I used to LOVE participating in Secret Santa exchanges when I was a teacher. Typically, the exchange would go on for a week and being that teachers can definitely be a creative bunch, it was always SO much fun sneaking around and placing fun treats everywhere for your “person”!
This year, I participated in an online version of Secret Santa with a great bunch of blogger friends where we mailed a gift to our “person”. It was so much fun going shopping for someone and anticipating the mail to arrive, wondering if that would be the day my Secret Santa gift arrived.
I got a super fun gift from my Secret Santa and because there really were no hints as to who she is other than her hand writing, I have no way of thanking her other than by, you guessed it, writing a blog post!
This is what she sent me:
Given that I am a former teacher, she chose such a perfect gift for me: a reusable, peelable chalkboard. This thoughtful gift is going to have a special place in my kitchen. It is a Wallies.com peel and stick chalk board and I have spent the last few days pondering where I want to put it. Of course, because it is peel and stick, technically I should just put it somewhere and move it if I change my mind, but I am giving a lot of thought as to how I would like to use it before I place it somewhere.
If you are participating in a Secret Santa Exchange this year, here are some ideas of possible gift options:
Food Ideas
- chocolate or candy
- bottle of wine
- hot chocolate
- homemade cookies/googies
- cookie/muffin/brownie/pancake mix in a jar
- holiday themed napkins, picks, muffin papers etc.
- Christmas movie
- Christmas ornaments
- fancy gift wrap/ribbon/gift tags
- festive finger tip towels
For the Baker
- cookie recipe book
- cookie cutters
- fun muffin papers
- decorating sprinkles/sugars
- seasonal spatula
General Small Gift Ideas
- Wall decals
- journal and pen
- gift cards
- movie tickets
- hair accessories
- nail polish
- fashion jewellery
- body lotion/shower gel/soap
- scarf (fashion or winter)
For the Crafy Ones
- fun book of cardstock (holiday themed?)
- fancy hole punches/scissors
- stickers
- glitter tape/washi tape
Places to search for good Secret Santa Gifts/Ideas:
- Winners
- Homesense
- Dollar Store
- Mall Kiosks
- CardSwap.ca
Do you have any other ideas, tips or places to shop for good Secret Santa gifts? 
I always love the homemade baking gifts. I haven’t received any this year…but I’m still hopeful. 🙂
you could have just stopped at bottle of wine! lol looks like you got yourself a great gift!
Ok – I WANT a peel and stick removable chalkboard for my school zone!!!!!!!!!! I’m so going to have to track that down. Great gift. That would make me so happy!
I’m going to a secret sister party tonight. I went to Starbucks last night and stood there looking like a lost puppy, I’m sure, (as I never go there and don’t drink coffee), but the staff were amazing and helped me get a great gift under my budget that is fully exchangable and even giftwrapped it for me! Awesome! 😀
Great ideas! I might have to use some of these for the white elephant game I have coming up!
What a great Secret Santa. Love the idea. I’d like one for my kitchen.
Besos, Sarah
Zookeeper at Journeys of The Zoo
Great gift ideas! I love that chalkboard stuff. What a great idea!
Great ideas! I love the gift you received too!
Those are all great ideas for any occasions