How to Do Secret Santa Online: Draw Names, Add Wishlists, Keep Couples Apart
Chapters (10)
To do Secret Santa online, create a free Secret Santa on GiftList (giftlist.com), add your group, and draw names. Each participant sees their own match, and each can link a wishlist or answer the Mystery Q&A.
Create a free Secret SantaTranscript
0:00How do I do Secret Santa online?
To do Secret Santa online, create a free Secret Santa, add your group, and draw names. Each participant sees their own match. Each participant can link a wishlist or answer the Mystery Q&A, so their Santa has gift ideas.
0:17Does GiftList have Secret Santa?
Yes, GiftList has Secret Santa. It's free for groups of three to a hundred people. Participants need a free account to see their match.
0:29How do you pick names for Secret Santa virtually?
To pick names for Secret Santa virtually, everyone joins online from one link, and GiftList draws the names for you. No one draws themselves, and exclusions are respected.
0:42How do I set up a Secret Santa online?
To set up a Secret Santa online, open Gift Exchange and click Create Exchange. Give it a name, pick the exchange day, and set a budget if you want one. Click Next, and pick a cover. Then choose to draw names whenever you're ready, or automatically after a join-by date.
1:09How do I invite people to Secret Santa?
To invite people to Secret Santa, share one link in your group chat, or add people by name or email. You need at least three people to draw, and one exchange holds up to a hundred. Click Create and copy link. The invite link is ready to paste.
1:29How do people add a wishlist for their Secret Santa?
To add a wishlist for their Secret Santa, each participant can link a wishlist or answer the Mystery Q&A. Here, Anna links her Christmas list. Not everyone keeps a wishlist, so they can answer the Mystery Q&A instead.
1:49How do I stop couples drawing each other?
To stop couples drawing each other, open Settings and add a draw exclusion. Pick the two people, here Ben and Cara, and they won't draw each other. Add exclusions before you draw names.
2:07How do I draw names for Secret Santa online?
To draw names for Secret Santa online, click Draw, then Draw names. Each participant is matched with someone to buy a gift for. You can redraw to reshuffle everyone at random, before the exchange is over.
2:24What happens after Secret Santa names are drawn?
After Secret Santa names are drawn, you see who you're giving to right away. Santa Mail lets you message your match anonymously. Organizers can turn it off. Who drew you unlocks on the exchange day, from midnight Pacific Time.
2:43Recap: do Secret Santa online in 3 steps
Do Secret Santa online in three steps. Create a free Secret Santa, add your group, and draw names. Start yours at giftlist.com slash exchange.