You may have found yourself receiving more and more invitations to themed parties — parties where everyone is meant to bring a gift that starts with a special letter.
It’s no surprise that S is a popular letter for such occasions: S for secret santa, S for special occasion, S for sophisticated soirée (and I’m sure people get creative and come up with much more).
While it’s a neat idea in concept, it can feel pretty overwhelming when you realize you have to find a unique gift that starts with a certain letter, but that’s why we’re here to help.
We’ve put together a list of some of the most special, surprising, spectacular, and stunning gifts that start with the letter S, including ideas for men, women, kids, family members, friends, and beyond!
Give Them Something Special, Surprising & Spectacular:
The (Absolute) Best Gifts Starting with S
Great Gifts for Him that Start with S ↓
Sharp Shoes for Work
These crisp leather Oxfords are the footwear equivalent of a fancy watch — a classy, timeless investment piece he’ll use for years to come (and they’ll think of you each time they slip them on).
Stylish Sunglasses
It can feel almost impossible to make the right choice when it comes to buying a fashion accessory for someone else, which is why Warby Parker sunglasses make the perfect gift.
Choose five different frames for them to try on at home — then once they’ve decided on the best pair, they can send the rest back for free!
A New Suit
Give them an entirely new look with this crisp tailored suit that combines fashion and functionality.
Made from a stretchy, breathable, moisture-wicking, and lightweight fabric, this suit topped our list of the most comfortable suits on the market.
It’s designed to be as comfy as it is chic, even for those with a more athletic physique.
Soap with a Masculine Scent
For a more inexpensive gift that starts with S, check out this Swanky Badger natural soap (bonus points for the double S?).
Choose from a variety of sophisticated scents, like earthy Northern Pine or fruity citrus IPA, all of which will keep them clean and smelling great.
Shirt with Long Sleeves
A long sleeve button-down is a practical and thoughtful gift any time of year, but especially during the cold winter months.
Made from merino wool, this versatile shirt can (and will) go with them everywhere, from commuting to the office and traveling to happy hour and beyond.
Sleeve for Laptop
This handsome leather laptop sleeve from WP Standard is made from 100% Full-Grain Leather and features a quilted interior lining that will keep his computer protected.
It’s also available in four different leather colors, so you can choose one that best matches the rest of his leather accessories.
A Comfy, Classic & Stylish Sweater
Make sure they can cozy up in style this holiday season with this luxurious, warm sweater — the cashmere really adds an extra touch of class and sophistication.
Versatile Shorts
These chic chino-style shorts are a useful gift for anyone whose daily activities demand both a high degree of performance and a dressy look.
Pair these with a wrinkle-resistant shirt and transition flawlessly from business meetings to tee time.
Saxx Underwear
While underwear are often funny gag gifts, that’s definitely not the case with these high-quality Saxx briefs.
They’re designed with a scientifically-engineered pouch to comfortably secure the family jewels — or in their words, it’s like a “hammock.”
Not sold on Saxx? Check out our in-depth Saxx underwear review to find out how their ball hammock pouch holds up under scrutiny.
Sneakers for Work
Most men prioritize comfort above all else, which is why he’ll love these ultra-comfy (but still very stylish!) slip-on work sneakers.
They have a cushioned soft midsole and an abrasion-free rubber outsole, and also happen to be vegan and sustainably made.
Sneakers for the Weekend
Of course, he’ll also need a pair of fashion-forward shoes for outside the office, and that’s where these sleek Italian leather and suede trainers come in!
Shoe Shine Kit
We’re all about spiffy, sparkling shoes — and alliteration! — which is why a shoe shine kit is a great gift idea for an S themed party.
Great Gifts for Her that Start with S ↓
Super Soft Sweats
Jambys specializes in making super soft, comfortable sweats that are perfect for everything from lounging around the house to running errands on weekends.
Smartwool Beanie
You really can’t go wrong with a cute and cozy hat, especially one featuring an adorable pom-pom and a merino wool blend.
Sheet Set
This bamboo sheet set from Cozy Earth is made from 100% premium viscose, which makes it super soft and silky to touch.
It’s available in five different colors and comes in sizes ranging from a twin to king size bed.
Cashmere Scarf
If you want to get her something elegant and versatile, then this soft cable-knit cashmere scarf is perfect.
It’s available in various colors, all of which are neutral or classic shades that’ll likely go with most of her wardrobe.
Silk Sleep Mask
She deserves her beauty rest, and this luxurious silk sleep mask will lure her into a peaceful slumber.
(Because let’s face it, staring at the blue light from our phones before bed isn’t helping to relax us.)
Monogrammed S Mug
This beautiful shimmery floral monogrammed mug is a super fun gift for anyone whose first or last initial is S, especially if they’re always sipping on coffee or tea.
