You've drawn a name, and it belongs to the co-worker whose desk you've walked past for two years without ever learning what they do on weekends. That's the real puzzle behind most work secret santa ideas. The budget is easy. Knowing the person is the hard part.
The best gift for a work secret santa is a thoughtful one that fits the office budget and suits someone you don't know well. An experience voucher ticks all three, because you choose the amount and your co-worker picks the experience. Gifting Owl has 19,000+ experiences in 100+ countries, so there's something for most personalities in the office.
You don't need to know them well. You need a clue or two and a feel for their personality. Below you'll find ten coworker types with experience gifts for each, plus tips on budget, presentation, themes and making your Christmas exchange more fun, whether you're buying for a close work friend or one of the work colleagues you've barely met. If you'd rather browse everything at once, our Christmas gift ideas page has the lot.
Why Are Experiences a Good Secret Santa Gift?
An experience gives your co-worker something to look forward to, plan and talk about afterwards (the person who goes ziplining on Saturday will have a story ready for Monday). Because you choose the amount, it fits whatever limit your office has set, so everyone in the secret santa exchange stays on an even footing. A budget limit keeps the whole thing accessible, and an experience works comfortably inside it.
This is where Gifting Owl earns its place. We have 19,000+ experiences in 100+ countries, which helps when your colleague lives across town or across the world. You can set the voucher to any amount, in your currency. You can email it straight away or schedule it for the day of the party. Your co-worker books live on Gifting Owl, and the voucher is valid for 3 years. Exchanges are free, and if they choose something pricier, they can pay the difference by card.
Which Secret Santa Gifts Suit Each Coworker Type?
Start with what you do know: what they talk about at lunch, what's pinned above their desk, where they went on their last holiday. Pick the type below that sounds closest and go from there. Every one of these secret santa gifts can be emailed in a couple of minutes.
Secret Santa experience gifts
Show more experiences
Abu Dhabi and Ferrari World Full-Day Tour
Kyoto: Small-Group Gion Geisha District Walking Tour
Barcelona's Coastline Helicopter Flight
The Adventurer: For the Coworker With a New Outdoor Story Every Monday
Skydiving
Freefall first, then a surprisingly quiet canopy ride down, with a tandem instructor handling the technical bits. Weather can postpone a jump, so it suits someone relaxed about dates and a first-timer who's always said "one day".White Water Rafting
Paddling as a crew through rapids means everyone gets soaked and nobody stays serious for long. Pack a change of clothes. It's a fun pick for the colleague who loves a team challenge.Rock Climbing and Abseiling
Harness, rope and the slow realisation that you can trust both. It's as much mental as physical, so it suits problem-solvers (check the experience page for the skill level required).Ziplining
Treetops rush past while you hang there with a view most people never get. It's a gentler step up for anyone who wants a thrill short of skydiving. Check the height and weight limits first.Caving
Torchlight, cool air and rock formations that took far longer to grow than any of us have been alive. Tight spaces come with the territory, so skip it for anyone who dislikes them. It suits the curious colleague who doesn't mind a bit of mud.
The Water Lover: For Anyone Who Talks About the Ocean All Year
Snorkelling
Fish, coral and the odd muffled breathing sound as you float face-down. It's easy to pick up, though water clarity varies, so check the experience page. It suits all ages if they're comfortable in the water.Kayaking
A paddle at your own pace along a coastline, river or quiet lake. A sunset paddle is the romantic option, a coastal explore the sporty one. It suits beginners and regulars alike.Surfing Lessons
Honestly, you'll spend more of your first lesson falling off than standing up, and that's half the fun. It's good for a coworker who likes learning something new and doesn't mind a laugh at their own expense.Stand-Up Paddleboarding
Flat water, a long paddle and a wobble or two before the balance clicks. It's easier to learn than surfing, and many places run sunrise or sunset sessions. It suits people who want active but calm.Jet Skiing
Speed, spray and a lot of noise. Some guided tours stop at beaches you can't reach on foot. It's one for the adrenaline lover who finds kayaking a bit slow.Sailing
Wind, ropes and a harbour or coastline seen from the water. Choose a short harbour sail or a longer coastal trip depending on how much time they can spare. It suits the colleague who's always gazing at the water.
