Office parties and friend groups use two different gift exchanges, and they reward different gifts. A Secret Santa present is chosen for one specific person, so it should feel at least a little personal. A White Elephant present is chosen for nobody in particular and then fought over, so it needs instant, broad appeal and ideally a laugh.
Most gifts that disappoint at a $20 exchange were bought for the wrong game: a gag gift handed privately to a quiet colleague, or a careful personal choice stolen from the swap pile by someone it does not suit. So the ideas below are split by game.
How we chose
Every item here is a type of product that is commonly sold in a decent version for under $20 at its regular price, not only during a sale. We favored things that get used or eaten over things that sit on a shelf, and we left out anything that depends on clothing size, strong personal taste or alcohol, since workplace groups often include people who do not drink. More on how we choose gifts.
Price guide: every pick is $, which on this site means under $25, and each was chosen because good versions usually sell for under $20. Prices change through the season, so confirm the total at checkout.
Secret Santa gifts under $20 for one person you know a little
A USB mug warmer
What to check: Automatic shutoff, and a note that it works only with flat-bottomed mugs.
Check price on AmazonA mulberry silk sleep mask
What to check: Mulberry silk on both sides, not only the front, and a wide, soft strap that does not pull hair.
Check price on AmazonA hardcover dot grid notebook
What to check: Paper of 100 gsm or heavier, so pen ink does not show through, and a binding that lies flat.
Check price on AmazonAn adjustable aluminum phone stand
What to check: An adjustable angle, a lip deep enough for a phone in a case, and rubber pads underneath.
Check price on AmazonA gourmet hot cocoa sampler
What to check: Individually sealed packets, an allergen statement on the box and a best-by date well past the holidays.
Check price on AmazonA foldable ripstop nylon tote
What to check: A tote that folds into its own pocket, and a weight capacity listed by the maker.
Check price on AmazonA candle in a travel tin
What to check: Soy or coconut wax, a cotton wick and a lid, so the tin travels without scratches.
Check price on AmazonWhite Elephant gifts under $20 that people steal
A 4-inch mini waffle maker
What to check: Nonstick plates, an indicator light that shows when it is ready and a cord short enough to store easily.
Check price on AmazonA sunset projection lamp
What to check: USB power, a head that rotates to aim the glow, and several color options if the listing offers them.
Check price on AmazonA fast party card game
What to check: A player count of six or more, rounds under 20 minutes and content that fits the group, since some party games are adults only.
Check price on AmazonA desktop basketball game
What to check: A sturdy base, a spring launcher or flick mechanism and more than one ball, because small balls go missing.
Check price on AmazonA giant gummy bear
What to check: Factory sealing, a best-by date and the ingredient list, since most gummies contain gelatin.
Check price on AmazonA popcorn seasoning variety set
What to check: At least four flavors with shaker tops, and allergen information on each jar.
Check price on AmazonSecret Santa vs White Elephant: how they differ
In Secret Santa, everyone draws a name, buys a gift for that one person and usually keeps their identity hidden until the reveal. The gift should suit the recipient, so a little research pays off: ask a colleague, look at their desk, notice what they drink.
In White Elephant, also called Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa, everyone brings one wrapped gift to a shared pile. Players take turns either opening a new gift or stealing one already opened, so the gift you bring can end up with anyone. That rewards things with broad appeal, a bit of humor, or both.
- Works for Secret Santa: practical, slightly personal items such as a mug warmer, a silk sleep mask or a good notebook.
- Works for White Elephant: crowd-pleasers and harmless jokes such as a mini waffle maker, a sunset lamp or a giant gummy bear.
How to choose a gift under $20
- Know which game you are playing. Personal suits Secret Santa. Universal and fun suits White Elephant.
- Prefer useful or edible. At this price, a good small thing beats a poor big one.
- Keep it workplace-safe. Skip alcohol, anything about weight or appearance, and jokes that need context.
- Wrap it well. A neat wrap and a short note make a $15 gift feel like more.
For more ideas at this price, see our gifts for coworkers and teachers and Christmas gifts under $25.
Common questions
What is the difference between Secret Santa and White Elephant?
In Secret Santa, each person draws a name and buys a gift for that one person. In White Elephant, everyone brings a gift for a shared pile, and players take turns opening or stealing gifts, so the gift must appeal to anyone.
What is a good Secret Santa gift for a coworker you barely know?
Choose something practical that suits any desk, such as a USB mug warmer, a good notebook or a phone stand. A cocoa sampler is another safe choice, as long as you check the label for common allergens.
Is it okay to go over the Secret Santa price limit?
A dollar or two over is rarely noticed, but going well over makes other gifts look small and can embarrass the person who stuck to the rule. If you find something you love that costs more, save it for another occasion.
What makes a good White Elephant gift?
Broad appeal and a reaction when it is opened. Small kitchen gadgets, games and funny food gifts work well because nearly anyone would be happy to take them home, which is what makes people steal them.