Secret Santa...would you like this

[Pippipumpkin]

Sorry this has probably been done to death. Work secret Santa. £10 budget. I have picked a female, about 45-50 in age. Don't know her that well as she is new to the team. Not sure if/what she drinks etc.
I am hopeless at this. I find it quite stressful. Last year everyone seemed to exchange candles, which is fine, I don't mind a candle and that is probably my back-up plan. But saw this browsing m&s. What are your thoughts? Are initials on things desirable or childish? I wouldn't mind receiving that as my secret Santa, but that's cos its inoffensive and practical (to me). Cons are it can't be easily re-gifted. Thanks!

Budget is £10, how about this? Or they have other light up Christmas candles, if candles are your thing (or your secret santas)

https://www.marksandspencer.com/london-light-up-scented-candle/p/hbp60567426

Nice cosy thermal / bed socks. Winner!

I wouldn't use the bag, but only because I have so many already. Handy for make-up and toiletries though.

I’d much prefer that to a candle

I would be happy with the bag, or equally a candle.
As a PP has suggested, M&S do a nice light up candle, which I gifted to someone a couple of years ago and she loved it, sent me a photo of it lit up at home.

Secret Santa is just a bit of fun, don’t stress too much

That wouldn't excite me I am afraid. I'd actually feel a bit disappointed.
I'd prefer something on a Christmas theme like a tree decoration.

I think you can never have too many pairs of gloves. The bag is nice and thoughtful though. No to a candle for me.

It's pretty but I wouldn't use a bag like that.

The perfect Secret Santa gift is a nice version of something she would actually use, even if it’s not very exciting. That way there’s less crap going into landfill. For £10 I’d go to John Lewis or Crew or Hobbs or whatever her favourite shop is and get her some nice socks. If she wears socks then you have saved her the cost of buying her own, and she will use them. I once bought someone a pair of alpaca socks (before they became as expensive as solid gold) and my friend still talks about how brilliant they are. Look at these - sausage dog balloon socks. How could they fail to bring a little bit of joy?

https://www.johnlewis.com/john-lewis-sausage-dog-balloon-organic-cotton-mix-ankle-socks-pack-of-3-multi/p110845034?tmad=c&tmcampid=7&s_share=jlappios_Y29tLmFwcGxlLlVJS2l0LmFjdGl2aXR5LkNvcHlUb1Bhc3RlYm9hcmQ=

What is it for? I don't use makeup, looks too small for a hand bag, so wouldn't know what to do with it.

I think small pouches like these can come in handy. I have 1 which I move bag to bag which has emergency sanitary products, painkillers, lip balm, hair bands etc which would otherwise get lost in the depths of my bag! I have another with things like charger, headphones etc. Very handy when out on a day out and using a rucksack or when going on holiday to keep things together and organised.

When my girls were younger I would have small toys or activities in one, mini first aid kit in another.

I use them when organising my drawers too for things like scrunchies, hair clips, washable sanitary products, stationary. All sorts of things!

Can you give a gift voucher,does that count?

no. Would prefer something more generic such as a mug/cake/gift voucher.
it would be straight in the nearest charity shop.

It's a big no from me. As is the candle

Good old M&S with gift receipts. I think an item with an initial shows you have made an effort, assuming you don't have the same one!
I'd be pleased with it.

I would love it. I would think that it’s a nice thoughtful gift. Yes, I don’t need it at the moment but those who are so particular shouldn’t take part at the Secret Santa at work.
I wouldn’t like candles, make up, house plants, anything that smells. I have allergy so I’m very choosy with this sort of things.

I'd like a candle...or a nice box of chocs!

What about a homemade hamper like a coffee or tea hamper ( get basket from charity shop) the fill with bits and bobs tea coffee biscuits etc.

I think thats really cute for a secret santa... millions times better than anything I ever got.

I love it. My Mum is in her 60s and would also love that.

Agree with PP though that you could always put a gift receipt inside just in case.

A lovely box of m and s chocs can be had for £10. It’s a nice makeup bag but it’s more ‘stuff’

No. I don't make up.

Practical! Better than a candle.

I think this thread shows just how difficult this Secret Santa thing is. You have had a lot of positive replies, you like it, it's obviously impossible to pick something that 100% of people will like so just go with it? Must people are just happy that someone made an effort.

I wouldn't like it and I am in that age range. I would prefer a candle!

I would like that.

a candle I wouldn’t even be able to open because of allergies. Giving people anything scented is very risky, even if they aren’t horribly allergic to the point of carrying epi-pens, they just may not care for what you choose.