"a small surprise" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to describe a surprise that is not major or significant, but still unexpected or enjoyable. Example: "She opened the box with anticipation, not expecting much, but was pleasantly surprised by a small surprise inside - a handwritten note from her best friend."
Again, Ms. Torres pulls off a small surprise.
Even though Bayern Munich was long among his rumored destinations, his decision to coach there comes as a small surprise.
Novy's celebration will be more conventional: She will be honored at a small "surprise" gathering on Sunday, Dec. 18, her mother confided.
On September 28 , 2018 as bleary-eyed residents filed into Stanford's Grant building for their morning report, they were met with a small surprise: artisanal coffee that had been brought in for them to celebrate National Coffee Day.
The opening scene contains a small surprise (no spoilers — watch it now, without reading further, if you haven't), but it's based on a real thing that actors do for cash.
Craig Taborn has played in so many contexts around jazz over the last 20 years that he seemed due for a solo record; that it would be this wide and thoughtful still came as a small surprise.
"Naked as We Came" is a ridiculous title for a lovely small surprise of a film, although someone will argue (unconvincingly) that it refers to the human condition at birth.
It's a very small surprise, then, that machines and our interfaces with them are carefully designed to evoke our emotions.
Scallops with a jalapeno vinaigrette, a recent special, delivered a fresh zing, and minced poblano peppers make for a small, clever surprise in steak tartare.
I was almost feeling fondness for you As you gave me a shoulder massage at the sink — What a small, lovely surprise.
—Hallie Cantor, "What I Imagine My Boyfriend's Ex-Girlfriends Are Doing Right Now" (February 10 , 2016 * * * I was almost feeling fondness for you As you gave me a shoulder massage at the sink— What a small, lovely surprise.
