Secret Santa Christmas Gifts Under $20

Are you dreading your annual gift exchange at the office? Has your family opted for a Secret Santa format this Holiday Season?

It's ironic that the much-appreciated cost-effectiveness of a Secret Santa gift exchange, is often what makes it most difficult to shop for. Christmas is all about giving, but just because you are on a tight budget doesn't mean you should waste your hard-earned cash on a gift that is of no use to the recipient.

Amazingly a $20 budget can get you things you never dreamed possible, so lose the tacky “soap in a sleigh” drugstore go-to, and bring on unique, creative, and - best of all – useful gifts this Christmas.

Joke gifts may have their place at every gift exchange but this year you can make a lasting impression with one of these affordable and interesting gift ideas!

For the guy who hates the office coffee

at Mountain Equipment Co-op

Every workplace has that person who complains about the office brew, but continues to drink it anyway. For just under $20, you can take them to a happier place with a personal coffee press and go mug.

For the starving student

at iBuyOfficeSupply.ca

Got a first year university student on your list? A web camera is a wonderful way to keep in touch and keep homesickness at bay. Coupled with the convenience of free internet services like Skype, your $20 can go a long way.

For someone who really hates winter!

at Sears Canada

Make winter a little easier to take with an electric windshield scraper. It heats up when plugged into the lighter and makes scraping your windows a dream! At $20, this gift will be priceless to anyone forced to park outdoors in the frosty weather.

For the gourmand

at Sears Canada

$17 will buy you the love of an entertainer and gourmand for life! Simple in its mechanics, this little gadget is a godsend for chopping onions, garlic, veggies, herbs, nuts, and so much more.

For the teen queen or young ladies in between

at Sears Canada

Sears cosmetic counters have a great selection of fragrances marketed specifically to teens and tweens. Look for perfumes by Britney Spears, Paris Hilton, or Disney's Hannah Montana – all under $20.

For your “Bestie 4-Ever”

at Sears Canada

Capture your favourite memories of your dearest friend in a thoughtful and sentimental gift. At just under $10, you will have plenty of budget left to fill this “Friends” frame with good times. Also available in a “Family” version.

For the sports nut

at The Shopping Channel

He shoots, he scores! A motion-triggered cheering crowd will transport your sports nut right into the big game when he makes the shot, and at just under $13, you can include a sweatband in the budget too!

For the gadget lover

at Canadian Tire Corp

Know someone who needs a little organization in their vehicle? Gadget lovers will appreciate the easy accessibility that this universal device holder provides to their MP3 or PDA while driving. $10 buys a useful gift and added safety behind the wheel.