Whether you do a secret Santa gift exchange at work, church or other activity, these ideas are perfect for just about anyone. Keeping in mind the current economic situation, these are also fun and inexpensive ideas.
Gift idea number 1: You don’t have to be a coffee lover to receive this gift. Hit the dollar store for a holiday themed mug or just an everyday mug. Wash the mug and fill with one or two packets of instant cocoa, a couple of tea bags, candy canes (perfect to make peppermint tea or cocoa) and an individually wrapped package or two of biscotti. You could even throw a handful of Hershey kisses or peppermints in the bottom for an extra surprise.
Gift idea number 2: Make an ornament. This does not have to be difficult or elaborate. Craft stores like Michael’s, often have empty glass ball ornaments. Fill with tinsel or star garland in any color and replace the top. I can tell you from personal experience these ornaments reflect the Christmas lights beautifully adding an extra sparkle to the tree. If you have a glitter pen, write the recipient’s name on the ball, or if your handwriting isn’t that good, simple circles all over the ornament will look lovely too.
Gift idea number 3: A tin or tray of homemade goodies. These will definitely not go to waste. Make your favorite cookies, candy or fudge or a combination of all if you’re ambitious. Pick up the tin or tray at the dollar store to make this gift even more economical. As a special treat, include the recipes. The easiest fudge recipe follows and it comes from www.eaglebrand.com. If you’re concerned about a nut allergy, just omit them and it will still be yummy. The website offers variations, just search the recipe title to find them.
Foolproof Chocolate Fudge
3 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1 (14 oz.) can sweetened condensed milk
Dash salt
1/2 to 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Line 8 inch square baking dish with aluminum foil, extending foil over edges of pan.
Melt chocolate chips with sweetened condensed milk and salt in saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in nuts and vanilla. Spread evenly into prepared pan. Chill 2 hours or until firm. Remove from pan by lifting edges of foil. Cut into squares.
Yields: about 2 pounds.
Gift idea number 4: If you’re crafty, make some note cards. If not, purchase some. Inexpensive note cards can be found in the dollar bins at Michael’s Arts & Crafts stores and sometimes, Target. Pair the gift cards with a pen, some postage stamps and homemade address labels. Make the address labels from your computer and put a cute seasonal or themed graphic in the corner.
Gift idea number 5: Who doesn’t like movie night? In a gift bag, combine a box of microwave popcorn, movie theater candy like sno caps, Mike & Ike’s and a variety of candy bars, add a gift card for movie rental or a favorite DVD and you’re done. Inexpensive, family DVD’s can sometimes be found at WalMart.
Gift idea number 6: Make the recipient’s favorite lunch and leave it on his or her desk. It could be as simple as a green salad. Tuna salad and chicken salad are good choices too. Include some chips, a snack, maybe grapes or orange slices and a soda or bottle of water. You could also just leave change with a note to get a favorite drink from the vending machine if that is available to you.
Hopefully these ideas will make your Secret Santa giving a little bit easier. If you have a week of giving you can do all your shopping at once and be done without having to come up with last minute ideas.
