What is Secret Santa?
Secret Santa is a gift exchange where each participant draws the name of a person from the group, to whom they give a gift without revealing they are the giver. Instead of buying a present for everyone, you only buy one, chosen carefully, within a shared budget. It's the ideal solution for large families, groups of friends and work teams.
Organise a Secret Santa in 4 steps
- Add the participants with their first name and, if you wish, their email.
- Set the exclusions: members of a couple or parents and children won't be drawn against each other.
- Set the budget and date of the exchange, so everyone can plan ahead.
- Start the draw: each participant receives their personal link by email, or you share it via WhatsApp or SMS.
What budget should you plan?
The budget depends on the group: between £10 and £20 for the office, £20 to £30 among friends, £30 to £50 for family. The important thing is that everyone feels comfortable. Need some inspiration? Browse our Christmas gift ideas.
At the office, with family or remotely
- At the office: a modest budget, neutral or useful gifts, and an exchange during a friendly get-together.
- With family: exclusions prevent a couple from drawing each other; children can have their own draw.
- Remotely: everyone has their gift delivered, then you open the presents together on a video call.
- Themed: handmade, favourite book, local speciality... a fun rule makes the exchange memorable.
Getting it right with Christmas lists
The hardest part is finding the right gift for someone you sometimes barely know. Each participant can link their Christmas list to their draw link: the person who drew them discovers their wishes and reserves the gift, with no risk of duplicates.
Your Christmas list, ready for the draw
Create it in 2 minutes and link it to your Secret Santa link.