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Every December, a few friends and I do our best to stay connected despite living miles apart, scattered across different cities and time zones. We’ve been doing a virtual Secret Santa for a few years now, but organizing it always turned into a mess of spreadsheets, messages, and confusion about who got whom.
This year, I decided to make things easier and a little more fun. I wrote a small Python script that randomly pairs everyone up for our Secret Santa exchange. It’s simple, quick, and adds a bit of magic back into the process. Of course, the person who runs the script will see all the pairings, including their own, so ideally someone else should click the button if you want to stay surprised.
I’ve added an HTML version of the script below so you can use it right here on the blog. Just type in your list of names, click Pair Santas, and it will take care of the rest. A small, cozy blend of code and connection perfect for remote friends trying to stay close during the holidays.
🎅 Secret Santa Picker
Add 3-50 names and randomly assign Secret Santas!
🎄 Secret Santa Assignments 🎄
And since you’ll need something lovely to send once you know who your person is, here are a few of my favorite Secret Santa gift ideas under $50. Each one has been chosen with comfort, beauty, and everyday delight in mind.
1. Cozy Fuzzy Throw Blanket
Touchat Luxury Faux Rabbit Fur Throw Blanket
There’s something deeply comforting about having a soft blanket within reach. This one comes in a variety of colors and sizes, making it easy to find the perfect match for anyone’s space. I keep one folded over my couch for reading nights, another draped at the foot of my bed. It’s plush without being heavy, warm without overheating; the kind of cozy companion that makes a winter evening feel just right.
2. Salt & Stone Scented Candle
A candle always feels like a gentle luxury, and Salt & Stone’s line manages to be both elevated and comforting. There are five scents to choose from, each subtle and natural rather than overpowering. My favorite is Bergamot & Hinoki, which smells clean, woodsy, and a little bit like sunlight through trees. It’s the kind of scent that quietly transforms a room, softening the edges of the day.
3. Sunrise Alarm Clock
If you’ve ever woken up to a blaring phone alarm and felt immediately tense, this is the opposite experience. The sunrise alarm clock gradually brightens your room with warm light before playing soft sounds, helping you wake up gently instead of jolting awake. It comes in a few different finishes, including a natural wood grain that looks beautiful on a nightstand. It’s one of those small things that genuinely improves the rhythm of your mornings.
4. Candle Warmer Lamp
For anyone who loves candles but worries about open flames — especially those of us with cats — a candle warmer lamp is a wonderful alternative. This one has delicate floral shades in ten different colors, and it melts candles evenly from the top down, releasing fragrance without smoke or soot. I love mine because it keeps my home smelling lovely while staying safe for my curious cat’s sensitive nose.
5. Essential Oil Diffuser
Minimalist Essential Oil Diffuser
Diffusers are one of those quiet luxuries that make a home feel cared for. This one comes in seven designs, all simple and elegant enough to blend into any space. I like using eucalyptus when I feel under the weather, or lavender in the evenings to unwind. It also adds a touch of humidity to dry winter air — a small but noticeable comfort when the heat’s been running all day.
6. Motion Sensor Lights for Indoors (Set of 2)
If you’ve ever stubbed your toe in the dark, these lights are the quiet heroes you didn’t know you needed. They turn on automatically when you walk by, giving you just enough light to navigate without fully waking up. The wooden finishes are beautiful; more like soft accent décor than gadgets and they’ve saved me many midnight collisions on my way to get a glass of water.
7. Heated Blanket
A heated blanket is one of those indulgences that becomes a necessity once you’ve tried it. This one comes in multiple colors and sizes, and it warms up fast with adjustable settings so you can find your perfect level of comfort. I bought mine last winter, and it made every cold night feel like a small act of self-care.
8. Shiatsu Neck and Shoulder Massager
Nekteck Neck and Shoulder Massager
This compact massager is surprisingly powerful. It’s designed for the neck and shoulders, but I often use it for my lower back or hips after long days at my desk. It’s the kind of practical luxury that you don’t realize you need until you have it, and then you wonder how you managed without it.
9. USB-C Portable Charger
Small, sleek, and incredibly handy. This portable charger is about the size of a credit card, fits easily in any bag, and comes in four colors. It’s perfect for travel days, long commutes, or just peace of mind when your phone’s battery is running low. I’ve used Anker chargers for years. They’re reliable and make thoughtful, practical gifts for just about anyone.
10. Le Creuset Pepper Mill
This pepper mill is both functional and beautiful, the kind of kitchen piece that makes cooking feel a little more special. It comes in a range of colors, from classic white to the signature Le Creuset flame. I keep mine by the stove. It’s ceramic, durable, and adds just the right touch of charm to my kitchen counter.
Closing Thought
For me, Secret Santa isn’t just about the presents. It’s about the laughter that comes through text messages, the thoughtfulness behind every small surprise, and the feeling of being remembered by people you care about. Whether you’re sending something practical, cozy, or simply lovely, I hope this list gives you a few ideas to brighten someone’s day.
Even miles apart, we’re still woven together; one small gift, one warm gesture, one line of code at a time.
