Secret Santa Gifts

Something useful, a little better than what they would buy themselves, and easy to like even if you don't know them well. A Bodum Caffettiera suits most coffee drinkers, the Mount Cleverest trivia game works for a whole office, and an Anker Soundcore 2 speaker is useful to nearly anyone.

Something useful that doesn't depend on their taste. Games, small speakers and kitchen clocks are safe: UNO Seinfeld needs no explaining, and the Westclox retro kitchen clock suits most kitchens. Leave out scent, clothing and any joke that relies on knowing them.

Something for the desk or the commute. The felt wall panel strips peel and stick to the wall, the MUJI notebook set gives one colour per project, and Sony WH-CH520 headphones switch between a phone and a laptop, which suits someone on calls all day.

Everyone in the group draws one name in secret and buys a present for that person, usually within a budget agreed beforehand. The presents are handed out on the same day, often without saying who gave what, and part of the fun is guessing who drew you. A price limit set at the start keeps it fair for everyone.

Yes. Each person draws one other name, so the group can be any size from three upwards, and the only rule is that nobody draws their own name. With an odd number nothing changes: everyone still gives one present and receives one. Drawing names online makes it easier when the group cannot meet.