Secret Santa solutions

"A solar powered Queen"

Avoid food and drink, unless you know the person really well. Chocolates or sweets may seem like an obvious solution for someone you don’t know very well, but it’s not always that straightforward. Many jelly sweets are unsuitable for vegetarians, and diabetes or other medical conditions may prevent them from enjoying such treats. Or, crazy as it sounds, they may simply not like chocolate.

If chocolate should be avoided, then alcohol should definitely be avoided. For all you know, they may a raging alcoholic, or not drink alcohol for other religious, health or personal reasons. If, however, you know for a fact that they are partial to a tipple or two, may I recommend Marks and Spencer Bucks Fizz?

Clothes and shoes are a bad idea, as it’s hard to get someone’s exact style and size right, and will probably be out of your budget anyway. Accessories and jewellery are good if they have a straightforward style, but avoid if they are more fussy. If buying earrings, make sure they have their ears pierced first (you’d be surprised how many people I’ve known to make that mistake). H&M and New Look both do a wide range of accessories to fit most budgets.

Hats are not the best idea, as it’s hard to tell what will suit someone, unless they tend to stick with a particular style. Scarves and gloves, however, are good; the only real decision to be made is the colour. Again try H&M and New Look, or if you have a slightly higher budget, head for Fat Face or Accessorize.

Why not stick with the Christmas theme, and get them a Christmas decoration or bauble? Accessorize have several girly decorations, but to move away from sequins and glitter, try Paperchase or Christmas Angels, or even Disney Store for the young at heart.

If all else fails, go for the inevitable gift set. Obvious choices are Boots and Next, but for something more unusual, try TK Maxx.

Some shops, it seems, were made with Secret Santa in mind; Hawkin’s Bazaar sells everything from stationery to ‘cheeky’ gifts (great for that ‘special friend’, probably not such a good idea for your boss). Paperchase have several gift ideas including a glittery statue of Jesus for anyone not easily offended, and my personal favourite, a solar-powered waving Queen. Octopus/Pylones have more unusual gift ideas, but tend to be on the expensive side. If none of these have proven fruitful, just head to Give the dog a bone. If they can’t help you, you’re a lost cause.

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