Contributor post by Opal from Apron Strings Owl Lady
They are used as a fun way to honor co-workers, to surprise other’s at holidays, birthdays and other events – even secretly sent in the mail – have you ever participated in a secret pal gift give-a-way?
Most are conducted by just leaving the gift on the person’s desk or workplace. Some of my friends call these Amigo Secreto (secret friend) or Amigo Invisible (invisible friend). What is this called in your country?
With Etsy, it’d be very simple to send secret gifts to special people in our lives. Thank you Alicia of AliciasFindings for thinking of this topic. Do you have items in your shop that would be perfect for this type of small gift giving? We’d love to see them and hear your story.
Stock Lane Studio from StockLaneStudio says
I love Secret Santa gift exchanges at work! And trying to guess who the gift-giver was. The game often helps break the ice, solidify friendships and spark new ones!
Here’s a fun Secret Santa Gift great for the office – a mousepad adorned with Love Locks that used to adorn bridges that spanned the Seine River in Paris. The topic of the love locks will certainly bring out conversations and it’s perfect for a traveling buddy or to send a subtle romantic message. . . .

Computer Mouse Pad Gift
Diana from joliefemmebydiana says
This is a fun and decorative gift for a secret santa. It’s fun to draw names and then see what cute little thing or funny thing you can find to make someone else smile. It’s always a fun surprise!

Winter Mittens Mini Sack Tote
Artsy Lady from WeirdVanity says
I love Secret Santa! Its a tradition i have been part of since my days in grad school. In school we were on a limited budget, so most of the presents were handmade, which was even more amazing! One of the gifts i received was a handmade Ganesha statue , another time i got a pencil sketch (which was super cool!). at work the budget was higher so that meant store bought presents like scented candles or mugs.
A really cool Secret Santa present would be this handmade custom pet portrait for that colleague or friend who loves his/ her pet!

Custom Pet Portrait Necklace
Corkycrafts from Corkycrafts says
Secret Santa brings back many fun memories of grammar school. Our teacher would ask us to bring ornaments into school handmade and give them to her in a brown lunch bag and she would distribute to students by hiding them in your locker or in your desk while you were at lunch or recess, which means you never know who got your ornament until they opened it. Secret was you couldn’t tell who got yours or who had you unless somebody squealed. One year in 4th grade I got a handmade wood bell ornament and many decades later its still displayed on my tree.
This would make a great Secret Santa gift for work or school or even for your child’s teacher.

Crochet Christmas Angel Ornament
toysfrom70s from toysfrom70s says
A Secret Santa gift exchange is all about the mystery and fun plus sharing the Christmas spirit. This small bear could sit on somebody’s desk at work and its festive and fun decor throughout the holidays.

Collectible Teddy Bear Figurine
Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeSupplies says
These Christmas coloured beads would make the ideal secret santa gift for the craft lover in your life! They are ideal for adding sparkle, bling and pizzazz to clothing, accessories handbags, quilts, wedding favours, table decorations and an array of craft projects.

Faceted Tear Drop Acrylic Beads
Secret Santa’s are so much fun and it’s always a fun time trying to guess who the Santa is!
This vase is great for a co workers desk or for their home. Change the flowers with the seasons or occasions or keep your favorites in this gorgeous mercury glass vase.

Silver Mercury Glass Vase
Sue and Misty from shabbyshopgirls says
We love Secret Santa gift exchanges! Whether it’s for a man or woman, just about everyone would love a great deck of Christmas playing cards! Host an office party or family gathering with a friendly game bridge or poker! A great way to kick start the Holiday season!

Vintage Christmas Playing Cards
Julia from Fabpatterns1015 says
A perfect Secret Santa gift; especially, for that favorite teacher! Stuffed, fabric apple, for ornament, shelf, curio, or where ever you wish to use it. Customizable, too!

Apple Fabric Smiles Ornament
Christa from WintergreenDesign says
Secret Santa exchanges have always been a great holiday tradition. Most of the secret Santa exchanges I have been apart of have included the exchanging of Christmas Ornaments… I think they are a thoughtful gift and whether you know someone well or not you are likely to find an ornament that will fit the person and your budget.
For a Secret Santa exchange I would definitely go with an ornament. In my shop I have dozen of designs that can be customized by color or hair style making an ornament perfect for your recipient.

Bearded Elf Ornament
Cristal Hughes from DesignsbyCristal says
I loved being apart of the Secret Santa type parties they were so much fun!!!. As the bag was being passed around for you to choose a name you could tell everyone was hoping somebody who was a great gift giver pulled their name. So, I think getting something the person has listed on their wish list would be a pleasant surprise especially if this were there only gift.

Horses Lanyard
Dawn Whitehand from DeeDeeDeesigns says
These colourful earrings would make a gorgeous secret santa gift for the jewelery lover. Imprinted with a flower decoration, these handmade earrings are lightweight and an easy transition from day wear to night attire.

Handmade Ceramic Jewelry
Roses Workshop from RosesWorkshop says
I have had several customers recently saying their purchase was for a Secret Santa gift. Since I already wrap all my items in tissue tied up with a simple satin ribbon, they are ready for giving. Here’s an idea that is even useful around the office:

British Wool Mug Cosy
3pc Rose Pen Holiday Gift Set

Rose Pen Set
Pen Flower Bouquet Gift Set Perfect Gift to Co-worker, Best Friend or Floral bouquet/Flower Alternative for your Girlfriend, Wife or Mom.
Create a Custom Centerpiece for Home or Office Desk Décor.
Mary Steed from MaryJaneCreations says
I think secret santa is a lovely idea. Here is one for the ladies… If not your choice, I’ve other charmed items too.

Moon Charm Pendant
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