Playing Secret Santa with a budget under Rs.500 can be tricky. While you don’t want something random or cheap-looking that’ll make for an awkward unwrapping, you’re also not looking to make a grand gesture or go overboard. You want something small that is useful, fun, and safe enough to give to a colleague, that still lets you stick to the budget!

Well, challenge accepted. We give you Part Two of our Secret Santa Gift Guide: More excellent holiday gifts (all priced under Rs.500) that’ll work for both workplace Secret Santa exchanges and low-stakes ‘Friendsmas’ group swaps!

Rs. 300 / JAYPORE OLIVES	GIFTING 01 Raw & Small-batch Olive Honey We were today years old when we found out there were olive groves in Rajasthan that produced olive honey. Made when bees collect nectar from olive blossoms, this honey is raw and unpasteurised, with a light herby flavour that the makers suggest would work well with yogurt, hot cereal, puddings, or in teas and coffees. We suggest pairing a jar of this with a lacquered honey spoon from Khamir for an unexpected and genuinely interesting gift!

GIFTING 02 Assorted Tea Collection Box In the early 1900s, Sheo Parsad, ran a modest provisions shop in Dehra Dun, where he also sold tea sourced from Goodrich Tea Estate in Kaulagarh. In 1917, the owner of Goodrich Tea Estate, Darbar Sahib, was on the verge of losing his estate to the British as collateral for unpaid dues. Seizing the moment, Sheo Parsad stepped in, covering the debt under the condition that the estate be leased to them. Fueled by the success of this venture, the family expanded its holdings, eventually earning the respected title of the ‘Chaiwalas.’ By 1960, the Chaiwala tea estates spanned across India, producing an impressive 10 million kilograms of tea annually. Wah Tea Estate was established in 1857 in Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, by the British. In 1953, the Chaiwala family took over Wah Tea Estate, and today, it is nurtured by the third and fourth generations. This sampler gift box contains a collection of their best selling varieties of flavoured teas which includes Chamomile, Masala, Kashmiri Kahwa, Rose, Orange Cinnamon and Jasmine teas, making it the perfect gift for a tea-loving friend or colleague.	Rs. 375 / WAH TEA

Rs. 400 / SET SUGO	GIFTING 03 Star Lily Setsugo’s Star Lilly comes as 158 small interlocking pieces that you assemble into a sculptural flower. One can even collect a bunch of different flower designs and put them together in a vase. It looks great on a shelf or desk and, unlike real flowers, does not wilt, shed, or need replacing. It’s a great gift for someone who enjoys Lego or 3D jigsaw puzzles.

GIFTING 04 Chocolate Coated Coffee Beans (50g) Chocolate is usually a safe gift, and this is not just chocolate, but roasted arabica coffee beans coated in dark chocolate, that are great as a mid afternoon pick-me-up or something to nibble on after dinner instead of dessert. We like how giftable the box is, and that it's plant-based, which makes it a solid option when you are not sure about dietary preferences.	Rs. 445 / URBAN PLATTER

Rs. 449 / SKY GOODIES PAPER CRAFTS	GIFTING 05 Mini Toaster 2026 Desk Calendar This mini DIY paper toaster calendar is so cute that you’ll likely end up getting one for yourself. It's basically a very unique 2026 calendar, with each month printed on a slice of toast that when placed on the toaster stand, looks like it has just freshly popped out! You assemble it yourself (no scissors or cutting required, you just pop out the pre-scored parts, fold and stick with glue), which is half the fun. They also make a typewriter version that we love, that's priced a little higher.

GIFTING 06 Howl's Moving Castle Howl’s Moving Castle is the book that inspired the Ghibli film of the same name. It draws you in with spells, strange bargains, and a wandering castle, but what lingers is its tenderness. It sits firmly in the cosy fantasy camp and is the first book in the World of Howl series, followed by Castle in the Air and House of Many Ways. This is a comforting, thoughtful gift that feels personal even when you don’t know very much about the person who receives it.	Rs. 450 / CHAMPACA

Rs. 495 / RODA NOTES	GIFTING 07 Tasknote (3 Pack) Tasknote from Roda looks like it's designed for those who like simple and straightforward. The cover is clean and minimal, and the inside layout is simply structured for day-to-day tasks, schedules and notes. We think the one month format is practical if you prefer planning in short bursts rather than committing to a whole year like us. It also comes with blank circle stickers so you can label the month on the cover, the idea being that you'd use one Tasknote a month. We haven't tried this brand before, but we really like the look of these. Perfect for those who like to take life one day (and month) at a time.

GIFTING 08 Cold Brew Coffee Scented Candle This cold brew soy wax coffee candle with fragrance notes of coffee and cinnamon, glistening gel wax ice cubes and silicone lid, is sure to light up the faces of coffee-lovers. We especialy love the ready-to-gift packaging that makes it look like a treat you picked up from your favourite cafe. Comes in three sizes - Petite, OG, and Grande.	Rs. 499 / RAD LVNG

Rs. 499 / NUKKAD STUDIOS	GIFTING 09 The Kiss by Gustav Klimt Socks These machine knit socks (made from premium combed cotton) make for a fun statement accessory, that's comfortable for everyday use. A good Secret Santa pick that feels unique, and still very usable.

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