Suggestions for £5 secret Santa where I only know the persons name? (2025 edit)

[-]

ukbot-nicolabot@reddit

**Your post from /r/AskUK has been removed by a human moderator.** At certain times of the year, or during certain events, a large number of users may be asking similar questions. The moderators may create a megathread to consolidate frequently asked questions. Please use these submissions when they are available. *If you believe this post should not have been removed, [first read our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/about/rules/) before [messaging the moderators](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK&subject=Post Removal Appeal)*. See our guide on [common issues with posts](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskUK/wiki/postremoved) and how to overcome them!

Reply

[-]

pollypetunia@reddit

The legami animal erasable pens write beautifully, come in a ton of colours, and are about £2 each from Waterstones or Rymans. I think they have some Christmas ones or if you know their favourite animal you could get that, there's loads of different designs.

Reply

[-]

txteva@reddit

Funny book like Mr Men for [Grown ups](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Happy-Office-Party-Mr-Grown-ups/dp/1405288728) or if you can get to a Lego shop then keyrings are fun [Santa](https://www.lego.com/en-gb/product/santa-keyring-854201) if really stuck for ideas. Or a nice [pen](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Robert-Frederick-Lemons-Ballpoint-Gift/dp/B0FHB3N8H4/).

Reply

[-]

Yamsfordays@reddit

Stretch to £6 and get a Procook porcelain egg holder.

Reply

[-]

SpaTowner@reddit

Big bag of red lentils a leek, carrot, stock cubes. Soup for DAYS!

Reply

[-]

HenryFromYorkshire@reddit

I would prefer this to any of the other suggestions here, definitely.

Reply

[-]

JRW1611@reddit

For a fiver you probably can’t really go too far wrong with some chocolate. If you don’t like chocolate you’re not going to criticise someone’s for buying it because it’s clear you’re the weirdo..

Reply

[-]

ashyboi5000@reddit (OP)

Or they're diabetic and can't have chocolate.

Reply

[-]

Serious_Escape_5438@reddit

If I get edible gifts I don't like I just share them with family or whatever, easier to deal with than a photo frame or something. Nobody's expecting their perfect present from a secret Santa.

Reply

[-]

NecroVelcro@reddit

**Sighs in Type 1** It's a fallacy that diabetics can't have chocolate. The person could have another auto-immune condition such as coeliac disease, or an allergy or intolerance, that would mean that some chocolate would be unsuitable, though.

Reply

[-]

ashyboi5000@reddit (OP)

Or you know type 2 where it's diet controlled.

Reply

[-]

NecroVelcro@reddit

That still doesn't mean that chocolate is verboten. Moderation exists. You must be aware that "type [sic] 2 where it's diet controlled" is a vast oversimplification, anyway.

Reply

[-]

Vampire1111111@reddit

They could regift chocolate to someone else, you might be doing them a huge favour not needing to buy a gift for someone else

Reply

[-]

Throwaway172738484u@reddit

In which case they put it out in the office and become everyone's favourite person. As a celiac, I have been given *so many* gifts that I can't eat, I just share with everyone else instead

Reply

[-]

Gremlin_1989@reddit

Or have a dairy allergy...

Reply

[-]

Huge_Dragonfruit6882@reddit

My husband whole family is type 1 and they eat chocolate, apart from diabetic chocolate as it’s full of laxatives

Reply

[-]

oneconfusedqueer@reddit

people with diabetes can have chocolate

Reply

[-]

avalanchefan95@reddit

You only know their name.. And that they're diabetic.

Reply

[-]

WanderWomble@reddit

Diabetics can have small amounts of chocolate.

Reply

[-]

oli_ramsay@reddit

Then they can regift it to someone who can. i.e. you

Reply

[-]

RayaQueen@reddit

Diabetes?

Reply

[-]

AlGunner@reddit

Are you suggesting that as a gift? Weird.

Reply

[-]

Vampire1111111@reddit

Its not weird. Its a gift theyd have for life!

Reply

[-]

RecordingNo8140@reddit

😂

Reply

[-]

Spooky-Confusion-666@reddit

Scratchcards

Reply

[-]

the-green-dahlia@reddit

I second this.

Reply

[-]

Karen_Is_ASlur@reddit

> This rules out food, alcohol and anything considered a personal choice, eg things that smell so a candle. No it doesn't.

Reply

[-]

PipBin@reddit

Note book and pen.

Reply

[-]

Last-Deal-4251@reddit

I buy an ostehøvel as secret Santa gifts. The Ikea ones are fab.

