• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Mark Cuban says he has the solution to growing income inequality, and it's to reward every employee—from CEO to janitor—with company stock

2

‘I want to die broke’: Billionaire philanthropist Denny Sanford dies after giving away $4 billion

3

'Dr. Doom' Nouriel Roubini says we're headed for universal basic income or 'some form of socialism' as AI revolutionizes work—He calls that optimistic

1

Mark Cuban says he has the solution to growing income inequality, and it's to reward every employee—from CEO to janitor—with company stock

2

‘I want to die broke’: Billionaire philanthropist Denny Sanford dies after giving away $4 billion

3

'Dr. Doom' Nouriel Roubini says we're headed for universal basic income or 'some form of socialism' as AI revolutionizes work—He calls that optimistic
LifestyleSmarter Shopping

More than a gag gift: 9 Secret Santa presents they’ll actually like

By
Stephanie Cain
Stephanie Cain
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Stephanie Cain
Stephanie Cain
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 15, 2021, 2:00 PM ET
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Dreading another round of Secret Santa this year? We feel you. Heading to the novelty shop to find a gag gift seems tedious, especially when you’re the type to send a thoughtful, great quality piece of seasonal cheer.

The trick to being the best Secret Santa is to surprise and delight, and that certainly means reading the recipient for their likes and dislikes. Hopefully, your present offers a chuckle or a celebratory gasp, followed by elation that what’s inside is not yet another coffee company gift card. To provide some inspiration, we challenged ourselves to put together a list of Secret Santa–worthy gifts that feel a little more inspired than your standard gag.

The price cap? $50.

For anyone

Courtesy of Nipyata

Who doesn’t want to have a nip handy? This sweet card says Season’s Greetings with an even sweeter gift when you open the flap: a 50-milliliter bottle of a favorite spirit, be it Johnnie Walker Black Label whisky, Casamigos tequila, or Aviation gin. (Bailey’s Irish Cream may fit the winter mood too.) We’re betting it’s the best way to spread cheer this holiday season. Suggested retail price: $19

For the jet-setter

Any global traveler knows book publisher Assouline somehow always captures the essence of a place in its travel-themed coffee table books. Nod to that romantic, jet-set culture with the company’s set of four mini travel notebooks. These 32-page notebooks feature the colorful covers of top-selling travel titles, including Mykonos Muse and Amalfi Coast. Each comes in a compact, four-inch by six-inch format, which conveniently fits into a carry-on. SRP: $30

For the fashionista

Courtesy of Ten Wilde

The way to the heart of the resident fashion girl is a pair of gold earrings seen on the likes of Hollywood celebs. Ten Wilde’s Amalfi hoops are beloved by starlets like Vanessa Hudgens and Delilah Belle for good reason: The 18-karat gold-dipped twisted hoops complete looks from day to night, weekday office to weekend restaurants. SRP: $30

For the outdoorsy bonfire fan

Courtesy of Puffin

Turn your favorite drink into your best buddy. That’s the goal of Puffin, a drinkware brand that ups the koozie standards while also upping the humor in the room. These cheeky drink jackets work 20% better than a standard koozie—and come in a variety of trendy colorways. Plus, you know it must be fit for the outdoor lifestyle when REI backs the product; you’ll find it in the company’s stores. Bonus tip from us: Include a six-pack of beer too. SRP: $13

For the amateur baker

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

Want to really impress the baker in the group? Give this fruit-focused dessert cookbook, signed by the domestic queen herself, Martha Stewart. In it, they will find more than 100 of Martha’s recipes for various fruit-based sweet treats, from a stone fruit galette to a mango key lime pie. The first 100 purchasers of the book get an autographed copy—reason enough to get a head start on holiday gifting today. SRP: $28

For the pet Instagrammer

Courtesy of Minted

When your Secret Santa is a pet lover, send a pet-focused art piece. Among Minted’s collection of independent artists is Maja Cunningham, who designed these delightful animal portraits, like a Frenchie blowing a giant pink bubblegum bubble. Opt for an 11-inch by 14-inch print of her favorite pup or utilize the commissioning service to have her create one featuring your recipient’s actual pet. SRP: $44

For the self-proclaimed foodie

Courtesy of Rao’s

Anyone who claims to know a lick about foodie culture will know Rao’s, the infamous Italian spot in New York City. It was once nearly impossible to score a reservation, but now you can get a taste of those beloved sauces with the Rao’s Small Sampler—the perfect package for a foodie anywhere. The package includes three full-size jars of sauce—marinara, arrabbiata, and tomato basil—alongside the brand’s spaghetti and penne. Bon appétit! SRP: $50

