It’s that time of year again: the Christmas countdown has begun, and the Secret Santa gift list is looming. It could be the office Secret Santa; you pop your name into the hat, keeping your fingers crossed you pull your office bestie and not Simon from accounts. Or maybe it’s Secret Santa with the girls - because, let’s face it, the cost of Christmas adds up fast and we can’t be expected to buy for all 5 of them.
Whatever the setting, at least one Secret Santa is probably in your future. You may love it, you may dread it: either way, it’s happening. So, how do you get ready for a Secret Santa?
That’s where we think candles come in. If we’re honest, coming up with Secret Santa present ideas isn’t always easy, especially when you don’t know the person all that well. However, candles tick every box for the best Secret Santa gifts. They’re affordable, stylish, and guaranteed to bring a little warmth to their Christmas.
In this article, we’ll share exactly why candles make such a great choice; from their universal appeal to their personal touch, and we’ll give you a few of our favourite candle gift ideas to make your Secret Santa shopping effortless this year…
Why are candles the best Secret Santa gift?
We might be a little biased, but we truly believe Essence of Harris candles are one of the best Secret Santa gifts you can give. Whether you need a gift for a picky aunt, a friend, or someone you don’t know that well from the office, a candle always hits the right note.
Don’t believe us? We’ve got loads of reasons…
Budget friendly Secret Santa gifts
Most Secret Santa gifts come with a price limit. But, sticking to a budget doesn’t mean your gift can’t feel special. With candles under £20, you can find something that feels far more luxurious than its price tag. And, even on a budget, a beautifully packaged candle looks exceptional, smells divine, and instantly feels like a treat.
A Secret Santa gift everyone will love
One of the biggest struggles with Secret Santa gifts is finding something that works for everyone, no matter their age, gender, or how well you know them. That’s why candles are the best Secret Santa gift.
Candles have a universal appeal: from fresh and fruity scents to warm festive spices, there’s a fragrance to suit every personality. Even if you don’t know their exact taste, you can’t go wrong with a soft, neutral scent like a Seilebost Candle - timeless, elegant, and loved by all.
Thoughtful and personal Secret Santa presents
Candles might be small, but they can carry big meaning. If you don’t know what to get someone, a candle allows you to share a part of yourself instead; your favourite scent, a memory, or even simply something that makes you feel calm and cosy. It’s a thoughtful way to connect, even if you’re not close with your recipient.
There’s also such a wide range of fragrances, vessels, and styles that it’s easy to find one that feels personal and intentional.
The feel-good gift
There’s something truly special about lighting a candle: the gentle flicker, the comforting scent, and the instant sense of calm it brings.
That’s what makes candles such unique Secret Santa gifts. They offer a little moment of mindfulness in the chaos of the festive season. Plus, candles are a treat people often don’t buy for themselves, which makes it even nicer to receive. A candle isn’t just a gift, it lifts the mood and acts as a small reminder to slow down.
Top tips for making your Secret Santa a success
Whether it’s with colleagues, friends, or family, a little planning goes a long way. These simple tips will make sure your Secret Santa runs smoothly and keep everyone smiling.
Set a clear budget
Most Secret Santas come with a set budget and for good reason: it keeps things fair and stress-free. There’s nothing worse than one person spending £25 while another spends £5, because it leaves people feeling awkward or pressured when they’re supposed to be enjoying time with friends. A clear budget helps everyone get creative within the same boundaries, which is what Secret Santa is all about.
Stick to your agreed amount and focus on finding something thoughtful - you’ll be surprised by how many brilliant gifts you can find without breaking the bank.
Make it fun
Ultimately, Secret Santa isn’t meant to be serious. It's all about enjoying the moment and sharing a little festive laughter. So, don’t overthink it. The best Secret Santa present ideas are the ones that make people smile. If you don’t know your recipient well, go for something light-hearted or universally loved, like a beautifully scented candle or a small treat that feels a touch indulgent.
Our best Secret Santa gift ideas
By now, we’re sure you’re convinced that candles really are the best Secret Santa gifts. Now comes the fun part: choosing which scent your Secret Santa recipient will love the most. To make it easy, we’ve rounded up a few of our favourite Secret Santa candle scents to help you make the perfect choice.
Midnight Cherry Candle
A firm favourite this season, and one of our trendiest Secret Santa scents, the Midnight Cherry Candle is rich, fruity, and a little bit playful - making it perfect for the friend who loves their beauty products, glossy lip balms, and TikTok trends. It’s a fragrance that feels modern and bold, yet still appeals to many. It’s a guaranteed hit for anyone who likes their gifts with a touch of glamour.
Horgabost Lemongrass & Ginger Candle
Fresh, zesty, and full of energy, our Horgabost Candle is bursting with lemongrass and ginger that instantly uplifts any space. It’s a brilliant gender-neutral choice, ideal for colleagues, friends, or anyone who loves a bold, invigorating fragrance. This candle packs a citrus punch and leaves a lasting impression, a perfect pick if you want your Secret Santa present to stand out.
Losgaintir Bergamot, Coconut & Vanilla Candle
If you’re after something timeless, Losgaintir is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Inspired by the stunning beaches of Harris, it’s a fresh scent that brings calm and serenity. After all, it’s one of our most-loved fragrances for a reason.
Obviously beautiful on its own, if your budget allows, pair a votive candle with some matching bath and body products from the Losgaintir Collection for a truly luxurious Secret Santa gift set.
Secret Santa make simple with Essence of Harris
So there you have it - all the proof you need that candles truly are the best Secret Santa gifts. They’re thoughtful, affordable, and guaranteed to bring a little light and warmth to someone’s Christmas. Whether you go for something bold like Horgabost, timeless like Losgaintir, or on-trend with Midnight Cherry, a candle is a gift that never fails to delight.
If you’re still looking for more gift inspiration? We think you’ll love… Our Christmas Gift Guide | Seasonal Scents: Understanding Christmas Candles | Understanding Our Scent Collection: A Home Fragrance Guide
