8 Secret Santa Gifts Under $20

Secret Santa shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive. With a $20 budget, it’s still possible to find something fun, useful, and guaranteed to bring a smile at your next Christmas gift exchange.

Whether it’s a workplace swap, a family get-together, or the annual friends’ party, these Secret Santa gifts under $20 from Noel Leeming prove that a small budget can still go a long way.

Each of these items is practical, a little bit clever, and perfectly priced to fit your $20 Secret Santa limit. Let’s take a closer look at why these picks make great $20 gifts for Secret Santa — and which type of person each will suit best.




#1 Rechargeable Desk Fan

When summer hits in New Zealand, a desk fan is more of a necessity than a luxury. The Living & Co. Rechargeable Desk Fan is one of those small but mighty gadgets that instantly makes life more comfortable, especially for anyone working from home, studying, or just trying to survive a stuffy office.

It’s rechargeable, compact, and quiet, meaning it fits neatly on any desk without being distracting. This is the kind of $20 Secret Santa present that people actually use (and thank you for later). It’s ideal for coworkers who are always complaining about the heat, or students studying through the summer months.



#2 Mini Massager

Everyone deserves a little relaxation, especially after a long year. The Homedics Quatro Mini Massager delivers just that, offering on-the-spot relief for tired shoulders, backs, and necks. Small enough to fit in a drawer or bag, it’s powered by batteries and easy to use anywhere, from the office chair to the couch.

It’s a clever pick for anyone who could use a stress-busting gift this Christmas — think busy parents or hard-working mates. Among all $20 Secret Santa gifts, this one feels unexpectedly luxurious without being over the top.



#3 In-Ear Headphones

Music, podcasts, audiobooks — everyone listens to something. That’s what makes the JBL In Ear Headphones such a universally loved Secret Santa present for under $20. They deliver clear, quality sound in a device that is lightweight for commutes, walks, or workouts.

They’re especially great for teens, students, or coworkers who’ve managed to lose their last pair (let’s be honest, it happens to all of us). Simple, stylish, and practical, these headphones are proof that you can give something genuinely useful without blowing the budget.



#4 Gaming Mouse Mat

If your Secret Santa pick is into gaming or spends a lot of time at the computer, the Mad Catz Gaming Mouse Mat is a thoughtful, affordable pick. It’s durable, comfortable, and designed to make every click and flick more precise when you’re at the setup.

This $20 Secret Santa gift will go down well with gamers, digital creatives, or even office workers who appreciate a quality workspace setup. It’s not just another “techy” present — it’s something they’ll actually use daily.



#5 Wireless Keyboard

Wireless keyboards might sound like they belong in the higher price brackets, but the Tech Inc Wireless Keyboard delivers on performance and value. Sleek, modern, and easy to connect, it’s perfect for anyone working from home, managing multiple devices, or just wanting to tidy up their desk setup.

This is one of those $20 Secret Santa gifts that’s ideal for the practical types — the person who loves a good gadget or that organised colleague who’s always looking for smarter ways to work.



#6 Laptop Sleeve

For anyone constantly on the move, the Tech Inc Notebook or Chromebook Sleeve is a total winner. Designed to keep notebooks and Chromebooks protected from bumps and scratches, it’s both stylish and functional.

It’s also one of the most versatile $20 gifts for Secret Santa — sleek enough for professionals but casual enough for everyday use. It’s a great fit for students, office workers, or anyone who takes their laptop on the go.



#7 Phone Holder Windscreen Mount

This one’s a lifesaver for commuters and road trippers. The Laser Car Phone Holder Windscreen Mount keeps phones secure and visible while driving, making navigation and hands-free calls a breeze.

It’s a clever, practical gift that fits almost every kind of person, from busy parents on the school run to mates heading off on summer roadies. Plus, at under $20, it’s a real steal for how useful it is. If you’re looking for a $20 Secret Santa present that’ll get a genuine “oh, that’s actually really handy,” this is the one.



#8 Noel Leeming Gift Card

Of course, you can never go wrong with a Noel Leeming Gift Card. It might sound simple, but it gives the recipient total freedom to choose something they actually want, whether that’s a tech accessory, a small appliance, or a top-up on something bigger.

For work Secret Santas, where you might not know the person too well, this option keeps things easy and thoughtful. It’s a safe bet that always lands well, making it one of the most flexible Secret Santa presents for $20.



Making the Most of a Small Budget

These Secret Santa gifts for under $20 suit every kind of exchange: the office swap where you’re not sure who you’ll draw, the family event where everyone brings a small gift, or the mates’ get-together where the fun’s in the surprise.

Each one brings a bit of practicality and personality without feeling cheap or throwaway. And because they’re all available at Noel Leeming, you know you’re getting quality, even on a tight budget.

So whether your Secret Santa recipient is a tech lover, a comfort seeker, or just someone who appreciates a handy gadget, there’s something here that’ll make them smile — all for under $20.



How to Choose the Right $20 Secret Santa Gift

Each of the items on this list brings a little everyday convenience or comfort, which is really what makes a good Secret Santa gift memorable. It’s not about being extravagant — it’s about giving something that actually gets used and appreciated long after the Christmas wrapping’s been recycled.

Secret Santa gifting doesn’t have to be hard — or hit your wallet too hard either. With this lineup of $20 Secret Santa gifts, you can find something fun, thoughtful, and perfectly suited to any type of Kiwi.

Whether you’re shopping for a workmate, a flatmate, or a family member, these affordable finds are proof that you don’t need to spend big to give a great gift. This Christmas, make your Secret Santa swap one to remember — with gifts that are smart, useful, and full of Kiwi spirit, all thanks to Noel Leeming.