It’s Secret Santa season! A time for laughter, bonding, and awkward HR meeting? Probably if you don’t do it right. Yes, because some people forget that “secret” doesn’t mean “zero sense.” If you’re plotting your office gift exchange, here are 10 Secret Santa gifts that scream “I want to pack my load and go home”—and why you should never try them.
1. Customised insult mugs
Imagine gifting your manager a mug that says, “I Survived Your Morning Rants” or “World’s Worst Boss.” Funny, right? Wrong!. By the time the mug touches their lips, you’ll be clearing out your desk. A harmless joke to you could be a personalised insult to them. Avoid it at all costs.
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2. A weight loss kit
Unless someone personally asked for fitness gear or meal replacement shakes, this is a no-no! The fastest way to offend Taye in accounting is to say, “Here, fix your body!” You might mean well, but HR won’t see it that way.
3. An obvious regift
Nothing screams “I don’t care about this job” like a Secret Santa gift that still has the tag from last year’s party—or worse, a gift with your name on it. You’ll look lazy, unbothered, and definitely on the chopping block.
4. A subscription to a dating app
Most of the ladies in your department are single; we all know that. But handing over a Tinder Premium subscription is not only inappropriate—it’s asking to be handed over to HR. Nobody wants their relationship status discussed at the office party. I mean, you don’t even know why they are single in the first place!
5. Alcohol with a side of petty
A bottle of wine? Perfectly fine. A bottle of gin labeled “For when you realize your ex is still trash”? Not so much. Office humour and alcohol mix like kerosene and matches. Don’t be the person who finds out the hard way. So give worthy gifts and not the ones that raise an eyebrow.
6. A fake resignation letter
This might seem like a hilarious prank, especially for that colleague who’s always threatening to leave. But imagine the chaos if your boss actually forwards it to HR! You’ll be explaining that joke while job hunting.
7. Political or religious gifts
A “You Need to Be Saved” calendar or a mug with political slogans like “Let’s Support Tinubu together” can ignite office debates faster than Jollof rice vs. fried rice. Politics and religion are taboo topics for a reason. Don’t start 2025 with workplace enemies.
8. Super personal hygiene items
Body spray? Sure. Anti-dandruff shampoo or deodorant with the tag “We all know you need this”? Absolutely not. If your gift suggests someone has bad hygiene, prepare to be the topic of next Monday’s office gossip.
9. A BBL voucher
Let’s say the office is cool, fun, and trendy. Even then, offering someone a body enhancement procedure screams “boundary issues.” That’s HR territory you don’t want to enter. Save the drama for the influencers.
READ ALSO: Christmas Outfits and Pajamas to Celebrate the Season
To avoid issues with your gifts, stick to neutral gifts like coffee mugs, desk plants, or journals. If you’re unsure, ask around for their likes. The goal is thoughtfulness, not flexing your December bonus. Your gift should not lead to awkward meetings or worse—job applications.
Secret Santa is meant to be fun, not the reason you update your LinkedIn status. Choose wisely and keep the holiday spirit alive. Because let’s be real—getting fired over a joke mug or a fake resignation letter is peak nonsense.
