More sustainable gifting: 24 Secret Santa gift ideas

The pre-Christmas season often brings the question of what we could give to our loved ones without getting lost in consumption. If you still want to give a Secret Santa gift or something for St. Nicholas, there are numerous options that are appreciative and useful.

In many cities, local Christmas markets currently invite you to enjoy a cosy afternoon stroll. There you can discover small labels and artisans who present their products. Between wintry scents and a hot cup of tea in hand, you can browse at your leisure. Feeling inspired? In the COSH! calendar you’ll find all the markets near you.

If you prefer to look for more inspiration, we’ve put together a selection of locally produced or handmade gift ideas for you. Because how nice is it to give presents that support local makers and artisanal studios?

Harvest Club 

At Harvest Club in Leuven you’ll find a cheerful mix of fashion, accessories and small everyday helpers that make wonderful gifts. How about a mug for a cosy holiday breakfast, a cute keychain, water bottles or a stylish cap? You’ll certainly find something here, whether for Secret Santa or just because.

Fonetik

Fonetik in Aalst offers a charming selection of notepads, pens, candles and many other gift items that simply put you in a good mood. On site, founder Mélanie gladly supports you with her keen eye for the extraordinary and original ideas. A shop for browsing and discovering, ideal for inspiring gift ideas.

Studio Orf

Are you looking for a small gift that brings joy and supports local craftsmanship at the same time? At Studio Orf from Düsseldorf you’ll find handmade beanies, scrunchies and colourful keycharms. Nicola, the founder, has been crocheting since her youth and works almost exclusively with second-hand material that she finds, for example, at flea markets or in charity shops.

Boavista Circular 

“New year, new me” and a big dose of motivation for a New Year’s clean? At Boavista Circular in Amsterdam you’ll find practical little things that make excellent gifts while also inspiring tidying and cleaning. How about soap nuts for natural laundry care, a cloth made from ocean plastic for the washing-up or washing soaps?

Moritz Wenz

Moritz Wenz Studio from Düsseldorf creates timeless pieces that combine traditional craftsmanship with a modern, clean aesthetic. How about a ring, a necklace, a special pendant or leather accessories? Everything is crafted with care and designed to be worn for a lifetime. A gift that lasts.

Zokk’n 

If you’re looking for a colourful gift that brings joy in winter, have a look at Zokk’n. The Belgian label produces socks in Portugal that are ideal for the cold days. The socks are made of 85% merino wool and are produced under fairer conditions. A gift that everyone can really use and that brings good cheer on grey days.

Tezoro Atelier 

At Tezoro Atelier you’ll find special jewellery made from glass beads and fine macramé, shaped by Colombian heritage, traditional craftsmanship and collaboration with Indigenous craftswomen. Whether earrings, pendants or bracelets, each piece is created with patient handwork. So if you’re looking for a gift that tells a story, Tezoro Atelier is the right place for you.

REST

At REST in Mortsel you’ll find special greeting cards that are excellent as small tokens. Whether as an addition to a gift, for a personal message or as a little something to bring along, the cards suit any occasion and bring joy with a kind message.

HOST

At HOST in Antwerp you’ll find plenty of gift ideas that can be the perfect little present. How about practical pencil cases that bring order into everyday chaos or special felt Christmas ornaments that make any home a bit cosier? Give small things that make everyday life nicer and bring a smile along the way.

Leather Be

Are you looking for a small gift that is long-lasting and shows real craftsmanship? At Leather BE in Bruges you’ll find high-quality leather goods. In addition to the elegant handbags, the studio also offers small accessories that make wonderful gifts, including keychains made from leftover leather or card holders that are truly practical in everyday life.

Kure Bazaar 

Who doesn’t enjoy dressing up a little more festively during the holidays? So how about nail polish as a gift, in classic red shades for Christmas or with sparkling glitter for New Year’s Eve? With the high-quality polishes from Kure Bazaar, you’re giving not only colour but also a moment of pampering. You’ll find a wide selection at INSLAG in Ghent as well as at Supergoods in Mechelen and Antwerp.

