By Akshara
December 18, 2025
When time is tight, simple homemade sweets and snacks make thoughtful Secret Santa gifts without much prep. These ideas are easy to assemble, store well and feel personal even when made at the last minute.
Combine whole almonds, pistachios and Medjool dates with candied orange peel or lemon peel. Dip them halfway in good dark chocolate and let them set neatly. Finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt or finely chopped pistachios.
Make a simple fudge using dark chocolate, condensed milk or nut butter, then fold in chopped dried fruits like figs or cherries along with nuts. Spread into a shallow tray, let it set, and cut into neat squares. Pack the pieces in boxes or tins with parchment between layers.
Bake small loaves such as orange almond cake, chocolate chip pound cake or spiced fruit loaf. Wrap each loaf tightly in parchment and tie with twine or ribbon. Add a simple handwritten tag.
Assemble jars with dark chocolate buttons or cocoa powder, brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. For mulled drink kits, include dried orange slices, cloves and cinnamon sticks. Add a tag with simple instructions.
Make soft chocolate truffles using cream and dark chocolate, then roll them in cocoa powder, chopped nuts or coconut. Place them in mini paper cups and pack in a small box. Truffles always read as special, even when made quickly, and they suit office gifting well.