It is fast approaching that time of year again when you have to buy something thoughtful for everyone you know. The idea of secret Santa often fills people with dread; it reminds them of awkward gift exchanges with colleagues that they barely know. This Christmas tradition can be a little daunting to navigate, but don’t worry; below is a guide to help you get it right this year!
What is Secret Santa?
Secret Santa is a strategy for gift-giving, and it is most commonly used in the workplace, although some family or friend groups also participate. All the names of the participants are written down, and then they are drawn one by one. The idea is that each person ends up with someone else in the group. A price limit is set, and the gift exchange date is agreed upon. Some people like to reveal the secret Santa’s during the gift exchange, and some prefer that they remain a mystery.
Know Your Audience
First things first, when you draw the name of your giftee, you need to conduct some research. You might be fortunate enough to know them relatively well, but you might not. Try to learn more about them but do so subtly – you don’t want to give yourself away. Learning more about the person is the best way to ensure that you are going to get them something they will like.
Don’t Go for the Gag Gift
Honestly, unless you know the giftee really well, you have no way of knowing whether their humour aligns with yours. Your gift could fall flat or, worse, offend. Gag gifts are also seen as a little thoughtless; it gives the impression that you couldn’t think of anything that they would actually like. Take a little extra time to come up with something that they will love.
Give the Gift of an Adventure
There is no rule which says you have to limit yourself to a physical gift – unless, of course, the price limit is low. If you have more money to play with, why not consider giving them an experience, like a gift card to an attraction or a day out. If you know the person well, you should be able to come up with something that they would really enjoy.
You Can’t Go Wrong with a Hamper
If you don’t know the person particularly well, it can be a struggle to work out what to get them. A hamper of treats is always appreciated, although you should make sure there aren’t any allergy requirements to think about. Box Local has a wide range, including a Christmas Bristol Hamper, they range in price, so they should suit most limits and most preferences too.
Finally
Don’t be a scrooge; stick to the price limit. In a secret Santa, you should always spend the agreed-upon amount. If you dip under the limit, you risk seeming cheap, and if you go over it, the other participants might think that you are trying to show them up. Secret Santa’s don’t need to be stressful. It is all about putting some thought in and trying to do right by your giftee; hopefully, your gifter will do the same for you!