How to Run a Secret Santa Scheme at Your Workplace

As the festive season approaches, one of the simplest, and most enjoyable, ways to spread Christmas cheer in the office, shop or workshop is to organise a Secret Santa gift exchange. 

It’s a light-hearted tradition that can bring colleagues together, spark some laughter, and ensure everyone feels included in the celebrations.

 If you’ve never run one before, here’s a step-by-step guide to making sure your workplace Secret Santa goes smoothly.

Step 1: Get Everyone On Board

Before anything else, check that people want to take part. While many will jump at the idea, some may prefer not to, so always make participation optional. You can send out a quick email, create a sign-up sheet, or even set up a poll to gather names.

Step 2: Set a Budget

To keep things fair, it’s important to set a clear spending limit. In workplaces, budgets of £5–£15 usually work well – enough to buy something thoughtful without being excessive. Make sure everyone knows the upper limit in advance.

Step 3: Decide How to Draw Names

Traditionally, names are pulled from a hat, but you can also use online Secret Santa generators that email each participant their chosen person. Digital tools are especially useful if your team works remotely or across different offices.

Step 4: Set the Ground Rules

Agree on a few guidelines before the exchange. For example:

Stick to the budget.

Avoid inappropriate or offensive gifts.

If in doubt, keep it fun, thoughtful, or practical.

Some teams also like to set a theme, such as “cosy gifts,” “desk treats,” or “something festive” which adds a bit of creativity to the challenge.

Step 5: Choose the Date and Venue

Pick a time for the gift exchange, perhaps during the office Christmas party, a team lunch, or a coffee break in the run-up to the holidays. For hybrid or remote teams, gifts can be posted or exchanged during a virtual festive gathering. Perhaps you could hire a"real" Santa to help hand out the presents?

Step 6: Add a Twist (Optional)

If you want to make it more entertaining, you can:

Have a “guess the Santa” reveal, where everyone tries to work out who bought their gift.

Play Secret Santa Swap, where gifts are chosen from a pile and can be swapped around before the final reveal.

Encourage homemade or creative gifts, which can make for some of the most memorable surprises.

Step 7: Funny Gift Ideas to Inspire You 

Need inspiration? Here are some light-hearted gifts that usually get a laugh (and still fit the budget):

Mug with a cheeky slogan – “This might be gin” always raises eyebrows in the office.

Mini desk games – tiny basketball hoops or stress-ball catapults are perfect for coffee-break competitions.

Novelty socks – from Rudolph noses to “bring me wine” messages, socks never go out of style.

Grow-your-own kits – chillies, herbs, or even bonsai trees for the green-fingered colleague.

Emergency chocolate stash – wrapped like a first-aid kit for that mid-afternoon slump.

Desk calendar with a twist – daily bad jokes, cat pictures, or motivational quotes gone wrong.

Of course, the best Secret Santa gifts are ones that suit the recipient’s personality – but a bit of silliness never hurts!

Step 8: Enjoy the Fun!

The joy of Secret Santa is in the mystery, the laughter, and the thought that goes into each present. It’s not about expensive gifts – it’s about making someone smile.

🎄 Running a Secret Santa at work is a simple way to boost morale and add some festive sparkle to the workplace. With a little organisation (and maybe a pair of novelty socks or two), you’ll create a tradition your colleagues will look forward to year after year.

Boost Your Christmas Sales with Free Promotion on Our Blogs

The festive season is fast approaching, and with it comes one of the busiest times of the year for many businesses. 

Whether you’re offering unique Christmas gifts, indulgent festive food hampers, or seasonal drinks that deserve a spot on every party table, getting your products seen by the right audience is key.

That’s where we come in.

At That’s Christmas 365 and our sister blog, That’s Food and Drink, we’re dedicated to shining a spotlight on the very best festive finds, from thoughtful presents to delicious food and drink. Our readers come to us for inspiration and recommendations, and we want to showcase your products to them.

The best part? There’s no cost to you.

We believe Christmas is all about sharing, and we’re offering businesses the opportunity to feature their festive offerings across our blogs completely free of charge. It’s a simple way to gain extra exposure, build buzz around your products, and help you reach new customers this holiday season.

