Secret Santa for friends
Friend groups are the easiest Secret Santa: everyone is already in a group chat. The tricky part is keeping the draw secret and getting everyone to follow through. This is how to do both.
Set it up in five minutes
- Add names and decide the budget. Friends' budgets vary, so a round number and an "or something funny and cheap" line in the message works well.
- Add exclusions for couples and anyone who has been paired before.
- Pick a date and a place: a pub, a flat, a call. Add it to the message so everyone knows.
- Send each friend their private link from the dashboard, then post the announcement in the group.
Keep it fun
- Add a theme: "something from a charity shop", "under $15, but it has to be shiny", "homemade".
- Use anonymous questions to dig for ideas. Friends ask best: "Spill: what's your most-used mug?"
- Reveal on the night: tick "keep names hidden until a later date" and everyone discovers who they have together.
Handling no-shows
Check the dashboard a week before. If someone hasn't opened their link, nudge them privately. If someone drops out, delete and re-draw before anyone has opened theirs. Once links are opened the draw is locked, so ask for confirmations early.
Frequently asked questions
What if a friend drops out after the draw?
If nobody has opened a link yet, edit the names and re-draw. After that, the organiser can ask the person who drew them to pick something for a group pot, or agree a swap among friends.
How do I do a Secret Santa with a surprise reveal?
Tick "keep names hidden until a later date" and set the reveal date. People can add wishlists in the meantime but not see their giftee.
Can we play it with a funny budget?
Yes. Set a low budget such as $10, or turn on "no limit" and put the rule in the message.