Brilliant Christmas stocking and secret Santa gift ideas

We hunt down 22 brilliant Christmas stocking and secret Santa gift ideas!

This article is now out of date. For the latest Secret Santa gift ideas for 2012, read The best Secret Santa gifts

Whether you've arranged it with friends, or you've got to hunt out a present for someone at work, 'Secret Santa' invariably fills many of us with dread.

While Secret Santa can be a great way to save some cash - particularly, if you're doing it with a group of friends - it can also end up being a bit of a nightmare if you really don't know what to buy the person you're buying for!

Similarly, filling those Xmas stockings can be a right pain in the neck.

So to help you on your way, I've come up with some fabulous Secret ideas to suit everyone's pocket.

£5 and under

Gifts for him

If your man fancies himself as being a little green-fingered, why not try this Chilli Pepper Growing Kit for just £3.29 at Play.com?

Alternatively, this Beer Key Bottle Opener might come in handy. This is £5, also from Play.com.

Gifts for her

This Mini Manicure Set from The Body Shop is sure to be a winner at just £5.

However, if you don't fancy that, this gorgeous Compact Mirror is great for handbags and comes in at £3.50 from Notonthehighstreet.com.

Unisex

Boiling an egg to perfection can be a tad tricky, but this Egg Perfect Egg Timer gives you a helping hand by changing colour - so you'll know exactly when your egg is ready, whether you want it soft, medium or hard boiled! It's a great little present for a friend or a colleague and only costs £2 at suntekstore.co.uk.

If the person you're buying for is a big tea drinker, this cute Tea House Shaped Tea Infuser might come in useful and will only set you back £4 at Whittard.

Or if all of that seems a little too boring and sensible, this Balloon Modelling Kit could provide hours of fun for all involved! It costs £4.67, from Amazon.

Alternatively, for something a little festive, this Santa Beard & Tache costs £1.99, also from Amazon, including postage - bargain.

£10 and under

Gifts for him

Why not let your colleague/friend re-live his youth with this Pac-Man heat changing mug? It costs £8.99 at Firebox.com.

On the other hand, this Flyro Gyro which 'throws like a ball but flies like a jet' could provide plenty of entertainment - probably best used outdoors rather than in the office though! And it will only set you back £9.99 - also from Firebox.com.

And if you're buying for someone who's partial to the odd beer or three, this Inflatable Football Beer Bucket could be a fabulous storage solution at £8.99 from Play.com.

Gifts for her

If you know your 'Secret Santa receiver' is a fan of travelling, this Silk Brocade Travel Jewellery Case could make a fabulous present at just £4.99 (including shipping) from Yellow Sunrise.

Alternatively, this Trevor Tote Bag is bound to make any girl smile and is £7.50 including mainland UK delivery at Notonthehighstreet.com.

Or, if you'd prefer to stick to 'smellies', this Aloe Skincare kit from The Body Shop is £10 (worth £15).

Unisex

This next gift idea is perfect for the office. Anyone who used to watch 'Take Hart' and 'Hartbeat' will just adore this Morph Desk Buddy and it will look fabulous on your colleague's desk! It can be bought from Findmeagift.com for just £6.99.

Alternatively, this Monkey Screen Wipe could also provide some office fun and will also help to keep your colleague's computer screen dust-free! It costs £8.99 at Lakeland.

And for something festive, pick up this fun Santa wind-up torch from Nigel's eco store for £5.99.

Over £10

If you're really looking to splash the cash for your Secret Santa gift, here are a few ideas for anyone costing more than £10.

Gifts for him

This Finger Drums set is certainly likely to be entertaining, but might be a tad annoying for your friends or colleagues. It's £12.95 at PrezzyBox.

But my ultimate favourite is this Etch-A-Sketch! Your friend/colleague can spend hours sketching away and re-living his childhood! It costs £15.99 at Firebox.com.

Gifts for her

Help your colleague/friend to stay warm with these gorgeous Aroma Home Fuzzy Feet Slippers! They are bound to cheer anyone up on a gloomy, cold day, and they will set you back £11.95 at PrezzyBox.

Alternatively, these battery operated votive candles make a beautiful and festive gift at £12.99 from Lakeland.

Unisex

If you're really struggling for a gift, food is always a good option. And with this fabulous St Kew Gift Basket you can't go wrong! Containing shortbread, marmalade and fudge, it'll cost you £16.99 from Lakeland.

Finally, if you're buying for a dog lover, he/she is bound to love this Puppy Bumperstop Doorstop which costs £15.95 at PrezzyBox.

So hopefully these Secret Santa gift ideas have provided you with some inspiration - let us know if you've found any bargains of your own!

More on Christmas spending and saving

How to have a cheaper Christmas

Twelve good, cheap Christmas gift ideas

Ways to spread the cost of Christmas

Top credit cards for Christmas spending

Recycle your things for cash!