Why The Office Secret Santa Is Going to Be a Charity Hit
It’s that time of year again: blizzards outside, presents closing on windows, and the legendary Secret Santa lurking behind every tedious office wall. But this holiday season, the UK Money Bloggers are turning the table—no more hunting for the perfect “I’m not going to steal a colleague’s laptop” gift. Instead, you can help a kid in a women’s refuge get a real Christmas cheer.
The Show‑Stoppers of Traditional Secret Santa
- ~29% of people dread purchasing for a colleague they’ve never spoken to.
- Those same 29% feel uncomfortable when opening that gift in front of the whole office.
- 18% say Secret Santa is an extra stress at a time when they’d rather relax.
- 12% claim it doesn’t boost team spirit—and 36% actually tosses the gift they receive away.
What the Numbers really say
With a staggering £167 million earmarked for this year’s workplace gifting (~£15.50 per person), £60 million ends up wasted on items nobody wants. And let’s face it—most of us would rather avoid buying a laundry basket or a toilet roll as a present.
Key Stats
- 72% of employees want changes to Secret Santa.
- 31% want a smaller spending limit.
22% would rather donate money to charity than buy a physical gift.
The “Good Guy” Alternative: Give to Charity
Enter KidsOut, a children’s charity that feeds and shelters kids fleeing domestic abuse. The brilliant twist? Rather than a package of mouldy Turkish Delight or a storybook with a missing page, you can donate on behalf of your Secret Santa. The money goes straight to buying presents for those kids who often come to refuge centers with nothing but a jacket on their back.
“Each year more than 20,000 children leave abusive homes to seek safety,” says Sara Williams, CEO of KidsOut. “Without charities like ours, many of them might not receive a gift at Christmas at all.”
Why This is a Win-Win
“Secret Santa can be awkward—especially in a big, hybrid workplace,” says Jacqueline Dewey, CEO, Smart Money People. “Giving to charity instead of gifting a random present is more socially and environmentally conscious, and it keeps everyone feeling comfortable.”
So, next December, ditch the awkward “what was that thing?” and channel your holiday spirit into something that matters. Your colleague’s cashmere scarf goes to a needy child’s winter coat. Your polite “gift” becomes a real gift for someone in need. It’s a win, a grin, and a warm fuzzy feeling all rolled into one.