How we can help promote your products:

Dedicated features on our blogs

Gift guides showcasing Christmas must-haves

Spotlight posts on festive food and drink trends

Social media support to spread the word even further

If you’re a business with something special to share this Christmas, we’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch today to have your products featured on That’s Christmas and That’s Food and Drink. Let’s make this festive season brighter – together.

Just email us at afj_uk@yahoo.com.

A Christmas Tree for Every Space from Garden Trading

Garden Trading is delighted to unveil its new carefully curated selection of artificial Christmas trees, designed to bring timeless style and ease to your festive decorating. 

Thoughtfully chosen to suit a range of interior styles, from the cosy cottage to a contemporary home, the collection combines lifelike detail with lasting quality, offering an alternative to traditional cut trees. And no needles to clean up or to remove from paws, too.

Available in a variety of shapes and sizes, the range includes everything from a charming 40cm tree, perfect for mantelpieces and tabletops, to a statement-making 8ft tree that brings festive magic to larger living spaces. 

Whether left unadorned for a minimalist look or dressed in delightful heirloom ornaments, each tree is designed to elevate seasonal styling with minimal effort.

To learn more or to order your trees please visit https://www.gardentrading.co.uk

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When Should You Start Making Your Christmas Pudding?

If there’s one festive tradition that truly stands the test of time, it’s the making of the Christmas pudding. 

Rich, fruity, spiced and often generously laced with a splash of brandy, sometimes with lashings of Guinness, it’s the centrepiece of many British Christmas dinners. But when, exactly, should you make it?

The answer lies in tradition – and in a little day known as Stir-up Sunday.

What is Stir-up Sunday?

Stir-up Sunday falls on the last Sunday before Advent (which begins four Sundays before Christmas Day). 

In 2025, that date will be 23rd November. The day gets its name from the opening words of the Book of Common Prayer’s collect for that Sunday: “Stir up, we beseech thee, O Lord…” Over the years, this became associated with stirring up the Christmas pudding.

Families would gather in the kitchen, each taking a turn to stir the pudding mixture from east to west in honour of the Three Wise Men, and often making a wish as they did so. 

Traditionally, a silver coin (usually a sixpence) was also stirred into the mixture for luck – though if you do this today, you might want to warn your guests first! 

There's a story in my wife's family of someone breaking their tooth on the sixpence and having to wait, in considerable pain, until he dentist opened after the Christmas holiday.  

Why Make it Then?

Making your pudding on Stir-up Sunday gives it plenty of time to mature before Christmas Day. The rich blend of dried fruits, spices and alcohol develops a deeper flavour the longer it rests, and many say that a pudding made weeks ahead is far superior to one made in a rush just before the big day.

The pudding is usually steamed for several hours when first made, then stored in a cool, dark place until Christmas. On the day itself, it’s steamed again before serving, doused in brandy, and brought to the table flaming – a moment of theatre that never fails to impress.

Do You Have to Make It Then?

Not at all! While Stir-up Sunday is a wonderful tradition, life doesn’t always stick to the calendar. You can make your pudding earlier in November, or even in October, if you like. In fact, some cooks prefer making it well in advance so the flavours can really develop. On the other hand, if you find yourself short on time, even a pudding made a week or two before Christmas will still be delicious.

A Tradition Worth Keeping

Whether you follow the calendar to the letter or adapt it to suit your own schedule, Stir-up Sunday is a lovely way to mark the start of the festive season. It’s about more than just cooking – it’s about family, anticipation, and keeping alive a tradition that has been passed down for generations.

So if you haven’t tried it before, why not set aside the Sunday before Advent this year, roll up your sleeves, and stir up a little Christmas magic?

Christmas Drinks? We have that covered!

It may still be summer, but Christmas will be here before you know it - and now’s the perfect time to get ahead on gift planning. 

This year we have organised our favourite spirits by price, making it easy to find something great no matter your budget. Whether you’re after affordable stocking fillers, great-value picks or a show-stopping gift, consider it sorted. From crisp gins and award-winning whiskies to vibrant liqueurs and inclusive non-alcoholic options, our selection offers something special for every taste and occasion.

