15 Best Secret Santa & Kris Kringle Gifts For Christmas 2023
Designed to smell like your favourite red frog, shoppers are raving about this best selling candle calling it “delicious” and “a great scent”.
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more
So, you’ve once more been subjected to the festive joy (or pain, depending on your perspective) that is Kris Kringle gifting – and we’re guessing you’ve landed here at a loss for what to buy.
Welcome! We’ve got everything you need, so worry not. No matter who you’ve been assigned, we’ve rounded up no-fuss gifts to suit everyone – and they’re gifts that aren’t just useless bits of junk your giftee will toss away the second they get home.
No need to break the budget either – these gifts are all $50 or less, so you can stay well within the assigned budget.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
Our team of experienced writers spend hours researching products to include in articles. We find out what factors make a good product by talking to experts, reviewing test results and analysing thousands of customer reviews.
OUR TOP PICKS
EDITOR’S PICKS
None Of This Is True by Lisa Jewell, $22.99 (down from $32.99) at QBD Books
What You Should Know
The book that has taken #booktok by storm, this popular thriller is a real page-turner and a great option for avid readers as well as those trying to get back into it.
The plot follows popular podcaster Alix Summers who crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie and drama and suspense galore ensues.
It has over three million views on TikTok and thousands of five-star reviews online with readers raving about the nailbiting novel.
“I’m speechless after reading this bone chilling, dark, twisty, mind bending thriller which is one of the best works of Lisa Jewell,” wrote one five-star review on Good Reads.
Another said, “This book is unsettling (buzz word of the review) and creepy, dark and mysterious, and completely off-the-rails fun. I legit was second guessing everything up until the very end.”
If you want to give a book they won’t be able to put down, this is it.
Glasshouse Fragrances All Red Ones, $32.95 (down from $59.95) at OZSALE
What You Should Know
If you’re after a tried and true gift idea that absolutely never fails, you can’t go wrong with a candle from Glasshouse. This one is perfect for the sweets lovers out there, particularly those who love a red lolly.
It has notes of lemon, pomegranate, guava, raspberries, cherries and jam so it’s sure to pack a punch. It’s sitting at a strength of 3.5 making it ideal for a subtle scent in a larger room and more powerful one in a smaller one.
“Smells exactly like you would imagine the bag of red frogs lollies to smell like, delicious!” wrote one five-star review.
Another said, “This candle is fantastic, its burns evenly and throws a great scent. The scent is so addictive and also lingers nicely.”
Broken Bay Pearl Farm Oyster Tasting, $24 (down from $30) at RedBalloon
What You Should Know:
Give your KK an experience they’ll remember for a lifetime!
The Broken Bay Pearl Farm Oyster Tasting includes a 30 minute guided oyster tasting and shucking demonstration on the banks of the Hawkesbury River. If you’re buying for an oyster lover, this is something they will 100 per cent appreciate.
They will learn all about the individual characteristics of the Sydney rock oyster, Pacific oyster and Akoya pearl oysters and be a true connoisseur by the time they leave.
Plus, right now it is 20 per cent off.
Christmas Carrés Gift Box, 15 Pieces, $32.90 at GODIVA
What You Should Know:
Is there any KK gift more perfect than a box of chocolates? When you’re buying for a work colleague or someone who has everything, some chocolates are always the way to go. Plus, this box from Godiva is a step above your average box of Favourites from Woolies.
Containing 15 individually wrapped GODIVA Chocolate Carrés, this box is pure indulgence. These chocolates have been made in Belgium so you know you’re only giving the best.
Five-star reviews call the Carres chocolates “a chocaholic’s heaven” and “not too sweet but really delicious”.
BEST SECRET SANTA AND KRIS KRINGLE GIFTS UNDER $50
frank green Ceramic Reusable Cup, $45.95 at THE ICONIC
Tried and Tested by Philippa Tonkin, Shopping Writer
This reusable cup from frank green is arguably one of my favourite pieces right now. I use it every morning on the way to work to drink my coffee. Not only is it incredibly chic but also simply works well too. It keeps my coffee so hot for such a long time and is the perfect size to fit in my hand. I also love that it’s leak proof so I can simply pop the button to close the lid and place it in my bag with no worries about any unwanted coffee spills. It comes in a variety of colours (I also have it in pink and black) but the khaki green is my current favourite. At this point, I honestly don’t think I can live without it.
Ultra Violette Lil Pout Protectors, $40 at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know:
Christmas in Australia means summer, sun and beach trips – so make sure they’re well stocked with these travel-friendly tinted lipbalms that contain SPF 50 from cult fave Aussie skincare brand Ultra Violette.
Always read the label. See directions for use. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun. Wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear when exposed to the sun. Frequent reapplication is required for effective sun protection.
