New to running a gift exchange, or want to make yours run smoothly? Here are the common rules and a few practical tips. When you're ready, the generator handles the draw itself.
How a Secret Santa works
Everyone's name goes into the draw, and each person is secretly assigned one other person to buy a gift for. You give one gift and receive one gift. Nobody reveals who they drew until the gifts are exchanged — that's the whole game.
Setting a budget
A shared spending limit keeps things fair and low-pressure. Pick one number and tell everyone up front — you can even attach it to the draw so it shows on each reveal page.
| Budget | Good for | Idea starters |
|---|---|---|
| Under $10 | Big offices, classrooms | Nice chocolate, a mug, a plant cutting, a good pen, socks. |
| $15–$25 | Most friend & family groups | A book, a board game, a candle set, a small gadget, speciality coffee. |
| $30–$50 | Close friends, couples' groups | Headphones, a nice bottle, a hobby kit, a gift card to a favourite place. |
Adding a theme (optional)
Themes make it more fun and easier to shop: "something handmade," "a book you loved," "the most useless gadget," or "anything in one colour." Announce the theme with the budget.
Exclusions for couples and families
It's common to prevent partners, spouses or immediate family from drawing each other so gifts feel less like an in-house swap. Add each such pair to the exclusions box in the generator and the draw will keep them apart automatically.
A few tips that make it go well
- Set a clear exchange date and place — attach the date to the draw so everyone sees it on their reveal page.
- Let people share a short wish-list in the group chat; it takes the guesswork out of shopping.
- Agree what happens if someone can't make it so nobody is left without a gift.
- Keep the reveal links until gift day — re-draw and resend if any are lost.