Secret Santa, also known as Amigo Oculto, is one of the most fun ways for friends, coworkers and even family members to exchange Christmas gifts anonymously.
Each participant draws the name of another person in the group and secretly buys them a present. The aim is to keep the identity of the “secret friend” hidden until the gifts are exchanged, usually on a special occasion such as Christmas dinner.
Depending on the country, there are some variations of this traditional format, with creative versions such as:
- Chocolate Friend: the gifts are exclusively chocolates;
- Amigo da Onça: exchange of funny or ironic gifts;
- Amigo Ladrão: participants can “steal” gifts from each other.
This is a very fun and relaxed way of giving gifts to friends or work colleagues, promoting hilarious moments among all the participants.
But, and there’s almost always a “but”, sometimes there are gifts that can leave everyone feeling awkward or embarrassed... because there are some people who really don’t have a knack for choosing Christmas presents.
In any case, we love them anyway. And the truth is that these moments also leave many memories and stories to tell.
That’s precisely what we asked our readers on Facebook and Instagram to tell us about the worst Secret Santa gift they’d ever received.
Between socks, pens and even a divorce (it’s true), we got to know some of the most indiscreet or weird Secret Santa gifts.
Tata Fellini
An earring made of metal and plastic. I passed it on to another Secret Santa, but it seems the girl didn’t like it either and probably passed it on to someone else. The good thing about taking part in several Secret Santa events is that you can pass on the gift you didn’t like.”
Ana Isabel Albuquerque Coelho
When I was pregnant (and getting very sick!) I was given a huge bucket, so I wouldn’t have to run to the bathroom! (I still have it in the storage room and my daughter is now 14!).”
Pedro Kochaki
A close friend once gave me a DVD of The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, and I innocently went to watch it in the living room at home. My God in heaven, what is this? Nowadays you can understand what it was. I almost punched my colleague to death. Today I think it’s funny, but at the time my mother almost killed me, kkkk.”
Verissima Gama
My worst present 🎁 was receiving two dishcloths 😡”
Jacqueline Cardoso
A pot of cacti, I was a child, in fifth grade. For a child to receive a plant pot is disappointing.”
Marlene Monteiro
An iPhone case… I had a Samsung 🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️🤦🏼♀️”
Anabela Camões
A hammer.”
Ana Cinquini Vianna
A pair of sandals number 40, I wear 36, the worst thing is that they were two right feet.”
Ana Lúcia Alípio
When I was 5, I got a hair conditioner. What about this one?”
anita.m2020
A frame from the Chinese store. Blue, for a Christmas tree. But the following year I took it back with a new wrapping. I have no idea! But I hope it ended up in the hands of someone who loved it. 🙌😂”
alexandrepiol
A Sprite promotional watch. Collect X labels and you win a watch. My “friend’s” father owned a bar.”
As you can see, there’s always someone who’s very unlucky when it comes to Secret Santa gifts, which makes for a lot of laughs when they’re exchanged.
If you’re also “lucky” (or unlucky) this year, send us a message. We’ll be happy to share it with all the readers of Lisboa Secreta.