Holiday Gift Guide: Secret Santa

Secret Santa is a fun tradition, as long as you're a willing participant. Whether you've signed up of your own free will or are a grudging member of an office gift exchange, you want to give gifts that people will appreciate.

Choosing the perfect gift depends on your "Santee," your budget and the rules of your particular exchange. Start by asking yourself some questions.

Are you doing a single big gift? Or a series of small gifts? You need to budget accordingly.

Can you hand deliver your gifts? Or do you need to figure the cost of postage into your plans?

Do you want to give a gift that's practical? Funny? Or one that shows you know the giftee better than expected?

Once you have those questions answered, you're ready to start shopping. If the secret Santa exchange is happening at work, your best bet is probably a gift, or series of gifts, that can be used at the office or reference a work-related activity or joke. Do you and your co-workers constantly quote a movie? Pick up a copy and wrap it up. Are nametags required? Have one printed in a fancy font that will fit in your badge. Or go for the more traditional office supplies and choose fancy pens, a desk calendar or a carrying case for business cards.

If your secret Santa is a family member, you probably have a little more leeway. Buy the expensive or exotic version of a favorite candy, splurge on a fancy spice for the foodie who likes to cook, give a gift card to a favorite coffee shop tucked inside a travel mug or a new book, or replace some threadbare socks with a brand-new pair of tights.

If your secret Santa recipient isn't someone you know well, you can still give a great gift with a minimum of sleuthing. Does he enjoy wine? Give a wine accessory to make the next bottle even better. Is she a reader? A magazine subscription is a gift that keeps giving all year. Small but useful pampering products are also sure to be appreciated; just make sure there are no allergies to worry about, and pick up some lip balm, lotion or even nail lacquer.

So, what's your secret to a successful secret Santa exchange? Have you found a no-fail gift? Or received something truly terrible?

Posted by Jessica Gezon