What are you getting? Something you like or don’t – it’s time for the annual ‘Secret Santa’ in the office!
It’s that time of year again – the annual office ‘Secret Santa’! Some love it, others… not so much. The tradition of exchanging surprise gifts with a set budget can make finding something thoughtful a little tricky. To help you out, here are a few unique gift ideas that won’t fall into the cliché category (think: no more generic coffee mugs or picture frames!).
Gifts Under $20
Brownie Points
For the snack-loving, health-conscious coworker, try this Brownie Chips Bundle from local brand Amazing Graze. Freshly baked daily with all natural ingredients for the highest quality, imagine thin, crispy brownie wafers loaded with nutritious ingredients like chia seeds, and free from refined sugar, preservatives, and artificial additives. The bundle includes three flavours – Dark Chocolate, Nuts and Raisins, and Peppermint – and your colleague might just be tempted to share!
Price: $19.92
Available at: Amazing Graze
Gifts Under $30
For Goodness Sake
If your giftee enjoys sake, this elegant sake set from Table Manners will be perfect. The ceramic set includes a sake bottle, warmer, two cups, and a tray, creating the ideal setup for Japanese-themed date nights.
Plus, it’s lead and cadmium-free, and safe for the microwave, oven, and dishwasher. Made from ceramic, it is ideal for retaining the true flavour, and the warmer maintains the warmth of the sake, removing any drastic temperature change that will change the taste. Sake lovers will definitely appreciate your good taste and insight!
Price: $21
Available at: Table Manners
Cookie Monster
The iconic aroma of Famous Amos cookies, one whiff and you’ll know you’re within arms-reach of their mouth-watering cookies. For the colleague with a sweet tooth, this Famous Amos tin packed with 200g of their cookies is sure to make them salivate once it’s in their hands!
The only headache on your end is deciding between their Original Chocolate Chip, their sweet and buttery Butterscotch Chip & Pecan, or a chocolate lover’s dream Double Chocolate Chip & Pecan. It’s a good thing you can mix it up!
Price: $22.60
Available at: Famous Amos
Meditative State
For a bit of desk-side zen, gift a mini Zen Sand Garden. This miniature garden offers a soothing break during the day – simply rake the sand and arrange the pebbles and miniatures for a little mental reset. Experience personal zen therapy at your desk to eke out positive energy.
Price: $29
Available at: Amazon SG
Meal for One
Ever been bored with the same food choices for lunch? For the colleague who appreciates a homemade meal, the Bear 2.0L Electric Lunch Box from PowerPac is perfect.
Compact and versatile, it can cook rice, boil soup, and steam vegetables, making it easy to enjoy fresh, hot food on the go (just a heads-up: remind them to avoid cooking salted fish or belachan in the office!)
Price: $29.90
Available at: PowerPac
Gifts Under $50
Power Up
A power bank is a universally useful gift, especially when it’s a 5,000mAh model with dual outputs like this one from thecoopidea. With its sleek design, your colleague can easily charge on the go without the hassle of dangling cords.
With the colour range they offer, you’re sure to find a fit perfect for your gift. Plus, its convenient size is sure to be a hit.
Price: $39.90
Available at: iShop Changi
Ear Candy
For the music-loving coworker, the Smokin’ Buds True Wireless Earbuds from Skullcandy is a great choice. With clear, immersive sound and touch controls, they are perfect for tuning into music while blocking out distractions. Plus, they’re IPX4 sweat- and water-resistant, making them a solid choice for daily use. (Just not for the perpetually forgetful!)
Price: $39.90
Available at: Skullcandy Singapore
Lightning Charge
To charge your devices faster and at the same time, get the Ugreen CD361 Nexode RG 65W PD GaN Fast Charger. This charger adaptor boosts faster charging speed than the device’s manufacture-supplied charger, even charging a MacBook Air from 0 to 51% in just 30 minutes!
There are two USB C ports and one USB A port to simultaneously charge three devices. AA Members get a free Cygnett Screen Cleaning Kit worth $12.90 with every purchase, and Non-Members can get it at Member’s price for a limited time, promotion till 31 December or while stocks last.
Price: $44.90
Available at: AA Shop
Above $50
Adapt Well
2 main problems we encounter when charging our devices in hotel rooms. The socket is either too far for comfort, or there’s a limit on how many devices you can charge at a time. Most travel adapters out there tend to be too heavy, causing the adapter to sag and stopping the charging.
If your colleague is an avid traveller, then the Mogics Power Bagel Travel Adaptor will be a godsend! The world’s smallest retractable adaptor charges up to seven devices together in a unique ring shape and adapts to 187 countries. That’s real power!
Price: $52.00 (AA Singapore member)
Available at: AA Shop
Cup Du Jour
If your ‘Secret Santa’ recipient has been eyeing a new water bottle, the trendy Stanley Cup is a great option. This vacuum-insulated, stylish tumbler keeps drinks cold or hot, and with its comfort-grip handle and narrow base, it’s perfect for commutes and desk setups alike. Plus, it’s become a bit of a status symbol – ideal for the aspiring influencer on your team.
Price: $59
Available at: Outside Store
Calming Scent
Image Credit: Hush Candle
If your colleague will appreciate a cosy and relaxing atmosphere at home with a hint of sophistication and scent, why not gift them the Hush Three Candle Gift Set?
With 10 natural serene scents to choose from, including the sweetness of Bandung, the calming effect of Lavender, and the cool and crisp smell of Peppermint Orange, you will definitely find something perfect for them.
Price: $62
Available at: Hush Candle
Whether you’re shopping on a budget or willing to splurge a bit more for your MVP teammate, these ‘Secret Santa’ picks will bring a smile to your colleagues – and make the holiday gift exchange a little more memorable!
