Kris Kringle & Secret Santa Gifts Under $20 for the Kitchen
You've drawn a name for Kris Kringle, the budget is $20, you've got no idea what to buy, and the exchange is coming up fast. Sound familiar? Thankfully, the best Kris Kringle gifts aren't necessarily the funniest or flashiest; they’re the ones people actually use.
From clever kitchen gadgets to coffee accessories and entertaining essentials, we've rounded up practical Secret Santa gifts under $20, with ideas for everyone from the office coffee lover to the keen home cook.
What makes a good Kris Kringle gift under $20?
A good Kris Kringle gift under $20 is practical, gets used regularly, and feels like it took more thought to choose than the price suggests.
Here's what to look for:
- Suits almost anyone: No sizing to worry about or complicated personal preferences to guess.
- Gets used regularly: Something they'll reach for throughout the year, rather than a novelty that ends up in a drawer.
- Looks considered: A useful gift with a little personality or thoughtful presentation feels more personal than a last-minute purchase.
- Stays under budget: Check the regular price, not just the sale price, so you don't rely on a promotion to meet the $20 limit.
Small kitchen tools tick all four boxes more often than most gifts at this price.
Kitchen gifts under $20, sorted by who you’ve drawn
The quickest way to choose is to start with what you know about the person you’ve drawn. These Kris Kringle gift ideas cover six recipient types, with three suggestions for each.
For the coffee or tea drinker
For someone who can't start the day without a cuppa, coffee and tea accessories make useful Kris Kringle gifts.
- Coffee stencils: A fun choice for someone who makes cappuccinos or lattes at home. They can add a decorative finish with a dusting of cocoa or cinnamon.
- Teapots with built-in filters: Ideal for loose-leaf tea drinkers who appreciate a proper brew without needing a separate strainer.
- Novelty tea infusers: A playful gift that still does a practical job. Look for a fun design that brings a smile to their morning tea.
Browse our Gifts for Coffee & Tea Enthusiasts for more ideas.
For the cocktail maker or bubbles fan
Cocktail accessories are a fun Secret Santa gift idea for someone who loves entertaining. With summer gatherings and New Year's Eve around the corner, they'll likely put their gift to use right away.
- Champagne openers: Handy for anyone who enjoys a glass of bubbles. Look for designs that help remove the cork safely and with more control.
- Reusable ice cubes: A handy alternative to regular ice that you can freeze again and again without diluting drinks.
- Citrus juicers: Ideal for cocktail lovers who prefer fresh lemon or lime juice in their margaritas, spritzes and other summer drinks.
Find more inspiration in our Gifts for Wine & Cocktail Enthusiasts collection.
For the baker
Small baking tools make thoughtful kitchen Christmas gifts for anyone who loves spending time in the kitchen. They're especially useful during the festive season, when Christmas biscuits, pies and homemade desserts are on the menu.
- Cannoli moulds: A great pick for adventurous bakers who enjoy trying new recipes. These reusable moulds help create crisp pastry shells for homemade cannoli.
- Lattice pastry rollers: Ideal for keen pie and tart makers. They make it easier to create decorative pastry tops without cutting and arranging individual strips.
- Cookie cutters and stamps: A fun choice for someone who bakes with children. Look for playful shapes for birthdays, school holidays, and Christmas baking.
Browse our Gifts for Bakers or Cookie Cutters collections for more inspiration.
For the BBQ and summer entertainer
For someone who loves cooking outdoors, BBQ accessories make practical gifts they'll use all summer.
- Meat thermometers: A handy addition to any BBQ kit, helping home cooks check internal temperatures rather than guessing when meat is ready.
- Insulated coolers: Ideal for beach trips, picnics and backyard gatherings. They keep drinks and snacks chilled while you enjoy the sunshine.
- Corn holders: A small but useful addition to summer BBQs. They make hot corn on the cob easier to hold and eat, especially for kids.
Browse our Lunch Bags & Coolers or Kitchen Gadgets collections for more gift ideas.
For the colleague you barely know
The safest Secret Santa gifts under $20 are practical items that don't rely too heavily on personal taste. If you've drawn someone you barely know, think about what the average person might use every day, or look for a small clue about their interests.
- Mugs: A reliable choice for the office coffee or tea drinker. If you know they love dogs, gardening, or sports, a design that reflects their interests adds a personal touch.
- Tea towels: Useful in almost every kitchen, with plenty of colours and patterns to select from. Choose something cheerful or a simple design that suits most homes.
- Coasters: A practical gift for someone's desk, coffee table or home office. They protect surfaces and are easy to choose when you don't know much about the recipient.
Browse our Mugs & Cups, Tea Towels and Coasters for more ideas.
For the gadget lover who has everything
Clever kitchen gadgets are a good choice for someone who enjoys finding new ways to tackle everyday cooking tasks. Look for something that solves a problem or makes a familiar task easier.
- Citrus squeezers: Ideal for anyone who regularly cooks with lemons or limes. Compact designs that are easy to clean and store are particularly handy.
- Oven rack pullers: Useful for keen bakers and home cooks. These tools help pull hot oven racks forward without reaching deep into the oven, although oven mitts are still essential.
- Butter storage containers: A quirky but practical gift for toast lovers and regular bakers. Look for a design that keeps butter neatly contained in the fridge.
Find more clever ideas in our Kitchen Gadgets and Gifts for the Home Chef collections.
Which $20 gifts get used, and which get regifted?
The best Kris Kringle gifts become part of someone's routine. Novelty gifts can be fun, but a joke alone won't keep something out of the drawer.
Here's how different gift types compare:
- Everyday kitchen tools: Home cooks use these regularly, especially when they solve a common problem.
- Coffee and tea accessories: Often used daily, as long as they suit the recipient's habits.
- Table accessories: Coasters and tea towels are practical choices for most homes.
- Edible gifts: Enjoyed once, but check for allergies and dietary preferences.
- Playful kitchen gadgets: Useful when there's a practical purpose behind the fun design.
- Novelty gifts: Great for a shared joke, but often have little use beyond the initial laugh.
If you’re torn between two gifts, go with the one they’re more likely to use in the first week after Christmas.
How to make a $20 gift look like more
A little thoughtful presentation can make a $20 Secret Santa gift feel much more special without spending any extra cash.
- Pair two smaller gifts: Try a cheese knife and spreaders, or a pastry tool and cookie cutter. Just check the combined price stays within $20.
- Get creative with wrapping: A colourful tea towel doubles as gift wrap and a useful kitchen item.
- Add a personal touch: A ribbon and handwritten gift tag can make even a practical present feel thoughtful.
In more than one exchange? Sort them all in one go
Juggling several Kris Kringle or Secret Santa exchanges? List each recipient and their spending limit, then tick off your gifts in one order or store visit.
Here's a quick Christmas gift planner:
- Office Kris Kringle: For a $20 limit, try mugs, coasters or tea towels, particularly for a colleague you barely know.
- Family Secret Santa: Choose by interest and check the budget. For higher spending limits, browse our Gifts Under $50 collection.
- Teacher, neighbour or host gift: Consider a tea towel, coasters, a coffee accessory, or a handy bar tool.
Shopping close to Christmas? Check delivery timeframes before ordering, or use our Store Locator to find your nearest Robins Kitchen.
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