IT'S A well-known feeling: the mind-numbing fear of drawing your Secret Santa, and wondering what in the world you're going to get your boss, or the new guy from the front counter who says mostly "hi" and "bye" to you.

As if that's not difficult enough, you will feel like you need a miracle to fit it under an $20 or less.

Fortunately, as is the case across Gympie's history, a swath of wealth can be found by digging just below the surface.

The length of Mary St is one hot spot, with small businesses like Euphoria and Gympie Bags and Gifts offering a staggering range of unique items which fit well within your imposed secret santa conditions.

Do they like art? Coffee mugs decorated in a diverse display of dazzling art abound, or you can look through the range of prints on display as well.

Or, if you're secret santa really needs to relax, a head scratcher absolutely cannot go wrong.

You can also find a number of small, useful items like disposal nail files or compact mirrors which might come in handy.

Gift possibilities aren't hiding only in the CBD, however.

For the guys, shops like Typhoon Cues offer sports themed key rings and playing cards for the athletically addicted, or stubby holders and shot glasses for those with a partying disposition.

Of course, there's no need to limit yourself to what you see.

Is your recipient new to town?

You could always assemble them a survival pack full of candy or practical goods (or vegetables, if someone knows that's what they're into) to help them adjust to living life in the country lane, or see how many books for your avid reader workmate you can fit within your limit at the secondhand stores.

There is no doubt Secret Santa can be a challenge, especially when compared to the white haired wonder himself who has a legion of elves to source his presents, but with a little digging it seems Gympie really does have some for everyone.