Secret Santa Gift Ideas Under $25: Universally Likable Picks

A reliable pen set is useful, and in our testing the Pilot G2 0.7 mm delivered smooth gel flow with crisp lines that make lists, notes, and signatures look tidy. We found the multi-pack price a great value for Secret Santa gifting, but quick writers and lefties should watch for smudging, and some pens can skip as the refill gets low. During our review in warm, humid conditions, a few tips oozed a bit, so keeping the cap on and storing upright helps preserve that G2 smoothness everyone loves.

Post‑it Notes in classic Canary Yellow are a crowd‑pleasing, under‑$12 desk staple that actually get used. During our review, the 4x6 lined pads were perfect for to‑do lists and meeting notes, and the adhesive sticks well on paper, folders, and monitors. Just know they cost more than generics and may struggle on textured or vertical surfaces. If buying online, double‑check pack sizes to avoid confusion—our experience shows listings can be inconsistent across retailers.

Crazy Aaron’s Super Scarab Thinking Putty is a mesmerizing desk toy under $15, with a chameleon color‑shift that looks different in every light. We found the firm, non‑greasy texture super satisfying to stretch, twist, and bounce, and the compact tin is easy to gift or stash. Do keep it away from fabric, carpet, and hair—it can stick—and some tins arrive hard to open. Over time, heavy use and skin oils can dull the sheen, so occasional hand‑washing helps.

For a calm moment at a busy desk, we found the Toysmith Deluxe Zen Garden charming - the rosewood-finish frame looks gift-ready and the set includes multiple rakes, a tiny broom, stones, and a meditation booklet. In our testing, its compact footprint fits most workspaces, though the shallow sand area can feel small for long raking sessions and any spill near electronics is messy. Because the decorative pieces are small, keep it away from young kids, but as an under-$25 mindfulness gift, it adds a pleasant, tactile break to the workday.

If you need a cozy crowd-pleaser, this TikTok-viral Bedsure striped flannel fleece blanket impressed us with an exceptionally soft handfeel and a wide range of colors and sizes to match any space. In our testing, it's on the thinner side, so think snuggly layer rather than heavy winter warmth, and expect light lint or shedding after the first couple washes. The easy machine-wash care makes it practical for everyday use, and at $21.99, it's a budget-friendly Secret Santa that looks polished without the bulky feel.

Looking to upgrade a desk or bedroom vibe? In our testing, the InnoGear 2nd Version Diffuser put out a visible, pleasant mist with adjustable settings, and the wood‑grain finish looks surprisingly nice for $19.99. We appreciate the auto‑off safety, but note that some users report units failing after a few weeks and condensation collecting under the lid—so routine cleaning is key. Also, expect scent strength to fade after the first minutes; you’ll mostly get gentle humidity unless you refresh oils.

A classic winter standby, the Carhartt A18 beanie kept us toasty during our review - the thick acrylic rib knit and fold-up cuff deliver ear-covering warmth with that recognizable logo look. Fit can vary by color or batch, and our experience shows some shades don't perfectly match online swatches; being 100% acrylic, it may pill sooner than wool or blends. Still, at frequent sale prices around $12.99, it's an easy, under-$25 Secret Santa that suits most wardrobes and commutes without stressing your budget.

Tea lovers will appreciate the value here: in our testing, Harney & Sons' Green Hot Cinnamon Spice sachets offered loose-leaf caliber convenience with a bold, aromatic cinnamon kick. Our experience shows the flavor skews strong and spicy - perfect for cinnamon fans but potentially overwhelming for casual green-tea drinkers, with a few tasters noting occasional artificial or slightly bitter edges. At $19.99 for 50, it's a budget-friendly Secret Santa that stocks an office tea drawer nicely, though freshness and intensity can vary a bit between batches.

For the coworker who’s coffee-curious, the Hario V60 Plastic Coffee Dripper from Radio Roasters delivers clean, café-style pour-overs without blowing the budget at $13. In our testing, the lightweight plastic made it perfect for the office or travel, and with proper technique it produces a bright, well-extracted cup. We did notice some users report a plastic/chemical odor at first—pre-rinsing the filter and dripper helps—and clear versions can show hairline cracks with temperature swings. The large drain hole brews fast, so mind your grind and filter fit.

