Secret Santa Exchanges

Chances are that you will be struck with an opportunity to participate in a Secret Santa or Kris Kringle gift exchange this holiday season. Typically, these exchanges take place in school and work settings, however, they can be orchestrated amongst friends and family as a simple approach to holiday gift giving. Often an exchange that takes place in the workplace or in an educational setting is limited to a certain amount of money, typically $25 or less. Here are a few gift ideas that are budget-friendly and that can work for just about anyone. You might also want to check out the Gifts for Your Host Guide and the Housewarming Gift Guide for more inexpensive ideas.

Christmas-Themed Gifts

Even if you don't know someone that well, you can still find a nice gift for someone that eludes a sense of holiday cheer with these Christmas-inspired gifts.

Ornaments  They're inexpensive and perfectly suited for a gift exchange, since they are small and practical, but also pretty and festive. Choosing a simple design and color is best.	Snow Globes  Certainly worthy of a Christmas exchange, they make pretty home accents and add a touch of festivity to an office desk. Plus, they don't always have to be Christmasy. They can be any theme.	Hat and Scarf   A matching scarf and hat  is ideal for blustery winter days even if it isn't red and green. Choose colors that fit the recipient's personality and a style you find suitable. Or, if you're handy, knit one up yourself.	Wreaths  A fresh Christmas wreath  is great for sprucing up a home during Christmastime. Make sure to pack it so that it is easily transportable.	Stockings  Even though many people already own stockings,  a fancy, handmade stocking is a beautiful mantel accessory. Depending on the cost, you might be able to stuff it with a few trinkets if you want.

Snow Globe Bottle Stopper  Know someone who loves wine or who enjoys entertaining? Treat the host (or hostess) with the most to a classy yet fun Christmas gift that will serve a purpose throughout the whole holiday season.	Stocking Holder  Any home can do with a pretty set of stocking holders. Choose something that fits the person's personality as closely as you can muster, whether they have an elegant, whimsical, unique, or contemporary style.	Santa Mug  Coffee addicts, tea aficionados, or anyone who likes to enjoy a warm cup of cocoa during the chilly winter months can make use of a mug whether at home or in the office. It's a perfect gift for someone you don't know that well.	Christmas Music  Who doesn't need more Christmas music? If you want to make a great impression, choose an artist or compilation CD that fits the recipient's musical tastes. Not sure what he or she likes? Try a Santa mug instead.	Christmas Cookie Jar  Get a cookie jar that comes full of gourmet cookies or if you have a knack for baking, fill a jar with your own homemade goodies. Cookies are sure to put a smile on everyones face.

Non-Christmas Gifts

• Keep a gift basket  costing less than $20 by buying the stuff yourself.
• Opt for an inexpensive metal tin or a wicker basket.
• Make a theme out of it:
• Movie Night: Popcorn,  candies, and a Blockbuster Gift Certificate.
• Summer Fun: Include sunblock,  shades,  and flip-flops. 
• BBQ Time: Buy an assortment of spicy BBQ sauce  and wrap them all up in flaming red paper.
• Gardener's Delight: Include a series of seed packets  and a beginner's how-to guide  for starting a garden.
• Spa at Home: Get bath beads,  bubble bath,  oils,  and a scrubbing loofah  or pouf. 
• Pack everything up in pretty paper and a ribbon or bow.
• Gift certificates are safe and simple. Perfect for someone you don't know that well.
• A bath and body kit of body wash  or little soaps.  See bath and body gifts for more related ideas.
• Candles  are perfect generic gifts that are no-fail.
• A fashionable piece of jewelry. Usually earrings  work well, but you should scope out your victim to see what she wears most often. For men, a tie  is an option.
• Books and movies are both practical, thoughtful, and inexpensive.
• Homemade Christmas cookies and other baked goods are delicious treats for exchanges that nearly everyone can enjoy.
• A bottle of wine  or a nice cigar. 
• Handheld electronic games  are perfect or co-workers who you think need to let of some steam.
• Su Do Ku Game  or any other craze of the minute.

Quick Picks

For Women
Kate Spade Rutherford Circle Floral Accent Mug	Neoprene Lunch Tote	Harney and Sons Moroccan Mint Tea	Target Polished Stainless Steel Watering Can	Swizzle Sticks

For Men
Multi-Bit Ratchet Screw Driver	Zyliss Dial-n-Slice Cheese Slicer	Michael Graves George Desk Alarm Clock	iPod Case	Duct Tape Wallet