Secret Santa Gifts & Stocking Filler Ideas

‘Tis the season of giving, so that’s exactly what we’ll be doing this holiday. At Sephora, we believe it’s not about how much we give, but how much love we put into giving. And as the holidays are a time for doing a little something extra for others, we’ve rounded up our best Secret Santa gifts and stocking filler ideas for you or your loved ones – all for £50 and under! Perfect for every beauty lover, our top picks will spark the biggest joy. Makeup, skincare, fragrance, you name it – think of us as your personalised Secret Santa. With love from the Sephora team.

First off, what is Secret Santa?

For those of you questioning what Secret Santa is, it’s the easy and fun gift exchange of presents to embrace the holiday spirit. The tradition involves arranging a group of friends or colleagues who are randomly assigned another person to whom they give a gift, usually with a budget in mind. The key is to remain anonymous with your identity staying secret, so shh, no spoilers, please!

What to get for Secret Santa

Drawn your Secret Santa, but unsure where to start? We love the endless options for what you can gift someone. From face masks and beauty tools to candles, fragrance, or glowing skincare, we’re sure your friends, lovers, family members, or co-workers will appreciate your Secret Santa surprise. Our top tip? Consider the recipient’s individual preferences, personal style, and taste to ensure your gift’s well-received. Remember, behind the exchange of Secret Santa presents, it’s the thought behind the Christmas gift that counts. If there’s a small gesture that shows you’ve put effort into choosing something unique and personalised, you’ll be golden. Happy gift giving!

Understanding the appeal of beauty gifts

What better way to spread joy this holiday season than with beauty gifts? The demand lies in their universal appeal, as they’re not limited to a specific age group or gender. Beauty helps us express ourselves, no matter who we are. Plus, there’s a wide range of options and varying price points, whether you opt for high-end luxury brands or budget-friendly alternatives. This versatility makes them suitable presents for everyone, from beginners experimenting with makeup to skincare buffs looking for complexion solutions. Find organic and cruelty-free skincare as well as high-performance makeup and captivating fragrances. There’s a gift for all in the world of beauty.

Why beauty gifts make perfect Christmas stocking fillers

Compact in size, beauty products work as small, thoughtful stocking fillers to add an element of surprise and delight to any occasion this season. Think travel-sized skincare essentials, mini makeup sets, and fragrance samples, all of which fit perfectly into a stocking. Bring a touch of luxury, joy, and self-care to the festive season with a beautifully packaged lip balm, a soothing hand cream, or a delightful, scented candle. While being introduced to new products and iconic brands, loved ones deserve to indulge in a little pampering during the busy holiday period. A slice of calm wherever they may need it.

By Sephora UK Gifting Editorial Team

Writers and experts

Updated: 12 December 2023