Reply

[-]

thehoneybadger1223@reddit

Fluffy socks, or a bath set. Deodorant, chocolate

Reply

[-]

VerbingNoun413@reddit

Can you at least guess their gender by the name?

Reply

[-]

pvaa@reddit

But why?

Reply

[-]

Vampire1111111@reddit

Because a woman might not enjoy receiving a beard grooming kit

Reply

[-]

sneakylithops@reddit

A man might not have a beard?

Reply

[-]

Ok-Personality-6630@reddit

It's secret Santa. Get chocolate no one will even know it was you

Reply

[-]

SproutBoy@reddit

The risk of that is you accidentally buy chocolate for the one lactose free person in the group and hope that she never finds out it's from you.

Reply

[-]

JeffSergeant@reddit

ULPT: If it's genuinely secret, you can buy presents for ANYONE, this works especially well when the blabbermouth in the office tells everyone who they have to buy for.

Reply

[-]

Ok-Personality-6630@reddit

Devious, does a story come with this?

Reply

[-]

JeffSergeant@reddit

No comment

Reply

[-]

paperpangolin@reddit

I'd play safe and do a candle or mug. Can be re gifted easily enough if not wanted.

Reply

[-]

RevolutionaryRuin410@reddit

Meal deal

Reply

[-]

AngryTudor1@reddit

If you can get a box of Lindts on offer for a fiver, do that. There isn't anyone who doesn't love Lindts

Reply

[-]

Significant_Dog_3978@reddit

I don’t love Lindt, I’m lactose intolerant.

Reply

[-]

AngryTudor1@reddit

But everyone else loves them, so you could regift and save yourself money on a gift for someone else

Reply

[-]

Honest-Librarian7647@reddit

Scratch card?

Reply

[-]

SpikesNLead@reddit

Box that is empty apart from a piece of paper with "Fuck capitalism" written on it.

Reply

[-]

gorgeousredhead@reddit

This comment made me wince - good job 👍🏼

Reply

[-]

BabaGanoushHabibi@reddit

absolute madlad

Reply

[-]

Shadow-Inversions@reddit

A non fiction, general-reader aimed book about something you find interesting.

Reply

[-]

Mundo7@reddit

maybe a comprehensive history of the Byzantine church... for the general reader

Reply

[-]

Shadow-Inversions@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/e2f3jqr2zd7g1.jpeg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ab6788236d3fd8b61b6d57994deafd578eb9f91

Reply

[-]

Captslacktash@reddit

Best purchase I've had under £5 this year: [https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exfoliating-Authentic-Scrubber-Exfoliator-Accessories/dp/B0BWHKG1VX?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UjLe1WoEsbv81\_azL6ptugB7GHsf3dGRSda9FAwoeYfHyu33UKGMUgjGm6\_4t4iovjnKxk-jvEGOUIt\_ZWZiDBsSJacPHjlQUyqOzgyElqQQpmpgih2njzHIcz0Vqm\_FLEDzZN2zMMDyKQzuwV7IBXgNp6bH1stygUk-llYgpEEla3wpvCgRWF88ddXkG-GccDv\_3SuajFYTGEqjT558jO69JkV3ffP5zK6Z3TLI2hOKHKu5V9F8P8a1aEM7zXz-gjqn7ZoX-4YdoywJKiXdFid9z\_GgTxE83klxgeX4Q8Y.\_8pI2MNmtK8S70Q7MIWtFwrSqmUEArfyby9hvQ-zjT4&dib\_tag=se&keywords=african%2Bwash%2Bcloth&qid=1765812357&sr=8-24&th=1](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Exfoliating-Authentic-Scrubber-Exfoliator-Accessories/dp/B0BWHKG1VX?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.UjLe1WoEsbv81_azL6ptugB7GHsf3dGRSda9FAwoeYfHyu33UKGMUgjGm6_4t4iovjnKxk-jvEGOUIt_ZWZiDBsSJacPHjlQUyqOzgyElqQQpmpgih2njzHIcz0Vqm_FLEDzZN2zMMDyKQzuwV7IBXgNp6bH1stygUk-llYgpEEla3wpvCgRWF88ddXkG-GccDv_3SuajFYTGEqjT558jO69JkV3ffP5zK6Z3TLI2hOKHKu5V9F8P8a1aEM7zXz-gjqn7ZoX-4YdoywJKiXdFid9z_GgTxE83klxgeX4Q8Y._8pI2MNmtK8S70Q7MIWtFwrSqmUEArfyby9hvQ-zjT4&dib_tag=se&keywords=african%2Bwash%2Bcloth&qid=1765812357&sr=8-24&th=1)

Reply

[-]

Fair-Scholar-4677@reddit

£5 Greg's voucher £5 Costa voucher. £5 Starbucks voucher £5 Cafe Nero voucher

Reply

[-]

williamshatnersbeast@reddit

Secrete Santa sounds pretty nasty

Reply

[-]

BernardBernouli@reddit

Sainsburys have reduced a load of homewares and gifts. They had mugs with a pair of socks in for less than that.