For the city dweller who shops small businesses

Courtesy of Perry Boyce

When visual artist Tracey Boyce launched her candle company, Perry Boyce, the idea was to make luxury home goods more affordable. She nailed it with her hand-poured, large-size candles, which burn up to 60 hours and smell divine.  All her fragrances are infused with natural essential oils, including orange peel and petitgrain leaf. Put a smile on a city dweller’s face with her Concrete Jungle, a heady mix of florals like lily and rose petals along with sheer musk and sandalwood. SRP: $24

For anyone who likes coloring pencils

There is a good reason why Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is beloved by men and women alike: He’s just America’s buff sweetheart. Spend many a day coloring in scenes from his life with this charming adult coloring book. It will go as far with those who like him (ahem, us) as it will with someone who loves his action-packed films (again, us). SRP: $12

Subscribe to Fortune Daily to get essential business stories straight to your inbox each morning.

About the Author
By Stephanie Cain
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
Add Fortune on Google for similar content.

Latest in Lifestyle

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Lifestyle

‘We all failed’: Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner on Hollywood, video games and the big question of IP
Arts & EntertainmentDisney
‘We all failed’: Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner on Hollywood, video games and the big question of IP
By Joshua HongJuly 21, 2026
11 minutes ago
FIFA’s $15 billion World Cup payday shows commercialization is the real tournament champion
North AmericaWorld Cup
FIFA’s $15 billion World Cup payday shows commercialization is the real tournament champion
By Marco Quiroz-GutierrezJuly 21, 2026
5 hours ago
Three women chop their way into the record books at Lumberjack World Championships
North AmericaWisconsin
Three women chop their way into the record books at Lumberjack World Championships
By The Associated Press and Ellen SchmidtJuly 20, 2026
14 hours ago
Paramount water tower
LawHollywood
Judge halts Paramount-Warner’s $81 billion merger for two weeks after states warn it would ‘extinguish competition’
By The Associated Press and Wyatte Grantham-PhilipsJuly 20, 2026
16 hours ago
Ferran Torres
SuccessWorld Cup
Spain’s Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the World Cup—but just four years ago, he was in therapy and stuck in a ‘bottomless pit’
By Emma BurleighJuly 20, 2026
20 hours ago
Christopher Nolan wearing a black suit
SuccessCareers
Christopher Nolan was rejected from film school as a teen. Today, the Oscar-winning director behind  ‘The Odyssey’ is worth $250 million
By Preston ForeJuly 20, 2026
20 hours ago

Most Popular

Mark Cuban says he has the solution to growing income inequality, and it's to reward every employee—from CEO to janitor—with company stock
Success
Mark Cuban says he has the solution to growing income inequality, and it's to reward every employee—from CEO to janitor—with company stock
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 20, 2026
18 hours ago
‘I want to die broke’: Billionaire philanthropist Denny Sanford dies after giving away $4 billion
Success
‘I want to die broke’: Billionaire philanthropist Denny Sanford dies after giving away $4 billion
By Sydney LakeJuly 20, 2026
22 hours ago
'Dr. Doom' Nouriel Roubini says we're headed for universal basic income or 'some form of socialism' as AI revolutionizes work—He calls that optimistic
AI
'Dr. Doom' Nouriel Roubini says we're headed for universal basic income or 'some form of socialism' as AI revolutionizes work—He calls that optimistic
By Jason MaJuly 18, 2026
3 days ago
Current price of silver as of Monday, July 20, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of silver as of Monday, July 20, 2026
By Joseph HostetlerJuly 20, 2026
1 day ago
Warren Buffett says his $147 billion investing career was an accident: ‘I may be one of the 10 luckiest in the world’
Future of Work
Warren Buffett says his $147 billion investing career was an accident: ‘I may be one of the 10 luckiest in the world’
By Sarah GlodekJuly 20, 2026
1 day ago
It’s not just Taco Bell lettuce and possible glass in Pillsbury rolls: Food and drink recall events reached a 6-year year-over-year high
Retail
It’s not just Taco Bell lettuce and possible glass in Pillsbury rolls: Food and drink recall events reached a 6-year year-over-year high
By Sasha RogelbergJuly 20, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.