Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to find the best Secret Santa gifts under $50 in Canada is a mix of thoughtfulness, a bit of research, and a dash of creativity. Whether you’re gifting a coworker, a friend, or that one cousin you only see at family reunions, the joy of Secret Santa is about making someone feel seen—even if you didn’t know them all that well before. So, I made a list of the most fool-proof Secret Santa gifts for women, men, and coworkers in 2024. There is something for every taste, from coffee mugs to tech gadgets.
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The Best Secret Santa Gifts in Canada, at a Glance
- Best Secret Santa gifts under $50: Fable Bud Vase
- Best Secret Santa gifts under $20: Airbud Cleaning Kit
- Best Secret Santa gifts under $10: To-do-List Planner
- Best Secret Santa gifts for women: Silk Pillowcase Set
- Best Secret Santa gifts for men: Wireless Charging Stand
- Best Secret Santa gifts for coworkers: Yeti 10oz Stackable Mug
The holidays are coming, and with them, one of my absolute favourite traditions: Secret Santa!
Let me just start by saying, I’m a self-proclaimed Secret Santa connoisseur. I’ve been doing this festive gift exchange for years—I’m talking office parties, family gatherings, friends’ get-togethers, and even a few online versions. At one point, I was in three Secret Santa groups at the same time—yep, that’s how much I love it! With all that experience under my belt, I’ve learned a thing or two about how to ace this gift-giving tradition.
There’s something magical about the mystery of it all. Drawing names, keeping secrets, and, of course, the joy (and sometimes confusion) of picking the perfect Secret Santa gifts under $50 in Canada for someone you may not know all that well.
It’s a fun, low-stress way to bring people together, whether it’s at work, with friends, or in a big family. There’s no pressure to break the bank, and often, the smaller budget ($50, $20, and $10 in this case) makes you think a little more creatively about what you’re giving.
The rules? They’re simple but worth mentioning. Everyone draws a name randomly (no peeking!). You keep your chosen person a secret, hence the “secret” part, and then you gift them something within the agreed-upon budget. Sometimes, there’s even a theme, like “cozy” or “homemade.”
So how do I always manage to find a gift that my Secret Santa recipient will actually like? Here are my tried-and-true tips to help you level up your Secret Santa game.
How to Choose the Perfect Canadian Secret Santa Gifts for Women and Men
1. Do a Little Social Media Sleuthing
If you are looking for the best Secret Santa gifts for coworkers under $50 in Canada, this one is for you. No shame in a quick scroll through their Instagram or Facebook feed! It’s not snooping if it’s public, right? Whether they’ve posted about their favorite hobbies, shared pictures of their pets, or tagged a café they love, you can gather some subtle clues about their interests. If they’re constantly posting photos of their home office setup, a sleek desk accessory could be just the thing.
2. Get Sneaky with Questions
Sometimes, the best way to find the perfect gift is to casually get the info you need. If you’re in the same group chat or work environment, you can subtly ask things like, “Hey, what’s your go-to coffee order?” or “Do you have any holiday plans this year?” without raising suspicion. These little nuggets of info can lead you to the right gift without outright asking for their wish list.
If you’re lucky, they might even mention a hobby or something they’ve been meaning to try. “Oh, you’ve been wanting to get into gardening? Hmm, no reason, just curious…” Cue a plant starter kit!
3. Think Back to Past Conversations
Sometimes, the best clues come from conversations you’ve already had. Maybe they mentioned needing a new pair of gloves last winter, or they talked about wanting to read more books this year. If you’ve worked or hung out with them for a while, chances are you’ve got some gift-worthy info stored away in your memory. Digging into these past convos can help you find amazing Secret Santa gifts under $20, and $50 that feel super thoughtful—and best of all, they won’t even know you remembered.
4. Consider Their Workspace or Living Space
Another easy way to find gift inspiration is to think about their environment. Do they spend most of their time at a desk? Maybe a calming candle or reusable coffee cup would brighten their workday. Are they all about cozy vibes at home? A silk pillowcase or a set of floral tapered candles could be the perfect fit.
5. Play It Safe with Self-Care
When in doubt, self-care is always a good idea. Seriously, who doesn’t appreciate a little R&R during the chaotic holiday season? Think along the lines of a sustainably made skincare set, organic bath salts, or a handmade soap. These gifts are universally appreciated, and they’re a great way to pamper your giftee without needing to know their exact taste.
- For more inspiration, check out the 2024’s best wellness gifts for her.
6. Add a Personal Touch
Even if you’re shopping on a budget, adding a personal touch can take a gift from good to great. I love including a handwritten note or a cute tag that says something like, “Thought this would brighten your day!” or “For your next cozy night in!” It adds a little extra love and makes your gift feel that much more special, even if it’s something simple like a plant or a reusable tote bag.
