12 Secret Santa Gifts To Avoid At Work

‘Tis the season for Secret Santa—but not all gifts are created equal. Horror stories of Secret Santas in years gone by include being given a dead aloe vera plant, a rotten banana, a roll of duct tape, and even a pair of Kegel balls!

“Sometimes what seems like harmless fun can turn into an HR horror story faster than you can say ‘naughty list,’” say the experts at Indexsy, a digital marketing firm specializing in SEO. “While Secret Santa is meant to spread holiday cheer, it’s important to remember that even during festive times, workplace rules still apply.”

So, before you buy that ‘hilarious’ gag gift, Indexsy is here to unwrap the real rules of workplace gifting.

Lingerie, adult toys, or anything you’d blush while buying shouldn’t end up in a workplace gift exchange. Sure, it might get a laugh, but it’ll also get you a stern talk from HR. Let’s keep the holiday spirit… professional.

Deodorant, breath mints, or acne cream might seem useful, but they also scream, “I think you need this!” “These items feel less like thoughtful gifts and more like passive-aggressive critiques, leaving your coworker wondering if you think they stink,” says Indexsy. “No one wants their Secret Santa moment to feel like a personal intervention.”

Unless your colleague specifically asked for a kettlebell or a diet cookbook, these gifts can come across as a not-so-subtle way of saying, “You should work on yourself.” Nobody wants their holiday cheer turned into a New Year’s guilt trip! Let your colleagues enjoy their holiday cookies in peace.

Buying your coworker an expensive smartwatch or designer bag might seem generous, but it can make others feel awkward or pressured to splurge next year. Not everyone can afford to reciprocate such extravagance, and Secret Santa is about fun, not outshining the entire office.

Speaking of price caps, don’t be that person who ignores them. If the spending limit is $20, don’t show up with a $50 bottle of wine. Breaking the rules might seem like a flex, but it can make everyone else uncomfortable or downright annoyed.

That unopened candle from last year or the mug with a slight chip might feel like an easy way out, but it’s a surefire way to make someone feel unappreciated. Re-gifting is the gift that says, “I forgot about this entirely.” Secret Santa is about thoughtfulness, not clearing out your junk drawer.

Books like How to Stop Procrastinating or Five Steps To Fix Your Finances might look inspiring on the shelf but feel patronizing under the tree. “Even if your intentions are good, the effect is awkward – like you’re saying your colleague is lazy or bad with money,” says Indexsy. “Self-improvement is great, but not when it’s gifted unsolicited.”

Anything involving politics, religion, or polarizing celebrities or public figures is a recipe for awkwardness. Secret Santa is meant to unite coworkers, not spark debates or awkward silences, so save the think-pieces for your book club.

Perfumes and candles are tricky territory—what might smell heavenly to you could trigger headaches—or even allergic reactions—in others. “Scent is very personal, so it’s hard to gift unless you know for sure what they like,” says Indexsy.

Mocking someone’s religion, culture, or gender isn’t edgy or cute—it’s offensive. Gag gifts should be funny for everyone, not just a small subset of people who are the majority or find discomfort amusing. If you have to ask, “Will this be taken the wrong way?” The answer is probably yes.

Your great-aunt’s recipe for chocolate-pepper-pickle brownies might be a family hit, but your coworkers are probably less adventurous. Also, there’s a strong chance you could be giving your coworker something with an ingredient they don’t like – or worse, one they’re allergic to. 

If you really want people to try it, bring the dish in as a gift for everyone to share rather than putting one person on the spot. 

Fart noise machines, fake poop or anything involving bodily fluids might seem hilarious… to a five-year-old. Your coworkers? Not so much. “Gifts like these are unlikely to go over well in a professional setting,” says Indexsy. “Unless your office culture is very lax, these gifts are better left in the joke shop.”

Choosing a Secret Santa gift for a coworker doesn’t have to be a minefield. We recommend practical but creative items, like a quirky mug paired with their favorite tea or coffee, a desktop plant to brighten their workspace, or a puzzle or game. Universal crowd-pleasers like cozy socks, gourmet snacks, or fun desk accessories can also be a good call.  

The key is to give something small that shows you’ve put in a little thought without going overboard. You can also think about things people might not splurge on for themselves, but would enjoy having. If you’re unsure about their tastes, you have two options. You can keep it safe and stick to light-hearted, non-personal gifts, like a calendar or a gift card to a local coffee shop. Or you can ask someone who knows them better if there’s anything they’d particularly like. 

Remember, you’re aiming for a moment of joy, not a major statement. Your Secret Santa gift can say, ‘I hope this brightens your day,’ rather than ‘I know everything about you’.

This article originally appeared in Your Coffee Break.