Laneige Heavenly Hydration Set (Holiday Limited Edition), $45 at Sephora
What You Should Know
If you’re buying for a beauty aficionado, this hydrating gift set will definitely be one of their favourite presents for the year. Including three of Laneige’s best selling products; the Lip Sleeping Mask Berry, the Water Bank Cream Moisturiser and the Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner Moisturiser, this set is seriously so good, we’re thinking of buying it for ourselves.
Typo Cocktail Shaker Set, $29.99 at Cotton On
What You Should Know
This one is definitely for adults only – it’s a colourful cocktail set perfect for home and on-the-go, complete with a shaker, two tumblers, a measuring shot glass and metal stirrer.
Mermade Hair Heatless Curls Kit, $49 at THE ICONIC
What You Should Know
Hairstyling appliances can be devilishly expensive, so an option such as this Heatless Curls Kit from Mermade Hair is excellent value for money and a perfect gift for the person who always has perfectly prim hair.
WAHL Compact Massager, $29.95 at Shaver Shop
What You Should Know
Who doesn’t love a compact massager? This is a versatile, crowd-pleaser of a Secret Santa present, offering multiple head attachments so you can customise your massage to what you like.
BEST SECRET SANTA AND KRIS KRINGLE GIFTS UNDER $20
Amazon.com.au eGift Card, from $1 at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know
An Amazon gift card is the perfect Secret Santa gift for any budget – just enter the amount you wish. If you’ve been assigned a co-worker or friend who’s a bit of enigma or hard to please when it comes to gifting, let them have a bit of freedom and choose their own gift. They’ll be sure to find something they’ll love thanks to the wide range of products from tech to books and so much more. eGift cards can be instantly delivered, perfect if you’re short on time, and you can choose from plenty of fun Christmas-themed designs.
Natio Focus On Stress Pure Essential Oil Blend Roll On 10ml, $16.95 at Myer
What You Should Know
A great idea for a work colleague who’s had a lot going on this year. Or, if you’ve been assigned a bit of a stress head, the refreshing and soothing blend of Australian essential oils will help them relax as they deserve.
T2 Ten Tea Bag Gift Pack, $12 at T2
What You Should Know
If they love tea, they’ll definitely appreciate this gift box of ten best-selling T2 tea bags – featuring classics like French Earl Grey alongside blends like Packs a Peach. Meanwhile, you’ll appreciate the very budget-friendly price tag.
Tovolo Sphere Ice Mould (Set of 2), $15 (down from $23.83) at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know
Some of the most appreciated gifts are the ones we would never think to buy ourselves. They delight and surprise when we open them, often being objects that make simple everyday tasks easier. This ice sphere mould is one such gift. Perfect for the friend who prefers their beverages chilled. Plus, any cocktail or spirit connoisseur will know there is something that really hits the spot about an ice sphere. It has over 26,100 five-star reviews, meaning you know it’s worth the purchase.
Lather & Slather Creamy Duo, $16 at The Body Shop
What You Should Know
This duo gift set contains a shower cream and body butter and is perfect for those in need of a moisturising treat. At only $16, this is seriously good value.
Byron Bay Coffee Company Certified Organic Espresso Ground, $15 at Amazon Australia
What You Should Know
If coffee is more up their alley, treat them to a bag of Byron Bay Coffee Company’s organic espresso, which is made locally in Australia from 100 per cent Arabica beans. The company supports charities that promote eco-friendly and fair work practices, for a little extra boost of heartwarming festive goodness.
WHAT IS KRIS KRINGLE OR SECRET SANTA?
Kris Kringle (KK), otherwise known as Secret Santa, is a holiday gift exchange where a group of people are assigned a name of another person in the group. They have to secretly buy a present for the person they picked, usually staying within a specified budget for fairness. The gifts are all exchanged and opened together, with each person’s Secret Santa being revealed or guessed once gifts are opened.
A good KK gift depends on the person you gift it to – but in my opinion, you can never go astray with a safe option like a candle, planner, skincare or shower gel gift set, or mug.
More best Christmas gift guides
Plus, get the best deal on every purchase by visiting news.com.au Coupons where you’ll find deals on brands from Myer to Vistaprint.
For even more Christmas goodness, sign up to the shopping newsletter here.
$50 and under: Gifts your friends and family will love
There’s nothing quite like the gift of relaxation – this “genius” $40 bathtub tray is sure to be a winner.
‘Foolproof’ Father’s Day gift your dad will actually love
Father’s Day will be here before you know it – September 1st to be exact, mark it in your iCals! – and if you’re stuck on gift ideas then give Dad the gift of choice this year.
30% off ‘delicious’ Lindt advent calendar
Named the “best advent calendar”, this super affordable Christmas pressie is perfect for chocolate lovers. Get in quick before it sells out!
‘Stunning’ self-care gift ‘everyone will love’
Make gift giving a little less stressful with our roundup of the best gift hampers for every occasion and budget – including this hamper that’s perfect for those lacking “me time”.