£10 secret santa ideas for colleague I barely know

[teddybearrock]

We’re doing secret santa at work this year. It’s a big department and I’ve been given one of the newer guys who I’ve spoken to literally once, and that was a “hi my name’s teddy, welcome to the team” kind of conversation.

I have no idea what to get him. Currently leaning towards something edible (nice box of chocolates or biscuits?) or some kind of generic present, but I’m awful at buying for men at the best of times! I also wondered about something that might come in useful at work - stationery or something to decorate your desk with.

Hoping mumsnet might have a bright idea.

The rules are £10 limit, nothing offensive or inappropriate. No alcohol.

Thank you in advance!

I should have added that he’s late 20s

The latest John Grisham/James Patterson/other 'blokey' writer paperback and a box of Celebrations chocs.

One of those table top games for his desk? e.g. something like this

Might feel a bit more fun than the really generic presents, but it’s still quite bland (I mean that in a good way!)

Amazon voucher

I once got a table top drum kit for a secret santa and I think it was the best <£10 present I ever got. I'd go for something jokey related to your jobs or something novelty for the desk if you don't know if they drink/ have diet requirements.

Novelty socks...Lindt chocolate balls.. pen set/notebook?

Wax sandwich wraps - there are some nice ones on Queen Bee Wraps and Bee Green Wraps

Mug
Chocolates
Scratch card

I have got the 2 male secret santas I have to buy for cable organiser bags - can get for less than £10 on Amazon. ( they are bags for storing cables / chargers/ earphones / plugs in) and useful in a laptop bag , for travel etc.

Bottle of the Lidl knock off champagne that gets good reviews.

Worst case, they don't drink and gift it on. More likely, everyone else wishes they got you in the draw.

Except there’s a no alcohol rule!

I think my Christmassy eyes refused to take that in 😅

In that case, based purely on MN threads of the day, I'm going to plump randomly for a tea towel.

Or one of the John Lewis <£10 lego sets. The deep sea one is good. Who doesn't love lego?

*lego sets for <£10. The deep sea one or something. Who doesn't love lego?

OMG MN what are you doing to my posts?

*gives up

Thank you all, some really helpful ideas. I’ll see what I can find for under the budget!