Secret Santa has a way of handing you the one name in the office you know least. You have a budget, a deadline and a vague memory that they like dogs. Or tea. Or was it the seaside?
The good news is that a gift under £20 can still feel personal. The trick is to choose something useful that also says "I thought about you". A set of coasters does exactly that: everyone uses them, nobody buys them for themselves, and the design is where the thought shows.
Our coaster sets start from £18.99, and each one is printed to order in our workshop in Mount Hawke, Cornwall. To stay under £20, choose a set of four at £18.99, such as our Personalised Name & Date Coasters or Your Photo Coasters. The designer sets of six below are £25.99, if you can stretch the budget a little. Here is how to match a set to the person you have drawn.
Start with one clue
You don't need to know someone well. You only need one clue. Think about their desk, their mug, their phone wallpaper or what they talk about on Monday mornings. Then pick from the list below.
For the animal lover
If their screensaver is a pet, you are already halfway there. The Cuddly Kitten Watercolour Ceramic Coasters show playful tabby kittens chasing balls of colour. For dog people, the Golden Retriever Puppy Ceramic Coasters and the Springer Spaniel Puppy Ceramic Coasters are gentle, cheerful watercolours that suit any kitchen.
We have a whole guide to gifts for dog and cat lovers if you want more ideas.
For the one who is always talking about the beach
Some people are only really happy with sand between their toes. The Beach Life Seashell Round Ceramic Coasters bring a bit of the coast to their desk or coffee table. The Watercolour Seascape Ceramic Coasters are a softer, more painterly option.
For the safe bet
If your only clue is "they seem nice", go neutral. The Grey, White & Gold Marble Ceramic Coasters work in nearly every home, and gold veining makes them look more expensive than they are. The Coffee & Cream Marble Ceramic Coasters are a warmer alternative for anyone who never seems to be without a hot drink.
Not sure which marble to choose? Our marble colourway guide helps you match a colour to a person or a room.
For the bold one
Bright jumper, loud laugh, strong opinions about art? Choose something with a bit of drama. The Black & Gold Lava Marble Ceramic Coasters have glowing gold veins on deep black. The Abstract Painterly Ceramic Coaster Set, with its bold cubist-style brushwork in orange, red, navy and pink, looks like a row of small modern paintings.
For the walker, the camper and the outdoorsy type
The Mountain Landscape Square Glass Coasters have six folk-art mountain scenes with rivers, pine trees and a low sun. They are glass with non-slip rubber feet, so they feel a little different from the ceramic sets. You can read more about how the two compare in our guide to ceramic vs glass coasters.
For the colleague who makes things
If your Secret Santa owns a UV printer, a laser or a sublimation setup, a digital gift can be just right. The Bestseller Starter: 50 AI Art Prompts pack gives them a set of ready-to-use art prompts to try on their own projects. It arrives as an instant download, so there is no wrapping and no waiting for the post.
Why coasters work so well for Secret Santa
- They are useful. Everyone puts a mug down somewhere, at home or at work.
- They are personal without being too personal. The design shows you thought about them, without anything awkward.
- They are easy to wrap. A flat, neat shape that fits under the tree or in a stocking.
- They last. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and they keep their colour. Just keep them out of the dishwasher and microwave.
A little tip on timing
Every set is made to order in Cornwall, so the earlier you order, the less you need to worry about the Christmas post. If the office swap is in the first week of December, ordering in November is the stress-free option.
Find your Secret Santa set
Whether you have drawn the dog lover, the beach fan or the person you have only ever spoken to in the lift, there is a set that will make them smile.
Browse every coaster set to see the full range side by side.