Leaving a thoughtful note as part of your Secret Santa gift is a great way to show appreciation to colleagues, friends, and loved ones.
Secret Santa messages are the perfect opportunity to express gratitude, share words of encouragement, and bring smiles to those around us.
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Whether it’s a simple “thank you” for a colleague’s support, a motivational quote to inspire a friend, or an uplifting note to brighten a loved one’s day, Secret Santa messages can be more cherished than the gift itself.
Maybe you’ll find a witty pun to make them chuckle, or a heartfelt message to warm their heart. Whether it’s a clever rhyme or a simple expression of kindness, your Secret Santa message has the power to spread joy.
So if you need a little inspiration about what to say, you’ve come to the right place.
What is Secret Santa?
I describe how to run a stress-free, super-fun Secret Santa exchange in my free printable Secret Santa questionnaire post.
Basically, it’s a gift-giving tradition among friends, family, or colleagues where each participant draws another’s name and anonymously gives that person a gift.
Some people think it’s more fun to stay anonymous while others like to reveal their identity.
I have 2 Secret Santa kits available in the shop that include Secret Santa message stationery perfect for a little note.
There’s one kit for kids’ Secret Santa exchanges and one for adults. The adult kit also has a special tag with a hint section to reveal your identity. The kits in the shop are fully editable.
What is a Good Message for Secret Santa?
Your message will depend on your recipient but in general, a message of thanks, admiration, or support is what you’re looking for. It can also be more generic wishing them a merry holiday season. The note could also leave clues as to your identity as their Secret Santa.
I’ll go through some example wording to help get your creative juices going. You might be able to just cut and paste, but the more genuine your note, the more your recipient will appreciate it.
Secret Santa Poems
There’s nothing more fun than a silly note that rhymes. Here are some for you to use or get inspired by:
A gift you like? At a work exchange?
Well, “Ho, ho, ho”, that would be strange
Your other workmates dropped the ball.
So Santa’s bringin’ alcohol.
Random gift from someone at work.
This one will make your mornings perk
Chocolate, sugar, smoke, caffeine.
A gift for our workplace drug routine.
You come in early, you’re staying late.
You deserve a dinner date.
The boss is crazy and the crew are clowns.
But your work’s some of the best around
You manage customers and crew.
You almost do the work of two.
Enjoy a meal and have a brew.
We think very well of you.
Even when the client’s a jerk.
You make it fun to come to work.
Your work’s top-notch. We agree.
Dinner and drinks. They’re on me.
You do each day, what’s asked of you.
So here, go out and have a few.
Secret Santa showin’ up.
Let’s get a beverage in that cup.
The hours are long, the work is hard.
So here’s a little something on a sweet gift card.
Customers can make you scream.
But we’re so glad you’re part of our team.
Mornings, weekends, graveyard shift.
For all that work here’s a little gift.
Santa, Santa, bring me stuff.
Cause paychecks here, just aren’t enough.
You hit your goals. You get it done.
You make work sometimes, almost fun
Work hard, play hard. It’s what you do.
So here’s a little gift for you.
Tough client? You’re the one to call.
You treat ‘em well. Both large and small.
You do your work, without complaint.
Some folks ‘round here think you’re a saint.
Work’s not always fun.
People aren’t always great.
But time spent with you.
Is always top-rate.
The paychecks here are sometimes low.
So here’s something you’ll like, I know.
You’re awesome because you get things done.
More awesome because only you make it fun.
You listen, a trait unbelievably rare.
Then your actions prove how deeply you care.
Work is fine, rarely great.
But time with you? Always first rate.
You’ll also love:
Funny Secret Santa Messages
Make your Secret Santa recipient laugh with one of these funny notes. You could also use one of my free funny tags or the funny Christmas tags in the shop. With 160 funny sayings, I’m sure you’ll find one you’ll love.
Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy this gift as much as I enjoyed the wild, frantic, desperate, last-minute search for it.
I couldn’t afford to buy you a real gift, so I’ve included a coupon for one free hug. Use it wisely!
I couldn’t think of a gift, so I just wrapped up a bunch of candy from the office snack drawer. Enjoy the sugar rush!
I hope this gift makes you as happy as I was when I found it on clearance. Merry Christmas!
I couldn’t decide if I should get you something practical or funny, so I just settled on a practical joke. Enjoy and Merry Christmas!
Congratulations! You’ve been gifted the joy of my presence for an entire year! Merry Secret Santa!
I didn’t know what to get you, so I just re-gifted something from the back of my closet. Enjoy!
I know you filled out a long questionnaire with your preferences, but I ignored it entirely. Enjoy your Secret Santa gift.
