Secret Santa and Kris Kringle Gift Ideas for Kids in 2026

Kris Kringle and Secret Santa describe the same idea by different names depending on where you are, a classroom, family or workplace draws one name each, buys a small gift within an agreed limit, and everyone opens something on the day. For a kid's classroom exchange, the brief is usually the same everywhere: small, fun, and safe for a child you may not know especially well.

Here's what tends to work inside a modest budget, without needing to know much about the specific child at all.

A set of fun stationery

Scented pens, novelty erasers or a small notebook are genuinely popular across most ages and don't require knowing anything specific about the recipient.

A small puzzle or brain teaser

Compact, screen-free, and enjoyable solo or shared around a classroom table during the last chaotic week of term.

Novelty socks or a small accessory

Low-risk, universally sized, and usually good for a laugh when it's unwrapped in front of the group.

A mini craft or activity kit

Something self-contained that doesn't need extra materials at home to finish, which matters when it's heading to a household you don't know well.

A small travel-sized game

Compact card or dice games travel well in a stocking or a desk and don't take up much room once the holidays are over.

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If you're also buying a bigger gift for your own child this Christmas, alongside the classroom exchange, a personalised Christmas book is worth a look, or browse the full range of personalised Christmas books.

Related reading: our full Christmas gift guide and gifts for kids who have everything.

More Christmas gift guides: Christmas Gift Ideas for Kids, Christmas Gifts for Kids Who Have Everything, Secret Santa and Kris Kringle Gift Ideas for Kids, Christmas Gift Ideas From Grandparents, browse our full range of personalised Christmas books, or a Ziggli gift card if you would rather let them choose.