Secret Santa generator 🎅

How to run a Secret Santa draw with one phone

Step by step

1. Enter the names: one per line, at least three. Every name has to be unique, and the check ignores capitals, so “Sam” and “sam” count as the same person. If two people share a first name, add an initial (“Chris P.”, “Chris W.”).
2. Add exclusions (optional): one line per pair, separated by a comma, such as “Alice, Bob”. The rule works both ways, so neither of them can draw the other. You can also put a whole household on one line (“Alice, Bob, Carol”) and nobody on that line will draw anyone else on it. Type each name exactly as it appears in the name list, capitals included, or the exclusion won’t match.
3. Tap “Draw names”: nobody can get themselves, and everyone gives exactly one gift and receives exactly one. If your exclusions make a valid draw impossible, you’ll see an error. Remove an exclusion or two and draw again.
4. Pass the phone: each person taps their own name, reads who they’re buying for, then taps “Hide & pass the phone.” Their button then turns grey with a check mark and can’t be opened again.

Good to know before you start

• The draw isn’t saved. If you reload the page, close the tab or tap “Start over” and draw again, you get a completely new set of matches. Keep the page open until everyone has had their turn.
• “Start over” keeps your lists. It takes you back to the setup screen with the names and exclusions still filled in, which makes it quick to fix a typo and redraw.
• Two people can draw each other. Alice might buy for Bob while Bob buys for Alice. That’s allowed and doesn’t mean anything went wrong.
• Someone tapped the wrong name? They’ve now seen another person’s match and that button is locked. The only fair fix is to tap “Start over,” draw again and have everyone go through the reveal a second time.
• Printed slips show every pairing. The print page lists each line as “Name is buying for Name” in a dashed box, so you can cut them apart, fold them and hand them out. Whoever prints them knows the whole draw, so this works best when the organizer isn’t taking part.

Setting the rules

Settle these before the draw so nobody has to ask afterwards:

• Spending limit: pick one number that everyone can comfortably afford, such as $20 or $25 for coworkers. Say clearly whether it’s a cap or a target, because “around $25” leads to some people spending $10 and others $40.
• Exchange date and place: two to three weeks between the draw and the exchange gives people time to shop and to order online without paying for rush shipping.
• Wish lists: ask everyone to share a few likes, sizes and no-gos (allergies, “no more mugs”). A shared note or group chat works, and the giver stays anonymous.
• Labels: write only the recipient’s name on the gift tag so the giver stays secret until the reveal, if you decide to have one.

Group-specific tips

• Families: put each couple or household on one exclusion line so people don’t end up buying for someone they already shop for. In a small group, every extra exclusion leaves fewer possible draws. If one fails, look for anyone who has been excluded from almost everyone else.
• Office: run the draw at a team meeting or lunch so everyone can take their turn in one go. Make joining optional, keep gifts work-appropriate, and set the limit low enough for everyone.
• Kids and classrooms: have an adult hold the phone and read the match quietly to younger children, and send the name home on a note so parents know who to shop for.
• Someone can’t be there: either draw when everyone can be present, or have a non-playing organizer print the slips and pass the missing person their slip later.

Themes and variations

To make shopping easier, give everyone the same theme: a favorite book, something homemade, a local treat, a cozy item or a “best thing under $10.” If you’d rather have a swap where gifts get stolen than fixed pairs, plan a white elephant game instead. For the party itself, try printable Christmas bingo cards, and keep track of the rest of your holiday shopping in the Christmas gift list tracker.