You drew a name out of the hat and it belongs to the quiet guy from accounting, or the coworker you've spoken to twice. Now you need a Secret Santa gift that's thoughtful but not personal, fun but not risky, and under the office budget.
The safest Secret Santa gifts for male coworkers are useful, one-size-fits-all and impossible to misread. Below are 16 office-safe ideas, all under $25 at our last check, sorted by how well you know him, plus a section of inexpensive Christmas gifts for coworkers under $10.
Office Secret Santa rules of thumb
- Stick to the budget. Going over can make others feel awkward. Most offices set $15 to $25.
- Avoid sizes. One-size gloves, beanies and caps are safe; shirts and shoes are not.
- Skip anything too personal. No grooming, fragrance or "inside joke" gifts with someone you don't know well.
- Be careful with alcohol. Bar accessories are fine in some offices and not in others. When in doubt, pick something else.
- Keep humor gentle. If a joke needs explaining to HR, it's the wrong gift.
If you barely know him
1. TRENDOUX Touchscreen Winter Gloves
TRENDOUX Touchscreen Winter Gloves
Check Latest Price at AmazonWarm knit gloves that work on his phone screen, with a grippy palm for driving. Nearly everyone can use a pair, which makes them a perfect "don't know him well" gift.
2. Unboxme Ultra-Soft Socks Gift Box
Unboxme Ultra-Soft Socks Gift Box
Check Latest Price at AmazonSoft socks in a gift-ready box, so there's nothing to wrap. Cozy, inoffensive and always appreciated during winter.
3. Interesting Facts For Curious Minds
Interesting Facts For Curious Minds
Check Latest Price at AmazonMore than 1,500 random facts about history, science and pop culture. A fun book he can keep at his desk for coffee breaks.
4. The Book of Unusual Knowledge
The Book of Unusual Knowledge
Check Latest Price at AmazonA hardcover of fascinating trivia that works for almost any personality. Books are one of the safest office gifts there is.
If he's always at his desk
5. Multifunction Fidget Pen
Multifunction Fidget Pen
Check Latest Price at AmazonA pen that doubles as a fidget gadget during long calls and meetings. Practical, fun and very office-appropriate. More ideas are on our home office gifts page.
6. RUNBOX Minimalist Front-Pocket Wallet
RUNBOX Minimalist Front-Pocket Wallet
Check Latest Price at AmazonA slim, RFID-blocking front-pocket wallet. Useful for every guy, and it feels like a nicer gift than its price suggests.
If he's outdoorsy or handy
7. Carhartt Knit Watch Hat
Carhartt Knit Watch Hat
Check Latest Price at AmazonThe classic Carhartt cuffed beanie. One size fits most, it's warm, and it's a brand most guys already like.
8. Carhartt Canvas Baseball Cap
Carhartt Canvas Baseball Cap
Check Latest Price at AmazonA rugged canvas cap that works for the weekend crowd. A safe choice if you've seen him in a ball cap.
9. Rechargeable Lighted Hat
Rechargeable Lighted Hat
Check Latest Price at AmazonA cap with a built-in LED headlight for dog walks, car trouble and late-night chores. A clever gift that always gets a "huh, that's handy."
10. RAK Magnetic Wristband
RAK Magnetic Wristband
Check Latest Price at AmazonMagnets on a wristband hold screws and bits while he works. Perfect for the coworker who talks about his weekend projects.
If he loves to cook or grill
11. Alpha Grillers Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
Alpha Grillers Instant-Read Meat Thermometer
Check Latest Price at AmazonFast, accurate readings for grilling, smoking and the kitchen. If he ever mentions barbecue, this is your gift.
12. BBQ Rub Gift Set
BBQ Rub Gift Set
Check Latest Price at AmazonTen grilling spices and rubs in mini bottles. Consumable, crowd-pleasing and easy to share with the team.
Inexpensive Christmas gifts for coworkers (under $10)
Buying for the whole team, or is your office limit $10? These small Christmas gifts for coworkers were all under $10 at our last check. The touchscreen gloves (#1), socks gift box (#2) and lighted hat (#9) above also fit this budget.
13. Dad Jokes: Over 600 of the Best (Worst) Jokes
Dad Jokes: Over 600 of the Best (Worst) Jokes
Check Latest Price at Amazon600+ groan-worthy, family-friendly puns. Perfect for the coworker who already tells too many jokes in meetings.
14. Rechargeable LED Headlamp Beanie
Rechargeable LED Headlamp Beanie
Check Latest Price at AmazonA warm beanie with a rechargeable headlamp for dark winter commutes and dog walks. Practical, one-size and cheap enough to buy for several people.
15. NPJY Vintage Distressed Baseball Cap
NPJY Vintage Distressed Baseball Cap
Check Latest Price at AmazonA broken-in style cap with an adjustable strap, so sizing is never a problem. An easy pick for the younger guy on the team.
16. Damaged Screw Extractor Set
Damaged Screw Extractor Set
Check Latest Price at AmazonA drill bit set that removes stripped and rusted screws. A small, genuinely useful gift for the coworker who's always fixing something at home.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good Secret Santa gift for a male coworker?
Choose something useful and one-size: touchscreen gloves, a slim wallet, a fidget pen, a trivia book or a meat thermometer for the guy who grills. Avoid anything personal or size-dependent.
How much should you spend on a Secret Santa gift for a coworker?
Follow the office limit, usually $15 to $25. Every pick on this list was under $25 at our last check.
What are good inexpensive Christmas gifts for coworkers?
Touchscreen gloves, a socks gift box, a dad joke book, a LED headlamp beanie or a screw extractor set were all under $10 at our last check. They're useful, one-size and easy to buy for a whole team.
Is Secret Santa the same as white elephant?
No. In Secret Santa you buy for one specific person; in white elephant, gifts are swapped and stolen, so funny gifts work better. For that, see our white elephant gifts under $25.
Browse more Secret Santa gifts or all our gifts under $25.