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6 Surprising Secret Santa Gifts Under $20

It’s easy to get caught up in the spending hype during the holidays, but there are only a few people you really want to spoil. For the rest, consider the $20-and-under bracket your sweet spot. To help you stay on budget, we selected six perfect gifts for all types of names you could draw from the hat — your group's token foodie, Instagram-obsessed pal, and workaholic roommate included. Heck, you could choose some of these treats for yourself; this price point is guilt-free.

For The Pet Lover (A.K.A. Nearly Everyone)
Here, we suggest going for the "aww" factor. An animal-printed pouch — options include English bulldogs, pugs, and tabby cats — is a crowd-pleaser that's both functional (as easy storage for spare change) and cute. Just look at that face. For a whole menagerie of pet-inspired presents, look no further.

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Ross Meneuz Fauna Pouch English Bulldog, $15, available at Areaware.

For Your Workaholic Roommate (That You Never See)
Things like a 9-to-5 workday and sunlight are seemingly nonexistent in this busy gal's week (and maybe weekend) routine. To supplement all of your pal's indoor time (which is likely spent tied to a desk), look for little embellishments, like succulents, coffee mugs, and other quirky office accessories to spruce up that cube.

Hugo Guinness for J.Crew Mug, $14.50, available at J.Crew.
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For Your Quirky Pal She's always turning heads with her unconventional but cool ensembles. Treat her to something she'll get tons of wear out of that complements her style, like this eclectic printed scarf.
maurices Printed Scarf, $10 available at maurices.

For Your Friend Group's Token Foodie
Gourmet cheese puffs, a Bon Appétit magazine subscription, and Le Creuset cookware are just some of the (obvious) signs you're dealing with a foodie. Should you draw this person's name, go with a gift that's less expected than artisanal chocolates or pot holders from that big-name kitchen store. A tote that's made for weekend farmers' market strolls definitely won't go unappreciated.

Lazy Oaf Eye Print Shopper Bag, $15.16, available at ASOS.

For That Always-Plugged-In Acquaintance
We all have one of these friends/coworkers/roommates — heck, you might be one yourself. Whether it's listening to Taylor Swift's latest album or the newest TED talk, this pal's day is not complete without a pair of buds — earbuds, that is. This gilded pair makes for easy listening, and an accessorized commute.

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Nasty Gal Hear No Evil Earbuds, $20, available at Nasty Gal.

For The Beauty Queen
Beauty isn't only makeup, moisturizer, and nail polish. A thoughtfully illustrated desk calendar of all their favorite looks — full lashes and smoky eyes, for starters — is an affordable gift that doesn't involve you actually buying lip glosses and blushes the giftee in question may or may not actually use.

Garance Doré 2015 Beauté Desk Calendar, $16, available at Catbird.

For Friends In Need Of Some R&R
So, you can't splurge on a fancy-pants massage treatment. That's okay; no one expects you to. But, if you're looking for a gift that conveys a similar sentiment, a soothing body scrub hits just the right notes. This one eases sore muscles and feet, which will come in handy after the holiday party dance-off.

Soul Sunday Cool Down Sugar Scrub, $16, available at Soul Sunday.


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