We love the idea of participating in a Secret Santa exchange — that is, until we unwrap something less than creative, like a bar of pharmacy-bought soap, or a bag of potato chips (these are real-life examples that we've encountered, swear!). As much fun it is to give (and get) surprise goodies, it can be a high-pressure situation, with one wrong move resulting in public displays of awkwardness. (Gee, thanks, George from accounting...)The difficulty of hunting for low-cost gifts shouldn’t be a reason to give up before you even start, so be sure you're doing your part when you sign up for the exchange. To put the pep back in your shopping step, we’ve rounded up gifts that are more than worthy of holiday exchanges — and completely in your budget (yes, they all ring in under $25). Say goodbye to lazy, last-minute finds, and hello to affordable but still totally awesome presents anyone would want to receive.
Let these quirky, bold stickers do all the talking.
Baron Von Fancy Stickers, $5, available at Art Markit.
A packable duffle with zero bulk sounds like a great gift to give. Plus it guarantees space to bring you a present when the giftee goes away next.
Herschel Packable Duffel, $20.99, available at Herschel Supply.
— SPONSORED —
This glittery surprise includes an equally spirited fragrance to kick off
all your end-of-year celebrations with a pop.
You can never have enough Friends.
Friends Sofa Tee, $24, available at Urban Outfitters.
Everyone should have a special brush to get the crumbs dust off their keyboards.
Poketo Japanese Keyboard Brush, $15, available at Poketo.
A puzzle that's also aesthetically pleasing is an ideal coffee table centerpiece.
Areaware Puzzlehead, $20, available at Areaware.
This glittery jar is the perfect holiday-worthy hiding place.
Topshop Gold Glitter Jar, $10, available at Topshop.
Because everyone deserves to have a chic set o' keys.
Nasty Gal Eye Spy Tassel Keychain, $18, available at Nasty Gal.
Why gift anyone a regular ring when you can give this sleek version that doubles as a bottle opener? Talk about a win-win.
Urban Outfitters Bottle Opener Ring, $16, available at Urban Outfitters.
This super-safe candle comes in all the letters of the alphabet.
Nordstrom Dot Monogram Flameless Candle, $22, available at Nordstrom.
GAME. ON.
Roy Lichtenstein Finger Pointing Playing Cards, $14, available at MoMa Store.
It might be tempting to gift an eye mask with a crazy print, but try to keep things cool, calm, and collected with this metallic version, instead.
Morihata Binchotan Eye Mask, $23, available at Need Supply Co.
No need for another gift. They will be LOL-ing all the way home with this holiday card.
American Two Shot Gingerbread Man It's Lit Card, $8, available at American Two Shot.
It's no secret you rigged the family name-picking ceremony so you could get the puppy again. It's okay, everyone knows you care the most about his winter wardrobe.
H&M Cable-knit Dog Sweater, $19.99, available at H&M.
A fitted black turtleneck with on-trend bell sleeves is something everyone could use.
Zara Bell Sleeve Top, $12.99, available at Zara.
A floral pin is cool, but still has a feminine edge.
PintrillDahlia Flower Pin, $15, available at Pintrill.
Chic and warm. What else could we ask for?
& Other Stories Shimmery Socks, $10.55, available at & Other Stories.
We were always told not to play with our food, but they never specifically mentioned the salt and pepper.
Fred & Friends Game On Air Hockey Salt & Pepper Set, $14.99, available at Bloomingdales.
A paperweight (or accent piece) that just might bring good luck.
West Elm Brass Wishbone, $19, available at West Elm.
Because who doesn't need a jazzy notebook?
Nathalie Du Pasquier x Third Drawer Down Notebook. $15, available at Project No. 8.
This isn't just any old ornament. Help spice up your giftee's tree this season — or a wall every season after.
Leif Shop Ojo De Dias Ornament, $18, available at Leif Shop.
Art fiends, rejoice.
Poketo Basquiat Book, $14.99, available at Poketo.
Not a fan of bar soap? No problem. Feel free to use this dish for pretty much anything.
Odeme Soap Dish, $23, available at Odeme.
Only $7 to open the door to so many people's hearts.
Sriracha 2 Go, $7, available at Sriracha 2 Go.
This patch will upgrade any denim jacket or pair of jeans.
Bryybnds OK Hand Patch, $9.50, available at Brrybnds.
Forget whiskey stones. Keep her wine cold with these.
Sparq Wine Pearls, $19.50, available at Madewell.
A safe (and warm) bet for gifting this season.
J. Crew Solid Beanie, $24.50, available at J. Crew.
Watch, phone, and hourglass? This case makes your gift-getter a triple threat.
Pretty Edgy Hourglass Case, $12.99, available at Shoptiques.
Create an at-home gym for less than $20.
Ringside Leather Jump Rope, $19.99, available at Ringside.
Sometimes, coffee isn't enough.
Wildfang You Got This Mug, $12, available at Wildfang.
With this two-in-one travel gift for under $10, you can afford to go on that vacation you've been dreaming of after all.
Forever 21 Passport Holder and Luggage Tag Set, $9.90, available at Forever 21.
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Our Favorite NYC Shoe Stores & What To Buy There
How To Make Your Lazy-Sunday Look Office-Appropriate
The Only Bodysuit You Need In Your Closet