, so channel your inner Martha Stewart (with a side of stand-up comedy).
Decorate Like You Mean It
Set the stage for festive fun with decorations that scream “holiday cheer.” Fairy lights, a glittery table, and Santa hats for everyone will elevate the mood. Bonus points if you can include a photo booth with props like elf ears and reindeer noses!
Laugh It Off
The beauty of Secret Santa is that it’s impossible to go wrong—because the point isn’t the gift, it’s the fun. Did someone accidentally gift Karen a cat-shaped candleholder when she’s allergic to cats? Laugh it off!
Remember: the awkward moments and over-the-top gifts are often the best parts of the night.
End on a Sweet Note
Cap the evening with treats and thank-yous. Put out a dessert platter or hot chocolate station to keep the good vibes flowing. If you want extra laughs, hand out awards like “Best Gift,” “Most Ridiculous,” or “Most Likely to End up Re-Gifted.”
The secret to Secret Santa is embracing the chaos, sharing the laughter, and enjoying the people around you. So get creative, have fun, and remember: no one ever regrets a gift exchange where someone leaves with a glittery snow globe or a pair of Barney slippers. Happy gifting!
