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Secret Santa Gifts for the Work Bestie
The festive season brings with it the joy of giving, and Secret Santa at the office is one of the best parts of Christmas. But when it comes to choosing the perfect gift, especially for your work bestie, the pressure is on. You want something thoughtful, fun, and ideally, not the usual office mug or novelty socks. So, why not make this year's Secret Santa gifts extra special with an experience day gift?
Experience days are a fantastic way to show someone you truly appreciate them, giving them memories that last far beyond the festive season. Plus, there's a huge variety of options available to suit every personality and interest. Here are some experience day ideas that will leave your work bestie grinning from ear to ear.
If your work bestie is the life of the party and loves a good cocktail, a cocktail-making masterclass is a great Secret Santa gift. They’ll learn to craft their favourite drinks while getting hands-on with mixing, shaking, and garnishing. Plus, it’s a brilliant opportunity for them to expand their repertoire beyond the classic gin and tonic. Many cocktail experiences even come with some nibbles to enjoy alongside their creations. Whether they love a mojito, a martini, or something more experimental, they’ll leave with some new skills—and maybe a bit of a buzz.
Why they’ll love it: It’s a chance to unleash their inner mixologist and impress everyone at the next office party with their newfound skills.
Who doesn’t love the classic British afternoon tea? If your work bestie appreciates the finer things in life or simply enjoys a good natter over a cuppa, this is the ideal gift. Many afternoon tea experiences come with the option to add a glass of fizz, perfect for making it feel like an extra special treat. From quaint country hotels to chic city locations, there’s a vast range of afternoon tea settings, so you can pick one that matches their style.
Why they’ll love it: It’s indulgent, relaxing, and gives them the perfect excuse to unwind and enjoy some sweet and savoury delights.
3. Spa Day
Work can be stressful, and what better way to help your bestie relax than with a spa day? A little pampering can go a long way, especially as the holiday season approaches, and everyone is frazzled by year-end deadlines. Whether it’s a full day with treatments, a twilight spa experience after work, or a weekend getaway, this gift is the ultimate in relaxation.
Why they’ll love it: It’s the perfect way to de-stress, refresh, and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Plus, if you’re lucky, they might invite you along!
4. Gin or Whisky Tasting
For the connoisseur of fine spirits, a gin or whisky tasting is a fantastic Secret Santa gift. Whether your work bestie is already a lover of gin or whisky, or they’re curious to learn more, this experience will take them on a journey of flavours and aromas. Many tasting experiences include a tour of the distillery, so they can see firsthand how their favourite tipples are made.
Why they’ll love it: It’s educational, fun, and tasty—a winning combination for any fan of gin or whisky.
If your work bestie is the creative type, a pottery painting workshop could be just the thing. Not only will they get to relax and unwind with a fun and hands-on activity, but they’ll also have a keepsake to remind them of the experience. Pottery painting workshops are great for all skill levels, so whether they’re an experienced artist or a total beginner, they’ll be able to create something unique.
Why they’ll love it: It’s a chance to tap into their artistic side, and they’ll leave with a handmade item they can proudly display.
If your work bestie loves a challenge, an escape room experience is an exciting and adrenaline-pumping gift. They’ll be locked in a room with a group of friends (or fellow colleagues!) and tasked with solving puzzles and clues to “escape” within a certain time frame. It’s a great way to test their problem-solving skills and work as a team, with the added thrill of racing against the clock.
Why they’ll love it: It’s immersive, fun, and a great way to blow off steam with some friendly competition.
Want to give your work bestie a truly unforgettable gift? A hot air balloon ride offers an experience like no other. Floating high above the countryside, they’ll get to see the world from a completely new perspective. It’s a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience that’s perfect for someone who loves adventure, or simply wants to do something a little out of the ordinary.
Why they’ll love it: It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that they’ll remember forever—and they’ll have the pictures to prove it.
For the adventurous work bestie, a wild water swimming experience could be just the ticket. It’s a unique and exhilarating way to connect with nature and get out of their comfort zone. Whether they’re swimming in a river, lake, or the sea, it’s a refreshing way to clear the mind and boost their sense of wellbeing.
Why they’ll love it: It’s daring, fun, and a perfect antidote to the chaos of office life.
If your work bestie loves to cook (or wants to learn), a cookery class is a thoughtful and useful gift. Whether it’s learning how to make fresh pasta, mastering the art of sushi, or whipping up some indulgent desserts, they’ll get hands-on experience from expert chefs. Plus, they’ll leave with new skills that they can show off at future dinner parties or office gatherings.
Why they’ll love it: It’s fun, educational, and they get to eat delicious food at the end of it.
10. Immersive Theatre Experience
For the drama lover, an immersive theatre experience is a gift that goes beyond the typical trip to the theatre. In an immersive show, they become part of the action, interacting with the cast and even influencing the outcome of the performance. From murder mysteries to fantastical adventures, these experiences bring theatre to life in an exciting new way.
Why they’ll love it: It’s creative, interactive, and they’ll have an unforgettable story to share with colleagues.
Why Experience Days Make the Best Secret Santa Gifts
Experience days are more than just a gift—they’re an opportunity for your work bestie to make memories, try something new, and have a fantastic time. Unlike physical gifts, which may be forgotten or discarded, experiences stick with us and create stories that last a lifetime. Plus, they’re perfect for any budget, from simple afternoon teas to once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
This year, instead of opting for another generic office Secret Santa gift, why not give your work bestie something they’ll truly cherish? With so many options available, from creative workshops to adrenaline-filled adventures, you’re bound to find the perfect experience that suits their personality and interests.
