How it works
- 1 Add every person taking part. Press Enter to jump to the next line.
- 2 Optional: tick “Some people shouldn’t draw each other” for couples, and add a budget and a date.
- 3 Tap “Draw names”. Nobody sees the result, including you.
- 4 Send each person their own link by WhatsApp, text or any messenger. Or pass your phone around and let everyone look in turn.
How the draw works
Every person gives exactly one gift and gets exactly one. Nobody draws themselves, exclusions are respected in both directions, and the generator avoids two people simply swapping gifts when the group is big enough, because that makes the surprise easy to guess.
If you play too, use the private links and don’t open anyone else’s. If you’re only organizing, there’s a button to see the full list after the draw.
Things to agree on before you draw
- → A budget. Pick a number everyone is comfortable with and write it in, it shows up in every link.
- → The exchange date, and whether gifts are opened together or handed over privately.
- → Whether people reveal who their Secret Santa was at the end, or keep guessing.
- → What to do if someone drops out: redraw before anyone has shopped, not after.
Questions
Is this Secret Santa generator really free? +
Yes. There is no sign-up, no email and no paid version of the generator. You type the names, draw, and send each person their link.
Do you store our names or matches? +
No. The draw happens in your browser and nothing is sent to us. Each match is packed into that person’s link, and your browser keeps the last draw so a reload doesn’t lose it. Clearing your browser data deletes it.
Can the organizer take part without knowing every match? +
Yes. After the draw you only see names and buttons to send each link. As long as you only open your own link, your match is as secret as everyone else’s.
What if someone loses their link? +
Open the generator again on the same device and browser. The last draw is still there, so you can resend their link without redrawing.
How many people can take part? +
From three up to sixty. For a big office group it’s quickest to send the links by copy and paste into your work chat as private messages.