Under £10 

Sierra Margarita Canned Cocktails  

Ready to chill and serve, Sierra Margarita cans are a playful addition to Christmas celebrations - perfect for parties, stockings, or sharing with friends.

The Sierra Margarita cans have been designed in vibrant colours and feature the iconic guitar-playing Jimador, Poncho, relaxing in the sunset. 

The Sierra red sombrero is instantly recognisable as a mark of quality and heritage, guaranteeing that the cocktail inside is full of bold flavour, expertly mixed and made for those moments worth savouring. These ‘bar-quality’ Margaritas have launched in two flavours, Lime and Strawberry.

Sierra Lime Margarita and Sierra Strawberry Margarita Range 12 x 250 ml Can Pack RRP £30.00 ABV: 6%. Available from Amazon and convenience stores across the UK. 

RRP: 1 x 250ml can for £2.49. ABV: 6%. Available to purchase from Lidl.

Under £20 

Australian Bitters 

A must for any cocktail enthusiast, Australian Bitters brings depth, character, and complexity to both classic and contemporary serves - from Old Fashioned's and Manhattans to Espresso Martinis.

 A true essential for any well-stocked bar.

Australian Aromatic Bitters RRP: 1 x 250ml for £14.50. ABV: 45%. Available to purchase from Amazon. 

Van Hunks Non Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé

For those skipping the alcohol but not the celebrations, Van Hunks Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé is a sophisticated, crowd-pleasing alternative. 

Crafted using traditional winemaking techniques and carefully de-alcoholised to retain character and balance, it’s ideal for festive toasts, thoughtful gifting, or pairing with light dishes and good company.

Van Hunks Non Alcoholic: RRP £14 for 75cl bottle. ABV: 0.5% Available from Amazon and Van Hunks Website https://vanhunksdrinks.com

Limoncè Limoncello  

Crafted in Sicily using handpicked Femminello lemons—renowned for their intense citrus character—Limoncè Limoncello is Italy’s number one selling limoncello and a benchmark for quality and tradition. 

Free from artificial flavours or colouring, it’s made using a cold-infusion technique that preserves the natural brightness and zest of the fruit, while gentle double filtration delivers clarity and finesse. 

The result is a vibrant, aromatic liqueur with a citrus-forward profile, balanced sweetness, and a refined, zesty finish. Enjoy Limoncè Limoncello chilled or in a refreshing Limoncè Spritz. I first found Limoncello in an Italian cocktail bar in London. Absolutely amazing drink!

Limoncè Limoncello: RRP from £15 50cl | ABV 25%. Available from: Amazon, Master Of Malt and Ocado

Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence 

A beautifully crafted, lower-alcohol alternative from the award-winning Cotswolds Distillery.

 Made with 10x the botanical concentration of their signature Dry gin, this small but mighty bottle delivers all the flavour with a fraction of the alcohol. 

Each 5ml serve contains just 0.23 units of alcohol and 14 calories, just enough alcohol to toast, not topple. Simply add tonic for a lighter version of a G&T or add to your other favourite classic Gin cocktails. 

Whether gifting to a cocktail enthusiast, a health-conscious friend or someone exploring low-alcoholic options, this is a gift that feels refreshingly different. 

Cotswolds Dry Gin Essence: RRP from 18.50 for 100ml. ABV 46%. Available from The Cotswolds Distillery https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Under £30

Van Hunks Brut  

Crafted in the traditional méthode cap classique, Van Hunks Brut Sparkling Wine is a premium South African fizz made from 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. 

Aged on the lees for 30 months, it offers refined complexity with delicate fruit, fine bubbles, and a beautifully balanced finish.

It's ideal for festive celebrations, thoughtful gifting, or raising a glass in style. 

Van Hunks Brut: RRP from £25 for 75cl bottle. ABV: 12%. Available from Amazon and Van Hunks website https://vanhunksdrinks.com

Dutch Barn Vodka  

Dutch Barn Vodka Original

A beautifully smooth and exceptionally clean vodka, Dutch Barn Vodka Original is perfect for those who appreciate quality and simplicity. 

Its crisp, pure character makes it ideal for sipping neat or mixing into classic cocktails—an elegant gift to toast the season with style. And it's made with apples! In Yorkshire.

