How Secret Santa Works
A step by step guide to organizing a Secret Santa gift exchange - online or in person.
🎅Start a Free Secret SantaFree forever · Set up in minutes · Draw names automatically
What is Secret Santa?
Secret Santa is a gift exchange tradition where participants are randomly assigned another person to give a gift to — while keeping their own identity secret until the reveal. It's popular at Christmas, office parties, friend groups, and family gatherings worldwide.
The game is also known as Kris Kringle in Australia and Ireland, and Wichteln in Germany.
Make Secret Santa Easy with Elfster
- 1
Create Your Secret Santa Exchange
Name your group, set a gift budget (typically $20–$50) and choose when to draw names.
- 2
Invite Your Group
Send an email invite, or share a private link by text, group chat, or social media.
- 3
Add Gifts to Your Wishlist
Add gifts from any store to your Wishlist, making it easy for your Secret Santa to choose a thoughtful gift you'll actually enjoy.
- 4
See Who You Got & Shop
On your chosen draw date, Elfster randomly and anonymously assigns each person someone to buy for. Shop your draw person's Wishlist to give a gift they'll love.
- 5
Exchange Gifts & Build Memories
Exchange gifts at the party, reveal who had whom, and create memories that last forever. Elfster's here to help you manage the exchange.
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Top Secret Santa Gift Ideas
Shop curated picks for any budget — so you get gifts you actually want.
Secret Santa Questions?
We've Got Answers.
Secret Santa is a holiday tradition where each person draws the name of someone else in the group and buys them a gift. No one finds out who their gift came from until the exchange, which is what makes it fun for friends, family, classmates, and coworkers.
Start your Secret Santa today
🎅Start a Free Secret SantaFree forever · Set up in minutes · Draw names automatically