The Foodie: For the Coworker Whose Lunch Makes Everyone Else's Look Ordinary
Cooking Classes
Chef-led, hands-on sessions that often end with you eating what you've made. Check the class level before you buy. It suits the home cook who wants to get stuck into a new cuisine.Winery Tours and Tastings
Cellars, barrels and a glass in hand while someone explains how it all came together. Some include food pairings, and someone will need to be the designated driver. It's also a lovely couples' experience, handy if your coworker mentions a partner a lot.Food Tours
Wander a neighbourhood and taste your way through its specialities, with stories about the people behind them. Wear comfortable shoes. It gives your coworker an excuse to play tourist in their own city.Brewery Tours
Tanks, hops and tasting paddles. Book a daytime slot if you can. It's made for the colleague who can explain what IBU stands for without being asked.High Tea
Tiered stands, scones and pastries, with a pot of tea that lasts longer than any meeting. Some venues offer themed or champagne versions. It suits anyone who likes a little ceremony with their treat.Street Food Tours
Hole-in-the-wall favourites you'd never find on your own. Arrive hungry (skip breakfast, you'll thank us). It suits adventurous eaters who rate flavour over fancy tablecloths.
The Culture Fan: Art, History and Live Shows
Cultural Tours
Local traditions, art and heritage explained by a guide who knows the stories. Ideal for the colleague who wants the "why" behind a place, not just the photo.History Tours
Walk the streets where events happened, with a guide who tells it like a story rather than a timeline. It suits the history buff who can name every monarch.Live Music
From classical to contemporary, the sound is louder, the crowd is part of it and nothing is quite the same twice. It suits the coworker who always has earbuds in.Art Workshops
Painting, sculpture or mixed media with a practising artist, and usually something to take home. A great gift for anyone who admires art but hasn't made any since school.Architecture Tours
Look up and notice what you've walked past for years. A great pick for the colleague forever pointing out interesting buildings.Comedy Shows
If your office is after funny secret santa gifts, this one doesn't ask the recipient to be funny back. It's an easy night out for the office joker, and no special knowledge is needed.
Art gift ideas
Show more experiences
London Landmarks, Historic Ale Pub Bike Tour with Local Guide
Sagrada Familia Fast-Track Guided Tour
Become a Dutch Art Piece Photo Shoot in Amsterdam
Self Care for the Coworker Who Needs a Proper Break
Spa Packages
Several treatments in one visit, often with time in the facilities too. A perfect gift for the colleague who juggles too much and rarely switches off.Massage
Styles range from Swedish to deep tissue, hot stone to aromatherapy, so there's a fit for most preferences. A good pick for anyone who carries their day in their shoulders.Yoga
Guided practice at a gentle pace. Look for workshop-style sessions that teach the basics, ideal if they've mentioned wanting to try it but feel unsure about a regular class.Facials
Cleansing, a facial massage and sometimes product advice. It suits the colleague who enjoys a little pampering.
The Nature Lover: For Anyone Who Perks Up at the Word "Outdoors"
Hiking and Trekking
Trails from gentle strolls to proper summits, and some guided walks come with a naturalist who points out plants and rock formations. Good boots matter more than good intentions. Suits anyone who loves fresh air.Safari
Wildlife in its own habitat, with a guide who knows where to look. Early starts are common. It suits animal lovers who'd rather see creatures in the wild than in a zoo.Whale Watching
A boat trip led by marine experts, with the chance of a breach. Sightings depend on the season, so check the experience page. Suits the colleague fascinated by marine life.Birdwatching Tours
Patient, quiet and surprisingly absorbing, with a guide to spot and name species. Suits observers who find peace in small details, and newcomers are welcome.National Park Tours
Protected landscapes explained, from geology to conservation. A good pick for environmentally minded colleagues.Horse Riding
Countryside, beach or mountain trails at a walking pace. Many rides welcome beginners (check the experience page). Suits animal lovers who like a slower outdoor day.
