Secret Santa gifts people actually want: the best small drinks presents

We’ve all been there. You pull a name out of the hat, realise you barely know them, and end up panic-buying a novelty mug the night before the office party. Drinks make much better Secret Santa gifts, because almost everyone enjoys a small treat at Christmas, and a well-chosen bottle feels thoughtful rather than random. The trick is to keep it small, fun and easy to share. Here are the presents we’d be pleased to unwrap.

What makes good Secret Santa gifts?

A Secret Santa budget is usually modest, so the aim is to get the most fun out of it. The best gifts are:

• Small but special. Miniatures and half bottles feel like a treat without blowing the budget.
• Easy to enjoy. Nothing that needs a decanter or a tutorial.
• A bit different. Something they wouldn’t buy for themselves.
• Safe for the setting. At work, keep it tasteful and have a non-drinking backup in mind.

One golden rule: if you’re not sure your person drinks, don’t guess. Plenty of colleagues skip alcohol for health, faith or simply personal preference, and an alcohol-free option is just as welcome.

Mini bottles: the best Secret Santa gifts for a small budget

Miniatures are perfect for Secret Santa. They look generous, they’re easy to wrap and they let someone try something new.

The Graham’s Mini Port Selection has five small bottles of different port styles in a presentation pack, and it’s ideal for anyone who enjoys a festive nightcap. For a sparkling option, the Codorníu Organic Cava 3 x 20cl gives three single-serve bottles of bubbles, so there’s no need to open a full bottle. And the La Gioiosa Prosecco Rosé 20cl is a pretty pink mini that’s perfect for a desk-side toast.

If you’d like something even smaller, the Cockburn’s Classic Port Selection has three 5cl bottles, which is a lovely stocking-filler size.

Fun liqueurs that get people talking

Liqueurs are brilliant Secret Santa gifts because they’re a little bit playful. They also tend to be lower in strength than spirits, and they’re easy to enjoy over ice or in a hot chocolate.

TW Kempton Cherry Marshmallow Gin Liqueur is exactly as fun as it sounds, sweet, fruity and very festive. Aber Falls Wild Raspberry Gin Liqueur is a bit more grown-up, with bright fruit that’s lovely topped up with fizz. And for the person with a sweet tooth, Sheep Dog Peanut Butter Whiskey Liqueur is a guaranteed conversation starter that’s surprisingly good over ice.

Browse the rest of our liqueur range for more ideas.

Beer and cider packs for easy sharing

A mixed pack of beer or cider is a safe and sociable choice, especially if your Secret Santa is someone who likes a pint at the pub.

The Hobgoblin Mixed Beer Selection brings together several ales in one pack, so they can try a few styles. For cider fans, Kopparberg Winter Punch is a spiced, wintery fruit cider that tastes of Christmas. Both are great to share at the office party itself.

Smart little spirits for a step up

If your group has a slightly bigger budget, a half bottle of something good feels properly grown-up. Courvoisier VS 35cl is a smaller bottle of a classic Cognac, ideal for sipping or for a festive Brandy Alexander. It shows real thought without the commitment of a full-size bottle.

Alcohol-free Secret Santa gifts

For anyone who doesn’t drink, or is driving home from the party, an alcohol-free bottle is a kind and inclusive choice. Mionetto 0% Sparkling gives them a glass of bubbles to join in the toasts, with no alcohol at all. It’s also handy if you’ve drawn a name and simply don’t know.

Tips for giving drinks at the office

A few simple rules keep your Secret Santa on the right side of the HR handbook:

1. Check the rules first. Some workplaces have a no-alcohol policy for gifts.
2. Keep it modest. Minis and small packs feel fun; a litre of vodka can feel like a statement.
3. Add a festive touch. A ribbon, a gift bag or a handwritten tag makes a small gift feel bigger.
4. Think about the journey home. Drinks are best opened later, not at the desk.

It’s also worth remembering that December is a busy month for drinking. The UK Chief Medical Officers advise no more than 14 units a week, and Drinkaware has useful tips for pacing yourself over the festive season.

Need more inspiration? Our wine gifts guide has bigger presents for family and friends, our gin gifts guide covers every type of gin lover, and our drinks advent calendars guide is perfect for an early treat.

FAQs

What are good Secret Santa gifts for a small budget?

Miniatures and small packs work brilliantly, such as a mini port selection, a three-pack of cava minis or a 20cl Prosecco rosé.

Is alcohol a good Secret Santa gift at work?

It can be, as long as your workplace allows it and you know the person drinks. If you’re unsure, choose an alcohol-free sparkling wine instead.

What can I give a Secret Santa I don’t know well?

Something small, fun and easy to share, like a fruity gin liqueur or a mixed beer pack. Avoid anything too personal.

Are liqueurs good Secret Santa gifts?

Yes. They’re playful, often lower in strength than spirits and easy to enjoy over ice or with fizz.