Reply

[-]

BernardBernouli@reddit

Also, anyone who gives 2 fucks about what they get in a £5 secret santa from a possible stranger deserves a shit gift.

Reply

[-]

LittleSadRufus@reddit

Why is food excluded? Most humans consume food so it's a good choice usually, and certainly good for avoiding landfill.

Reply

[-]

whosafeard@reddit

…..most?

Reply

[-]

LittleSadRufus@reddit

I was thinking that those in comas receive their energy through a drip, so didn't wish to generalise.

Reply

[-]

CanWeNapPlease@reddit

Very inclusive of you.

Reply

[-]

LittleSadRufus@reddit

People in comas are mostly unable to advocate for themselves, so I like to step in where I think it really matters

Reply

[-]

windy_on_the_hill@reddit

Nice to see some proper pedantry in action. Ypu are, of course, correct.

Reply

[-]

TheTjalian@reddit

Also don't forget about [Breathatarians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inedia)

Reply

[-]

ashyboi5000@reddit (OP)

Allergens and dietary requirements.

Reply

[-]

RayaQueen@reddit

Brussels sprouts on a stick. Funny, cute and necessary at this time. Also vegan, gluten, dairy and sugar free, suitable for any religious restrictions I'm aware of. And if it's not their tradition it's time to integrate it. Xmas in the UK requires them, like it or not ;-)

Reply

[-]

lapsedPacifist5@reddit

As much as I detest Brussel Sprouts, they would look amusing when wrapped up on their stalk

Reply

[-]

RayaQueen@reddit

Exactly lol. Also detesting then is part of the tradition lolol.

Reply

[-]

Saw_Boss@reddit

Nah, just do it. If they can't eat them, they'll just re-gift it to someone else.

Reply

[-]

LittleSadRufus@reddit

I think you could work within those without exposing your identity. For example, some nice herbal teabags, or whatever.

Reply

[-]

Kara_Zor_El19@reddit

Food allergies or food preferences/rules due to religion or personal beliefs

Reply

[-]

Subject_Painter_4527@reddit

Costa gift card

Reply

[-]

Mundo7@reddit

do you hate them?

Reply

[-]

GinBitch@reddit

Bake cookies/biscuits?

Reply

[-]

bubbleandqueef@reddit

A tap and dies out the equation but you can still get wd40

Reply

[-]

OutrageousRhubarb853@reddit

A card with: I drew your name and tried my best, But guessing gifts is just a test. Socks? Mug? Candle? I can’t decide — So I played it safe, no shame, no guile: so here is a fiver The above was generated by AI

Reply

[-]

LilacRose32@reddit

A mug

Reply

[-]

MoistHaggis_@reddit

£5 Greggs Gift Card

Reply

[-]

bluepushkin@reddit

5× £1 scratch cards.

Reply

[-]

TheJezster@reddit

Scratch cards. Promises so much more too...

Reply

[-]

jackog420@reddit

I was gonna say that but if they have a gambling problem it’s not ideal.

Reply

[-]

Significant_Dog_3978@reddit

I second the mug suggestion. I love having different mugs for different drinks! You can definitely pick one up for less than a fiver from any supermarket. If they don’t like it, they can gift it on to someone else.

Reply

[-]

EmergencyBad5142@reddit

Go to Poundland etc and get some small things for a fiver - chocolate orange/sweets etc, socks, pens, mug, etc. If in doubt get £5 of pens, pens are never a bad idea!

Reply

[-]

taureanpeach@reddit

Is your name Pauline, and are you a restart officer…

Reply

[-]

JeffSergeant@reddit

If it's genuinely secret, get them a 4 pack of Stella. Who's going to know?

Reply

[-]

AnythingKey@reddit

Framed photo of a random colleague

Reply

[-]

CanOfPenisJuice@reddit

This is a fun idea but sadly if anyone takes any offence, can lead to a world of shit and accusations of harrassment/bullying/stuff

Reply

[-]

pvaa@reddit

SECRET santa

Reply

[-]

CanOfPenisJuice@reddit

*Santa

Reply

[-]

ComeHereUk@reddit

Isn't that the true meaning of Christmas?

