Secret Santa Saviours

Deck the halls, ring the bells, Christmas is coming! 

It really is the “most wonderful time of the year” until, that is, you open your email to find out that the office is doing a Secret Santa. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no grinch, but those two words fill me with dread and I know I’m not the only one...#1 First of all, there’s nothing secret about it, by the time the torn wrapping paper has been bundled into the bin, everyone knows who got whom what. #2 Second, you never get the person you actually know well and want to buy a gift for. You’re inevitably paired with Simon from Accounts or Angry Helen from HR; or worse still, someone in management.#3 Finally, the pressure to get a thoughtful, inexpensive gift without inversely overthinking it or spending too little, is an extra burden that no one needs this close to Christmas. Yet, this year, thousands of people around the country will be faced with this exact predicament. Well allbeauty readers, we’re here for you. To take the stress out of Secret Santa shopping we’ve got an easy-to-use solution that’s right at your fingertips.

The allbeauty “Secret Santa Saviour Selector”

Too much? The name may be a work in progress, but this is a tool that will change your life for the better when it comes to shopping for those hard-to-buy-for colleagues, friends or family. Our search function not only allows you to filter products by category but by gender and budget too. So, whether it’s a £10 bath oil for Aunt Pam or a £15 organic skin cream for your vegan boss, we’ve got you covered. 

The 5 Types of Secret Santa Recipient (and What to Get Them)

We know that finding the perfect gift involves knowing where to start. So, to make your Christmas shopping as stress-free as possible, the allbeauty team have got together to highlight the best categories for some of the most common Secret Santa recipients.

1. THE HARD TO PLEASE

Let’s face it, statistics aside, this is the person you’re most likely to draw out of the hat. That one person in the office who can’t be pleased, who complains about the AC temperature year-round and who won’t hide their feelings when they pull back the wrapping.For the Office Snob, we suggest going for a few small items instead of one big one. This will spread the chances of getting something they’re happy with without you being out of pocket. Miniature perfume or makeup selection boxes are a great option. Browse now.

2. THE JOKER 

A great person to be paired with, the office Joker loves to have a laugh and appreciated a good prop. Think of the least likely thing that The Joker needs, and get that. Why not go for hair spray for the Bald Joker, lip plumping gloss for the Casual Joker, or a calming candle for the Bouncing Off The Walls Joker. Get creative! Browse now.

3. THE QUIET ONE

If you’ve been paired with someone you know nothing about, go for a safe gift that can’t possibly be misinterpreted. That isn’t to say you need to be boring though. Hand creams and scented soaps may be tried and true gifts, but why not opt for something a little more thoughtful? Home fragrances are a wonderful gift to receive and as well as being practical and long-lasting. Browse now.

4. THE MAT LEAVE RETURNER

It can be awkward being paired with someone who has recently returned from maternity leave - they’ve served their time in the office, but you might never have worked alongside them before or know their interests.The perfect gift for a new mum? Sleep. If you can’t offer your services as a night nurse, get the next best thing: our range of Wellbeing Products for Sleep make an ideal gift for new mothers. Browse now.

5. THE ANNUAL LEAVE AFICIONADO

We’ve all got that one colleague who seems to be on holiday as regularly as they’re in the office. How they manage to make their annual leave go so far is anyone’s guess, but one thing we do know is what to get them for Christmas.There are an amazing variety of travel-size products available at allbeauty, all of which will be a welcome addition on your colleague’s next adventure. Browse now.Congratulations! You’ve got everything you need to wow the office with your Secret Santa contribution. So, what are you waiting for? Get shopping!