Secret Santa Ideas Under $50 That Support Fair Wages

Looking for Secret Santa gift ideas that fit a $50 cap, feel personal and do some good? A felt Christmas pudding ornament, a hand-painted coconut bowl, or a handmade paper notebook can all come in under $50. And the person who made each one was paid fairly for the work.

Below are our favourite picks from the Leprosy Mission Shop, plus how to match them to the person you’ve drawn.

Quick Answer

• Most handmade, fair trade gifts in our range sit well under $50, with ornaments from $12, notebooks from $25 and candle tins around $33.
• Fair trade means the maker is paid fairly. The World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) sets the aim of a local living wage.
• Match the gift to the person. Think cosy for family, edible for colleagues and faith-inspired or practical for older friends.
• Proceeds support people affected by leprosy, poverty and disability.

What Do Fair Wages Mean for a Gift?

Fair wages mean the person who made your gift earns enough to live on. The WFTO, the global body that verifies fair trade enterprises, sets the aim of paying a local living wage. Our certifications page explains what WFTO members commit to. That includes fair wages, decent working conditions and products made without child or forced labour.

It’s a simple idea, and it’s why a $25 notebook can mean more than its price tag.

Secret Santa Gift Ideas Under $50

Here are some Secret Santa gift ideas from our Handmade & Fair Trade range, grouped by price. Prices are in AUD and were current at the time of writing.

Under $20

• Heart Bird Papier Mache Ornament ($12): a small keepsake that can be sent in the mail easily and suits any tree.
• Pavlova Parkway Christmas Rocky Road ($13): a sweet treat for the colleague who loves morning tea.
• Set of 2 Christmas Pudding Ornaments ($15): felt ornaments with a festive, homemade look.
• Australian Birds or Wildflowers 2027 Calendar ($15 each): a useful pick for gardeners and bird-watchers.

$20 to $35

• Coconut Bowl Shell Rainbow Flowers ($21): a bright, handcrafted bowl for nibbles or keys.
• Brocade Covered Handmade Paper Notebook ($25): lovely for journalling or recipes.
• Bloom Handmade Batik Cards, Set of 4 ($25): cards that double as small works of art.
• Bearing Gifts Candle Tin ($33): an easy choice when you barely know your recipient.

$35 to $50

• Eco-Friendly Flowering Gum Bonbon Crackers ($40): a boxed set that lifts the Christmas table.
• Round Nativity Olive Wood Figurine ($45): a meaningful keepsake for someone who celebrates the Christmas story.
• Daisy Check Block Print Frill Cushion Cover ($45): a cheerful gift for the home.
• Handfelted Christmas Pudding Slippers ($49): warm, quirky and very giftable.

Not sure where to start? Browse all our Christmas gifts and filter by price.

How to Choose Secret Santa Gifts for Family, Friends and Colleagues

The best Secret Santa gifts match the person, not just the budget. A few quick rules help.

• Family: go for comfort. Slippers, cushion covers and candles all say “I thought of you”.
• Close friends: pick something with a story. Batik cards, a hand-painted bowl or a notebook suit creative friends.
• Colleagues you barely know: keep it safe and useful. A candle tin, a calendar or a sweet treat rarely misses.
• Older relatives and faith-minded friends: a nativity figurine or the Faith 2027 calendar make thoughtful, lasting gifts.
• Anyone who “has everything”: consumables like rocky road or a set of cards avoid clutter.

You can also mix two small items. Two pudding ornaments plus a rocky road come to $28 and still look generous.

Why Choose Fair Trade Secret Santa Ideas?

Because a small purchase can go a long way. Our collection notes that every purchase supports artisans and people affected by leprosy, poverty and disability.

The need is real. In 2024, 188 countries, areas and territories reported 172,717 new leprosy cases to the WHO. Leprosy is curable with multidrug therapy, yet people affected still face stigma and discrimination.

We’re also a Social Traders Certified social enterprise, with profits reinvested into healthcare, education, sustainable livelihoods and community projects.

It also makes gifting easier. When a Secret Santa ideas list includes fair trade, you can give something unique without adding to the pile of forgettable gifts.

Shop The Fair trade Range Now

Looking for Secret Santa gift ideas that make a real difference this Christmas? Our team has gathered handmade, ethically sourced presents that support artisans and people affected by leprosy, poverty and disability.

Explore our fairtrade gifts or the full Christmas range, and find a gift they’ll love that also helps someone else.