Business Leader reports that 2.5 million workplace Secret Santa gifts often end up in the bin… how are you to know what to purchase the new guy who started two weeks ago?

It's that time of the year again when you're forced to spend money on people you hardly know, and let’s face it, we’ve all experienced receiving a crappy gift from someone before.

Having to try our best to fake like it because, unlike @josh, not all of us have a degree in acting. So, because the festive gift giving game doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, as our present to you, we've rounded up some tips that might help you tell a little white lie this Christmas.

1. Look genuinely happy

Put on the biggest and most genuine smile you can possibly muster while you thank your Secret Santa. Even if you have to do it through gritted teeth, they can't deny a smile on your face. To add a bit more finesse, start gleefully jumping up and down while clapping your hands. They might start to think you're crazy at this point, jumping for joy over a $20 gift (or less if they’re stingy), but it's better than them thinking you hate it.

2. Say, 'wow, how did you know I wanted this?'

Tell them what they want to hear. Even if you're planning to throw it in the trash, act like you love the present, by saying a lot of 'wows'. Um and ah over the gift, and chuck in a 'how did you know I wanted this!' line. They'll think they hit the jackpot. If you want to take it one step further, how about adding, "I was just about to buy this for myself!"

3. Use plenty of facial expressions

But don't overdo it. Make sure you do these quickly enough, so you don't appear to overact. Start by raising your eyebrows and opening your eyes wide to convey how surprised you are. Make sure your body language matches your facial expression and look approachable—no crossing your arms. To make it more believable, thank them in a high-pitched voice while looking at them directly. Looking them dead in the eye will convince them you’re not lying—even though you totally are.

4. Keep looking at the gift

When we love something new, we keep looking at it. So, while you put on your best smile, chuck in a few nice things to say, and use plenty of facial expressions, we suggest also looking longingly at the gift as if you cherish it and are thrilled to have been given it. Even if you think it looks like a piece of sh!t just pretend. Bring out your inner De Niro skills.

5. Show everyone

To make your gift giver believe you love the present, show everyone in the office and flaunt it. In front of your Secret Santa, go up to people's desks and say, 'did you see what they got me' and carry it around the workplace like a prized possession.

Our best tip: Genuinely believe you love the gift—fake it till you make it.