Dutch Barn Vodka Original RRP: from £25 for 70cl. ABV: 40%. Available from Dutch Barn Vodka,  Amazon and Sainsbury’s.  https://dutchbarn.com

Dutch Barn Vodka Cherry

Add a splash of festive cheer with Dutch Barn Vodka Cherry. This vibrant cherry-flavored vodka delivers a luscious, fruity twist on the classic, ideal for holiday cocktails or warming winter drinks. A delightful gift that brings a burst of joyful flavour to any Christmas celebration.

Dutch Barn Vodka Cherry RRP: from £32 for 70cl. ABV: 40%. Available from Dutch Barn Vodka, and  Amazon.

Under £40 

Pantalones 

This Christmas, gift an organic tequila that combines quality and character. Pantalones Tequila comes in two expressions, Reposado and Blanco, each crafted to deliver a distinctive and smooth experience. 

Co-founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey, this award-winning spirit invites you to enjoy life with a lighthearted spirit.

Pantalones Reposado 

A perfect gift for the tequila lover who appreciates a richer sip this holiday season. Aged nine months in American oak whisky barrels, this smooth and golden Reposado offers warming notes of caramel, vanilla, and toasted oak - ideal for cozy winter evenings and festive celebrations.

Pantalones Tequila Reposado: RRP [X]  ABV 40% for 70 cl. Available on trade at select cosy club venues. Soon to be in supermarkets UK wide. 

Pantalones Blanco  

Bright, fresh, and smooth, this organic Blanco is bursting with subtle notes of honey, citrus, and cooked agave. Its clean, crisp profile makes it a versatile gift, perfect for classic cocktails or enjoying neat during holiday gatherings.

Pantalones Tequila Blanco: RRP [X]  ABV 40% for 70 cl. Available on trade at select cosy club venues. Soon to be in supermarkets UK wide. 

£50 and over 

Renais Gin Original (Can be Personalised)  

A standout gift for the season, Renais Gin brings thoughtful detail and flavour together in one beautifully crafted bottle. 

Available with personalisation when purchased from the Renais website, it’s an ideal choice for hosts or gin lovers on your list. 

Founded by Alex and Emma Watson and inspired by their family vineyard in Northern France, it’s made using upcycled wine grapes and infused with botanicals like linden flowers, cubeb berries, and acacia honey. The result is a smooth, floral gin that shines in a classic G&T or festive spritz.

Renais Gin RRP: From £48.00 for 70cl. ABV: 40% . Available from www.renais.co.uk 

Renais Grand Cru 

Just in time for buying in for the festive season, Renais Grand Cru is a limited-edition gin matured for a year in a single Grand Cru Chablis oak cask. 

It's smooth and gently spiced, it’s layered with notes of vanilla, citrus and oak, and comes in a beautifully designed bottle, hand-numbered and boxed in sustainable mycelium packaging. 

With only 800 bottles available, it’s a rare and thoughtful gift for any gin lover.

Renais Grand Cru Cask Aged Gin RRP: From £90 for 70cl. ABV 50%. Available exclusively at www.renais.co.uk

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky 

A bold and luxurious choice for whisky lovers, the Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky is matured exclusively in STR (that's shaved, toasted, and re-charred) ex-red wine casks to create a rich and intense festive dram. 

Non-chill filtered and naturally coloured, this cask-strength expression (around 60% ABV) offers a deep, complex flavour profile with notes of toffee, dark chocolate, and red berries, followed by layers of mocha, cinnamon, and warming ginger spice. The finish brings hints of baked bread and peppery heat — ideal for sipping slowly by the fire over the Christmas holidays.

Cotswolds Founder’s Choice Single Malt Whisky: RRP £76 for 70cl. ABV  Between 59.1% ABV and 60.5%. Available at Cotswolds Distillery Website https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Cotswolds Dry Gin Magnum  

Make a statement this Christmas with the Cotswolds Dry Gin Magnum , a 1.5L bottle of award-winning gin that's as impressive in size as it is in flavour. 

