Secret Santa is a holiday tradition that has brought equal parts joy, humor, and mild anxiety (what do you buy for Bob in accounting?) to workplaces, families, and friend groups for decades. 

If you haven’t participated in one yet, you are missing out on the most quirky and funny of gift exchanges. 

But how did it all start? 

Lucky for you, we are sleuths over here at BasketWorks, and we’ve gotten to the bottom of Secret Santa. 

A Tradition Rooted in Generosity

The exact origins of Secret Santa are a bit murky, but the spirit of anonymous giving dates back centuries. 

One of the earliest inspirations comes from Saint Nicholas himself. The 4th-century bishop, known for his secret acts of kindness—like leaving coins in shoes or rescuing families in need—set the tone for the anonymous generosity we associate with modern-day Secret Santa.

Fast forward to the mid-20th century, when the practice began to take shape as a group activity. Some say it started in Scandinavia, where “Julklapp” (or “Christmas knock”) involved leaving gifts on doorsteps, knocking, and running away before being seen. 

Others trace it to the United States, where it gained traction as a creative way to exchange gifts without breaking the bank or leaving anyone out.

The Modern Secret Santa

The Secret Santa we know today—where participants draw names to determine whom they’ll buy a gift for—was popularized by workplace gift exchanges. 

The goal? To add a touch of fun and reduce the stress (and expense) of buying gifts for everyone in the office.

A significant boost to its popularity came from philanthropist Larry Dean Stewart in the 1970s. Stewart, known as the “original Secret Santa,” anonymously handed out $100 bills to strangers in need during the holiday season. His generosity inspired others to embrace anonymous giving, creating a wave of kindness during the holidays that continues today.

Aww. 

Why We Love It

It’s equal parts strategy, luck, and good old-fashioned chaos, making it the perfect way to inject some energy into holiday traditions.

Whether it’s a funny gag gift or something heartfelt, Secret Santa has a way of bringing people together and celebrating the true spirit of the holidays: thoughtfulness, kindness, a sense of community, and walking away the winner because you drew the air fryer. 

🧙‍♂️ SHAMLESS PLUG ALERT 🧙‍♂️ 

Never mind the air fryer, if you were to receive our Gnome for the Holidays Gift Basket, they would erect statues of you wherever Secret Santa is played. This gem starts with a hyacinth basket, accented with a Gnome theme ribbon, and features: Gnome cookie jar; Plush Gnome ornament; Gnome Nog mix; Gnome cocoa mix; Walker’s shortbread; Magnolia Bakery banana pudding cookie, and more. 

It’s time to get your gnome on!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.

I suppose we could be talking about going out on a date or the small but mighty fruits from the date palm tree. 

It’s the latter, though what if you went on a date and ordered dates? Okay, enough. 

Dates have been enjoyed for centuries across the Middle East and North Africa. With their natural sweetness and chewy texture, they’re a versatile snack that’s easy to incorporate into daily meals. But beyond their delicious taste, dates pack a powerful punch of health benefits, making them a great addition to a balanced diet. 

Let’s dive into why dates are nature’s perfect snack.

1. Rich in Essential Nutrients

Dates are loaded with essential nutrients that support overall health. 

They’re a fantastic source of fiber, potassium, magnesium, and copper.

Fiber promotes digestion and regularity, while potassium and magnesium play important roles in muscle and nerve function, making dates a great post-workout snack. 

Copper, on the other hand, supports red blood cell production, boosting energy levels and helping your body function smoothly. For the record, consuming dates is a healthier way to get your daily dose of copper than eating pennies.  

2. Natural Energy Boost

Feeling low on energy? Join the club. 

Dates are a natural energy booster! 

Their natural sugars, including glucose, fructose, and sucrose, provide a quick yet sustained energy release. 

Unlike refined sugars (the bad, bad stuff), which can lead to spikes and crashes, dates offer a more stable energy boost. 

This makes them an ideal snack for busy afternoons, long workouts, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.

However, there is no substitute for coffee, in my expert opinion. 

3. Antioxidant-Rich for Immunity

Dates are packed with antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid. 

Duh, who didn’t know that?

These compounds work to neutralize free radicals in the body, which can reduce the risk of chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer. 

But that’s not all! Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties that can help protect the heart and support immune health, while carotenoids promote eye health. 

4. Supports Bone Health

The nutrients in dates, especially magnesium and calcium, do the bones good. 

These minerals make for strong bones and may help reduce the risk of osteoporosis over time. 

And let us not forget about phosphorus, that thing on the Periodic Table that supports skeletal strength, making dates a bone-friendly addition to a balanced diet.

5. Helps Manage Blood Sugar Levels

To get even more sciency, despite their natural sweetness, dates have a low glycemic index, which means they don’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. 

The fiber and antioxidants in dates can help slow down sugar absorption, making them a nice option for people who need to manage their blood sugar levels. 

❄️ SHAMLESS PLUG ALERT ❄️

Speaking of dates, our Snowflake Gift Tower has them and then some. This is the gift that keeps on growing, and it’s so popular that we’ve added another stack. This winner includes: Joolies dates; Magnolia Bakery banana pudding cookies; Popcorn; Dolcetto cookies; Uglies sweet potato chips; Nuts; Gummy bears; Caramels, and more. 

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today!

Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads and LinkedIn.