20 Best Secret Santa Gifts Under $50 in Canada for Men & Women
1. Non-Toxic Candle
Price: $32 (discount code: GINGERDEBHOUSE will give you a % off your order)
For only $32, you can reclaim your status as the ultimate Secret Santa gift connoisseur with a heavenly-scented Soja & Co candle. This cozy candle, hand-poured in Quebec, will do just that. It brings the crisp autumn air right into your home with the dreamy scents of apples, oranges, and cinnamon, all wrapped up in a warm hug of spices. Made from 100% natural soy wax, it’s phthalate-free, vegan, and sits in a reusable amber glass jar—because we love a good upcycle moment!
2. Cocktail Ice Cube Tray
Price: $14.99
Chill out with these premium silicone ice cube trays that make the perfect Secret Santa gift for women and men who love their drinks ice cold (and their freezers organized). Made from BPA-free, food-grade silicone, these trays are both safe and sturdy, standing up to long-term use without cracking. The easy-release design means no more wrestling with stiff plastic trays—just a gentle push and your ice pops out like magic! Plus, the stackable, spill-proof lid keeps your freezer tidy and your ice-tasting fresh. P.S. 10,000 Amazon reviewers agree with me.
3. Cute Mug & Herbal Tea
Price: $25.99 for the mug and $5.99 for the tea
Looking for the best secret Santa gifts under $50 in Canada that are absolutely paws-itively adorable? This three-dimensional Shiba Inu high-quality, scratch-resistant ceramic mug is sure to be a hit! With a wood grain-textured handle and cute paw-topped lid, it’s perfect for cozying up with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa. Bonus point if you add the Clipper Organic Lemon and Ginger Herbal Tea to make it a set! Who doesn’t love the delicious infusion with zesty citrus and warm ginger flavors?
4. Lululemon Hat
Price: $38
Next up, we have one of the most universally loved Secret Santa gifts for men and women in 2024 – a Lululemon hat, duh! For the friend who’s always on the go, this lightweight cap is the perfect grab-and-go gift. Made from soft, breathable cotton twill, it’s designed to keep things cool and comfortable all year round. The interior mesh sweatband handles moisture, while the adjustable back closure gives a custom fit and tucks neatly away.
5. To-do-List Planner
Price: $8.49
Looking for the most useful Secret Santa gifts under $10 in Canada? Help your Secret Santa stay on top of their game with this undated daily planner, the perfect tool to tackle distractions and boost productivity. It has plenty of space and sections to prioritize tasks, this planner helps sort through daily chaos—whether it’s work, personal goals, or tomorrow’s big projects. It features 52 pages for over 7 weeks of habit-building, so it’s an ideal way to take control of time.
6. Sustainable Dish Towels
Price: $35
While it’s true that the non-toxic cookware brand Our Place is not the most affordable destination for small presents, these double dish towels will be the most unexpected Secret Santa gifts under $50 for sure. They feature a split waffle and flat weave on one side for quick-drying, and terry on the other for scrubbing. Bonus: the built-in elastic band makes one of them perfect as a lid cover for the Always Pan.
7. Conversation Cards
Price: $35
This is another great idea for Secret Santa gifts for women and men who love hosting dinner parties.”Let’s Get Deep”, a card game that serves up laughter and connection! Designed to flow through three delightful courses—Starters, Mains, and Desserts—this game kicks off the fun with quirky prompts that get everyone chatting. It’s the perfect present for the host who loves to entertain and bring people together around the table!
8. Yeti 10oz Stackable Mug
Price: $35
The best Secret Santa gifts for coworkers under $50 should be practical and versatile – just like this YETI mug! It’s made entirely from durable stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation to keep beverages at the perfect temperature no matter the weather. It features the innovative MagSlider Lid, which uses magnets to secure your drink while preventing spills. Plus, it’s available in 17 different colours!
9. 5 Minute Journal
Price: $19.99
Spread some positivity with the 5-Minute Gratitude Journal, the perfect Secret Santa gift under $50 in Canada for anyone looking to boost their happiness! This chic daily journal helps users start their day with gratitude and end it with thoughtful reflection, encouraging a positive mindset and greater confidence. With prompts for six months of daily entries, it features weekly challenges, highlights, inspirational quotes, and affirmations to keep the motivation flowing. And to top it all off, it’s made from recycled, sustainably sourced paper and wrapped in a natural linen cover.
- For more cute options, check out these Aesthetic Day Planners.
10. Wireless Charging Stand
Price: $45.99
I found one of the most practical Canadian secret Santa gifts for her and him who is always on the move. The Upgraded 5-in-1 Wireless Charger is designed for all your Apple devices—from iPhones and iPads to Apple Watches and AirPods. It lets you power up to 5 devices at once in just 2-3 hours, making it faster than your standard charger. Plus, its compact design features organized partitions and additional USB and Type-C ports, perfect for keeping your workspace tidy and efficient.
