South Aussie Secret Santa gifts that don’t break the bank
Choosing the right Secret Santa gift can be lots of fun – but there are a few simple rules to follow to avoid disaster.
Lifestyle
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It might not always stay a secret but Secret Santa – or Kris Kringle – gifts are a traditional part of Christmas, not just in South Australia but across the globe. In Ireland it’s called Kris Kindle; in Germany it’s Wichteln, in Scandinavia it’s Julklapp and in the US it’s also known as White Elephant, Yankee Swap or Dirty Santa.
But did you ever wonder where the tradition originated?
A famous story from the US tells of Larry Dean Stewart, not a jolly fat man with a white beard wearing a red suit but rather a millionaire philanthropist who, every December, would wander the streets and anonymously hand out cash to people in need. It’s estimated he gave away almost US$1.3 million (AU$1.93 million) over 26 years. He also donated US$25,000 (AU$37,000) in the form of $100 bills to New York residents after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
While most of our budgets don’t extend that far, there’s still plenty of fun to be had in buying Secret Santa gifts – but there’s also a few dos and don’ts, especially when selecting gifts for colleagues.
Here’s some simple tips to keep you on the right track.
DO: Buy SA
Secret Santa is the perfect opportunity to shop local and support our economy. Who wouldn’t love receiving some Robern Menz chocolates, festive bath bombs, drink bottle or picnic blanket?
DO: Set a price limit
A Secret Santa gift is more about the thought and less about the price tag – and that’s especially relevant these days with the cost of living on the rise. Agree a limit and stick to it ... which brings us to the next point.
DON’T: Go above and beyond
No matter how fond you are of the person you’re buying for, don’t go over the agreed limit. It is not in the spirit of the exercise – part of the challenge is to find something appropriate within the price limit.
DO: Choose wisely
If you don’t know your recipient that well, it’s time to get your sneak on. Try dropping subtle hints at the water cooler or deftly asking colleagues who know the person better. For larger workplaces, a good idea is to create a small questionnaire that recipients answer – this goes on the back of their name card in the Secret Santa hat. If you’re completely stuck, a gift voucher is always a safe bet, especially as many can be spent at a good variety of retailers.
DO: Say thank you
Even if it’s the worst gift you can imagine, be polite, smile and thank your Secret Santa. They’ve put effort into getting you something they hope you’ll like so don’t break their Christmas spirit.
DON’T: Tell other colleagues how much you hate it
It will most definitely come back and bite you on the proverbial. And, remember, Secret Santa is meant to be a fun way for everyone to come together at Christmas. Besides, you can always re-gift it next year ...
Planting the right ideas
Nadine Crampton loves shopping – and it shows. The Semaphore Pets & Garden owner’s store overflows with gift items of all shapes and sizes, many sourced from local suppliers.
“The gift shop is like my heaven,” she says. “We try to source sustainable products from small businesses to support other businesses just like ours.
“I try to stock fun and useful things. We have portable grooming kits that you can pop into your pocket, gorgeous candles, Santa and reindeer bath bombs, jigsaw puzzles, seed kits, jewellery, hand and body wash ... the list is endless.”
When it comes to choosing the right Secret Santa present, a little effort can go a long way. “I don’t like to give anyone anything without any thought going into it,” Crampton says. “Secret Santa should be fun, it shouldn’t be something that’s too expensive and it should be targeted to the person you are giving it to.”
As an avid plant lover, it’s no secret what’s on her Christmas wish list. “I love flowers but they have a very short shelf life whereas a plant and a gorgeous pot can last for years. And it’s very meaningful because every time you look at the plant you think of the person who gave it to you – it’s really special.”
Blooming Marvellous
Business is blooming at Emu Bay Lavender Farm. Since buying the working lavender farm five years ago, mother and daughter Sophie and Eliza Sheridan have helped it to flourish, installing a cafe and full commercial kitchen. The farm has also grown its staff numbers, from three to 20 local people in the height of the tourist season.
Things have also been heating up in the kitchen. “We have made more than 22,000 lavender scones – our signature dish – in five years,” Sophie says.
With its stunning location, Emu Bay Lavender Farm has fast become a must-visit destination for both locals and visitors to the island. “It’s a great alfresco area set in the fields of lavender close to the beach where you can come, relax and enjoy great food all made in-house,” she says.
As well as the mouth-watering scones, the business is feted for its lavender-based products, which include lavender honey, lavender jelly, lip balm, essential oil, hand cream, leg gel and more.
Her tip for buying the perfect Secret Santa gift? “Don’t leave it to the last minute, keep it natural and sustainable and support local businesses.”
10 PERFECT SECRET SANTA GIFTS FOR UNDER $20
Emu Bay Lavender Sleep Balm, $17.50 – Made with Kangaroo Island olive oil and Kangaroo Island beeswax which promote relaxation and help you to get a good night’s sleep.
Lil’ Birdie Boutique Lucky Little Narwhal, $19.95 – Pocket-sized token charm, something small and thoughtful. They make the sweetest gift.
Robern Menz 380g Casey C Gift Box, $15.95 – The perfect stocking filler or gift, designed in collaboration with Adelaide based illustrator Casey C. Enjoy your favourite Menz Original FruChocs wrapped in Casey C art.
Semaphore Pets & Garden Annabel Trends Festive Bath Bomb (fruity pavlova), $9.99 – Beautifully packaged and smells amazing!
Adelaide Fringe voucher, various denominations – There is something for everyone to see at the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Spoil someone this Christmas with a voucher to see one of the many amazing shows that will take place at the 2023 Fringe.
Smokemart Gift Box Swig stainless steel tumbler, $20 – Whether it’s coffee on the run or wine at a picnic, this tumbler features a splashproof lid and double insulated walls.
Games World SA Ring Toss Drinking Game, $19.99 – Spice up Christmas this year with a fun drinking game. Ring Toss is sure to bring out every player’s competitive side.
Clipboard Art Supplies Jasart Acrylic Wooden Palette Set, $20.95 – Those looking to take up a new hobby this Christmas break will love this 25-piece set.
The Battery Bar The Fly Assassin, $10 – Summer’s finally here and the flys are out to play! The Fly Assassin is easy to assemble and use. Say goodbye to flies and hello to your new favourite tool.
Small Victories Wine Co picnic wine glasses, $20 (for two) – Easy-to-grab plastic wine glasses that are the ideal addition to any Christmas picnic.
It’s time to Celebrate SA and support South Australian businesses these holidays. Proudly brought to you by BankSA. #WeBackSA
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