This past Black Friday, a man walked into a Toys “R” Us and purchased 62 items on layaway, spending more than $10,000 to help strangers have a great holiday. He then upped the ante, buying $2,000 worth of items for Toys For Tots. After his incredible – and anonymous – act of charity, the press referred to him as the ultimate Secret Santa.

It was a 20th century philanthropist who pulled off a similar act (distributing $100 bills in the Kansas City streets) that pioneered Secret Santa as we know it today in the U.S. Since then, we’ve adopted the practice as a way to exchange gifts in the workplace or with friends. It’s that cloak of anonymity that makes the gift-giving so fun, and we here at Port Charlotte Florist know a thing or two about giving gifts.

Let these hero Secret Santas be your guide as you select a present for your randomly-assigned recipient this year. Look for an item that sidesteps the gimmick-gift trap; instead, pick a crowd-pleasing gift that offers both something to take home and an experience. We highly recommend our Napa Valley Wine Experience for just this such occasion. 

Filled with cheese, fruit, nuts, wine and more, a gift like this is special, thoughtful and transporting – a picnic in one box. Part of its appeal is the fact that it’s a gift that unwraps over time, which makes it more meaningful.

Secret Santa is a wonderful way to gather together and celebrate the season. It ensures that everyone in the group gets a gift but keeps the focus on the idea that the giving itself is what’s important, rather than the person who is giving. Let us at Port Charlotte Florist help you make your Secret Santa the best one yet.