SECRET SANTA: THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE “IF YOU’RE A CREATIVE”

There are traditions you don’t choose: they choose you. Secret Santa is one of them. It begins as a game, then becomes a ritual. Especially if you belong to that world where gifts aren’t just bought, they’re created. A world made of colours, yarns, knots, anticipation. Of people who feel the magic of Christmas a little earlier than others, every time a ball of yarn lands in their hands.

What Secret Santa Is (and Why We Love It So Much)

On paper, it’s simple:

a group, an anonymous draw, a budget, a gift.

In reality, it’s much more.

It’s a gentle way to say “I’m thinking of you, even with just five euros.”

A small gesture that heals, warms, brings people closer.

The Origins: a Modern Game with Deep Roots

Secret Santa was born in the United States as a workplace initiative: a way to sweeten the office atmosphere during the holidays. Then it spread to universities, families, groups of friends, and finally reached the place where it shines the most:

creative groups, where the perfect gift isn’t bought…it’s imagined and made.

How to Organise Secret Santa in a Creative Group

Organising it is easy. Making it memorable is an art.

1. Set the budget (truly stress-free). 10–25 euros are enough. The value lies in the time you invest, not the price.
2. Use an app or small papers for the anonymous draw. Classic, functional, a bit vintage. Perfect.
3. Choose a date for the exchange.
4. Optional: Pick a theme. Warm colours, crochet details, handmade micro-projects. It helps those who don’t know what to make and frees those who have too many ideas.
5. Remember the golden rule: It doesn’t have to be perfect, it has to be heartfelt.

Recommended Products for a Handmade Secret Santa

If your Secret Santa needs to be more creative than casual, these suggestions are the perfect starting point to prepare a gift that truly speaks about you. Small projects, big smiles. And all materials are available in our shop, ready to turn into magic.

1. Christmas Car Charms (crochet or mesh embroidery)

A mini decoration to hang from the rear-view mirror, soft, colourful, bringing Christmas even to the shortest trips. You can crochet it—my idea is a mini wreath and a crochet candy cane—but let’s turn to a video tutorial I found on Brunaticality’s channel:

For this project, Bruna used Bravissimo50 and Bravissimo Lurex yarns.

• acrylic acrylic
• acrylic acrylic

Perfect for those who love quirky details and decorations that make you smile every time you get in the car.

2. Crochet Bookmark (quick, elegant, very useful)

A quick project that feels designed exactly for Secret Santa: thin, customisable, perfect for friends who love reading, studying or collecting planners.

You can play with stitches, add a charm or button, or create an amigurumi version.

Recommended materials: thin yarns such as Iggy, Baby Key, Chuck; 2–3 mm hooks; small decorative charms.

• cotton baby wool acrylic

3. The Creative’s Survival Kit

A brilliant, loved and… inevitable gift.

The Creative’s Survival Kit is a selection of tools no creative corner should be without.

It’s the kind of gift that, once received, makes you say: “Finally someone who really knows what I need.”

Inside you can include:

• set of stitch markers
• yarn needles
• mini colourful skeins
• travel sewing kit
• scissors
• mini measuring tape
• beading needle
• decorative charms
• markers needles cotton
• travel kit scissors measuring tape
• needle charms

All items are already available on our website, perfect for assembling into a personalised and super useful kit.

4. Hat and Scarf (a soft set to gift)

The most classic handmade gift, and the one that never goes out of style: the hat + scarf set.

You can make it using warm, natural yarns that feel irresistible on the skin.

Here’s an idea by Luana Dolciriflessi:

A gift that wraps, protects and accompanies throughout winter. She made it using the very soft ENYA:

• ENYA

For an easy, quick hat, here’s the idea from Angolo di Criss:

In the tutorial you’ll see the MOBY yarn, one of my absolute favourites.

• SOFFILO SOFFILO

5. Gift Card on our Website (for those who love choosing)

For some people, the perfect gift is… choosing the perfect gift.

The Gift Card is the elegant and smart solution when you don’t know the person’s preferences, colours or technical needs.

It allows them to purchase yarns, accessories, bag kits, tools and everything that makes up their creative world.

A safe, appreciated and always useful idea.

Perfect for never getting it wrong.

Discover our GIFT CARDS.

• gift cards gift cards gift cards

Why Secret Santa Is Still Magical (Especially for Us)

Because it works even when nothing works. Because it slows things down. Because it brings people closer. Because a handmade gift, even the smallest one, says much more than its price: it says time, care, attention, presence.

And we creatives know very well that a single thread can hold together more things than we imagine.

Ready for a truly creative Secret Santa?

Discover yarns, cords and accessories for quick, impactful handmade projects.

Shop now on Tessiland.com and prepare the gift that will make your Christmas shine.

Rosaria Tessiland®