The holiday season ushers in the cheerful tradition of Secret Santa, where the thrill of surprise and the joy of giving collide. It’s a great opportunity to spread warmth and fun among friends and family. However, navigating the fine line between finding the perfect gift within a reasonable budget can be difficult, and feel like a festive challenge.

Selecting a Secret Santa gift isn’t just about the price tag; it’s about the sentiment behind it. Consider the hobbies and interests of the person you’re getting a gift for.

Nicole VanHoose, a senior, says, “When thinking about the perfect gift to get for Secret Santa, I try to get something trendy, or something from housewares, and I also think about who will be there at the party. If it’s a bunch of women, my gift will change. I’ll usually do food or makeup, or spa essentials, etc.” Handmade crafts, personalized items, or even a DIY gift basket can add that special touch to make the recipient feel important, without breaking a good budget.

Ways to keep a good budget while still getting great gifts can be hard. One way to decide on a good budget is to establish your budget upfront. This can help maintain consistency among participants. It’s the basis of Secret Santa, ensuring that everyone experiences the same level of excitement when getting their gifts. Set a reasonable spending limit that accommodates everyone’s financial comfort zones. This can range from $15-50. It all depends on how much everyone is willing to spend.

Kylee Hudson, a freshman at Rocky said, “The gifts that I like to get and receive are candy or gift cards. Cause then I can get whatever I want instead of just getting something random that I don’t really want.”

Alicia Minert, who is also a freshman, said, “The gifts I usually want to get or what I give is probably like makeup or skincare, or a useful gift, like everyday usage items that I can use every day.” Other gift ideas or ways to keep in line of your budget are to utilize discount seasons, holiday sales, or go to places like thrift stores or online marketplaces.

Secret Santa keeps the essence of giving during the holidays- spreading joy, making connections, and celebrating the spirit of generosity. With a thoughtful approach and creative thinking, finding the perfect Secret Santa gift on a budget can be lots of fun, leaving both the giver and the receiver with fun memories.