Kris Kringle Gift Ideas Under $20 (Australia)
Thoughtful Kris Kringle and Secret Santa gift ideas under $20 that suit an Australian budget, sorted by the type of person you drew.
A twenty dollar budget is plenty for a Kris Kringle gift that lands well, as long as you buy for the person and not the price tag. The trick is to pick one good thing they will actually use rather than a pile of filler. Below are ideas sorted by the type of person you drew, so you can skip the aimless shopping and get straight to something they will like.
Most Kris Kringle and Secret Santa budgets sit around fifteen to twenty dollars, which is a sweet spot. It is enough for something nice, and low enough that nobody feels awkward. The gifts that flop at this price are the joke ones that get binned by New Year. The ones that work are small, useful and a little bit personal. Here is how to hit that mark for whoever you pulled out of the hat.
For the foodie
You rarely go wrong with something they can eat or drink. A block of good local chocolate, a bag of posh lollies, a small bottle of hot sauce or a nice jar of something all sit comfortably under twenty dollars. Pick a flavour that matches them, spicy for the one who dares you to try things, sweet for the office snacker. Food gifts feel generous, get used up, and leave no clutter behind.
For the desk dweller
Anyone who works at a desk will get daily use out of a small upgrade. A quality pen, a pocket notebook, a mug with a sachet of good coffee or tea, or a little plant or succulent to brighten the workspace all fit the budget. These are the gifts people quietly keep for years, long after the wrapping is gone.
For the homebody
For the person who loves a night in, think small comforts. A single scented candle, a pair of cosy socks, a face mask set or a paperback you know suits their taste. You do not need the giant hamper. One well-chosen comfort item feels more thoughtful than a bundle of bits.
For the practical one
Some people just like things that work. A reusable coffee cup, a sturdy drink bottle, a phone stand, a good cable or a compact torch all earn their keep. Practical does not mean boring, it means they will actually reach for it. Match it to a habit you have noticed and it feels personal, not generic.
For the fun one
If you drew the joker of the group, lean into it without wasting the whole budget on a gag. A mini card game, a puzzle book, a quirky desk toy or a silly-but-usable kitchen gadget gets the laugh and still has a life beyond Christmas Day. Our funny Secret Santa gifts guide has more ideas if that is the brief.
Let the shop do the hunting
If you would rather not trawl a dozen sites, our Gift Shop is stocked with gift ideas you can filter by budget and get delivered in Australia, so an under-twenty pick is a couple of clicks away.
And if you spot a good one while browsing anywhere else, our free browser extension saves it straight to your own wishlist in one click, handy for when someone asks what you want in return.
A quick tip on getting it right
The single best way to nail a budget gift is to know a little about the person. If your group runs its exchange on List of Wishes, each person can fill in a Gift Profile with their sizes, likes and no-go list, and you can peek at their wishlist once you are matched. That turns a twenty dollar guess into a twenty dollar gift they genuinely wanted. You can set up a Secret Santa in a couple of minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions answered
Fifteen to twenty dollars is the most common range and works well. It is enough for something nice without putting pressure on anyone. Agree the limit as a group before you start so everyone buys at the same level.
Plenty. Good chocolate, quality socks, a candle, a small plant, a nice pen and notebook, a reusable cup or a mini game all sit under twenty dollars. Pick one thing that matches the person rather than several cheap fillers.
Get a little information first. If your exchange runs on List of Wishes, check their Gift Profile and wishlist once you are matched. Failing that, a safe food treat or a practical desk item suits almost anyone.
Our Gift Shop lets you filter gift ideas by budget and shows items you can get delivered locally, so you are not stuck paying overseas shipping on a small gift.
Yes, when they suit the person. A twenty dollar gift chosen for someone's actual taste beats an expensive one they will never use. Thought counts for far more than the amount you spend.
Holly writes about gift-giving, wishlists and stress-free group gift exchanges for List of Wishes. She has organised more Secret Santas and Kris Kringles than she cares to admit, and has strong opinions about novelty socks.
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