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It's hard enough to find the perfect gift for the best friends (and parents, and sisters, and cousins) you literally see every single day, but shopping for that random classmate that you sit behind in algebra and have never even spoken to? Even harder. Once you factor in the under-$50 Secret Santa game price cap, you'll be ready to reach for the classic Christmas people-pleaser — a gift card. While cash is great, your holiday giftee would definitely appreciate receiving one of these Secret Santa gift ideas even more as it shows you spent time thinking about what they love and want.
To solve the question of what you'll get your Secret Santa recipient, we've curated a list of gifts that are truly universally adored, guaranteed to be *actually* useful, and will arrive before the holiday festivities kick off. Think hot chocolate mugs, colorful Airpod cases, skincare sets, claw clip packs, novelty socks, and candy. You’ll also be giving your Secret Santa partner a gift that is easy to rewrap and regift to a loved one if they needed to — no hard feelings.
We’ve rounded up all the ~coolest~, most affordable mini gifts that your classmates, friends, and family will love — everyone from the super-artsy cousin you see once a year to the dude who plays the saxophone in band class. Trust and promise —there's a gift on this list for every person whose name you could possibly pick. Happy shopping, Santa!
This is the subtle way to make sure you don't have to suffer through your desk neighbor's BO anymore. Win-win!
What's better than hot cocoa in the cold weather? A chocolatey Balm Dotcom collab from Glossier and Swiss Miss that'll soothe chapped lips in a flash.
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Support your local VSCO girl this holiday season with earrings.
For $25 this Tarte makeup set is such a win. The bundle comes with the Tartelette Spark Amazonian Clay Palette, mini Maracuja Juicy lip balm, and a mini Tartelette tubing mascara!
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You matched with that bio partner who was really into your class experiment. Make up for the fact that you let them do 90% of the work with this multi-colored thermometer.
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These adorable spray hand sanitizers will have everyone saying, "OMG, could I have some hand sanitizer?!" before every single meal.
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The only thing you know about your Secret Santa giftee is that she comes in every day in full glam. This $5 brush cleaner is guaranteed to star in her morning routine.
These notebooks are so pretty that they're almost too pretty to write it — almost. They'll never forget anything, ever again.
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Abby Dupes
Abby is an editorial assistant at Seventeen, covering pop culture, beauty, life, and health. When she's not busy watching the latest true crime docuseries, you can find her strolling through Sephora, thrifting the perfect dress, or jogging with her pup.
Hannah Oh
Assistant Shopping Editor
Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train.
Alexandra Schneider
Alexandra covers pop culture, books, news, and fashion! You can find her listening to Taylor Swift, going on hot girl walks, reading a good book with a cup of tea, and searching for the best sushi in the city!