Secret Santa is a fun tradition, but choosing the right gift can be surprisingly tricky. You want something thoughtful, office friendly and enjoyable, without it feeling too personal or too generic. And when your colleague is neurodivergent, you may want to choose something that supports comfort, focus or wellbeing in a simple and considerate way.

The good news is that there are plenty of genuinely useful, interesting and affordable gifts that sit comfortably under £10. No gimmicks, no novelty items, just thoughtful ideas that your colleague will actually appreciate.

Here is a curated list of under £10 gifts that strike the right balance between practical, enjoyable and meaningful.

1. Fidget tools that support focus and calm

Fidget tools can be incredibly helpful for moments of stress or long periods of concentration, and many neurodivergent people find them grounding.

Some great options include:

• Magnetic fidget rings
• Quiet infinity cubes
• Weighted metal sliders
• Silicone hand rollers
• Smooth, tactile stress balls
• Desk friendly spinning fidgets

These items offer subtle, calming movement without being distracting.

2. Desk toys that offer a moment of mental reset

Short mental breaks can boost creativity and reduce overwhelm. These small desk toys create a peaceful pause in the workday.

Ideas include:

• Mini sandscapes
• Slow moving liquid timers
• Wooden puzzle boxes
• Pattern or shape puzzles
• Tiny zen gardens
• Small kinetic balancing toys

These pieces bring a touch of interest and calm to any workspace.

3. Comfort gifts for long workdays

Comfort based gifts are always appreciated and help make busy days a little easier.

Consider:

• A small hot chocolate or warm drink kit
• A cooling gel eye mask for screen strain
• Reusable heat patches for tense shoulders
• A soft desk coaster
• A lightweight mini desk blanket for cold offices
• A soothing pulse point roll on

These are simple, comforting and easy to use at work or at home.

4. Organisation tools that reduce overwhelm

Many neurodivergent colleagues appreciate clear structure and simple tools that help them stay on top of tasks.

Options include:

• “Today’s top three” priority pads
• A compact weekly planner
• Magnetic task lists
• Mini whiteboards for quick notes or reminders
• Muted or pastel page flags
• Cable clips and cord organisers

These items help make work feel more manageable without being overly clinical.

5. Light hearted gifts that brighten the day

These items bring a small moment of enjoyment without feeling childish or novelty based.

Ideas include:

• Desk trivia or quiz cards
• A small adult colouring book with patterns
• A mini plant growing kit
• Affirmation or positivity cards (simple and tasteful)
• A mini jigsaw puzzle
• Build your own wooden models

Perfect for colleagues who enjoy small creative activities or mindful breaks.

6. Tech accessories that make work smoother

Useful and straightforward, these small gadgets solve everyday frustrations in a practical way.

Consider:

• A phone stand for hands free calls
• A clip on ring light for video meetings
• A screen cleaning kit
• A flexible USB lamp
• A budget friendly wireless charging pad
• A quiet USB desk fan for sensory comfort

These tools support a more comfortable and efficient working environment.

Choosing a gift that feels thoughtful and supportive

The best Secret Santa gifts are those that show a little care and consideration without being overly sentimental. Neurodivergent colleagues often appreciate items that bring comfort, help with organisation or simply make the workday a bit more enjoyable. But ultimately, the gifts in this guide are suitable for anyone.

Everything here is:

• Under £10
• Thoughtful and office appropriate
• Genuinely useful
• Enjoyable without being overly playful
• Easy to personalise

With these ideas, you can feel confident you are choosing a gift your colleague will appreciate  and they are something that adds a moment of calm, joy or comfort during the busy work season.