Reply

[-]

JeffSergeant@reddit

£5, in an envelope

Reply

[-]

False-Strawberry-319@reddit

Anal hoopla.

Reply

[-]

Qatmil@reddit

A Christmas decoration, The Range have a fantastic array in that price range. I got [this one](https://www.therange.co.uk/christmas/christmas-decorations/models-scenes-ornaments-and-figurines/christmas-ornaments-and-figurines/winter-chalet-gonk-ornament#475335) for someone and it went down very well.

Reply

[-]

Specialist-Web7854@reddit

Got to be honest, if someone gave me that, it would be straight to the charity shop/bin.

Reply

[-]

CanWeNapPlease@reddit

Personally I'd want this amazing [Sudoku Bingo ornament](https://www.reddit.com/r/CrappyDesign/s/BvWL8O00iV). The more you look, the worse it gets, which itself is amazing.

Reply

[-]

Lmazing@reddit

My favourite secret Santa gifts have been ugly Xmas decorations. They go away for 11 months of the year and make me chuckle when I get them out in December

Reply

[-]

RayaQueen@reddit

This is awesome! Now I want one!

Reply

[-]

pvaa@reddit

Plant trees and print off a certificate, let's reduce the landfill!

Reply

[-]

Specialist-Web7854@reddit

A nice notebook/a Christmas mug/a box of chocolates or sweets/a nice pen. I’d go somewhere like TK Maxx, they usually have a lot of notebooks and festive sweets this time of year.

Reply

[-]

TheTjalian@reddit

A framed picture of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Reply

[-]

jjjeeepg@reddit

Get something with their initial on - Bauble, mug, whatever

Reply

[-]

Brilliant_Bake4200@reddit

£5 voucher for whatever the local gelato shop is

Reply

[-]

blackcurrantcat@reddit

£5 is too hard these days. Be flexible with that, you won’t find much of anything for a fiver. We set ours at 10-15 just to make it easier.

Reply

[-]

Farsydi@reddit

Lynx gift set

Reply

[-]

PomPomBumblebee@reddit

Chocolate orange, a bag of sweets for around £1 and a scratch card in a nice gift bag

Reply

[-]

eliamartells@reddit

candle or diffuser in a “safe” scent - don’t get too adventurous

Reply

[-]

continentaldreams@reddit

A £5 note in a card. I genuinely would prefer that.

Reply

[-]

Majestic_Matt_459@reddit

Scrawl Banksy on the £5 with a black marker pen and give them 5 seconds of hope

Reply

[-]

ThatBassPlayer@reddit

How much was the card though? £2 in a £2.99 card?

Reply

[-]

ButteredReality@reddit

Don't be ridiculous. £2.01 in a £2.99 card.

Reply

[-]

Captain_JY@reddit

"Cash, the universal gift" AG

Reply

[-]

KelpFox05@reddit

Go to B&M or a similarly cheap shop and pick out a small, pleasant Christmas ornament. Barring that, some form of stationery such as pens, pencils, a small notebook, etc. Assuming you work in an office, most people have a use for such items and it will be a generally nonoffensive gift that's unlikely to end up in landfill. £5 is a pretty fucking stupid limit though, you can barely get anything useful with that.

Reply

[-]

amandacheekychops@reddit

Chocolate, socks. These would be my go-to and they work for male/ female.

Reply

[-]

jungleddd@reddit

Second hand dildo off eBay.

Reply

[-]

inserfunnamehere@reddit

Fluffy socks? They've always been appreciated no matter the gender. Or a nice mug and a selection box (tesco have selection boxes for £1.50 on clubcard). I recently gave selection boxes as a quiz prize, and they went down very well.

Reply

[-]

adrifing@reddit

3 packets of freddos and some wrapping paper, wrap each one individually and stick em in a small box.

Reply

[-]

Leather-Shoulder-674@reddit

Make a donation in their name to the dogs home

Reply

[-]

dazed1984@reddit

What’s wrong with food? I’d go with chocolate.

Reply

[-]

RaspberryJammm@reddit

£5 is a really tough spending limit, its way too low. Can't get anything for a fiver. I couldn't even stick below a fiver in my secret santa ten years ago.

Reply

[-]

Jaded-Honeydew-9794@reddit

A travel coffee mug. B&M have plenty of that sort of thing

Reply

[-]

Warriorcatv2@reddit

Don't agonize over it. I once got someone a nice candle. I got a bar of Arse Face soap in return. Just a fiver in a card will be plenty.

