Do I have to give gifts to all colleagues?

No. In a large team it is better to exchange within a smaller group or to play Secret Santa: one gift per person instead of a collection for everyone.

How can I make an inexpensive gift look better?

Nice wrapping, a warm note and a few small things combined into one set raise the impression a lot. A gift under UAH 300 is perfectly normal for colleagues and friends.

Gifts

What to give a woman in Secret Santa: 25 ideas that are not guessed “by eye”

A friend, a sister or a colleague’s girlfriend: you do not necessarily know her taste in advance. Here are ideas that work by interests and mood, not by stereotypes.

October 13, 2026 · 2 min read

In this article

How to choose without stereotypes
Comfort and home
Tea, coffee and sweets
Creativity and hobbies
Care and practical small things
If you know almost nothing about the person
What it is better not to give

How to choose without stereotypes

A gift should fit the person, not the category “for her”. If there is a wishlist, start with it. If not, go by what you have noticed: what she drinks, reads, does in her free time.

Comfort and home

A scented candle with a light neutral fragrance.
A blanket or soft socks.
A nice mug or a tea glass.
A small frame or a photo album.
A scent sachet or a diffuser.

Tea, coffee and sweets

A tea set with different flavours.
Coffee or cocoa in gift packaging.
Craft chocolate or sweets.
Honey or jam from a local producer.
Fortune cookies or cookies with a name.

Creativity and hobbies

A notebook, a planner or an illustrated diary.
A drawing or colouring set.
A book she has long wanted to read.
A craft or embroidery kit.
A gift card for a bookshop or a creative studio.

Care and practical small things

A hand cream or lip balm without a strong smell.
A face mask in gift packaging.
Handmade soap or a bath set.
A cosmetic bag or an organizer for small things.
A tote bag with an interesting print.

If you know almost nothing about the person

Choose something edible or cosy: tea, treats, a candle, a blanket. There is a separate collection for a colleague: What to give a colleague in Secret Santa.

What it is better not to give

Perfume and anti-ageing cosmetics.
Clothes, underwear or jewellery without knowing taste and size.
Funny gifts about appearance or marital status.
Expensive things that may make her feel obliged.

Other collections: What to give someone who has everything and What to give a man in Secret Santa.

Everything about Secret Santa in one place: Secret Santa in Bazhanka.

Try it in Bazhanka

Create a wishlist

Answers about gifts

Frequently asked questions

What gift amount is normal?

For Secret Santa it is usually UAH 200-1000, for a colleague UAH 200-500. What matters is that the amount is comfortable for everyone and puts nobody in an awkward position.

What should I give a person who has everything?

Choose something that can be used up rather than kept: good tea or coffee, treats, tickets or an experience voucher, a book or a course that matches their interests. If the person has a wishlist, look at what has not been bought yet.

What if I know nothing about the person?

Look at their wishlist, ask mutual friends, or pick something universal: tea, a candle, treats or a useful small thing for the home.

What can I give if I have no money?

Rely on attention, not on price: something handmade, a framed photo, a card with warm words or help the person really needs. In Secret Santa the budget is a maximum, so a symbolic gift is perfectly fine.

What can I give a colleague for under UAH 500?

Neutral options: a travel mug, good tea or coffee, a set of treats, a notebook, a gift card for a bookshop or a café. Avoid anything too personal: perfume, clothes, cosmetics.

Can I spend more than the budget?

Better not to. If your gift is much more expensive, the person who gives to you may feel uncomfortable. A warm note or a card costs nothing and is always welcome.

All questions and answers