Secret Santa messages: gift tag ideas and notes

Short gift-tag lines

For small tags where space is tight. Add the recipient's name at the front.

• "Your Secret Santa has been busy. Enjoy!"
• "A little something from someone who thinks you're great."
• "Shhh. You didn't get this from me."
• "Wrapped with care by your Secret Santa."
• "Open me when you need a smile."
• "Santa's helper reporting for duty."
• "Chosen just for you, by someone you can't guess."
• "Merry Christmas from your mystery elf."
• "Don't peek until the day!"
• "A secret gift for a very good person."

Funny messages

• "I looked everywhere for the perfect gift. This is the closest I got."
• "My budget was £15. My ambition was much higher."
• "If this is the wrong size, blame the elves."
• "You've been on my nice list for exactly as long as it took to buy this."
• "I considered a gift card. Then I remembered I have standards."
• "Not all heroes wear capes. Some of them just wrap presents badly."
• "This gift comes with no receipt and no regrets."
• "Please don't try to work out who I am. I've been practising my poker face."

Heartfelt messages

• "I hope this makes your day a little brighter."
• "Thank you for being someone people are glad to see."
• "I picked this because it made me think of you."
• "Wishing you a restful, happy break and a great new year."
• "You make this place better. Merry Christmas."
• "Hoping this gift brings you a moment of joy."

Work-safe messages for colleagues

If you don't know your match well, keep it friendly, positive and about the season. Avoid jokes about appearance, age, relationships, money or religion.

• "Thanks for all your help this year. Enjoy a well-earned break."
• "Wishing you a happy holiday from someone on your team."
• "Hope this makes your desk a little more festive."
• "Your Secret Santa thinks you've earned a treat."
• "For the person who keeps the team going. Merry Christmas."
• "No emails were harmed in the making of this gift."
• "Take a break, have a biscuit, and enjoy."
• "Thanks for being a great colleague this year."

Clues for anonymous notes

Drop one hint with the gift if your group enjoys guessing. Keep it vague enough that it fits several people.

• "I have a strong opinion about the office thermostat."
• "I've definitely stolen your pen at some point."
• "We have shared a lift and an awkward silence."
• "I know where the good biscuits are hidden."
• "We've both said 'let's circle back' this year."
• "I'm usually the first or the last to leave."

Short Secret Santa poems

Two lines are enough. Here are four you can use as they are.

• "Roses are red, tinsel is bright. I'm your Secret Santa, and I hope this feels right."
• "Wrapped in paper, tied with string, hoping this gift makes your heart sing."
• "No name, no clue, just a gift from me to you."
• "Somebody thought of you today. Merry Christmas, and hip hooray!"

Reveal-day messages

If your group reveals who gave what, these work on a card or in the group chat.

• "It was me all along! I hope you liked it."
• "Surprise! I'm your Secret Santa. Thanks for being such a good sport."
• "Mystery solved. I enjoyed picking this for you."
• "Now you know. Happy Christmas!"

Tips for writing a good note

• Keep it short. One or two lines beats a paragraph.
• Stay anonymous. Type or print it, and avoid your usual phrases.
• Match the tone to the person. If you don't know them, go warm and simple.
• Skip the risky jokes. What's funny between friends can land badly at work.
• Mention the gift. A line like "I thought this suited you" shows you paid attention.

Before you write: find out what they like

A message works best next to a gift they will use. Our Secret Santa questionnaire has questions to ask your group. For ideas by budget, see gift ideas, and for the basics of running the exchange, read the Secret Santa rules.