The Urban Explorer: For Anyone Who Knows Every Hidden Café
City Tours
Landmarks and local secrets from a guide who knows what visitors usually miss. Walking and bike options mean you can match their energy levels.Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
Sightseeing on your own schedule, with commentary along the way. It suits the colleague who likes to plan their own itinerary.Segway Tours
You cover more ground than on foot, and the wobbly first minute is part of the fun. Good for anyone who likes a bit of novelty with their sightseeing.Ghost Tours
Evening walks through haunted corners of town, told with theatrical flair. A fun pick for the colleague who likes their history slightly macabre.Helicopter Tours
A city laid out like a map, with patterns you can't see from the ground. It's a bigger-ticket pick, ideal when a few of you are pooling money.
The Person Who Has Done Everything: Unusual Gifts
Some colleagues seem to have tried it all. For them, unusual gifts tend to work better than another version of something they already know.
Escape Rooms
Puzzles, codes and a ticking clock. They're brilliant for small groups and often reveal who's secretly the team's best problem-solver. Great if several of you are chipping in.Hot Air Ballooning
Floating over the landscape at sunrise, which means an early start (set the alarm twice). It suits romantics and anyone who wants flight at its quietest.Astronomy Experiences
Telescopes, the night sky and an expert to explain what you're looking at. A good fit for anyone who has ever looked up and wondered.Paragliding
A tandem flight with more airtime than most aerial experiences and a quiet glide between gusts. Wind decides everything, so flexible dates help. Suits adventurers who like their thrills slow.Off-Road Driving
Rough terrain, a powerful 4WD and an instructor beside you. Expect mud. Suits the colleague who loves vehicles.
The Photography Enthusiast: For Anyone Always Chasing the Light
Photography Workshops
Composition, lighting and editing with a professional, often on location. Look out for sunrise, sunset or wildlife sessions. Ideal for hobbyists ready to move beyond auto mode.
The Team Player: For the Coworker Who Organises After-Work Drinks
Team Activities
From cooking challenges to adventure courses, shared tasks outside the office bring out different strengths. A shared voucher is easy when several colleagues are chipping in.Dinner Cruises
Good food while the skyline or coastline slides by. Suits social butterflies who love conversation and a change of scenery.Group Bike Tours
Two wheels, a steady pace and enough breath left for a chat. Suits active colleagues who like to combine exercise with company.
Food & Drink gift ideas
Show more experiences
Niagara-on-the-Lake Private Wine Tasting Experience
Osaka Dotonbori Traditional Tea Ceremony Experience
Blend Your Own Gin with 78 Degree Distillery at LOT.100
How Do You Choose the Perfect Secret Santa Gift for a Co-Worker?
A little detective work goes a long way. These ideas should help you land on a thoughtful secret santa gift without giving yourself away.
Listen at lunch. Clues sit in everyday chat. Someone who mentions being run off their feet might love a spa experience, while a colleague with weekend hiking photos would enjoy an adventure experience.
Think about life stage. Someone with young children may prefer an evening out, a newcomer might love a local tour and someone close to retirement may finally have time for the thing they've always wanted to try.
Check the practicalities. Comfort with heights, mobility, dietary needs and time constraints all matter for your secret santa recipient. An evening activity may suit better than a full day.
Look at social media (discreetly). If you're connected, concert photos or food posts can hint at interests. Keep it light, and don't spoil the surprise.
Ask a mutual colleague. Try something casual like "I was thinking pottery, would Sarah be into that?" and you'll learn plenty without revealing who you are.
