Secret Santa Gift Ideas Under $10: Tiny Treats, Big Laughs

For a silly, sub-$5 gag, Grow a Boyfriend is guaranteed to get a laugh at the office exchange. During our review, expansion was inconsistent and took many hours, and some units left a slimy residue or crumbled after swelling - set expectations accordingly. We found it's best as a joke reveal: drop in water, include a snarky note, and enjoy the reactions. Not a keepsake, but for two bucks, it's comic relief that fits any stocking.

$1.99

at Legacytoys

If your Secret Santa leans cheeky-but-useful, Poo-Pourri Original Citrus nails it - spritz before you go and it noticeably cuts bathroom odors. In our testing, the compact bottle traveled well and left a fresh, lemony scent, though sensitive noses may find the citrus a bit strong. Our experience shows occasional packaging or pump hiccups, and the small size can feel pricey. Still, for office restrooms or shared spaces, it's a tiny peacekeeper that gets laughs and results.

$5.95

at Rafanatural

Go classic with a Whoopee Cushion that delivers dependable giggles for just five bucks. During our review, the natural rubber latex gave that familiar squeaky authenticity, but we also saw plenty of reports of rips, pops, or pinholes after a few uses. Some units even arrive pre-deflated, so consider inspecting or buying a backup if the prank is mission-critical. Also note the latex material can trigger allergies - check your recipient before turning the holiday party into sneeze city.

$5.00

at Chathamoutfittersnc

If your exchange leans toward gag gifts, the Archie McPhee Emergency Underpants Dispenser is reliably hilarious at $8.95 and small enough to slip into any stocking. In our testing, the laughs landed immediately, but the underwear themselves run very small, feel thin, and aren’t practical for real emergencies—treat it as a novelty prop. We found the compact package and joke value do the heavy lifting here, making it a memorable white elephant under $10.

$8.95

at Mcphee

Gummy lovers will recognize Haribo’s classic fruity flavors instantly, and the 5 oz bag (about $3.13 on Snackz) tucks neatly into stockings or gift bags. During our review, we found freshness matters—some buyers report hard or stale pieces—so check dates and give the bag a squeeze. Our experience shows the portion can feel small for the price at certain retailers, and ingredient differences between regional batches may bug sensitive eaters, but the familiar chew makes an easy crowd-pleaser.

$3.13

at Snackzapp

It’s hard to beat a classic sticky note for quick reminders, and the Post-it Original in Canary Yellow stands out clearly at a glance for $4.89. In our testing, the standard 3 x 3 pad (100 sheets) stuck securely to paper and monitors and removed cleanly, but it’s not as tacky as the Super Sticky variant on textured walls. We found the opaque sheet can cover text underneath and single-pad pricing is higher than multipacks for heavy users.

$4.89

at Staples

For the friend who loves a good pen, the retractable Pilot G2 writes smooth and dark - our testing showed fluid lines and an ultra-comfortable grip for everyday notes. Ink longevity is a plus, often outlasting typical gel competitors, though occasional skipping or sudden stops do happen. We've also seen rare leaks and blotting, so store tip-up in bags and keep a scrap sheet handy. Per-pen price runs higher than basic ballpoints, but for lists, journaling, and signatures, it feels worth it.

$3.99

at Staples

For wrapping and quick fixes, Scotch Magic Tape is a reliable standby at around $3.24, with a matte finish that nearly vanishes on paper. During our review, the included dispenser made one-handed tearing easy and the adhesive held well for packages and repairs, though we occasionally experienced tape splitting. Our experience shows branded rolls can cost a bit more than generics, and some batches feel thinner, but for neat gift wrap that blends in, this is hard to beat.

$3.24

at Walmart

If you’re gifting for maximum coziness per dollar, this Hanes 6-pack delivers soft, comfy socks for under seven bucks. We found the colors and patterns easy to mix with loungewear, and six pairs make it feel more substantial than most Secret Santa picks. The trade-offs: fabric runs thin and can wear through, heels may develop holes after repeated washes, and the fit tends to run large. Best for weekend lounging or slipper socks rather than heavy daily use.

$6.98

at Hanes

For a warm-and-fuzzy mini gift, Swiss Miss Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa Mix hits the Secret Santa sweet spot at $3.29, and the single-serve packets are perfect to split among coworkers. In our testing, it tastes noticeably creamier with milk than water, though the chocolate flavor is milder than homemade or premium mixes. We found the sugar content on the high side and it does include hydrogenated coconut oil, so it’s best for recipients who want nostalgic comfort over clean-ingredient bragging rights.

$3.29

at Walgreens

Cold office, tailgate, or commute? HotHands are a crowd-pleasing under-$10 add-on that, in our testing, delivered several hours of steady warmth once activated. The packets are small and light enough to tuck into gloves or pockets, though they take a few minutes to ramp up. Our experience shows an occasional dud that never heats, so a 10-pack helps hedge bets. Keep in mind they're single-use, creating disposable waste - great for one-off outings, less ideal for everyday reliance.

$7.98

at Lowes

TableTopics To Go: What Do You Think is a pocket-friendly conversation spark we loved during our review, slipping easily into a purse or backpack for holiday travels. The 40 cards are tailored to kids and families, prompting playful, opinion-based debates that get even shy talkers chiming in. We found it perfect for restaurant waits, car rides, and stocking stuffers under ten bucks. Just note the deck can run its course on longer trips, so consider rotating with another set for variety.

$9.00

at Tabletopics

When you want budget-friendly bling for cards, labels, or gift wrap, the Sharpie Silver Metallic Fine Point two-pack delivers opaque ink that pops on dark surfaces for about $3.48. During our review, the quick-drying, water-resistant formula wrote cleanly once primed, but we did need to scribble to start the flow and storing tip-down helped. Our experience shows occasional units arrive dried out or fade faster, so grab a backup pack if you need guaranteed longevity.

$3.48

at Walmart

Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm is a safe crowd-pleaser under $10, with a minty tingle that many of us love in winter. During our review, the beeswax and natural oils felt nourishing without a sticky finish, and it’s easy to snag at most stores. Do note recent cap changes can be thin and crack, and a subset of users report the newer formula feels drying or irritating—soybean oil is a sticking point for some. As a stocking stuffer, it’s reliably handy.

$7.69

at Target

A tiny tin that punches above its price, NIVEA Creme delivers deep, long-lasting moisture for hands, elbows, and winterized faces for around $0.75. In our testing, the texture is thick and can feel greasy until it fully absorbs, so we like it as a night treatment or spot fix rather than a daytime layer. It is fragranced and packaging can vary by seller, so sensitive skin folks should patch test and double-check the listing to avoid confusion.

$0.75

at Continentalphoto

For the eco-minded cook, the Scotch-Brite Greener Clean Non-Scratch Sponge balances gentle scrubbing with plant-based or recycled fibers at just $3.99. In our testing, it held suds well and was safe on nonstick pans and knives, but the scrub layer can break down or feel sticky over time. We found some sponges develop a funky smell quickly and the material is a bit too soft for heavy-duty scouring, so rotate often and let it dry between uses.

$3.99

at Acefamilyhardware