Secret Santa ideas for sports fans

Score Big: Secret Santa Gifts for Sports Lovers

Secret Santa is one of the simplest, most joyful ways to give a Christmas gift. It’s a fun, low-pressure tradition where you draw a name, keep it secret and surprise someone with a thoughtful present. It’s an easy way to bring friends, colleagues or family into the festive spirit and share a few laughs along the way.

And it works for everyone – including the sports fans in your life.

Choosing a gift for someone who lives and breathes sport can feel a bit daunting, but don’t panic. From clever stocking-stuffers to thoughtful presents and even charity gifts, here are six Secret Santa ideas that are sure to score points – even if your knowledge of sport starts and ends with cheering from the couch.

Let’s get the ball rolling and dive into some winning gift ideas.

1. Socks in Team Colours

Of all the sports-themed clothing on the market, socks are highly affordable (and practical) gift options. It won’t be too difficult to find items in the colours of your lucky fan’s favourite sports team. Order online to save big and squeeze in an extra pair!

Secret Santa Gift Tip: If you plan ahead and order online you may be able to find socks sporting the logo of the team at a discount.

2. Miniature Sports Gear

Mini sports items are quirky, fun and perfect for stuffing into a stocking. Think football-shaped bookmarks, keyrings or plush stress balls.

You might like these stocking stuffers for your Christmas present:

• Keyrings
• Plush balls
• Novelty erasers
• Patches for clothes
• Bookmarks

Secret Santa Gift Tip: If you’re strapped for time, or the decision to organise a Secret Santa came late, these Christmas gifts are relatively easy to find online.

3. Sports Snack Hamper

Snack hampers make great gifts for the sports fan who loves to watch the game live or at home. Either way, there are some tried and tested staples sports lovers will love to see (and eat) as part of their Secret Santa hamper.

• Nuts and dried fruit
• Cheese and crackers
• Chips and pretzels
• Chocolates and lollies

Secret Santa Gift Tip: Two or three of these snacks should suffice to set your sports fan up for their next game viewing. Choose packaged snacks that are easily portable so they can be bagged and taken to a live game, or a viewing at a friend’s house.

4. Barbecue Cookbook  

Does your sports fan love to cook? Then this is a no-brainer! Even if they’re not a huge fan of cooking, everyone loves good food, which is why cookbooks make a thoughtful and useful Secret Santa gift. A barbecue-themed cookbook will have your recipient frying burgers, grilling halloumi and putting together a game-day spread to remember – perfect for match day or even the off-season.

Secret Santa Gift Tip: Check dietary preferences first. You don’t want to accidentally gift a meat-heavy cookbook to a pescetarian, vegetarian or vegan.

5. Sports-Themed Cookie Cutters

For the baker who also loves sport, cookie cutters shaped like balls, bats or other equipment are a fun twist. You can find cookie cutters in all shapes and sizes, particularly if you order online. These will be highly appreciated by friends, family and colleagues alike.

Secret Santa Gift Tip: Match cookie shapes to sports your recipient or their kids play for extra brownie points (and actual brownies).

6. Donate a Gift To a Sporting Charity   

Perhaps your sports fan doesn’t want or need any of the gifts we’ve suggested. You could donate your Secret Santa allowance to a sporting charity in the recipient’s name. There are lots of great sport-related causes that you could support.

Many charities have Christmas gift catalogues so your donation feels personal and actually makes a difference, plus you get bragging rights without having to wrap anything. to make donating a more personal and simple experience.

By choosing a charity gift, rather than simply donating, your recipient will be able to understand the impact that the gift will make to children, families and communities in need.

Secret Santa Gift Tip: However you donate, choose a charity that aligns with their sporting or philanthropic interests. Rugby or football fans, for example, would likely be more appreciative of supporting causes that use these sports to help kids.

Buy or Donate a Gift For Your Secret Santa

The most important thing to remember about Secret Santa and Christmas gifts is that it really is the thought that counts. In fact, the best Secret Santa gifts often aren’t the priciest. Whether you buy, bake or donate, your effort will be appreciated and remembered.

However you choose to give to your recipient, make sure it’s a meaningful choice. They’ll be grateful that their Secret Santa took the time to give them a warm and memorable Christmas gift.

Want to give a gift that truly changes lives? Check out ChildFund Australia’s Gifts for Good catalogue to see how your Secret Santa present can help children and young people across the Asia-Pacific enjoy the power of sport.