Crafted using a generous blend of nine carefully selected botanicals, including freshly peeled lime and pink grapefruit zest, this classic London Dry-style gin is bursting with citrus, spice and juniper-forward character. 

It’s the perfect centrepiece for festive celebrations or a standout gift for any gin lover.

Cotswolds Dry Gin Magnum: RRP £78 for1.5L. ABV 46%. Available at Cotswolds Distillery Website https://www.cotswoldsdistillery.com

Scottish skincare brand Arganorganics launches 'botanical botox' range. An Ideal Christmas Gift

Perthshire's very own natural skincare brand Arganorganics have quite literally created a new beauty buzzword. 

Which we feel will make excellent Christmas gifts for those in your life who care about their skin and also perhaps some self-gifting for you, too?

They are the only company in the world to use two types of an extract of the Madagascan botanical Acmella Oleracea in their newly launched Regeneration range. 

A delicate yellow flowering plant Acmella Oleracea's unique numbing effect led to its popularity in cocktails and the nickname “buzz buttons.” 

Now Arganorganics has harnessed the innovative muscle relaxant properties of the botanical to develop a range that is a natural alternative to injectables.

Why is Acmella Oleracea groundbreaking?

It's been clinically proven to reduce expression lines and crows feet by exerting a temporary muscle relaxant effect similar to injectables and it's particularly effective on crow's feet and wrinkles around the mouth and has an immediate smoothing effect.

The Regeneration Anti-Ageing Range

The Regeneration range comprises the flagship Regeneration moisturiser and four serums - face, night, neck/chest and eye - that can be used on their own or layered under the moisturiser. Combining organic plant oils, natural actives, optimal 1% strength plant based retinol alternative bakuchiol and sustainable marine algae the range instantly smooths and minimises lines.

What makes this range different?

By incorporating two different extracts of the Acmella Oleracea plant and combining with natural actives artisan brand Arganorganics has produced a unique and gentle alternative to commercial injectables. 

It's become something of a cliche for brands to promote 'botox in a bottle' products, but with this range with its clinically proven muscle relaxant effects Arganorganics can genuinely make that claim.

FACTFILE:

Founded in 2011 by Dr Ails Smith Arganorganics is a sustainable artisan skincare brand based in rural Perthshire. It combines rare therapeutic Asian botanicals with indigenous botanicals many of which are locally sourced and grown on her farm with plant oils and natural actives to produce therapeutic treatments for skin conditions rosacea, eczema and psoriasis and innovative beauty ranges.

The new Regeneration anti-ageing range is available to buy from https://arganorganics.co.uk

Opies. Perfect for Christmas

Festive Foodies Unite! Opies have the perfect Christmas Gifts for Home Cooks, Secret Santas & Stocking Stuffers

You can really hit the sweet spot this Christmas with a delicious gift that’s under a tenner! 

Ideal for budding chefs, secret Santas, or that relative who’s impossible to shop for.

Opies Fruits with Alcohol – pantry heroes that bring bold flavour to puddings, cocktails, meringues and more.

3 irresistible flavours – all in luxe Luxardo® spirits and packed in stylish globe jars:

Black Cherries in Kirsch 460g

Baby Pears in Amaretto 420g

Peaches in 12‑Year‑Old Brandy 460g

Buying for a special diet? The Fruits with Alcohol are both gluten and dairy free as well as vegan friendly.

Gift individually or mix ‘n’ match – make a luxe addition to a custom hamper or a Christmas stocking that’ll be a guaranteed hit.

Upgrade your festive menu – serve straight from the jar with cream or ice cream, or amplify crumbles, trifles, tarte tatin, soufflés and more.

Ready-to-use recipes on the label and even more ideas online. Head to www.bennettopie.com for creative kitchen inspiration. I can also send a selection of recipes for Christmas leftovers, side dishes, desserts and cocktails if of interest.

Make the most of that syrup – turn it into boozy ice cubes, grown-up jellies, or a savoury glaze for meats.

Reusable jars – perfect for storing spices, nuts, herbs… or repurposed as festive tealight holders or home-styled snow globe.

Buy – in store and online from Waitrose / Waitrose.com as well as Nisa stores.

RSP – from £6.75

https://www.bennettopie.com

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