Silver Jewelry
While it might not be one of the most unique gifts, silver jewelry is one of the most special gifts you can give the lady in your life.
There’s not much better way to say I love you than with a stunning diamond necklace or pair of earrings.
Skincare Set
This morning essentials skincare set is one of those surprisingly great finds.
Whether she’s got a detailed beauty routine or not, these three AM skincare products (mousse cleanser, face cream, and lightweight moisturizer) will help her start her day off right with a glowing complexion.
Scented Candle from Brooklyn Candles
These 100% soy-wax candles feature some of the most unique scents across a variety of scent families, including fruit, earthy, marine, wood, soft, and more, so you can be sure to find something she’ll love.
More Great Secret Santa, Yankee Swap & Christmas Gifts that Begin with the Letter S ↓
Shell Chair Replica
If their gift list is all about home furnishings, then this leather shell chair replica will add a lovely mid-century modern touch to their space.
Smart Plug
Once they realize that they can use this smart plug to control whatever’s plugged in directly from their phone, they’re going to fall in love.
No more having to get up to turn the lights off at night — now that just might be the best gift ever.
Standing Desk
Sitting for long periods (i.e. all day long) is terrible for the body.
Alleviate some of their back pain by gifting them a sequel lift standing desk — and don’t worry, it’s adjustable so they’ll still have the option to sit down when they want to.
Slow Cooker
You can frame it as a slow cooker to fit the S theme, but in reality the Instapot is so much more.
This 7-in-1 kitchen appliance is an absolute game changer when it comes to cooking. They’ll be whipping up fast and delicious meals — or even ice cream — with just the touch of a few buttons!
Selfie Stick
Give them easier access to filming TikToks and Insta-worthy selfies with this extendable selfie tripod stick.
Once everything’s in position, they simply use the wireless remote to capture the shot. Easy as that!
Sewing Kit
Whether they’re new to sewing or practically a master seamstress, this sewing kit will keep all the essential on hand and neatly organized and be ready to save the day when there’s a wardrobe malfunction.
Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat
No matter how basic their culinary skills, they too can learn how to master good cooking with this New York Times bestselling book — it’s like a masterclass you can read!
If you’re lucky, maybe they’ll even thank you for such a gift by cooking up a delicious casbah chicken dinner for you!
Socks
Socks always make excellent gifts, but if you want a pair that’ll really impress, opt for one of these elegant 100% Mongolian cashmere styles.
Perfect gift for a best friend, partner, or family member!
Stainless Steel Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is so important for good health (and can even help aid in weight loss!), and this sleek vacuum-insulated water bottle can help.
It’ll keep their beverages cold (or hot) all day long, which will make drinking water throughout the day much more enjoyable.
Kids Gifts & Toys that Start with S
Slime Kit
Although this might not be the best white elephant gift for an adult, a slime kit is an out-of-this-world gift for kids.
Epecially since they’ll get to make and play with their own sparkly, galaxy-style slime!
Slinky
Remember how much fun you used to have watching your slinky pop down the stairs?
Me too — and now you can relive that fun watching your niece or nephew play with theirs.
(Fidget) Spinners
These spinning toys aren’t just fun, they’re also useful and can help keep them from fidgeting around in class or during long car rides.
(Which is something the whole family will appreciate…)
Silly String
There’s just something so fun, and well, silly about silly string!
They’ll have a blast chasing their friends around and squirting each other with colorful silly string.
(Mini) Skateboard
If they’ve started to show an interest in skateboarding, then this mini retro-style skateboard is the perfect gift. They just might discover a new hobby!
Sesame Street Toys
There are so many fun and educational Sesame Street toys out there, including talking Elmos, singing pianos, matching card games, and more.
They’ll be excited to play with their favorite characters, but also learn something too!
Spider-Man Toys
Fans of Spider-Man will love reenacting their favorite action scenes with Spider-Man figurines, character walkie-talkies, and more!
Superman Toys
They’ll be saving the day with all their new superman toys, but don’t be surprised if they’re only Clark Kent to you.
More Resources ↓
More Alphabetically Themed Gift Ideas:
- The Best Gifts that Start with M
- The Best Gifts That Start with R
- The Best Gifts That Start with A
- The Best Gifts That Start with D
- The Best Gifts that Start with the Letter E
- The Best Gifts That Start with T
- The Best Gifts That Start with L
- The Nicest Gifts That Start with N
- Great Gifts Starting with the Letter K
- The Best Gifts Starting with the Letter J
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Cierra Cowan
Cierra Cowan is a curious intellectual, especially when it comes to literature or the human brain (both of which she studied in undergrad). When she’s not writing, she can be found hiking, reading, or playing her instrument, the bassoon.