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Guide · the rules

Secret Santa rules, in short

Secret Santa is a gift exchange where everyone gives one gift to one person drawn at random, without saying who. Here are the basic rules and how to play, step by step.

Nº 01

Step by step

  1. Step 1: List the participants

    Write down everyone who wants to take part. You need at least three people.

  2. Step 2: Agree a budget and date

    Choose a fixed amount for the gift and the day you'll exchange.

  3. Step 3: Set exclusions

    If you like, couples or siblings don't draw each other. You can also avoid last year's pairs.

  4. Step 4: Draw names

    Everyone secretly gets exactly one name. Nobody draws themselves.

  5. Step 5: Write wishlists

    Everyone notes a few gift ideas so their Santa doesn't have to guess.

  6. Step 6: Buy and wrap

    Stick to the budget and write only the recipient's name on the parcel.

  7. Step 7: Exchange the gifts

    On the day, everyone gets their gift. Only then do you guess who your Santa was.

Nº 02

The golden rules

  • Keep the secret until the exchange.
  • Stick to the budget, not much over or under.
  • Read the wishlist before you buy.
  • No gifts that could offend or embarrass.
  • Taking part is optional, especially at work.

Nº 03

Popular variations

Themed Santa: all gifts share a theme, such as handmade or a favourite book.

Not like last year: nobody draws last year's person. In Secret Santa you import last year's group and the new draw won't repeat the pairs.

For children, an adult can open the link with them so the surprise stays a surprise.

Nº 04

FAQ

How many people do you need for Secret Santa?

At least three. With two, each would know automatically who their Santa was.

Can the organiser take part?

Yes. With an online draw in live mode, even the organiser can't see the pairs, so they play like everyone else.

What if someone draws their own name?

With an online draw it can't happen: the algorithm never lets anyone draw themselves and respects exclusions.

When do you reveal who the Santa was?

Usually after everyone has opened their gift. Some groups keep it secret forever; agree on it beforehand.

Apply the rules automatically

Exclusions, budget and no repeats from last year, in a draw that takes two minutes.

Draw names