How it works
Classic Secret Santa
Everyone draws a name and buys them a gift. Anyone can leave a short wishlist as a hint for their Santa, or leave it to chance.
Step by step
- An admin creates the event and everyone in the group joins.
- If you like, write a short wishlist for your Santa. It's optional: you can also leave it to chance.
- The admin runs the draw. Everyone gets one name, in secret. Nobody else can see who drew whom, not even the admin.
- Buy a gift for the person you drew, within the budget, and mark it as ready in the app.
- At the party an admin starts the reveal. Once enough people taking part approve it, the app shows who was whose Santa.
Tips for Santas
- The wishlist is a hint, not an order. A thoughtful surprise is welcome too.
- Stay within the budget, so every gift feels fair.
- Keep the secret until the reveal.
Example
Ana's wishlist says "something for my balcony plants, a mystery novel, anything with lemons". Her Santa picks two small terracotta pots with a packet of basil seeds, and tucks a crime paperback into the wrapping.
Questions
Do I have to write a wishlist?
No, it's optional. Leave it empty and your Santa will surprise you.
How long can a wishlist be?
Up to five ideas by default. The organiser can change that for the event, anywhere from one to ten.
Who sees my wishlist?
Only your Santa, after the draw. Everyone else in the group sees it at the reveal.
More to read
- Secret Santa gift ideas by budget and by twistIdeas for small to generous budgets, plus one-colour and challenge gifts.
- How to organise a Secret SantaStep by step, from the guest list to the reveal at the party.
- Your ChallengeTwo adjectives and a function. Santa ticks them all.
- Santa by ColourEverything in one colour.
Run your Secret Santa here
It's free. Sign in with Google, create a group and share one link. The app does the draw and keeps it secret until the party.