Secret Santa is a festive tradition that brings a lot of joy. Whether you’re taking part with coworkers, friends, or family, the idea is simple: each person secretly picks a name and buys a gift for that person, usually keeping to a set budget. To help ensure everyone receives something they’ll love, participants often share some personal preferences or dislikes to guide their gift choices.
To ensure the gifts are spot-on, you can ask a friend or family member who knows your Secret Santa recipient for some helpful hints, or set up a simple questionnaire for everyone to fill out. Then, once the gifts are opened, the fun shifts to guessing who gave what, with everyone enjoying the surprise and the joy of receiving something special.
To get into the festive spirit, let’s spark those Secret Santa ideas and get the creativity flowing.
Once you’ve gathered the valuable information from the Secret Santa questions, you’ll be all set to pick out the perfect gift for your recipient. Even if you’re not using these questions for a formal gift exchange, they’re still great for getting a sense of what the people in your life might like. You probably already know some of the answers, but you can casually slip these topics into your future conversations and keep track of the answers for when it’s time to shop for the holidays.
Continue reading for a list of ideal Secret Santa questions to ask your gift recipient, ensuring you choose the most thoughtful gift to surprise and delight them.
25 Fun Secret Santa Questions
What’s your go-to way to relax and unwind?
Discovering this could guide you toward the perfect gift—maybe a captivating book or a cap from their favorite sports team.
Who is your top musician or band?
You might not splurge on concert tickets, but knowing your Secret Santa’s top musician can open up a whole range of thoughtful gifts, from collectible items to unique merchandise and stylish band gear.
What type of books do you usually enjoy reading the most?
Attention all book enthusiasts! Most readers are always excited to discuss their go-to genres, making it easy for you to pick out their next favorite book.
Are you more of a sweet snack person, or do you lean towards savory treats?
Understanding their snack preferences can help you decide if you should grab a box of their favorite cookies or put together a savory gift like cheese and crackers.
What are some of your hobbies or interests?
Got a chess enthusiast or a knitting pro in your circle? Understanding their hobbies can really help you pick out a gift they’ll appreciate and put to good use.
What’s your favorite way to relax and de-stress?
Once you learn that someone loves a long bath, enjoys pampering with face masks, or is all about taking naps, it’s clear that a bath caddy, a luxurious face mask, or a warm blanket would be the ideal gift for them.
Which do you enjoy more: coffee or tea?
Asking this simple question is essential if you’re leaning towards gifting something related to drinks. You’d be amazed at the variety of thoughtful gifts you can find once you know whether they prefer coffee or tea.
What holiday tradition do you look forward to the most?
Learning their favorite holiday tradition gives you the chance to make their celebration extra special—whether it’s decorating their space just how they love it, baking their go-to festive treats, or surprising them with a thoughtful gift like Hanukkah gelt.
Which sports team do you cheer for the most?
If you want to really personalize it, dig deeper by asking about their favorite college sports team, mascot, or even team colors.
What color do you love the most?
Once you know their favorite color, you can pick out a thoughtful gift that matches, like a cozy blue mug or a vibrant bouquet of yellow flowers.
Do you have a collection?
If so, you might want to add to their collection, whether it’s a rare ceramic turtle or a new art history book to deepen their passion.
What movie would you watch over and over?
Knowing their favorite movie to watch on repeat can help you choose the perfect gift, like movie-themed merchandise or a subscription to a streaming service with a catalog full of their favorite films or genres.
Is there a fast food chain you’re especially fond of?
A gift card to their favorite fast food spot is always a great and simple option. Whether they’re a Chipotle enthusiast or a Starbucks regular, it’s a quick way to bring a smile.
What’s your all-time favorite board game?
If they’re a Monopoly lover, why not surprise them with a special edition? For those who enjoy chess or checkers, a stylish, quality set will surely be appreciated.
Do you have any pets?
Learning about someone’s pet and its name can be a great way to show you care. Plus, it opens up a world of possibilities for personalized pet accessories, like toys or clothing.
What’s the most memorable meal you’ve had recently?
Discovering what dish still has them thinking about it can spark some fantastic gift ideas. Whether it’s a favorite pasta dish or a flavorful curry, consider gifting them a spice set or a collection of gourmet pastas to complement their love for great food.
What’s your zodiac sign?
Channel your inner astrologer and surprise them with a gift that aligns with their star sign. From zodiac-themed jewelry and candles to custom star maps, there are plenty of thoughtful options to explore.
What’s your favorite thing to cook or bake?
For the grill enthusiasts, a new set of gourmet spice rubs could be the perfect gift. For passionate bakers, consider gifting them a high-quality silicone baking mat or a set of fun, unique cookie cutters.
Mountains or beaches?
Asking this question opens up a wide range of gift possibilities. If your Secret Santa recipient is drawn to the mountains, perhaps a scenic print of snow-capped peaks would be a perfect fit. On the other hand, if they’re a beach lover, a beach-themed towel or a beach tote could bring some sunshine to their day.
What’s your favorite season?
This question helps tailor your gift to the recipient’s favorite time of year. For winter lovers, a cozy knit hat or scarf might be just the thing. If they’re more into the spring vibe, consider a floral print or a landscape painting that celebrates the season. The possibilities are endless once you know their preferred season!
Who’s your go-to celebrity?
Figuring out which celebrity your Secret Santa recipient is most fond of can guide you toward a truly special gift. For example, if they’re a Swiftie, a set of Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets might be the perfect touch. If they’re a fan of Derek Jeter, a #2 jersey would surely score big.
Which artist or painter do you admire the most?
Discovering someone’s favorite artist opens the door to a wide variety of thoughtful gifts. You could surprise them with a calendar showcasing works from legends like Van Gogh or Picasso. Or, how about a beautiful notebook with cover art from their favorite painter? The options are plentiful, and they’ll be delighted with your personalized choice.
Where did you grow up?
Knowing their hometown opens up a wealth of gift possibilities. From tea towels and magnets to framed art prints, there are plenty of unique items that celebrate a specific place. It’s a perfect way to add a personal touch to your gift!
What’s your favorite way to stay active?
Asking this will give you insight into their fitness routine. Whether they’re into yoga, boxing, or hiking, you can easily find gifts like a set of yoga blocks, a stylish water bottle, or boxing gloves that suit their workout style.