Gift Ideas for a Successful Secret Santa in the Office 🎁

“Ho, ho, ho! ” Here we are: the period when the office is transformed into a Santa Claus village.

And if you are here, it is probably because you are looking A Secret Santa Gift Idea for a Colleague (and that you're probably a bit on edge!)

Don't move, I've prepared a list of original ideas to make you happy for sure this year, while respecting the rules of the game 🎁

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Sit down comfortably under a blanket, have a hot drink, put All I Want for Christmas Is You by Mariah Carey In the end, we left.
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First of all, what is a Secret Santa? 🎄

Good question Jamy.

The Secret Santa is a Christmas tradition That comes to us straight from the States. It is also called “Canadian Christmas” among our friends in Quebec.

Some like it, others find it cheesy. In any case, it is there and you have to deal with it.

(A word of advice, if it brothers you, in 100% remote work there is less chance of this kind of existing practice, and therefore you can avoid this chore.)

That being said, the principle is relatively simple:

Each participant draws randomly the name of a colleague and must offer him a present.
(While keeping your fingers crossed that you don't bump into that person you can't fart yourself)

The objective? Warm up the atmosphere, add magic to the office, and finally have a good time at work!

For everything to go well, you have to be organized... and above all, have good ideas!

Follow the guide. 🤶🏼
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How do you organize a Secret Santa in the Office?

1. Set the rules 📝

It is possible that in addition to having to bring a small gift, you are also responsible for organizing this superb tradition. Lucky for you!
So for everything to go as smoothly as possible, clarify the following:

• What budget ? (We often talk about gifts under €20 or €10).
• A theme in particular? (Funny, useful, gourmet...).

2. Organize the Draw 🎲

You can:

• Pull Names by Hand, with small papers, old-fashioned, but quite effective.
• Use a site like Tirokdo For a digital draw guaranteeing perfect anonymity.

3. Plan a moment of exchange 🎉

Choose a day to exchange gifts in a Festive atmosphere.

Put on a Christmas playlist and why not a Little Game To Guess Who Offered What?

It can be done during a dedicated evening where you will each wear your most beautiful (ugly?) Christmas sweater.
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What gift ideas for a colleague? 🎁

Now let's get to the heart of the matter.

You now know who to give your present to. Except that this is the drama. You dry completely.

Luckily, Aunt Elsa is there to help you.

Here are some ideas to make your Secret Santa Without Breaking the Bank.

1. Original and funny gifts 🤪

Do you want to surprise and make people laugh? Here are a lot of original gift ideas:

• Microwave heated slippers, 19€95
  Perfect for those who are sensitive to the cold.
  A bargain. Practical gift
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• A unicorn mug that changes color, 19€95
  Always a success. It replaces the ugly and soulless cups with the company logo.
  In addition, if your colleague has a child, he will also be able to benefit from it.
  
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• An “office survival kit” (anti-stress, snacks, and coffee).
  A personalized gift that leaves the mystery hidden.
  Price: it all depends on what you put into it. Why not create it yourself? Get creative 😉
  
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• The board game Catan,
  A must.
  At Cardynale, we swear by that. Games are life anyway.
  AT 37€35. Well, it's an investment but frankly it's worth it.
  Available on Amazon.
  

• An ugly Christmas sweater to personalize, 49€95
  It is an unusual gift but also a unique gift.
  Certainly an investment but you will at least have the opportunity to annoy your colleague and make him uncomfortable.
  You can put his first name on it, or any other idea of your choice 😈
  Not bad to get a message across...
  
  

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2. Useful gifts 🖇️

If you prefer to focus on practicality, here are a few ideas:

• A bamboo desk organizer - 28€99.
  Eco-friendly and stylish Nice attention. And then it is a real useful gift for the moment, while making a decorative object.
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• An anti-hangover kit, 23€95
  Practical for the day after Christmas Eve...
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• A box of 4 mini warmers, €12.95
  Because your hands are always cold when you are on your desk.

• The candle that becomes a cherry blossom, €19.90
  Nice, for a woman who likes to be surprised by her gift for example.
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• A Cardynale PVC card, practical and original, at around €9.
  It makes it easy to share your contact details in a connected and stylish way.
  
  

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3. Gourmet gifts 🍫

Who doesn't love a gift that can be enjoyed?
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• A hemp tea and chocolate box, 34€95
  The ultimate anti-stress gift. Nature & Discoveries they make beautiful things out of it anyway.
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• ​A caramel tasting box, €35
  The advantage is that the recipient will be obliged to offer you some.
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• A trio of sweet insects box, 19€95
  An interesting selection for a fun experience. The best chance to see if it's edible is to test on others, right?
  
  
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What if I am on a tight budget? 💸

Well, we know each other. Sometimes you're just a bit on a tight budget. But that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice originality.
Here are a few ideas that fit any wallet:

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Gifts under €10 🎯

• A Johnny Hallyday bank card sticker, €5.00.
  It's cheaper than free. Some will say it's a gimmick or in bad taste.
  Personally I am a fan. Because we all have something Johnny in us. 
  Well, then you have to have a sense of humor.
  Personally I am a fan.

• A multi-function ninja card, 9€95
  This card is apparently used to do everything, it will serve as a screwdriver, bottle opener, letter opener, peeler and much more!
  The only thing she can't do is send coordinates, but you already know where to turn.

• A green cutlery kit, €790.
  Great for Sandrine from HR who brings back her lunch box every day. Made in France, we like it
  
  
  
  

• The book “100 ways to annoy colleagues”, €5.95.
  Effective and cheap. A fun gift just the way you like it.
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• A Cardynale PVC card, €90 EXCL. VAT
  An original and useful gift to share your contact details in the blink of an eye. It's great.
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• An aroma burner, €890
  For a fragrant atmosphere. With a bit of luck, it will be used in open space. You can add your favorite flavor to it.
  
  
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FAQ: everything you need to know about Secret Santa ❓

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How does a Secret Santa work?
​Each participant Shoot the name of a person to give a gift to Everything remains anonymous until the gifts are exchanged.

What should I do if I don't know the person who was drawn at random well?
Choose universal gifts such as a notebook, a mug or a box of chocolates. Everyone loves chocolates.

How do you make sure everyone is playing the game?
Communicate the rules well and remember that the objective is to create a festive atmosphere.
You can also use the threat, but that's up to you.

Conclusion

You see, not that difficult?
With these gift ideas, no need to panic when you hear the word” Secret Santa ”.
You are ready to please and have a good time. ✨

All you have to do is order and you can then brag to everyone that you have found this wonderful gift yourself.

And if you really want to stand out, why not choose a Cardynale PVC smart card ?
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Starting at €10, it is the ideal gift to combine originality and modernity.

It would be stupid to do without it.
Discover it quickly right here.

And as we know that you are not alone in lacking inspiration, feel free to share this article with your colleagues to help them too find The best Secret Santa gift 🥳

PS: this list can also work if you have a Secret Santa in your family... With good understanding!