Pick something that works as a pair. If you're not sure they'd go alone, choose an experience that suits two people and set the voucher amount to match. It makes the gift easier to use, and the perfect gift is often the one that's easy to say yes to.
How Can You Make an Experience Voucher Feel Personal?
Make a reveal moment. Vouchers are delivered by email only, but you can send it to yourself, print it and hand it over in a card or small box. That's where you'll see the recipient smile.
Write a personal note. You can add a personal message and choose a voucher design. Something like "I thought you'd enjoy a few hours away from spreadsheets" shows thought, and you can word it to keep your identity a secret.
Schedule it. If you're sending by email, you can choose the date and time it lands, which suits the day of the party.
Mention how it works. Your coworker books live on Gifting Owl, can exchange for free and has 3 years to redeem, so there's no pressure to rush.
What Can You Give at Each Secret Santa Budget?
Experiences suit almost any budget, and since you choose the voucher amount, you can stay within your office limit. Prices vary by place, so check the experience page.
Budget friendly options: street food tours and walking food tours, art workshops or a comedy night.
Thoughtful mid-range gifts: massage, high tea or kayaking.
When a group is pooling money: a hot air balloon flight, off-road driving or a full spa day.
Common Worries About Giving an Experience
"What if they never use it?" The voucher is valid for 3 years and your coworker books live, so they can pick a date that suits them. Choose something simple to book and fits easily into a weekend or evening.
"What if they've done it before?" Exchanges are free for any experience. A lower-value choice leaves the balance on their account, so nothing is wasted.
"Does it feel less tangible?" Some people like to hold something on the day. That's what the printed voucher or reveal card is for, and the anticipation of booking is part of the gift.
"What if they're too busy?" The Christmas season is full for most people, and that's often exactly why an experience works. It gives them a reason to take time for themselves, and with 3 years to redeem they can choose a quiet moment.
Can a Secret Santa Gift Be Greener?
An experience has no wrapping paper to throw out and nothing to store, which suits colleagues who care about sustainability. Many experiences are run by local businesses, so your budget can support them. It also nudges the focus towards doing over having.
Which Christmas Gift Suits Where You Live?
Christmas lands in different weather depending on where you are. In Australia, it's summer, so water sports and cycling tours suit the festive season. In the northern hemisphere, indoor picks like spa days, cooking classes, comedy shows, escape rooms or high tea feel more appealing over the holidays. Because vouchers last 3 years, your coworker can also save an outdoor experience for warmer weather.
Do Experience Gifts Work for Every Type of Office?
Creative and wellbeing-focused workplaces tend to welcome experiences that support hobbies and self care.
Teams comfortable booking online will find the booking process easy, and experiences are good for sharing stories.
Remote or hybrid teams can receive their voucher by email, wherever they live, and choose something near home.
International offices benefit from the wide choice. Dining, entertainment and adventure work across cultures, and they let colleagues explore local culture.
If you're organising for a whole team, our guide to why staff experiences work is a useful read.
Can You Make the Exchange Itself More Fun?
Yes. A theme can get people thinking creatively, a gift wrapping contest gets everyone involved, and turning the exchange into a small party with games keeps the mood light. A gift that makes people laugh is a good icebreaker, and an experience voucher fits any of these formats.
What Should You Do After the Party?
A few weeks on, you can casually ask whether they've booked yet ("I'd love to hear about it when you go!"). Share tips if you know the activity, and respect their privacy if they'd rather not post photos. If they loved it, you've learned what works for next year. If they were lukewarm, you've learned that too.
Your Next Move
Secret santa works best when the gift says "I noticed you", and a well-chosen experience can delight a co-worker long after the party. Pick the coworker type that fits, choose an amount, add a note and send it by email on the day. If you'd like more inspiration, try our secret santa gift ideas or our creative office gift ideas. Happy gifting!
