How it works
- 1 Add everyone in your group chat.
- 2 Add a budget and date if you like. They appear when people open their link.
- 3 Tap “Draw names”.
- 4 Tap WhatsApp next to each name and send the message to that person in a private chat.
What each person receives
A short message like: “Hi Jordan! 🎁 The Family Secret Santa draw is done. Open your private link to see who you’re buying for (budget $30).” The link opens a page where they tap a gift box to see their match, plus the wish list, budget and exchange date if you added them.
Don’t post the links in the group chat
Every link shows one person’s match, so anyone who taps someone else’s link spoils that match. Send each link in a one-to-one chat. If you’re short on time, copy all of them and send them one by one; the list ticks off who you’ve already sent.
Questions
Does everyone need WhatsApp? +
No. Each name also has Text and Copy buttons, so you can send links by SMS, iMessage, Signal, Messenger, Slack or email if someone prefers.
Are the links private? +
A link only shows one match, and the match isn’t readable in the link itself. It isn’t password-protected though: anyone who opens that link sees it. That’s why it goes in a private chat.
What if WhatsApp doesn’t open on my computer? +
On a computer the WhatsApp button opens WhatsApp Web. If you’re not logged in there, use Copy and paste the message into the app on your phone.
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.