Reply

[-]

Saw_Boss@reddit

I got a desk lamp. Actually worked out well!

Reply

[-]

finH1@reddit

Scratch card

Reply

[-]

henansen@reddit

This. 5 x £1 scratch card all different games, fun gift!

Reply

[-]

Peskycat42@reddit

I would buy a book by my favourite author in the hope that they will pick up when bored one day and discover a new obsession

Reply

[-]

clrthrn@reddit

Coffee shop voucher. They have something for everyone including most dietary requirements/religious requirements. You can usually pick up gift cards at Asda/Tesco's and they have a decent range.

Reply

[-]

gloomsloth@reddit

https://preview.redd.it/vtbz74hhld7g1.jpeg?width=1125&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0104f7d0cede2a3e39b23bc8fd7c26de155e3fc5 Sorry to be the person that goes over the budget, but these are £6.99 in Lidl right now. I think they fit the bill well enough.

Reply

[-]

VerbingNoun413@reddit

Ooh those look fun.

Reply

[-]

Wooshsplash@reddit

£5.

Reply

[-]

thewerepuppygrr@reddit

Picture frame. Done.

Reply

[-]

Fcbigdave@reddit

5 scratch cards

Reply

[-]

McFizzleKicks@reddit

Lottery tickets

Reply

[-]

WhatsFunf@reddit

Ice Cube molds to make interesting ice cubes - big cubes, spheres, Xmas trees - whatever you fancy. Can easily be got off Amazon for cheap

Reply

[-]

thierry_ennui_@reddit

I secreted Santa once, it really hurt

Reply

[-]

catschimeras@reddit

he can fit down a chimney, but he's not really designed to ooze through your pores

Reply

[-]

WiganGirl-2523@reddit

A mug and a scratchcard.

Reply

[-]

forced_majeure@reddit

These, or something similar. They're a game changer!

Reply

[-]

catschimeras@reddit

hate to put more money in Bezos pocket but given the time limit and the fact that you knwo nothing about them - amazon voucher?

Reply

[-]

DanceBiscuits83@reddit

* Festive mug with a small Fairtrade chocolate bar in (eg. Tony's Chocolonely). * Handcream and a lipbalm, wrapped together with a bit of pretty ribbon. * Small houseplant in an ornamental pot. * Some wildflower seeds. Honestly don't overthink it - for a fiver and for someone you don't know, it's never going to be the world's most thoughtful or amazing gift.

Reply

[-]

Dancing_Dauschund@reddit

Scratch card? Could rubbish, could be best present they ever get!

Reply

[-]

trouser_mouse@reddit

A sign with their name on it

Reply

[-]

eumithres@reddit

I got a mix assortment of biscuit and chocolate once as a secret santa. Food can be a good general gift. Or you can get a mug/coffee cup as a gift

Reply

[-]

AutomaticInitiative@reddit

Box of celebrations, surely?

Reply

[-]

MasRemlap@reddit

Would really appreciate a good mug. Get one of those funky unique mugs from Asda or Tesco, a decent sized one

Reply

[-]

paulie_x_walnuts@reddit

Assuming this is a work thing, can you not ask one of this person's team who knows them better to see what they like, or if they know what food and drink might be appropriate?

Reply

[-]

mrsfadedglory@reddit

Voucher for a coffee shop? At least with a fiver they might be able to buy a drink or a snack as a little treat

Reply

[-]

powpow198@reddit

chocolate

Reply

[-]

DustlandFairytale85@reddit

Box of biscuits and a scratchcard!

Reply

[-]

Gunner_90@reddit

Local Poundland and some tea light candles that are scented or a box of chocolate

Reply

[-]

wikig11@reddit

You just listed everything that OP said was excluded

Reply

[-]

DameKumquat@reddit

Some chocolate and stickers from Poundland.

Reply

[-]

AllThatIHaveDone@reddit

A Lego set. You can get the mystery mini fig boxes for a few quid.

Reply

[-]

Rude-Possibility4682@reddit

Giant Sports Direct Mug.

Reply

[-]

cloudylemo@reddit

Amazon gift card

Reply

[-]

AutoModerator@reddit

**Please help keep AskUK welcoming!** - When replying to submission/post please **make genuine efforts to answer the question given**. Please no jokes, judgements, etc. - **Don't be a dick** to each other. If getting heated, just block and move on. - This is a strictly **no-politics** subreddit! Please help us by reporting comments that break these rules. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskUK) if you have any questions or concerns.*

Reply

Reply to Post

154 Comments