There’s nothing worse than picking a name out of the hat when you have to think twice about that person’s face and a few minutes longer trying to remember if they’d ever mentioned a hobby to you in passing…

We’re talking about Secret Santa, Kris Kringle, the stick-your-hand-in-the-basket-and-pick-out-a-name way of gifting gifts around the office at Christmas time.

If you’re lucky enough to work in a small office you’ll probably have some idea of what your lucky gift-receiver will want under the tree. If, however, you’re part of a larger company, you could be left cursing the fact that everyone looks so smug with their name choices and you’re wondering how you’re going to wing this one…

No fear, we have the ultimate Secret Santa gift guide here.

A point to make before you start frantically browsing, sometimes Secret Santa is a good way to get to know a new person… as subtly as possible of course. Be your budget five, 10 or 20 yo-yos, you’re bound to find some idea here…

A Cup

Now, who wouldn’t like their own mug to enjoy their cuppa? Funny/cute/personalised slogans get extra brownie points.

Ah-ha, you see?

Tea-Lights

We don’t mean the value pack of white candles, try something a little more special. You could be testing your budget here but try Avoca, Dunnes or Next for some very cool home gifts.

Soapy Stuff

There are some positives to the recession. One is that a lot of stuff, especially cosmetics and bath stuff have already been reduced in the run-up to Christmas. Head to your nearest Boots or Sam McCauleys for some very budget-friendly treats…

Sports Fan?

Well, you’re lucky. Golf balls, tennis balls, racket handle covers, kit-bags, water flasks, sports novelty gifts or a voucher for a sports store will all go down a storm in the office.

Fan Of A Tipple?

If they are, why not buy a novelty gift? Wine stoppers, wine charms, bottle openers, beer buckets will all come in handy sometime and can never be dissed as a gift.

Who could say no to these guys?

Bit Of A Joker

Is your Secret Santa a bit of a joker? Try a discount store or joke shop that could keep them giggling over Christmas.

Loves A Challenge

Well, we’ll give them a challenge! A mini board-game, some die or a jigsaw puzzle could be just the thing. River Island have a fabulous novelty section by their check-outs with puzzles and games, and they’re reasonably priced.

Nothing Beats…

A box of chocolates. If you are going to buy some chocs, make it look like you put thought into them and possibly chose them from a chocolatier’s as opposed to picking them up in the garage on the way to the party.

A Lover Of Words?

There is a multitude of book offers on in the run-up to Christmas. Try Easons, Waterstones or Chapters for some literary offers, you’re sure to pick up something.

T’is The Season…

Why not stick to the Christmas spirit and purchase a scarf, some gloves or a woolly hat for your Secret Santa? There’s no denying they’ll get some use out of them!

Easy Way Out…

Okay, you’re very stuck, you’ve searched high up and low down… you are quite literally up the walls. Go on then, get a gift voucher for a clothes or accessories store. They probably won’t think a lot of thought went into it (unless they’re a first-class fan of the place and thought you took it upon yourself to suss that out), but the likelihood is it will be well-appreciated after the purse-emptying Christmas brings with it.