Here comes (secret) Santa Claus! Add your own Christmas flair with these clever and funny sayings for your Secret Santa gift.
You can always take the perfect gift to the next level with a great card or gift tag. These funny secret Santa messages are the perfect touch!
This is a curated list covering a few different angles. If you prefer to add some humor, check out the funny notes. If you want someone to pause before opening their gift, use a winter-themed riddle!
These pair perfectly with the Christmas gift tags I have available for purchase in the Homemaker and Happy shop! Head over there to purchase yours after you have found the saying you want to use.
Pin this post for later!
Table of Contents
A (Secret) Small Token of Appreciation
A Funny Note
Secret Santa is definitely one thing – FUN! Kick off your Secret Santa season with one of these cute sayings.
- “I tried to get you something you’d love, but the elves said ‘budget constraints.’ So here’s Plan B!”
- “This gift is like fruitcake — you might not have asked for it, but here it is with love!”
- “I consulted Santa’s list twice. You’re still nice. Congrats on this gift!”
- “May your holidays be merry, your cocoa be hot, and this gift be exactly what you wanted!”
- “I’m like Santa but with better taste in gifts and a smaller sleigh (my car).”
- “Warning: This gift may cause sudden outbursts of joy, laughter, or confusion. Open responsibly!”
- You’re snow special!”
- “Fa-la-la-la-lucky you!”
- “This gift is wrapped with care and a dash of holiday flair.”
- “Your Secret Santa thinks you’re tree-mendous!”
- “Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? Your Secret Santa’s gift is glistening!”
- “Jingle all the way to opening this gift!”
- “Snow joke — you’re getting spoiled today!”
- “Chill out and enjoy this frosty surprise!”
- “Ice, ice, baby — your gift is here!”
- “Winter wonder-FUL things are coming your way!”
- “Brrr-illiant choice by your Secret Santa, if I do say so myself!”
- “Frosty vibes and good times — that’s what this gift brings!”
A (Secret) Small Token of Appreciation
Christmas always has me reflecting on the good others have done for me that year. Naturally, I want to return the favor!
Whether it’s dropping off stickers at my local post office or running some cookies over to a friend, I always look for ways to bring someone some cheer during Christmas.
You can do the same thing this year! If you’re looking for ideas, check out this list of homemade gift ideas.
- “You always make the office a happier place. This is just a small thank you!”
- “I admire your positive energy every day. Hope you enjoy this!”
- “You deserve something special. Happy Holidays from your Secret Santa!”
- “Your kindness doesn’t go unnoticed. Wishing you all the best this season!”
- “I see how hard you work, and I wanted to give you something just for you. Enjoy!”
- “Thank you for being such a great teammate. You make everything better!”
- “I picked this with you in mind. Hope it’s perfect for you!”
- “You brighten every room you walk into. Here’s a little something to brighten your day!”
Pin this post for later!
Secret Santa Riddles
Riddles would be the perfect way to kick off a Secret Santa gift exchange! Solve the riddle, fight for a prize – good luck!
How do you play at your Secret Santa gift exchange? Find me on Facebook or Instagram and let me know!
- “I have a beard but never shave, I travel the world but have no passport, I come once a year, but I’m never late. Who am I?”
Answer: Santa Claus - “I’m round and shiny, hung with care, I reflect your face when you stop and stare. What am I?”
Answer: A Christmas ornament - “I’m tall when I’m young and short when I’m old. I brighten the room, but I’m never bold. What am I?”
Answer: A candle - “I fall but never break, I’m white but not a cloud, I’m cold but bring warm smiles. What am I?”
Answer: Snow - “I have branches but no leaves, I’m decorated but not a cake, I stand in your home, but I’m not furniture. What am I?”
Answer: A Christmas tree - “I’m passed around but never opened, I’m wrapped with care but hold a surprise, you shake me and guess but won’t know until the time is right. What am I?”
Answer: A wrapped present - “I’m full of holes but still hold treats, I hang by the fire on Christmas Eve. What am I?”
Answer: A stocking - “I jingle and jangle, but I’m not keys, I’m tied to reindeer and ring in the breeze. What am I?”
Answer: Sleigh bells - “I’m red and white and twisted tight, I’m sweet to taste and a holiday sight. What am I?”
Answer: A candy cane - “I guide the way through winter’s night, my nose is famous and shines so bright. Who am I?”
Answer: Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
Simple Messages
Nothing beats getting something special for a secret friend. We have used the framework from Secret Santa to have a Secret Sisters exchange at church. We sent encouraging cards, gift cards, and special products to our secret sisters. A little surprise can go a long way to brightening someone’s day!
If you are brightening someone’s day, consider adding a little antidote to their card. Use these simple messages as the introduction to a beautiful note!
- “Hope this brings a smile to your face! Happy Holidays!”
- “A little something to brighten your day. Enjoy!”
- “Wishing you joy this holiday season!”
- “From your Secret Santa with warm wishes.”
- “Hope you love this! Merry Christmas!”
- “Just a little gift to say you’re appreciated.”
- “Happy Holidays from someone who thinks you’re great!”
- “Enjoy this small token of holiday cheer!”
- “Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!”
- “Hope this makes your Christmas a little brighter!”
History of Secret Santa
Legend has it that Kansas City philanthropist Larry Stewart started the Secret Santa trend.
Stewart was stranded and broke, but was gifted $20 at a diner one evening. The small gesture made such an impact that he remembered it after finding his way to success. Stewart looked for creative ways to roll the generosity forward and began gifting people $100 around Christmas.
He went on to give more money to 9/11 victims and Hurricane Katrina survivors.
What’s really cool about this? No one knew who the donor was! Stewart didn’t reveal himself until just before he passed away from cancer in 2007. In a heartfelt message, he encouraged others to continue the random acts of kindness and pass generosity on.
Other origin stories credit the man himself with Secret Santa! Greek bishop Saint Nickolas was known for his acts of charity. There are also Germanic fairies that throw presents at you, and the Scandinavian tradition of knocking on a neighbor’s door, throwing a present inside, and running away before your identity is known.
Want to see how I use what I write about?
I share email updates about what’s going on in my life, how I use what I write about, previews to blog posts, and more! Sign up to follow along!
Related Blog Posts
Tips for a Stress-Free Holiday Season
How to Reduce Stress During Holiday Cooking
Leave a Reply