Why is it that, sometimes, Secret Santa feels like a trap? Not in a Panic Room way, even though last-minute gift shopping sure makes our brains spin out, but because we often fall prey to the self-inflicted pressure of finding the perfect present for a friend, co-worker, or family member that says, “I know you better than the rest, because I am better than the rest.”
The best Secret Santa gifts also have to feel lowkey-cool. There’s nothing more awkward than the moment everyone in the friend group reveals their giftees—and corresponding rad presents for under $20—whilst you unveil that Swavorski crystal-studded ice sculpture swan for an office rando (or an iPod), which totally blew past the previously agreed-upon budget. In the words of Lana Del Rey, “the silence is deafening.”
Luckily, we’re here to help you find a Secret Santa gift that hits—nay, absolutely body-slams—the perfect note between thoughtful, classy, and just-deranged-enough—and they're all under $50.
They’re a meme lord
How this cursed Sanic Hegehog meme mug slipped past The Eye of Bezos is a mystery, but we must protect it at all costs. Also, don’t be surprised if a version of this shows up on Bodega soon for $49.99. Get it while it’s underground, buddy.
An invigorating candle
Mint is the master herb of making us feel awake, refreshed, and ready to attract money (depending on which witches you ask). This candle even comes with its own mint seeds in the mix, and has grounding notes of cedarwood.
The streetwear buddy
Don’t know what size they are? Buy them a baseball cap. Everyone could use one that has “Daddy” printed on the front, whether your giftee is a new father, a cheeky Insta-fluencer, or just wants to blend in during the annual Bushwick Tractor Pull Jamboree, Sponsored by Willie Nelson. (Not a thing; we wish.)
They’re obsessed with food
Well, everyone needs a personality trait. The best gifts for food-lovers are easy—just find out what they like to eat (or what they pretend to like to eat) and hook it up. If you’re not sure about their culinary preferences, we recommend Fly By Jing’s crowd-pleasing Sichuan chili crisp, which we should warn is addictive.
They’re a self-proclaimed ‘mixologist’
Not to brag, but they’ve gotten into three (3) physical altercations with bartenders who’ve tried to serve them margaritas made with sour mix. The next step in their cocktail journey? Growing their own herbs for syrups and garnishes with this nifty little cocktail herb garden kit.
Or, if they’ve been feeling a little uninspired lately, or they’re just looking to broaden their drink-making know-how, they’ll want to lick the pages of this one. The Japanese Art of the Cocktail is one of the best 2021 food and beverage cookbooks, because it walks the reader through the hallmarks of Japanese cocktail-making methods, from an unscrupulous commitment to great ingredients, to the importance of creativity and presentation—without ever feeling pretentious.
They live in Connecticut and smoke weed
Nothing like pulling out a little CBD quince gummy by Martha Stewart herself from their Sperrys. Now all they need to do is learn how to do that sick rope hitch thing.
They’re a ‘cyclist’ now
Or, at least until they get their SR-22. Regardless of the reason that they’re riding on two wheels these days, support your friends and their healthy hobby by gifting them this wallet made from a reclaimed bike tube (the inflatable ring that sits inside of most bike tires).
They’re a morning person
Even though we’ll be hitting snooze for another hour, we respect those who rise with the sun and attack the day. To help fuel their carpe diem attitude, why not gift them a dope electric gooseneck kettle? It’s perfect for making coffee, tea, or a litany of other great coffee alternatives. (Or, they can always use it to make instant ramen.)
Cold-blooded slippers
These fuzzy slippers aren’t just aesthetically pleasing—they have built-in temperature control. When it’s cold, you can heat the removable insoles up in the microwave to keep your toes toasty and enhance the built-in lavender scent. In the warmer months, you can cool them down in the fridge and treat your feet to a refreshingly chilled sole. The future is nigh.
They have ears
And those things get chilly! Make sure your giftee is correctly bundled up this winter by bestowing upon them a sweet pair of earmuffs. You can go in pretty much any direction you want here: the OGs, a reversible ear band from The North Face, or a fun set of (b)ear-muffs.
They’re a fiend…
…For sweets! A DIY chocolate truffle kit is the perfect gift for the sweet-lover on your list—just melt the French dark chocolate morsels, and add any of the included coconut flakes, peppermint, vanilla, Himalayan sea salt. Mmm.
They’ve been very naughty this year
And now Krampus has to give them a sexy spanking. (We don’t make the rules!)
This is their beer commercial now
Fall in love all over again when you watch them open your brewski with this silver, sparkling claw. “[It has a ] very solid feel,” writes one reviewer, “handles well, [and] is great to have for oyster roasts, low country boils, or just popping a cold one.”
They’re either a construction worker or a graphic designer
And we love them either way! Carhartt is for the people, people, and the people cry out for a way to keep their lunches cold when they’re on the job or heading to the local art swap.
Enjoy your Secret Santas! (We hope you get your crush.)
The Rec Room staff independently selected all of the stuff featured in this story.