Stojo’s Collapsible Travel Cup is a handy $15 gift for commuters who hate bulky bottles—fold it down and stash it in a pocket or tote. During our review, we liked the dishwasher- and microwave-safe silicone and the plentiful color and size options. It’s not fully leakproof if inverted or overfilled, and you’ll want to tighten the lid and seal carefully to avoid surprise drips. Our experience shows a thorough hand-wash and air-dry routine helps prevent residual dish-soap smells and mold.

For a sweet treat that feels thoughtful, we found Tony's Chocolonely Tiny Mix ideal for desks and break rooms - individually wrapped bites make sharing easy and the assorted flavors invite taste-testing fun. During our review, the brand's Fairtrade/B Corp sourcing stood out, though not every flavor will be a hit, and once opened the wrappers don't resemble the playful 'coins' some buyers expect. At $5.99, it's a wallet-friendly Secret Santa pick, but the small bag runs out fast - consider bundling with coffee or mugs for larger groups or heavy chocolate fans.

For a European-style snack break, we found Daelmans caramel wafers pair beautifully with hot coffee or tea - the chewy, toasted waffle and gooey caramel soften perfectly when rested over a warm mug. The gift-ready box looks polished for Secret Santa, though note they run quite sweet and a few buyers report variability in freshness or occasional delivery dings to the packaging. At $6.19, it's an easy add-on or stand-alone treat that feels special without straining the budget.

Logitech’s M185 is a no‑fuss $17.99 wireless mouse that just works for everyday office tasks. In our testing, the plug‑and‑play USB nano receiver connected instantly, the compact shell slipped easily into a laptop bag, and battery life can stretch up to a year on a single AA. It’s not Bluetooth, and the 1000‑DPI sensor isn’t tuned for precision gaming. A small number of users report occasional dropouts or early failures, so keep your receipt just in case.

Belkin’s Secure Holder with Key Ring is a simple, thoughtful $12.99 add-on for anyone using an AirTag on keys, bags, or luggage. In our testing, the hard-plastic shell felt sturdy and the included metal key ring made attachment effortless and durable. Some users find inserting the AirTag a bit trickier than expected, but once seated it stays put and protected. We like that it keeps a low profile while adding real security—without pushing the price beyond Secret Santa territory.

Power up someone's day with the Anker 511 - during our review it boosted a compatible iPhone to roughly 50% in about 25 minutes, and the charger itself is about AA-battery small. We love that it includes a USB-C to Lightning cable for immediate use, though our experience shows the fixed single port and 20-30W ceiling aren't suitable for laptops or multi-device charging. Some users report cable wear over time, so gentle handling helps, but as a compact, under-$25 fast-charge upgrade for iPhone owners, it's a slam-dunk Secret Santa.

The SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go is a clever $15.99 stocking stuffer that bridges phones, tablets, and laptops with both USB‑C and USB‑A connectors. During our review, we liked the pocketable size and keyring hole, and read speeds felt snappy for quick transfers. Be aware it can run hot under heavy use, and the plastic swivel housing isn’t the most confidence‑inspiring. Write speeds may throttle on very large copies, so it’s best for shuttling everyday files.

For a personalized Secret Santa under $5, the Baoqin Custom Logo/Text Stamp is hard to beat. In our testing, the ability to add a name, short phrase, or simple logo made it fun for mail, books, or classroom supplies, and multiple sizes help fit different uses. Note that fine details can get lost on very small stamps, and an ink pad may not be included. Handle quality varies, so manage expectations for a budget pick.

When you want laughs fast, Exploding Kittens delivers - during our review the rules took minutes to learn, and the offbeat art and writing kept the table engaged round after round. Gameplay leans heavily on luck and player elimination, which some groups dislike, and our experience shows card stock and printing can vary between printings or sellers. At $9.99, it's a wallet-friendly Secret Santa pick - just buy from authorized retailers to avoid counterfeits and maximize durability for repeated game nights.

Bring instant party energy with Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza—a $9.84 card game that’s easy to learn and laugh‑out‑loud fun. We found the quick rounds and simple rules make it great for mixed groups and office gatherings, and the compact deck travels well. Heads up: the slapping mechanic can leave hands sore after many rounds, and first‑timers may need a practice game to nail the timing. Very young kids may get frustrated with the reflex‑heavy play.