Christmas 2015: 10 best Secret Santa presents under £10

Stuck for what to get for the annual office festivities? From novelty pressies to genuinely useful gifts, we’ve got it covered

Stop panicking, here are office-appropriate gift ideas to sort out your Secret Santa dilemma.

1. Top Banana Wine Stopper: £6.99, iwantoneofthose.com

There’s a fine line between novelty and practical, and this can just about straddle both camps. It looks silly but is made from food-grade silicone and will keep a bottle air-tight. One for the colleague who is always hosting – but never inviting you to – dinner parties.
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2. Grow Me Hot Stuff Chilli Plant Kit: £3.99, amazon.co.uk

If you’re on an under £5 budget, try one of these chilli-growing packs. There are others in the range, so if your recipient isn’t keen on hot stuff you could try the sunflower, coffee plant or basil versions.
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3. Animal Balloon Modelling Kit: £8, giftshop.cancerresearchuk.org

Pressies that get everyone involved are always a good bet. That’s why we think this animal-making kit is a smart option. As well as 30 balloons, you get a pump, googly eyes, stickers and instructions for eight creatures including a monkey, dog, swan and elephant. 100% of profits go to Cancer Research.
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4. Eco Friendly Travel Mugs: £8.99, notonthehighstreet.com

Do you have an eco-conscious colleague? Treat them to one of these cups for the commute. They’re made from recycled materials and come in four colours, with a brown silicone lid and sleeve for spill-free carrying.
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5. Gin and Tonic Shower Bath and Shower Gel: £7.95, handpickedcollection.com

If whoever you’ve pulled out the hat is a gin fan but the budget won’t quite stretch to a bottle of the good stuff, try this alcohol-free equivalent. It’s juniper and lemon scented, so they’ll get their fix – without the hangover.
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6. NPW Mini Party Hats: £6, debenhams.com

Even the scroogiest of colleagues might crack a smile when they see these silly little hats. You can make them there and then, with no glue, attach the strap and don at a jaunty angle.
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7. Butcher’s Meat Cuts Tea Towel: £9.95, etsy.com/uk

If your work's Secret Santa is serious rather than silly, here’s a good option for any chefs or (carnivorous) foodies. Made in England, they come in a range of colours both bright and muted.
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8. Nutella 30 Best Recipes Book: £6.99, amazon.co.uk

There’s always someone who has the chocolatey spread on toast for breakfast. If you get them in the draw, this jar-shaped book will be in winner. It’s full of easy recipes using Nutella, from truffles to spring rolls.
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9. Cute Shin’yu Marshmallow Stress Relievers: £7, asos.com

Help the office stress-head relieve the tension with these cuter-than-average desk companions.
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10. Mini Tabletop Tennis Game: £10, urbanoutfitters.com

If, like ours, your office isn’t quite cool enough for ping pong table, this is the next best thing. The net has suction pads so can go anywhere. Just try not to hit your boss in the face.
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Verdict

If it's novelty you're after, we like the mini hats for something that will get everyone into a party mood. For something more useful way beyond the Christmas do, try the banana bottle-stopper.