Secret Santa is a staple of many holiday celebrations. You draw a name, set a budget, and try your hardest to pick a gift that your assigned person will appreciate. But sometimes, things don't go as planned.
You're at the party, and someone unwraps their gift. You see a weak smile, and it's clear they don’t love what they got. It might not even be a reflection on you—some people are just hard to shop for. So, what do you do if you realise your Secret Santa gift isn't a hit?
Don’t panic. There are several ways to handle the situation or avoid it altogether next time. Let's walk through some strategies.
Why Does This Happen?
Misjudging someone's taste or needs is pretty common. You might think a mug with a quirky saying is funny, while the recipient finds it impractical. It’s possible you didn’t know they already have five similar mugs at home. Instead, offering universally enjoyed treats like a Mixed Postal Brownie Box may be a safer and more appreciated option.
There’s also a chance you didn’t know enough about the person’s tastes. This is especially likely in workplace Secret Santa situations, where you may not know the individual well.
What Can You Do?
If you’re the gift-giver and realise your pick missed the mark, here are a few actions to consider:
- Offer a Gift Exchange: If you know the recipient, say something. Offer to exchange the gift for something they might like. Some Secret Santa parties even come with preset exchange rules.
- Give Flexibly: Avoid niche presents that need to appeal to specific tastes. Consider gifts that are universally enjoyed. For example, if you’re choosing between an odd clothing item and a box of delicious treats, go with the treats. Everyone loves brownies, cookies, or cupcakes. Our Mixed Box of Bronuts is a flexible option.
- Add a Personal Touch: Although a Secret Santa gift might have a price limit, make the gift appear more thoughtful by including a handwritten note. This can help show you put thought into it, even if the item isn’t exactly what they wanted.
Plan Better for Next Time
Secret Santa doesn’t need to be stressful. Plan ahead, and you can avoid gift-giving mishaps altogether. Here’s what to keep in mind for your next office party or family holiday event:
- Ask Questions: Most people won’t mind if you ask a few questions about their preferences. A simple, “Do you have a sweet tooth?” or “What’s your favourite colour?” can guide you towards better gift choices.
- Gift Outside the Standard Box: You may want to steer clear of traditional items like candles or socks, which may be overdone. Highly giftable alternatives include food-based presents. Food doesn’t sit in the back of a closet for years. It gets eaten and appreciated. Try sending a box of gourmet postal cookies or a delivered cupcake set.
- Use a Wish List System: Secret Santa organisers sometimes provide options to create anonymous wish lists. Use these to your advantage. This eliminates all guessing and makes it more likely that your gift hits home.
- Emphasise Experiences: The best gifts aren't objects—they're memories. One way you could achieve this is by gifting an activity, like an at-home luxury afternoon tea experience. This is a unique and memorable option, even for people you don't know well.
If You’re the Recipient
Maybe you're on the other side. You’ve received a gift you're not thrilled about. How do you navigate this situation politely?
Your reaction is important. First, remember the thought that went into the gift.
- Be Grateful: Even if the gift isn’t perfect, thank your Secret Santa. It's the polite thing to do. They took the time, and effort matters—compliment an aspect of the gift, such as the packaging, if you don’t like the item itself.
- Regift Thoughtfully: If the item isn’t your style, consider regifting it—discreetly! Make sure the person you pass it along to would genuinely appreciate it. And ensure that your original Secret Santa won’t be present when the regift happens.
- Donate: Not everything needs to be kept or passed along to another person. Many items, especially novelty products like books or trinkets, can be donated to local organisations. That way, they still go to good use.
Set Expectations
If you're organising a Secret Santa, establishing some basic guidelines will help avoid these situations in the first place. Here’s what to include:
- Set Price Limits: Make sure everyone is working with the same budget. It’s uncomfortable when one person buys a pricey gift, and someone else receives something inexpensive.
- Provide Themes: You could ask participants to adhere to a specific theme, like “gifts under £10” or “locally made items.” This ensures gift diversity while offering some structure.
Final Thoughts
Secret Santa isn’t an exact science. Even with effort, some gifts might not land. But with the right planning and flexibility, you can make sure next year’s experience goes smoother.
Be mindful of universal enjoyment. In many cases, sweet treats and memorable experiences are safe bets. Next time, consider gifting something everyone loves—like brownies, cookies, or a luxurious tea experience. These options provide joy with minimal risk. Try browsing through some of our postal brownie collections for more ideas.
