Dirty Santa Gift Ideas That Win Every Steal Round

If your swap skews cozy, Barefoot Dreams’ CozyChic Heathered socks bring instant “ahh” factor — in our testing they felt incredibly plush, warm, and perfect for lounging or bedtime. They’re machine-washable when you follow the brand’s care tips, making them easy to keep in rotation through winter. Fit can run a bit loose on some feet due to one-size styles, and durability feedback is mixed over months of wear. They do cost more than generic fuzzy socks, but the comfort upgrade is noticeable.

This little Revlon roller is a perfect purse or glove-box add-on gift; in our testing it zapped T‑zone shine fast and left a clean, matte finish without blotting papers. It’s reusable and washable, which our experience shows saves money and waste if you deep-clean the porous stone regularly. Coverage is small, though, so expect a few passes for the full face, and it can nudge heavy makeup or leave faint lines. Still, for quick touch-ups on the go, it’s a win.

This Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm multi-pack is the crowd-safe pick that actually gets used after the party. In our testing, the beeswax-and-vitamin E formula soothed dry lips quickly and the value price makes it easy to stash extras in bags and desk drawers. Just know the classic minty flavor isn’t everyone’s favorite and it may need frequent reapplication. The small tubes empty quicker than premium balms, but as a practical, natural-leaning stocking stuffer, it’s tough to beat.

Avocado toast addicts will appreciate the OXO Good Grips 3‑in‑1 Slicer as a tidy, affordable upgrade at $11.99. In our testing, the pitting tool popped cores out cleanly and the non‑slip handle kept fingers safe when splitting fruit. Note that the plastic slicing edge can mash very ripe avocados and may lose stiffness with long‑term use, and those small crevices can be fussy to clean. Still, for weeknight guac, it’s faster and safer than juggling a knife and spoon.

Smart-home convenience for under ten bucks? The TP‑Link Kasa EP10 delivers, with an ultra‑small body that leaves the other outlet free and easy voice control via Alexa, Google Assistant, or SmartThings. In our testing, it was a fast way to add schedules and remote control to lamps, though it only connects on 2.4 GHz Wi‑Fi. We’ve seen occasional setup or firmware hiccups in the Kasa app and reports of relay failures over time, but as a starter smart plug, it’s hard to beat.

Know a drive-thru devotee? The Saucemoto Dip Clip snaps onto most car vents and, in our testing, kept ketchup and nugget sauces steady with far fewer mid-commute spills. It includes a removable ramekin for those odd-shaped packets, and its compact, under-$20 price makes it an easy, giftable crowd-pleaser. Just note it won’t suit every vent style or sauce cup equally well, and with lots of knockoffs around, we recommend buying the genuine product to avoid fit and stability letdowns.

This miniature Wacky Waving Inflatable Tube Guy is a hilarious low-cost gag that gets instant laughs at a Dirty Santa exchange. In our testing the motor struggled on batteries and the airflow wasn’t always strong enough for a satisfying wiggle, but it perked up with an AC adapter. Build quality varies, so treat it as a short-term desk toy rather than a forever collectible. Still, for under $15, the silly factor and recognizable design make it a steal-worthy gift.

DIY tinkerers will fight to steal Sugru because it fixes the odd jobs other glues can’t. During our review, this moldable silicone putty bonded confidently to metal, plastic, glass, wood, and ceramics, and the 30-minute work time let us shape hooks, bumpers, and cable repairs before it set. Be aware the small packets can be wasteful for tiny fixes and the product has a real shelf life—expired packs may not cure. It’s pricier per gram, so save it for targeted repairs.

If your crew lives on big shakes and venti iced coffees, these Raindrops Stainless Steel Smoothie Straws are a clever $5.24 add-on that keeps the swaps lively. We found the 21-inch length perfect for tall tumblers, and the stainless steel build feels sturdy enough for daily use and travel. Just know metal can feel cold on the lips with frosty drinks, and the extra length is awkward in short glasses. Also, unless a brush is included, interior cleaning takes more effort.

