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It’s Not White Elephant: 5 Secret Santa Gifts to Help You Avoid Unpleasant Surprises

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCD chapter.

You reach into the box full of slips, silently praying that the name on the list is one whose wish list will be easy to fulfill. You slowly open the folded paper, and … no such luck. Your mind goes blank and you begin to panic as a realization fills you with dread: you have absolutely no idea what to get your person. This holiday season, don’t be that Secret Santa who’s just getting presents! Up your holiday gift basket with these five thoughtful, yet fail-proof Christmas presents.

1. All Things Knit

Choose from a knit chunky cardigan, knit infinity scarf, knit mittens, knit beanies, knit sweaters, or get all of ‘em! You simply can’t go wrong with these trendy winter closet essentials that are bound to keep her warm yet cute on those harsh winter mornings!

2. Cozy & Fuzzy: Socks ‘n Slippers

Whether she’s wearing boots outdoors or walking around barefoot indoors, it can get quite cold without a pair of warm, fuzzy socks! Pair these socks with furry & cozy house slippers so that she can slip out of her boots and right into her slippers to stay warm inside the house!

3. Warm it Up: Drink Kit  

Cuddling up in bed with a warm drink always sounds tempting on those cold winter days. If “caffeine is the new black,” is her motto, toss in a pack of coffee or tea, a coffee mug, creamer, candy canes, and a pack of cookies to give her all she needs for that morning kick. If she’s more of a hot chocolate person, bundle up the basket with packets of hot chocolate mix, a cute mug, marshmallows, candy canes, whipped cream, and some cookies to dip in milk!

4. Beauty Basket

If she’s into beauty and cosmetics, you can go two different ways with it! Either grab a holiday-scented matching lotion, body wash, and perfume set from Bath & Body Works (or your local drug store), or go the makeup route, getting that long-awaited eyeshadow kit, some new lipstick & chapstick, and her favorite eyeliner and mascara combination.

5. Spice It Up: Home Décor Basket

During the holiday season, your food isn’t the only thing you can spice up! With some scented candles, holiday string lights, a decorated mason jar with Christmas ornaments inside, gift stockings for her fireplace, or a holiday-themed photo frame, you’re all set to help her spice up her home as well!

 

*None of these images belong to the author or Her Campus UC Davis

Images courtesy of Pexels

Meera is currently a first-year economics major from Cupertino, CA. Passionate about family, friends, food, and fitness, she enjoys getting boba with friends & family, playing badminton with her twin sister, running, and of course, binge watching the occasional Netflix show. Meera is looking forward to exploring and writing about life at UC Davis as a freshman!
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