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Ever popped one of these searches into the good ol Google or Chat GPT to see what comes back? You’re not alone.
Oh the annual Secret Santa or White Elephant exchange aka Why-Am-I-Anxious-At-My-Office-Party. Let’s be honest, we all dread bringing the gift that no one wants and we also secretly hope to bring the gift that everyone trades and fights over.
Below are five unexpected ideas - all under $50 - so you can bring a bit of fun, cheer, and yes maybe a little competition, to your upcoming holiday party.
Solar FlexLight | $39.95 | The Utility Workhorse
Prediction: a year from now, the recipient finds you at the holiday party and says “I use that thing ALL The time.” Read the reviews on this light and you’ll understand why: it’s a reading light that wraps on the bedpost, a favorite kid’s light, and emergency kit must have, an easy way to work on the car, a camping light that can hang on a branch or tent loop, and more. It’s clean and minimal while still having a unique look, giving it some “oooh” factor when they open it. The sturdy bendable handle transforms it into the light you need. Plus integrated solar or USB recharge means no awkward “sorry, you gotta buy the batteries separately.”
Budget Pick: LUCI Candle | $19.95 | The under $20 delight
Some gift exchanges have budget cutoffs (which is good!) and this inflatable solar lantern will be a hit without taking a hit on your wallet. The LUCI Candle emits a warm glow and even has flicker mode to evoke the ambience of a candle with no open flame. It’s great for backyard hangs or just a pop of soft lighting at home when that bright living room lamp is just, well, too much. Take a break from the expensive scented candles and pick up a candle that can run for up to 28 hours – and then do it all over again with a charge from the sun.
LUCI Original Color | $29.95 | Impress the outdoorsy colleagues
Say it with me: fun AND functional! Light up an area with classic white mode or set some serious vibes with eight color settings to choose from (including a multicolor cycle). There’s a handle on one side that can open and close, meaning you can wrap it around a tree branch, a string, or a tent pole, making it a great camping lantern. The LUCI name is a known favorite in the outdoor community, so if you’ve got some adventurers in your office, they’ll be stoked to unwrap this. Oh, and this thing is fully waterproof. Got a friend with a pool? Kind of sounds like they need this for the next nighttime swim.
Range 300 HeadLamp | $39.95 | The unexpected upgrade
Here’s the thing: everyone could use a headlamp in their life, but very few people actually have a headlamp in their life, especially if they’re not big into camping. Dog walkers, handicrafters, clipper-of-baby-nails (seriously), nighttime gardeners, event workers & producers, household DIYers, these are just a few of the non-camping folks we’ve encountered who love having a useful headlamp in their life. Batteries are included (it’s USB-C rechargeable, baby!) and Range 300 comes in a handsome Charcoal Grey, a chill Slate Blue, or a stylish Wild Fig color so bonus points if you can match it to Linda from Accounting’s Stanley Quencher.
Charge 20 Power Bank | $49.95 | A pinch of power for anyone
It’s a power bank, it’s slim, it fits in a pocket, perfect for that colleague who is always dialing in to meetings from their phone (are they in a car? Is that a bike? Are they just talking vigorously?). Who couldn’t use a little extra boost in their everyday carry?
If you’re looking to take a break from the holiday chocolates or weird panic buys en route to the party (guilty), consider the gear above: they’re useful, portable, high-quality, and affordable. Plus extra credit to you for giving a gift that is a B Corp, Certified Climate Neutral, and helps bring safe energy to families all over the world.
Bring a little Good Energy to your next gathering – you’ll be glad you did.
