For you, what’s the best part of Christmas? For many people it might be the carols, the quality time with the ones we love, or the desserts. But if you’re like me (materialistic), the most exciting part is the gifts specifically, the Secret Santa exchange. That moment when everyone runs around like headless chickens looking for a good present for someone they barely met on Tuesday, when you have to stalk your coworker’s social media to figure out what to get them, or when you see the same friend as always trying to wrap a gift using a TuTi bag because clearly they left everything for the last minute. Nothing screams ‘Christmas’ like that ritual full of excitement, stress, and, above all, expectation.

Secret Santa is basically a social test. It not only challenges you to be thoughtful, but also measures how well you know that person or your skills at pretending to be happy when you get something you clearly didn’t want.

And when the day of the exchange finally arrives, there’s always someone who goes all out with the perfect gift, and someone who brings the classic combo of a mug and Roland socks. And hey, nothing against that a mug is always useful but we all know that’s the go-to option when you don’t really know the person or when your budget disappeared buying yourself your own gift.

Something I love about Secret Santa is that, even though it seems like a simple activity, it ends up creating so many laughs and funny moments. There’s the creative person who makes a handmade gift, the practical one who somehow buys exactly what you needed without you even realizing it, and the one who tries to be funny and chooses something absurd just to see your reaction.

But well, since the whole point is to enjoy and not suffer, here are some gift ideas depending on the type of Secret Santa you get. That way you’re not improvising at the last minute… or at least you do it with style.

1. For the friend who loves useful things

You can’t go wrong here. Think of things that genuinely make life easier: a nice planner, a sturdy thermos, a portable charger, or a little box of healthy snacks to survive the academic or workday. These aren’t the most spectacular gifts, but people use them every single day (and that’s what makes them winners).

2. For the friend who’s always stressed out

This kind of person needs something that reminds them to breathe every now and then. You can go for an aromatic candle, a relaxing tea set, a soft blanket, or an essential oil diffuser. The goal is that every time they use it, they think: ‘ah, I got a great Secret Santa.

3. For the friend who loves humor

We all have one that friend for whom life itself is a meme. For them, you can go with a T-shirt that is clearly your size… when you were 10, or a Wattpad fanfic book, a ridiculously designed mug, or even an inappropriate little toy. The point is to make them smile even if it’s an uncomfortable smile most of the time, it’s still a smile in the end.

4. For the aesthetic lover

Here you do have to put in a little more effort. Think of pretty, “aesthetic” things: a small plant in an elegant pot, a set of pastel markers for that friend who never leaves the house without their personal stationery, a cute compact mirror, or a notebook with Hello Kitty stickers. Basically, if you can find it at Miniso, they’ll love it.

5. For the friend with a sweet heart (literally)

Another gift idea can be making a dessert. Yes, that simple and that powerful. Preparing something sweet a cake, brownies, cookies, or even a delicious “Tronco navideño” (here I’m including a recipe for you to try for your next exchange) isn’t just delicious, it also shows time, dedication, and affection, and that always earns extra points. Plus, it’s the kind of detail that turns a basic exchange into a memorable one, because no one forgets the Secret Santa who showed up with a homemade dessert.