Drawing names for Secret Santa this year? Type everyoneâs names, add any pairs who shouldnât get each other (like couples or roommates) and weâll draw the names for you. Each person gets a private link that shows only the name they drew, so nobody sees the full list, not even you. Itâs free, with no sign-up and no email addresses needed.
Nothing is saved on our site. Each match is hidden inside its own private link.
Names drawn! đ
Send each person their own link. When they open it, theyâll see only the name they drew. Copy the links before you leave this page, since we donât save them.
âCopy all linksâ is for your records. Donât paste them all into a group chat, or people can peek. If you draw again, send everyone their new link.
Hi!
Youâre the Secret Santa forâŚ
Shh, keep it a secret! đ¤Ť
How to Use the Secret Santa Generator
- Type everyoneâs name, one per line. You need at least 3 people.
- Add any pairs who shouldnât draw each other, like âSam + Alexâ, one pair per line.
- Add a group name, budget and gift swap date if you like. Theyâll show up on everyoneâs link.
- Tap Draw names. Youâll get a private link for each person.
- Send each link to its owner by text, WhatsApp, Instagram DM or email. When they open it, they tap to reveal who theyâre buying for.
How the Private Links Work
Each link has one match tucked inside it. When Jess opens hers, she sees only the name she drew, plus the budget and date you set. The names are never saved on our site, which keeps the draw private. It also means you should copy or share the links before you close the page.
Lost a link? If the results page is still open, copy it again. If youâve closed it, enter the names again, draw a fresh set and send everyone their new link, since the old links wonât match the new draw.
Secret Santa Rules to Agree On First
- Budget: pick one number, like $20 or $30, so nobody overspends or feels awkward.
- Date: set the day youâll swap gifts, and whether itâs in person or by mail.
- Wish lists: ask everyone to share three to five ideas, sizes or favorite colors. Our free Christmas wish list printable makes this easy.
- A theme: something like âcozy night inâ makes shopping easier and gifts more fun to open.
- The reveal: decide if everyone guesses their Santa at the party or it stays a secret forever.
- Dropouts: if someone canât join after the draw, draw again with the new list and resend the links.
Fun Secret Santa Themes
- Cozy night in: fuzzy socks, a candle, hot cocoa and a face mask.
- Something to read, wear and use: one small gift from each category.
- Favorite things: everyone gives a few of their own favorite things.
- Pink Christmas: every gift has to be pink, red or sparkly.
- Mug swap: a mug filled with treats, tea or coffee.
- Handmade: baked goods, a playlist, a knitted scarf or a framed photo.
- Shop local: everything comes from a small business in your town.
Want ideas for a certain vibe? Our aesthetic gift guide has picks for cottagecore, coquette, clean girl and more.
Secret Santa Gift Ideas by Budget
- Under $10: fuzzy socks, a mini candle, a hot cocoa kit, cute stickers or a lip balm set.
- Under $20: a cozy mug, a small plant, a paperback, a scrunchie set or a pack of face masks.
- Under $30: a scented candle, a throw pillow cover, a puzzle, a nice notebook or a set of claw clips.
- Under $50: a knit throw blanket, a mini skincare set, a board game or a cute tote bag with a few treats inside.
Make It Extra Cute
Finish your gifts with our free Christmas gift tags, keep track of your shopping with the Christmas gift list printable, and take the Whatâs Your Christmas Aesthetic? quiz to match your wrapping to your vibe.
Secret Santa Generator FAQ
How does a Secret Santa generator work?
It randomly picks who buys for whom, making sure nobody draws their own name and following any rules you add. Ours hides each match inside a private link, so the draw stays secret.
Can the organizer play too?
Yes. Add your own name to the list and just donât open anyone elseâs link. Your link shows only your match, like everyone elseâs.
How do I stop couples from getting each other?
Add them in the âWho shouldnât get each other?â box, one pair per line, like Sam + Alex. The generator will never match those two people.
Do I need everyoneâs email address?
No. Thereâs no sign-up and no emails. You send the links however you like: text, WhatsApp, a DM or email.
How many people can I add?
From 3 to 50 people per draw. For a bigger group, split it into smaller groups and draw each one separately.
Is the Secret Santa generator free?
Yes, itâs completely free and it works right in your browser. The names are never saved on our site.
