For whoever got asked to run it this year
Office Secret Santa, drawn and sent before lunch.
Type the names, add a rule or two, and draw. It is free and you can try it before you sign up for anything. Each person gets one email with their match, the budget and a wishlist.
Free, and no account needed to try it.
How it works
Three steps, about five minutes.
1
Draw names, free
Add everyone and any pairs who shouldn't draw each other. The draw runs right on the page, with no account.
2
Sign up to send
When you're happy with it, create a free account and each person is emailed who they drew, the date and the budget.
3
Everyone adds a wishlist
Each person can list a few ideas, so nobody is guessing what a coworker they barely know would like.
A short guide
How to run one nobody dreads
Set the budget and say it clearly. $20 to $25 is the usual range for an office, and a firm number is kinder than a vague one: nobody overspends and nobody feels they underspent.
Make it easy to opt out. Ask who wants in before you draw, and don't post the list of who didn't. For remote teams, set the date early enough for shipping.
Keep the secret a secret. With Wrapt, who drew whom is hidden even from the organizer unless you choose to reveal it, which matters if you're taking part yourself.
Questions
Good to know.
- Is the Secret Santa generator really free?
- Yes. Drawing names is free for any group size. An exchange you send counts as your one live event on the free plan.
- Does everyone need an account?
- Only the organizer, and only to send the emails. Participants get their match by email and can add a wishlist from a link.
- Can I stop certain people drawing each other?
- Yes. Add a rule for any two people, such as a couple or a manager and their report. Nobody ever draws themselves.
- Will anyone see who drew whom?
- No. Pairings are hidden from everyone, including the organizer, unless the organizer chooses to reveal them.
Free, and no account needed to try it.