Umami 

Are you giving a present to someone who loves hair accessories? Then Umami is the right place. Founder Blanca makes her hair clips, scrunchies and hair sticks by hand in Spain with great attention to detail. With Umami​’s colourful accessories, you bring a bit of colour and joy into the winter days.

DevoHome

Do you want to give someone something soothing for the winter season? Then at DevoHome you’ll find a great selection of small items that make everyday life more pleasant. The sleep masks made of hemp ensure restful nights, the facial scrub pampers the skin in a gentle way, and the reusable shopping bags and bread bags are practical companions that bring joy again and again.

UPcycle by fairhaus

At UPcycle by fairhaus in Düsseldorf you’ll find creative gift ideas that give old materials a new life. How about oven gloves for baking biscuits together or salad servers for Christmas dinner? Alongside pencil cases made from reused materials, there are many more upcycled products to discover at UPcycle by fairhaus.

Vaude

Are you looking for a gift for someone who likes cycling, spends a lot of time outdoors or needs weatherproof companions? Then you’ll find what you need at Vaude. The German family business stands for functional, long-lasting outdoor products. How about reflective accessories, a toiletry bag for the gym or warm cycling gloves for the cold season?

ZD Zero Defects

At ZD Zero Defects you’ll find high-quality underwear and cosy homewear made in Spain. Whether underwear for your partner or pyjamas that are perfect for relaxed winter days, thanks to materials like Egyptian cotton, organic cotton or especially skin-friendly soy fibre, the pieces are comfortable to wear and timeless.

Jede Studio

If you’re looking for a practical gift, you’ll find it at Jede Studio in Hamburg’s Karolinenviertel. Among the small tokens handcrafted by Bettina in her studio, you’ll find hot-water bottle covers for cosy winter evenings, headbands for your next walk, bum bags for on the go and children’s jumpers that are guaranteed to keep you warm. All these pieces are made from carefully selected fabric remnants and are unique items with a story.

Zepig

Do you want to give a small moment of pampering? Then you’ll certainly find something at Zepig in Utrecht. Especially lovely as gifts are balms for dry winter skin, rich body butter or high-quality soaps that not only smell good but also beautify the bathroom.

Fraenck 

At Fraenck in Arnhem you’ll find accessories made from recycled materials, perfect if you want to give something special. In addition to bags, there are card holders and handmade bunting. Each piece is unique, perfect for a gift with a personal touch.

Nature Bar

Are you looking for a small feel-good gift? Then you’ll surely find something at Nature Bar in Amsterdam. In addition to the handmade soap and shampoo bars, there is also relaxing bath salt, soothing room fragrances and a wide selection of natural soaps. Everything is vegan, plastic-free and made with carefully selected plant oils.

Druantia

Are you looking for a small beauty gift? Then take a look at the products from Kia-Charlotta at Druantia. The label focuses on vegan, natural formulas and offers beautiful little items such as lipsticks, eye palettes and high-quality nail polishes. Discover colours that bring joy and products made carbon-neutral in Germany.

Moose in the City

At MOOSE in the CITY you’ll find not only fashion and Scandinavian design but also small gift ideas that ensure cosy evenings. How about dominoes or a solitaire game? The next game night is surely coming, and with such timeless classics you’ll delight any game-loving person.

Bo Weevil 

At Bo Weevil in Utrecht you’ll find not only organic cotton but also lovely gift sets. The luxury hair set with a hair towel turban and a bamboo hairbrush is perfect for small wellness moments at home. Or how about the Always Fresh Set with a bag, shampoo & shower gel and more. A practical gift for those who like to be well equipped.

Kalani 

At Kalani you’ll find not only soft bedding but also small gifts that bring true comfort. How about a sleep mask for restful nights, towels for a bit of spa feeling at home or cloth napkins for a stylish Christmas dinner?