Is Secret Santa on the Decline? A Third of UK Office Workers Opt Out This Year
With the holiday season approaching, the age-old office tradition of Secret Santa may be losing some of its festive cheer—at least among UK workers. According to research, nearly 31% of UK office employees are planning to sit out this year’s Secret Santa exchange, citing various reasons from financial concerns to the challenges posed by remote work.
Here’s an in-depth look at what’s driving this change, the evolving trends in office gifting, and the surprising shifts toward sustainable options.
The Appeal (and Discontent) of Secret Santa
Although a third of UK employees are choosing not to participate, Secret Santa isn’t a total flop. In fact, almost two-thirds of office workers (64%) say they genuinely enjoy the experience, while 22% join in even if it doesn’t exactly thrill them—suggesting that, for some, the tradition is simply a holiday obligation. Interestingly, 26% of respondents haven’t yet made up their minds, meaning they could be swayed either way as the holidays get closer.
Despite this, Secret Santa’s popularity appears to be waning in certain workplaces, with 32% of respondents noting the tradition feels like it’s losing its shine. Only 18% believe that it’s gaining in popularity. This might be partly because 68% of employees feel that remote work has impacted the vibe of Secret Santa, citing that without being physically present in the office, the experience just isn’t the same.
Read More: Christmas Party Ideas Your Workplace Should Consider
Giving Over Receiving: The Spirit of Secret Santa
Surprisingly, when it comes to the act of giving versus receiving, UK workers lean heavily toward giving. Over two-thirds of respondents (around 70%) say they enjoy the act of giving more than receiving. For these generous souls, it’s the joy of choosing gifts for their colleagues that brings the holiday cheer.
However, the gift selection process can be fraught with potential pitfalls. We asked office workers to rank their most and least desired gifts, shedding light on what makes a Secret Santa gift a hit—or a holiday horror.
Read More: How to Budget for Christmas and Save Money
Top 10 Most Desired Secret Santa Gifts
- Chocolate or sweets – 40%
- Vouchers – 33%
- Handmade gift – 33%
- Candle – 26%
- Book – 23%
- Food-related items – 19%
- Alcohol – 19%
- Plant or flowers – 19%
- Novelty or humorous gifts – 19%
- Stationery – 18%
Top 10 Least Desired Secret Santa Gifts
- Toy, plush, or teddy – 36%
- Adult or rude items – 33%
- Scented items (“smellies”) – 32%
- Makeup – 32%
- Alcohol – 30%
- Mug – 21%
- Novelty or humorous gifts – 19%
- Socks – 16%
- Candle – 15%
- Scratch card or lottery ticket – 11%
Sustainable Gifting on the Rise
As sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for consumers, the trend is influencing Secret Santa too. An impressive 77% of respondents said they would consider giving an eco-friendly gift, and 4% already do. This move toward sustainability shows how UK workers are blending their holiday traditions with mindful choices, reflecting broader changes in consumer attitudes.
Read More: Top Christmas Gift Ideas for Employees Who Work From Home
What Happens to Unwanted Gifts?
Not every Secret Santa gift hits the mark, but workers are finding creative ways to make use of those less-than-ideal presents. The majority (42%) would donate a disliked gift to charity or use it in a raffle, while 27% admit to re-gifting, and 22% keep the gift regardless. Interestingly, only 4% would consider selling it online, indicating that while Secret Santa might occasionally miss the mark, most gifts still find a purpose.
The Cost of Office Gifting: Budget Trends and Spending Habits
Concerns about holiday spending don’t seem to weigh too heavily on most UK workers, with 59% reporting they feel no additional pressure to splurge on Secret Santa gifts. This year, budget-friendly gifts are the norm, with 48% of respondents saying they’ll stick to a spending range of £5 to £10. Only a tiny 1% said they’d consider spending £30 or more.
However, some employees admit to clever budgeting tactics to keep costs low. Whether it’s finding items that “look expensive but aren’t” or buying in bulk during sales, many Secret Santa participants are becoming experts at maximizing their budgets. Others admit to splurging a bit more if they draw a name of someone they particularly like, adding a personal touch to the tradition.
Read More: Brits Planning to Spend the Same Amount of Money on Christmas Gifts as Last Year
Is Secret Santa Here to Stay?
Although participation may be dropping, Secret Santa still holds a special place in UK offices. For many, it’s more than just a gift exchange—it’s a way to connect, spread cheer, and share in the festive spirit with colleagues, even in a remote work environment. The trend toward eco-friendly gifting and thoughtful budgeting shows that while the tradition is evolving, the spirit of generosity remains at its core.
As offices continue to adjust to new working norms, Secret Santa may take on new forms or come with fresh challenges, but it’s likely to stay a staple of the holiday season for many UK employees. Whether you’re a Secret Santa enthusiast or sitting this year out, one thing is clear: the tradition, in one form or another, is here to stay.