11. Airbud Cleaning Kit
Price: $10.99
If you are on the hunt for useful Secret Santa gifts under $20 in Canada for a friend who constantly listens to music or their favourite podcasts, here is a great idea. The Aijeff Multi-Function Cleaning Kit features a flocking sponge, a soft brush, and a metal pen tip, making it super easy to tackle dust and stubborn dirt on your headphones and other devices. Its simple design allows you to switch cleaning tools effortlessly with just a gentle push of a button. Not just for headphones, this handy pen can also clean keyboards, phones, and cameras!
12. Fable Bud Vase
Price: $50 (discount code: GINGERDEBHOUSE will give you a % off your order)
This beautifully textured vase is perfect for showcasing single stems or small bouquets. Fable’s artisan-crafted stoneware is organically shaped and hand-finished in Portugal, meaning that each piece is unique! A lovely gift for anyone who appreciates artful home accents!
13. Pastel Tapered Candles
Price: From $38
Etsy has some of the most unique secret Santa gifts for her in Canada! These stunning pastel tapered candles would be a beautiful accent to any table. They are also unscented candles and burn beautifully for up to 9 hours. Plus, they’re dripless and smokeless. These would be a perfect secret santa gift for your friend who loves to host dinner parties.
14. A Vibey Puzzle
Price: $20.99
This Wonder & Bloom 500-piece jigsaw puzzle was love at first sight! It depicts a serene and vibrant illustration of a plant store that not only entertains but also adds a touch of art to any space. A delightful gift for puzzle lovers and plant enthusiasts!
15. Silk Pillowcase Set
Price: $29.99
This luxurious pillowcase set is made from high-quality mulberry silk rich in 18 amino acids. These amino acids help stimulate skin cell metabolism to help the skin retain balanced moisture and form a protective layer, which minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, silk is touted for reducing friction by 45%, protecting your hair from tangles while giving it a natural, healthy glow. Trust me, your giftee will absolutely love them!
16. Jewelry Organizer
Price: $16.98
Here’s a super useful and aesthetic gift idea for women who have an extensive jewelry collection. This rotating Jewelry organizer has four layers of classified storage to hold rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, watches, and hair accessories. They can display it on their dresser or throw it in their luggage when it’s time for a quiet getaway.
17. Cocktail Kit
Price: $39.99
Out of all the destined-to-be-loved Secret Santa gifts for under $50 in Canada, this one is the most fun (and delicious) option for those who love creating new flavours. This comprehensive 15-piece set includes all the tools you need to craft delicious cocktails, beautifully displayed in a sleek dark wood stand. The set comes with the included 16-recipe cocktail book, you’ll have everything you need to impress your friends and family.
18. Food Bags
Price: $32.82
If your recipient shares the same dedication to non-toxic living as you, this Stasher set will surely make their day. The bundle includes two clear silicone bags made from platinum food-grade silicone with a leak-free Pinch-Loc seal. Not only are these bags free from harmful chemicals like lead, latex, phthalates, BPA, and BPS, but each one also replaces up to 260 single-use plastic bags per year. Your giftee can throw them in the dishwasher, microwave, and oven (up to 425°F).
19. Coasters
Price: $37.99
This gorgeous set of 100% natural travertine marble stone coasters comes with a chic gold metal holder that seamlessly fits into every living room decor. The coasters can accommodate most coffee cups, tea cups, wine glasses, mugs, and drinking glasses. So, your giftee will have an excuse to use them every single day!
20. Restful Sleep Roll-on
Price: $33
Last, but not least, we have one of my favorite self-care Secret Santa gifts under $50 in Canada. This Sleep Well roll-on is packed with a potent blend that combines the calming effects of Roman chamomile, the relaxing aroma of lavender, and the restful properties of valerian. So, it’s basically a natural, plant-based alternative to conventional sleep aids!
These were the best secreat Santa gifts under $50 in Canada
There you have it, my fool-proof list of the best Secret Santa gifts under $50 in Canada. At the end of the day, Secret Santa isn’t just about what you give — it’s about the thought and care behind it. With a budget of $50, you have plenty of room to get creative, support local businesses, and focus on sustainability.
Whether it’s a practical, personalized gift or an unforgettable experience, your recipient will feel the love. And, in true holiday spirit, you’ll get the joy of giving without adding to the pile of stuff that often comes with the season.
So, grab that name out of the hat and start brainstorming! You’ve got this — and your Secret Santa gifts for women and men are bound to be the talk of the Secret Santa exchange (in the best way).
