What Secret Santa gift does Tim give Dawn in The Office Christmas specials?
Answer
Oil painting set
Tim gives Dawn an oil painting set as her Secret Santa gift in The Office Christmas specials. The present becomes one of the story's most emotionally important details because it supports Dawn's neglected artistic ambitions.
Dawn had earlier drawn a sketch of Tim, revealing both her artistic ability and the feelings she has tried to suppress. Tim's gift includes a message telling her “Never give up,” making the present far more personal than an ordinary office exchange gift.
The gift is opened in a taxi after Dawn leaves the Christmas party with Lee. Its meaning helps trigger the final turning point: Dawn recognises Tim's understanding and encouragement, ends her relationship with Lee, returns to the office and kisses Tim.
A common mix-up is to call the present a sketchbook or to focus only on Dawn's drawing. The sketch is Dawn's work; the gift Tim gives her is specifically an oil painting set. The two-part specials aired on BBC One on 26 and 27 December 2003.