Warm and cozy in minutes, the Intelex Warmies Plush Neck Wrap is a steal-worthy self-care gift at $29.99. During our review, the microwavable fill delivered soothing heat right where tight shoulders need it, and the French lavender scent added a calming touch, while the wearable shape sits comfortably around the neck. Our experience shows some wraps feel short on broader frames, and the aroma can fade or turn a bit off over time; seams can also protest repeated heating. For quick comfort between meetings or movies, it’s delightfully low-effort.

When the temperature drops, the Carhartt Knit Cuffed Beanie is the dependable pick that always gets stolen twice. Our experience shows the thick 100% acrylic rib knit delivers real warmth and holds up to rough wear, and the color range makes it easy to match anyone’s style at $19.99. Fit can vary a bit—some find it too snug or roomy—and shades may differ from photos. Since acrylic breathes less than wool, it’s best for cold, not sweaty, commutes.

Upgrade the cocktail station with Tovolo’s Sphere Ice Molds, a set of two that turns any drink into a slow-sipper for $9.99. We found the flexible silicone releases cleanly, while the tight-fitting lids and stackable design help tame messy freezers. Expect a little trial-and-error: spheres can freeze cloudy or cracked without directional freezing, and the molds don’t stack perfectly in cramped spaces. Some rigid plastic parts can fatigue over time, but when they work, the 2.5-inch spheres dramatically cut dilution.

For the coffee commuter who actually needs leak protection, the Contigo West Loop 2.0 impressed us: the AUTOSEAL lid stayed drip‑free in bags and the insulated body kept drinks hot for hours. It fits most cup holders and the screw‑on lid feels secure, making it great for daily drives and office runs. Downsides? The lock and button can feel stiff for one‑handed use, and the lid’s nooks require diligent cleaning to prevent residue; some users report wear that reduces sealing over time.

Exploding Kittens is the kind of fast, funny chaos that makes a gift exchange memorable; in our testing most rounds wrapped in 15 minutes and the Oatmeal artwork got laughs immediately. It scales nicely for parties, and you can combine decks to accommodate a bigger group. Just know there’s player elimination, so unlucky folks might sit out for a bit, and the luck-heavy gameplay isn’t for deep strategists. If replay value is a priority, consider adding an expansion after a while.

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza brings instant energy to any swap; during our review, everyone learned the rules in minutes and we were laughing and slapping cards within the first round. Games are short and highly replayable, making it easy to rotate players or squeeze in between gift steals. Do clear drinks from the table — the slap-based play can lead to accidental smacks or sore hands — and it’s not ideal for very young kids. For rowdy groups, it’s gold.

Codenames is a steal for party night, and during our review we loved how quickly new players jump in thanks to the simple rules and randomized word grids. It’s endlessly replayable and packs small enough to toss in a bag for the office swap or family gathering. We found it shines with four or more; very small groups lose some of the tense clue-giving fun, and occasional downtime for spymasters can creep in. Some cards can be hard to read across the table, too.

Cheap, compact, and riotously easy to learn, George & Co.’s LCR is a Dirty Santa crowd‑pleaser for just $6.99. In our testing, the pocketable metal tin slipped easily into a coat and the no‑setup rules had everyone rolling within seconds—ideal for office parties or family swaps. Do note the gameplay is almost pure luck and the small dice and chips can be choking hazards and easy to misplace. As a quick icebreaker that travels anywhere, though, it consistently sparks steals and laughs.

This tiny Dash Mini Maker is the definition of delightful stocking stuffer: in our testing it heated fast, turned out a crisp single waffle, and wiped clean thanks to the nonstick plates. The compact size is perfect for dorms, small kitchens, or late-night treat runs during the holidays. That said, it only makes one small waffle at a time and the short handle sits close to hot surfaces, so care is needed. We’ve also seen occasional DOA reports, so buy from a retailer with easy returns.