As the year draws to a close, the classic activity of "drawing secret Santa gifts" always returns to bring both fun and stress to office workers and friend groups. Before you spend money on a gift, check out real insights from the Thairath Poll to find out what items are "forbidden" and which are "dream gifts" this year, so your spending doesn't become a burden for the recipient.
Thairath Poll conducted a survey on the topic “Which secret Santa gift at Christmas and New Year do people least want?” with 2,667 respondents.
The survey’s top five most disliked gifts under the theme “Christmas & New Year secret Santa gifts people least want” revealed that some items once popular have now become household burdens.
Number one is photo frames or photo albums, at 25.67%, topping the list as the most unwanted gift of the year. In an era where thousands of photos are stored on smartphones and the Cloud, receiving a photo frame becomes the hardest decorative item to find a place for in the home.
Second place goes to piggy banks at 22.71%. Although symbolizing savings, for many recipients they feel like an added burden since lifestyles have shifted to Mobile Banking, and people rarely use coins anymore.
Third is the legendary red cookie tin at 21.99%, an evergreen gift that always causes headaches when opened, neck and neck with piggy banks as a "legend people prefer to forget." Fourth place is ceramic glass sets or dishware at 13.49%, heavy to carry, difficult to store, and prone to breakage—gifts that cause considerable inconvenience to recipients.
Rounding out the list are towels and nano blankets at 10.27%, especially those with multicolored floral patterns or folded into animal shapes. Though visually appealing, their practicality and colors may not suit the lifestyles of younger generations.
If you’re unlucky enough to receive one of these gifts, the most common reaction reported was that most Thai people maintain excellent manners: 59.51% said they politely "smile and accept" before quietly storing the gift away; 19.33% choose to "discard or donate" to clear clutter; 8.32% plan to "re-gift" the item next year, passing the misfortune to another.
Only 2.39% reported trying to "sell secondhand" because these gifts are usually hard to resell. So, what are the “dream gifts” everyone wants?
Summary of the "dream gifts" most desired.
The top dream gift people want if they could choose is gold at 42.45%. Small but highly valuable, it clearly wins the public’s heart as a potential investment for the future.
Cash or PromptPay transfers come next at 38.68%, a prize that requires no thought, is sure to please, and will definitely be used.
Third place goes to gift vouchers at 7.46%, allowing recipients to shop for what they want—perfect for shopping enthusiasts.
These gifts share a common trait: “flexibility and practical use” in today’s economy, as they can be converted into cash or used directly, eliminating the problem of receiving something unwanted.
Regarding budget, the ideal spending amount for secret Santa gifts in the current economy is 300-500 baht, chosen by 42.31% as a reasonable standard—easy to find and not too hard on the wallet. Next is under 300 baht at 27.81%, favored by those who prioritize humor and fun.
Now that you know, this New Year avoid letting "photo frames" or "red cookie tins" damage good office relationships. Instead, choose practical gifts or, if unsure, "cash envelopes" might be the best answer.