How to run a Secret Santa draw
- List everyone taking part, one name per line.
- Add any pairs who shouldn’t draw each other, like couples or roommates. Add a budget, date, and note if you like.
- Press Draw names. Copy each person’s private link and send it by text, email, or chat.
- Each person opens their own link and taps Reveal my match to see who they’re buying for.
Why private links?
When one person draws names for the whole group, that person usually ends up knowing everyone’s match and can’t take part without spoiling the fun. Private links solve that. The organizer sends each link without opening it, and each person sees only their own match. If you’re organizing and playing, don’t open the other links or the Show all matches list.
The rules every draw follows
- Nobody draws their own name.
- Pairs you list never draw each other, in either direction.
- With Don’t let two people draw each other turned on, you’ll never get two people who simply swap gifts.
- Every valid set of matches is equally likely.
Privacy and limits
The draw happens in your browser, and matches are never sent to or stored on a server. Each person’s match is stored inside their own link, scrambled so it can’t be read at a glance. It isn’t encrypted, though, so someone determined to decode a link could. Treat the links like sealed envelopes, not a safe. Because the draw isn’t saved, copy the links before you close the page.
Frequently asked questions
Do participants need an account or an email address?
No. There’s no sign-up for the organizer or the participants. Send the links any way you like.
Can I stop couples from drawing each other?
Yes. Add each pair on its own line, like Alex, Jordan. The pair is excluded in both directions.
What if someone loses their link?
Links aren’t stored anywhere, so they can’t be looked up later. Ask the person to search their messages, or draw again and send everyone new links.
Can I see all the matches as the organizer?
Yes. Open Show all matches below the links. Skip it if you’re taking part and want to be surprised too.
What's the smallest group that works?
Three people. With three, everyone is in one loop: for example, Alex buys for Jordan, Jordan buys for Sam, and Sam buys for Alex.