Do participants need to create an account for Secret Santa?

No! Only the organizer needs an account. All participants receive an email with a unique, secure link. They simply click the link to see their Secret Santa match and can add wishlist items—no signup, no password, no app download required.

How do I organize a Secret Santa exchange online?

With Shneaky Santa, you can organize a Secret Santa in 3 simple steps: 1) Create a group and add participant names and emails, 2) Click to randomly assign Secret Santas, 3) Send emails - each person gets a link to see their match. The whole process takes about 60 seconds!

Is Shneaky Santa free to use?

Yes! Shneaky Santa is completely free. You can create unlimited groups, add unlimited participants, and use all features including wishlists, exclusion rules, and budget limits at no cost.

Can I prevent certain people from matching in Secret Santa?

Yes! The organizer can set up exclusion rules to prevent specific pairs (like spouses, siblings, or coworkers who sit next to each other) from drawing each other's names.

How does the Secret Santa name drawing work?

Our algorithm randomly assigns each participant to buy a gift for another person, ensuring no one draws themselves and respecting any exclusion rules you've set. The assignments are encrypted and private—even the organizer can't see who has whom!

How many people do you need for Secret Santa?

You need at least 3 people for a Secret Santa exchange, though 4 or more is recommended for the best experience. With Shneaky Santa, there's no maximum limit—you can add as many participants as you want!

What is a good Secret Santa budget?

Common Secret Santa budgets range from $10-$25 for casual exchanges and $25-$50 for closer groups. With Shneaky Santa, you can set any budget range you want, and all participants will see this limit when they view their assignment.

What is the difference between Secret Santa and White Elephant?

In Secret Santa, each person is assigned to buy a gift for one specific person, and the giver's identity is kept secret. In White Elephant (or Yankee Swap), everyone brings a wrapped gift to a party, and gifts are chosen and 'stolen' in turns. Shneaky Santa handles the Secret Santa format with random name assignments.

Can Secret Santa work for remote teams?

Absolutely! Shneaky Santa is perfect for remote and distributed teams. Everyone receives their assignment via email, adds their wishlist online, and can coordinate gift shipping. Many virtual teams use our service for their holiday gift exchanges.

How to Organize Secret Santa Online

Set up your gift exchange in 60 seconds. Our free Secret Santa generator handles everything—name drawing, exclusions, wishlists, and email notifications.

Only the organizer needs an account!

5 Simple Steps to Secret Santa Success

Create Your Group

Sign up for a free organizer account (takes 30 seconds). Add participant names and email addresses. You can also set a budget range and deadline.

Only you (the organizer) need an account
Add as many participants as you want
Set optional budget limits ($10-$50, etc.)
Choose a gift exchange date

Set Exclusion Rules (Optional)

Prevent specific pairs from drawing each other. Perfect for couples, siblings, or coworkers who sit next to each other.

Create exclusion groups
Couples won't draw each other
Previous year pairings can be blocked
Unlimited exclusion rules

Click "Draw Names"

Our algorithm randomly assigns each person a Secret Santa recipient while respecting all your exclusion rules. It's instant and completely fair.

Cryptographically random assignment
Guaranteed valid pairings
Even you can't see who has whom
Retry if you need to add someone

Send Email Invitations

With one click, everyone receives a personalized email with a secure link. They click the link to see their match—no signup required!

Instant email delivery
Secure, unique links for each person
Participants see their match immediately
No app download or account needed

Participants Add Wishlists

Each person can add gift ideas to their wishlist via their unique link. Gift givers see these ideas when they view their assignment.

Add links to specific products
Include notes and preferences
Update anytime before the deadline
Gift givers get helpful hints

Frequently Asked Questions

Do my friends and family need to create accounts?

No! Only you (the organizer) need an account. Participants receive an email with a unique link—they click it to see their match and add wishlist items. No signup, no password, no app download required.

Can I see who everyone got?

No, the assignments are completely secret—even from you! This ensures true surprise and prevents any accidental spoilers.

What if I need to add someone after drawing names?

You can reset the draw and re-randomize at any time before sending out the final emails. Just add the new person and click "Draw Names" again.

Is Shneaky Santa really free?

Yes! Creating groups, drawing names, sending emails, and managing wishlists are all completely free. No hidden fees, no premium tiers, no credit card required.

How do exclusion rules work?

You can create exclusion groups (e.g., "Married Couples" or "Siblings"). People in the same exclusion group will never draw each other's names.

Ready to Start Your Secret Santa?

Join thousands of families & teams who use Shneaky Santa for their gift exchanges.

🎅 Create Your Free Exchange

No credit card required • Setup takes 60 seconds