i like secret santa and white elephant. i do one with friends when we have our thanksgiving/christmas dinner and we have one at work. both have a 20$ limit.
i do the white elephant with friends and i always buy the gag toy that no one wants. i bought a rubber hand sticking the middle finger up and a dog pooping calendar the two years we did it.
at work it comes down to who i get. we're a small staff (less than 100) so i have a good idea of what ppl like since i mingle with everyone. plus we have to fill out a little form so i can always refer to that. i bought a 49ers beanie for one girl since she's a big fan and a flask and smores kit since the guy likes camping and doing outdoor shyt. this year i have someone who likes to party and get drunk so i'm buying him a bottle of whiskey.
can always be safe and go with some body wash scrub or scented candles + oil for a girl.