Holiday Gifts1 min read

What is a good Secret Santa gift for a coworker?

The Snapshot TeamMakers of custom trading cardsLast reviewed:

Quick answer

Pick something personal but safe for work: a custom trading card of their pet, their weekend sport or their kid's team. It shows you listened, it sits on a desk without needing an explanation, and at $17.99 in a magnetic display case, it fits most office price limits before shipping.

Key takeaways

  1. Personal without being private: pets, hobbies and kids' teams are safe ground at work.
  2. The card costs $17.99 with its display case; shipping is $5 for US orders below $30.
  3. Use a photo they have already shared at work or on a public profile.
  4. For a remote team, ship it straight to their address from checkout.

Personal, not private

The best coworker gifts use what someone already shares at work: the dog that appears on video calls, the softball league they mention on Mondays, the kid's game they leave early for. Anything about looks, health, age or relationships stays off the card.

Ideas by coworker

Match the card to the person you drew.

  • The pet owner: their dog or cat as a rookie card, with "Video calls interrupted" as a stat
  • The weekend athlete: their run, ride or league game as an action card
  • The sports parent: their kid's team photo as a card for the fridge
  • The manager: "Coach of the Year", if the team is in on the joke
  • The new hire: a "Rookie Card" welcome that the whole team signs

Remote and hybrid teams

Enter your coworker's address as the shipping address and the order goes straight to them, while the confirmation and tracking come to you. There is no gift note at checkout, so post a message in the team chat once the tracking says it has arrived.

Ready to make your own card?

Upload a photo, pick a template, and preview your custom card in about 60 seconds. Free to design.

  • Upload a photo
  • Pick a template
  • We print & ship

Questions

More questions

How much should I spend on a coworker Secret Santa gift?

Whatever your group agreed. One card is $17.99, plus $5 standard US shipping below $30, so it fits a $25 or $30 limit before tax.

What is a good Secret Santa gift for a coworker I do not know well?

Look at what is on display: a pet on their desk, a race bib on the wall, a team photo. A card built around that shows attention without getting personal.

Is it okay to put a coworker's photo on a gift?

Use one they already share at work, such as their chat profile or a team headshot, and keep any joke on the back gentle. If you are unsure, make the card about their pet or their hobby instead.

Can coworkers chip in for one bigger gift?

Yes. A MEGA Card prints the design at 11 x 15.4 inches for $49.99, which works as a group gift for a manager or a teammate who is moving on.