You’ll also love:
Secret Santa Riddles
You may want to leave a clever clue for your recipient to reveal your identity, after all, there’s nothing that says that Santa needs to stay anonymous.
Your clue shouldn’t be too obvious though, because that takes some of the fun out of the Secret Santa thing. Think about your clue and all the other people in the office, does it point only to you or is there a little ambiguity?
A good clue will have a good balance of mystery and precision.
When crafting a hint, think about:
- Your physical appearance like gender and age.
- Something you have in common like a favorite hobby, store, or show.
- Something you’re well-known for like bringing cookies to the office.
- Using your gift as a part of your clue as to who you are.
- Making it a fun rhyming riddle.
These little notes should start you in the right direction:
You want a Secret Santa hint?
I write the check that pays your rent.
Wonder who gave this gift to you?
We sometimes go and share a brew.
You want a little Christmas clue?
Your Santa’s eyes, not green, not blue.
You want a Secret Santa hint?
My car’s the one without the tint.
You want to know who gave you this?
There’s only one employee you kiss.
You want a Secret Santa hint?
I’m the one to whom you vent.
You want a Secret Santa clue?
We always chat inside the loo.
Tall, dark, and handsome. That’s not me.
Shorter? Rounder? Hmm. Could be.
Wonder who gave this gift to you?
You called me when you had the flu.
You want a Secret Santa clue?
I always think the best of you.
You want a Secret Santa hint?
I’m not a kid. I’m not a gent.
You want to know who gave you this?
I pitch softballs you seem to miss.
Wonder who gave this gift to you?
I’d tell you but then Santa’d sue.
You want a Secret Santa clue?
Just out the door and over two.
You want to know who gave you this?
I know your brother and your sis.
You want a Secret Santa hint?
You told me how your weekend went.
Wonder who gave this gift to you?
Well, I don’t frankly have a clue.
You want a Secret Santa clue?
I’ve seen wild llama, seen wild ‘roo.
You want a Secret Santa clue?
You know, I think I’d like one too.
You’ll also love:
Generic Secret Santa Messages
These are your basic holiday season greetings but still make for a friendly note. It’s all about wishing love, joy, and happiness.
Keeping the mystery alive with a surprise from your Secret Santa. Happy holidays!
A little something to brighten your day. Merry Christmas from your Secret Santa!
I hope you enjoy your gift! Have a wonderful holiday season.
Wishing you all the joy and happiness this season. Enjoy your present!
Sending warm holiday wishes from your Secret Santa to you and your family.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy and happiness!
Don’t forget to stop and enjoy the magic of the season! Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!
Hope this little gift brings you some joy this holiday season!
Wishing you all the happiness and love this Christmas. Enjoy your gift!
Wishing you a magical holiday season from your Secret Santa!
Hope your holidays are filled with happiness and good tidings, from your Secret Santa.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and your loved ones, from your Secret Santa!
Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy your Secret Santa gift and have a wonderful holiday season.
Secret Santa Messages for Co-Workers
The number one place you’ll see a Secret Santa exchange is at work. It’s a fantastic way to make sure everyone gets a little something without breaking the bank.
You bring so much enthusiasm to the office every day. It’s truly a pleasure working with you. Enjoy your Secret Santa present!
You may be the reason for my caffeine addiction. But you’re also the reason I actually enjoy coming to work. Thanks for being such an amazing co-worker!
You have the incredible ability to turn a stressful day into a productive one with your positive attitude. Thank you for always bringing a smile to my face.
I couldn’t ask for a better teammate. Your hard work and dedication to our projects make every day a little easier. Merry Christmas. You rock!
You have an amazing talent for making even the most boring tasks fun. Thank you for bringing some excitement into the office. You’re the best!
I’m so very blessed to have found not just a co-worker, but a friend. Thank you for all the laughs and lunches together. Thank you for being you!
Your sense of humor is one in a million and it makes our workplace a better place. Thanks for always brightening my day with your jokes and funny stories.
You always know how to make people feel like a family. Thank you for creating a warm and welcoming environment.
Your creative ideas have taken our projects to the next level. Thank you for being such a valuable part of our team.
Thank you for making the office a warm and welcoming place. Enjoy your Secret Santa gift and have a wonderful holiday!
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate working alongside you. Your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring.
I hope your Secret Santa gift brings you joy and reminds you how highly we value you.
You make the workplace a better place with your positive attitude and your excellent work.
I want to express my appreciation for all your help and support throughout the year. You’ve made a significant impact on the team, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with you. Enjoy your Secret Santa gift and have a joyful holiday season!
Working with you has been an absolute pleasure. Your intelligence, creativity, and dedication never cease to amaze me. I hope your Secret Santa gift brings you as much joy as you bring to the workplace.
