What are the rules for Secret Santa

The rules for a Secret Santa celebration are quite simple:

Organizing a gift exchange? Your Secret Santa rules are:

  1. Writing down the names

    Have everyone taking part in the Secret Santa celebration write their name down on a piece of paper.

  2. Making Wish Lists

    Ask everyone to write down two or three presents they’d like to get. Also ask them to be as specific as possible. Just “scarf” might not get you the scarf you actually want. But “blue wool scarf” might.

  3. Drawing the names

    Then, the most fun part! It's time for the draw. Get everyone to put their name into a hat, a bowl or a basket. Let every player draw a paper, one by one. Make sure people don’t see each other’s papers.

  4. Set a date for the celebration

    Pick a date when everyone is available for the gift exchange.

  5. The celebration

    When you come together on the day of the actual celebration, make sure that everyone’s gift has a tag with their giftee’s name.

Secret santa rules

Organise your Secret Santa online

What should you do when you’re having a Secret Santa gift exchange with people who live all over the country and can’t get together before Christmas? You draw names online. There’s no risk of you getting yourself and you can never lose your drawn name. You can even buy your presents online immediately. Use the gift finder to find the perfect gift for your giftee.
Draw Names now