SecretSanta by Bazhannya

Questions about Secret Santa

Everything worth knowing before your first game: inviting players, choosing when to draw names, who sees the results and how to agree on gifts.

Getting startedHow to create a game
PrivacyWho sees the matches
GiftsWhy wishes help

Secret Santa at a glance

Everyone gives one gift, everyone receives one gift, and who has whom remains a secret.

3+

Three or more players

You do not need an even number of people.

1

One gift

Each player prepares a surprise for one person.

Private results

Each player sees only the person they are buying for.

Together or online

Give gifts in person or send them by delivery.

Before the game

A quick guide to the format, group size and who can play.

Secret Santa is a group gift exchange. Each player privately receives one person’s name and prepares a gift for them without knowing who is buying their own gift.

At least three. You do not need an even number: the service matches players so everyone gives one gift and receives one from another person.

Friends, family, coworkers, classmates, a university group or a community. The important part is agreeing on a date, budget and exchange format in advance.

Yes. Players join and receive their matches online, then send gifts by post or delivery. Everyone can open them together on a video call.

Creating a game and inviting players

How to organise a game, invite your group and prepare for the draw.

Choose your group type, add a game name, date, budget and short rules. Once created, you will receive a link to share with every player.

Send the link in a private message or group chat. The recipient opens the invitation, sees the game details and joins from a phone or computer.

Yes, if they want to. The organiser can join as a regular player, receive a match and prepare a gift under the same rules as everyone else.

Once everyone has joined and the date, budget and rules are agreed. The organiser checks the player list one last time before starting the draw.

Yes, before the draw. Afterwards, important changes must be clearly shown to every player so nobody prepares a gift using outdated details.

Check before the draw

A few minutes of checking now can prevent rule changes in the middle of the game.

Create a game
  1. 01
    Everyone has joinedMake sure everyone who wants to play is on the list.
  2. 02
    The date and budget are agreedPlayers know when to give gifts and how much to spend.
  3. 03
    Exclusions are setAdd pairs who should not be matched together.
  4. 04
    Wishes are addedEven a few clues will help every Santa.

The draw and privacy

Who sees the results, how exclusions work and what remains private.

No. The service prevents self-matches, so everyone prepares a gift for another player.

No. The organiser can see the player list and game readiness, but not every private match. Each person sees only their own result.

Yes. Before the draw, the organiser can add exclusions for couples, people who matched last year or members of the same team, for example.

The service will show the organiser the available options for that game stage. Relevant players will be notified, so changes never happen silently.

No. Individual games, invitations, player profiles, wishlists and draw results are blocked from search-engine indexing.

Gifts and wishes

How to agree on a budget and help your Santa choose a thoughtful gift.

A wishlist helps Santa understand your taste instead of guessing. Add specific items, links or simply a few clues about your interests.

No. You can leave the surprise entirely to Santa. Even a short note about favourite colours, hobbies or things you definitely do not need makes choosing much easier.

Yes. The person buying for you will see the updated list, but you will not learn who viewed it or what they decided to choose.

Choose an amount that is comfortable for everyone. Agree on one figure or a small range before the draw so everybody follows the same expectations.

Agree on a final shipping date and delivery method. Share addresses privately and open the gifts together on a video call on the chosen day.

Couldn’t find the answer?

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Contact the team

Ready to create your own Secret Santa?

Create a game, set the date and budget and send the link to your group. Already invited? Join and wait for the organiser to start the draw.

Create a game Join