Your kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand never go unnoticed. Thank you for being a true team player and for always being there to support your colleagues.
You’re not only excellent at what you do, but you also go above and beyond to support your teammates. Thank you for being an amazing team player and someone we can always count on.
Merry Christmas to the person who brightens my workdays. Thank you for always bringing a positive attitude and inspiring me to be my best. Your enthusiasm and dedication are contagious!
In a fast-paced and demanding work environment, you always manage to stay calm and composed. Your resilience and ability to handle pressure are truly admirable. Thank you for your unwavering dedication.
The positivity you radiate is infectious, and it has a profound impact on the team. Thank you for being a constant source of encouragement and support.
You’ll also love:
Secret Santa Messages for Friends
Ho ho ho! It’s your Secret Santa here, spreading Christmas cheer! This gift may be small, but the love and appreciation I have for you is huge. Thank you for being such an incredible friend
Hey there, coffee buddy! I know how much you love your caffeine fix, so I’ve got a special treat for you. Stay fueled and have a jolly Christmas!
Hey bestie, this Secret Santa gift is just a small token of appreciation for all the love and support you’ve given me throughout the years.
A little token of appreciation for being an amazing friend. Hope you like your Secret Santa gift as much as I enjoy being your friend!
Hey there, friend! I just wanted to let you know how blessed I am to have you in my life. Enjoy your gift!
I couldn’t have asked for a better friend and I’m so stoked that our friendship keeps getting stronger.
Here’s to many more shenanigans! I’ve been so excited to be your Secret Santa and I hope my gift brings you as much joy as our friendship brings me.
I may be your Secret Santa, but you’re the real gift in my life. Wishing you all the holiday happiness in the world!
You’re someone who deserves all the happiness in the world, and I hope my Secret Santa gift adds a little extra sparkle to your season.
Your positivity and kindness are contagious. Thank you for being the incredible friend that you are. May this gift bring you as much joy as you bring to others.
You are one of a kind, and the world is a better place with you in it. Never forget how truly amazing you are. Happy holidays!
I hope this gift brings a smile to your face, just like you always bring to mine.
I can’t wait to see the look on your face when you open this gift. I hope you love it!
I hope this gift makes you feel as special as you are to me.
Christian Secret Santa Messages
If your Secret Santa exchange is between a bible study group, these messages are more focused on faith than Santa.
May the Holy Spirit fill your heart with love, joy, and peace this Christmas
I pray that this Christmas brings you closer to God and strengthens your faith in Him
May the light of Jesus shine brightly in your life and guide you through the holiday season.
I pray for God’s grace and blessings on you and your loved ones this Christmas.
I pray that you feel the love and presence of God as you celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas.
I wish for an abundance of faith, hope, and love for you and your family this Christmas.
I pray for abundant blessings for you and your loved ones this Christmas season.
May your faith be strengthened and your spirit renewed during this holy season.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with the wonder of His birth and the love of family and friends.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with the presence of Jesus and His unwavering love.
Sending you warm wishes for a Christmas filled with God’s grace and blessings.
May the joy and peace of Christmas fill your heart and home this season.
Wishing you a joyous Christmas filled with the peace and hope of Christ.
Wishing you and your family a blessed Christmas surrounded by the love of God.
You’ll also love:
Secret Santa Gift Ideas
Your ideas for a Secret Santa gift should come from the person you’re giving the gift to. That’s why giving out questionnaires as part of the Secret Santa exchange is so helpful.
You don’t want to waste your money, as much as your candle-hating recipient doesn’t want yet another candle.
A questionnaire will narrow down your selection and make the whole experience a nearly stressless, joy-filled romp.
But if you don’t have the luxury of a questionnaire, a good standby, that’s sure to please, is a gift certificate to their favorite place. And if you don’t know what that is, a place that has everything like Amazon, is always a good bet.
But also think about gifting a lottery ticket (or several of them). Those are always in high demand in white elephant gift exchanges, always getting stolen. It’s something many people wouldn’t buy for themselves but appreciate as a gift from Secret Santa.
And you don’t have to make that gift card, or lottery ticket a boring gift. Give it to them with a fun gift card or lottery ticket holder. I have a whole bunch in the shop for you to choose from.
I hope you found some inspiration from these Secret Santa messages!
Whether you’re aiming for something funny or respectful, trying to rhyme or not, or wanting to include a riddle or clue, there’s no shortage of creative ways to bring some holiday cheer to your Secret Santa recipient!
So go ahead, craft a message that will bring a smile to their face, and let your creativity shine.
Don’t forget to pin these Secret Santa messages and poems: