How to run a Secret Santa
- Type everyone's name, one per line.
- Add couples or family members who shouldn't draw each other, if any.
- Set a budget, an exchange date and a message, then press Draw names.
- Send each person their link with the WhatsApp button, or copy it into a message or email. When they open it, they tap a gift box to see who they're buying for.
Hosting in person? Press Print slips, cut them out, fold each one and hand it to the person whose name is on the outside.
Can the organiser play too?
Yes. The names are drawn without showing you any pairs, and each link only reveals one person's match. Just don't open other people's links or press Show all pairs. The draw is saved on your device, so you can resend a link if someone loses theirs.
Secret Santa gift ideas
- Under ₹500 / $10: a fun mug, scented candle, quirky socks, a plant or a snack hamper.
- Under ₹1000 / $25: a book, a desk organiser, a board game or a cosy blanket.
- Experiences: a coffee voucher, movie tickets or a class they'd enjoy.
- Personal touches: a framed photo, a handwritten card, or something linked to their hobby.
Frequently asked questions
Is the draw fair?
Yes. Names are drawn with your browser's cryptographic random number generator. Nobody draws themselves, and your exclusion rules are always followed.
Do people need an app or an email address?
No. Each person just opens a link in any browser. There's no sign-up for anyone.
Is the information private?
Yes. Everything happens in your browser. Each match travels inside its own link, in the part after the # that is never sent to any server, including ours.
What if someone drops out?
Remove their name and press Draw again, then send everyone their new link.