I thought by just reading the title that you wanted to avoid giving a bad secret Santa gift; I must say, after reading the OP I was surprised.
I think you're on the right track anyway. If you purposefully want to get someone a bad secret Santa gift, then you'll give a bad secret Santa gift.
I remember last year I joined the secret Santa thing going on in my workplace. I put so much effort into it, I was so new I didn't even know the person I had, but I wanted to do something nice. The budget was fairly small, 5 quid, but I wanted to make the best out of it.
I found this cute Santa mug that had an opening as if he was eating something, and I bought it for starters. Then I bought this really nice tea blend, and I made some nice Christmas cookies. I also got a pair of those warm socks that are fleeced inside, because no matter how many I got I simply never have enough, and they're a staple during this weather. I also found this cute Christmas themed cookie box, and I also wrapped everything in very nicely. I went slightly over budget, but I didn't care. I also put a card inside. I found out the person later to be really sweet, and I saw that she was really happy with the gift, which made me very happy.
Now, I wasn't expecting anything special on my side. I enjoy gifting more than getting gifts, however I was remembered last year as having received the most unthoughtful gift ever. I got one of those 5 pound generic bath sets that are out during this time of the year.
I ended up donating it for a charity shop raffle